CSCS Returns @ CSCS
CYBERSPACE HAS EXPANDED COMMON SPACES.
HAS COVID 19 INFECTED OUR COMMON SENSES?
Singapore, 19 June 2021 - The Common Senses for Common Spaces (CSCS) interfaith dialogue series returns with a revised and new edition of CSCS +19. The new series includes exploration into the influence of cyberspace which is a highly frequented and globally-connected common space and the Covid-19 new normal where many are anchored at home and online for work, study, socialisation and recreation.
The CSCS series provides a safe space for interfaith cohesion & confidence by adopting a non-theological, practical and social approach which creatively and subtly centres on religious practices that risk social dilemma or distress across shared common spaces.
Entitled ‘Pop Up the Soul’, four faith practitioners of Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Taoist subscriptions deliberated discussed on primary precepts practices, sounds senses, rhythms rituals, music moods across faiths faithfuls. Coincidentally, a recent case of bell ringing ritual caused a stir between neighbours along a HDB corridor which went viral online.
Here is a glimpse & glean of the dialogue.
HM Chairman Ong Keng Yong hosts the 50 pax pilot dialogue session comprising an interesting mix of baby boomers, millennials, citizens, residents, and faith, youth, community corporate leaders Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua (MCCY MSF) graced the pilot CSCS 19 as the Guest of Honour Permanent Member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, joins as Special Guest.
(L-R) Chung Kwang Tong, 37 (Moderator); Edwin Ignatious (Islam); Lee Kang Lian, 30 (Taoism); Losheini Ravindran, 25 (Hinduism); Pung Zheng Jie, 36 (Buddhism)
[above left] A/P Kumar Ramakrishnan calls on faith leaders to provide more & closer guidance to their flocks especially in uncommon and trying times e.g a pandemic.
[above middle] Mr. Abdullah Tarmugi feels society must go beyond tolerance which connotes having to endure negativity in others. Understanding & acceptance must be the aim, approach & attitude.
[above right] Ven. Phrakru Sophon Buddhikun emphasises every religion teaches goodness. The only race that matters is the human race. There is no reason nor right to religion branding. Religion is not merely ritual but has to be intellectual, and the need to be able to distinguish religious from cultural practices.
In his closing keynote, Guest-of-Honour PS Eric Chua reckons the character of multiculturalism in Singapore is akin to the ‘Rojak’ delicacy –while the elements are delicately mixed and laced with a common sauce, each retains its own distinct essences.
Exchange of common senses within safe common spaces while keeping safe distances.
About CSCS
The ‘Common Senses for Common Spaces 19 (CSCS +19) interfaith dialogue series strives to encourage more interaction for a deeper interfaith and intercultural understanding through the exchanges on key and common religious precepts and practices, with the desired outcome that such engagement and acquaintance would help foster greater social cohesion, confidence, trust and resilience. The CSCS series provides a safe space for interfaith cohesion and confidence by adopting a non theological, practical and social approach which creatively and subtly centres on religious practices that risk social dilemma or distress across shared common spaces, including cyberspace.
The facilitated candid exchanges explore issues that affect our interfaith and social cohesion identify commonalities across our diversity, and amplify common understanding, so as to enhance understanding of religious rituals, spiritual motivations
and cultural adaptations. With these, Singaporeans could better appreciate and celebrate our diversity, and comfortably accept each other’s cultural distinctions.
The CSCS programme was conceived and curated in June 2016 by Humanity Matters' Special Advisor, Hassan Ahmad. The ground up initiative was later scaled and implemented across all five Districts, through the support of the Ministry of Culture, Community Youth In December 2018, with the main support from Temasek Foundation, CSCS was presented to regional interfaith audiences at the inaugural Faithfully ASEAN.