Yogi Bhajan Presents at the 1999 Parliament of World Religions in Cape Town, South Africa
The Parliament of the World’s Religions Conference in Cape Town, South Africa was held in December 1 – 8, 1999.
In December 1999, the Siri Singh Sahib traveled from his tour in India to Capetown, South Africa, to participate in the second Parliament of the World’s Religions. He brought with him a delegation of dignitaries from India to represent the Sikhs at the conference. Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, a trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, opened the Parliament’s awareness to the AIDS crisis in Africa and all over the world during a moving presentation of a beautiful AIDS quilt remembering the victims of the epidemic. Dr. Shanti Shanti Kaur Khalsa led a workshop on healing work with AIDS patients and provided a practical course of action we could each take to respond to the epidemic.
At the opening session, more than 5,000 people were in attendance. The Siri Singh Sahib emphasized the need to bring the direction of the parliament away from philosophical goals, towards real service to humanity.
~Source: page 48-49 of the Spring 2001 Aquarian Times Magazine
“Give me within me the purity and piety, values and virtues.
Give me compassion and make me kind, always to serve.
May I prevail like Thee, all around, everywhere.
Give me the essential features in my character so I can understand Thee and Thy Universe.
Make me so peaceful and kind that I may not disturb anyone for any reason.
Oh Lord, my Creator!
Oh Lord, my Consciousness!
Oh Lord, my Love!
Make me the best of me.
Sat Nam.“
~Yogi Bhajan, Dec. 4, 1999, Cape Town, South Africa
Background
- It was the second modern Parliament, following the centennial revival held in Chicago in 1993 (the original was in 1893).
- The 1999 Cape Town gathering was significant because it was the first Parliament held on the African continent, only a few years after the end of apartheid.
- The event highlighted themes of truth and reconciliation, healing, interfaith dialogue, and global cooperation.
Participation
- More than 7,000 religious and spiritual leaders from across the world attended.
- The conference was strongly shaped by the South African context, with major contributions from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela’s circle, and local interfaith councils.
- The Sikh community, including 3HO and Sikh Dharma representatives, also participated, bringing kirtan, seva, and dialogue sessions.
- Yogi Bhajan gave a Major Presentation titled “Entering the New Millennium with New Energy” at St. Mark’s (listed 11:00–12:30 in the official program section “Major Presentations”). The program entry prints his full title and a short bio. Jain Literature
- Dr. Bibiji Inderjit Kaur (Yogi Bhajan’s wife) and S.S. Shiva Singh Khalsa (Minister of Sikh Dharma / 3HO–Illinois) presented “Shabad Guru — The Technology of Spiritual Integration in the New Millennium,” scheduled 4:00–5:30 PM in Podium Hall. The description notes a guided meditation segment and identifies Shiva Singh as part of the CPWR International Planning Committee. Jain Literature
- Shiva Singh Khalsa’s planning/delegation role is corroborated outside the program: he’s described as on the International Planning Committee for the 1999 Parliament and as having attended the Cape Town convening.
Key Outcomes
- Focused on a “Call to Our Guiding Institutions” – an appeal for governments, religions, education, and business to adopt ethical and compassionate practices.
- Emphasized reconciliation and justice, inspired by South Africa’s own journey.
- Strengthened the global interfaith network that continues through later Parliaments (2004 Barcelona, 2009 Melbourne, etc.).
View this article “Beautiful as Butterflies” which appeared in the Summer 2006 Aquarian Times Magazine about meeting Yogi Bhajan at the 1999 Parliament of the World’s Religions.