By Bronwen Mayer Henry, Director, Leadership Institue
Yesterday I had the privilege of bringing 30 women from the Visionary Women cohort to visit the breathtaking BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham — the second-largest Hindu temple in the world.
The architecture alone inspires awe. Carved marble, soaring pillars, intricate symbols everywhere you look.
But what moved me most was not the grandeur.
It was the people.
We had the gift of meeting members of the community who call this temple their faith home. They welcomed us with generosity and spoke about their daily practices — chanting as a reminder that the divine is within us, the commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth, and the discipline of non-violence in thought, word, and action.
Many of us dream of traveling across the world to encounter different cultures and religions. But extraordinary beauty and wisdom often exist within close to our own homes.
As we walked through the temple together, I watched the faces of our group — curiosity, wonder, joy.
And I was reminded of something simple but powerful:
Many of us dream of traveling across the world to encounter different cultures and religions. But extraordinary beauty and wisdom often exist within close to our own homes.
Sometimes the hardest step is simply venturing out — especially into spaces that feel unfamiliar.
Will we be welcomed?
Will we understand?
Will we feel out of place?
Yesterday was a reminder that when we go together, with curiosity and respect, something shifts. Learning moves from information in a book to an experience that stays with you.
At Interfaith Philadelphia, this is exactly the work we care about: helping people stand tall in their own faith or worldview, practicing hospitality, being curious and open as we venture out to discover the beauty in our neighbors faith practices.
Sacred spaces have a way of recharging us.
Relationships have a way of transforming us.
Sometimes the most meaningful pilgrimage begins just down the road. ❤️
[With gratitude to Rachael Hickson who helps me co-design these offerings.]
Visionary Women will next visit South Philadelphia Shtiebel on Sunday, April 19. Register here
