The Comparison Project

On Sunday, April 19, we will celebrate the annual holiday of Vaisakhi from roughly 12:00 to 2:00 pm with the Sikh gurdwara in West Des Moines, the Iowa Sikh Association (1115 Walnut St.).

The service will include many of the elements of a typical Sunday worship service: the signing of hymns (kirtan), reading from sacred scripture (Guru Granth Sahib), community prayers (aardas), and the sharing of the sacred sacrament (karah prashad, the so-called “holy pudding”), after which a free vegetarian meal will be served (langar). Dress modestly, remove shoes at door, and don a head scarf (available at the door for both women and men). Also, refrain from pointing outstretched legs toward the holy book/altar.

This event is part of the “Meet My Religious Neighbor” series, which is co-programmed with CultureALL, the Des Moines Area Religious Council, and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.

On Saturday, December 6, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, The Comparison Project hosts a “Meditation Workshop and Dialogue” in Meredith Hall on Drake’s campus. The event, which is free and open to the pubic, features meditation instructors representing different religious traditions and techniques. Light breakfast fare will be available.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and practice three different meditation styles over three concurrent blocks during the first half of the event. Instructors of these sessions collectively represent the meditative traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam. During the second half of the event, all of the instructors will be available for dialogue and Q&A.

You can now find a copy of the program below!

On Thursday, November 20, at 6:00 pm in the Harkin Institute (2800 University Ave), Dr. Syed Zaidi, Lecturer in Philosophy and Religion at Butler University, will lecture on “Islam and Disability.” 

For those wishing to attend the lecture virtually, please sign on here at least five minutes in advance: https://drake-edu.zoom.us/j/83795398818.

Dr. Zaidi’s lecture will examine how the Qur’ān and the “Way” of the Prophet Muhammad created the foundation for special attention to those who have special needs.

See below for a recording of Dr. Zaidi’s lecture and powerpoint.

On Sunday, November 2, the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) holds its annual “songs of gratitude” multi-faith concert. 

Enjoy a night of celebration and song during the season of gratitude. Hear performances from our many diverse neighbors in the DSM interfaith community. Learn more and help the more than 75k individuals utilizing a DMARC Food Pantry this year.