Thurday 6th November 03 Dear All, Please see below for further information on a forthcoming Krishnamurti video showing at the YWCA Roundabout Centre in Edinburgh on Sunday 16th November 03. The main and subsidiary topics of the video discussion are: CONSCIOUSNESS CANNOT BE DIVIDED, IS THERE MEASUREMENT IN SPIRITUALITY, Krishnamurti Schools, Work & Fulfilment, Political action will not bring about Change, Compassion & Love and self-expression and Seeking something beyond the self. Please feel free to forward this information to anyone who you think may be interested. With good wishes Cameron KRISHNAMURTI VIDEO SHOWINGS IN EDINBURGH9th Krishnamurti video showing in Edinburgh will take place on Sunday 16th November 03Time: 6-8pmVenue: YWCA Roundabout Centre, 4a Gayfield Place, top of Leith Walk / Elm Row, EdinburghAdmission free. Everyone welcome. Further videos will be shown at the YWCA Roundabout Centre on the 3rd Sunday of each month (next video showing scheduled for Sunday 21st December 03). Title: 3rd Question & Answer MeetingPoints raised during video showing:¨ How do you feel about one million dollars going to educate a small, somewhat selective group of children that do not appear to be from the suffering or destitute?¨ Why do we claim personal functions, such as teaching, work, as attributes of ourselves, thereby introducing power and consequently harm?¨ Is not political action necessary to bring about total change? ¨ Won’t we find the truth you speak of through loving service to humanity, through acts of love and compassion?¨ Do levels of spirituality or consciousness exist? Can psychic healing, astral projection, the ability to see auras interfere with our ability to see clearly?¨ What is it in humanity that has always moved towards something called religion? Is it only a result of fear and suffering or something real, necessary, intelligent?Running Time: 83 minutes (colour)Date of original broadcast: 11th May 1982 in Ojai, USA About the speaker: Krishnamurti was born in India in 1895 and died in the United States in 1986.He spoke throughout his life in many parts of the world to large audiences as well as with numerous individuals, including writers, scientists, philosophers and educators. Asked to describe what lay at the heart of his teaching, he said, "Truth is a pathless land. Man cannot come to it through any organisation, through any creed, through any dogma, priest or ritual, nor through any philosophic knowledge or psychological technique. He has to find it through the mirror of relationship, through the understanding of the contents of his own mind, through observation and not through intellectual analysis or introspective dissection..."Krishnamurti was concerned with all humanity and stated repeatedly that he held no nationality or belief and belonged to no particular group or culture. In the latter part of his life, he travelled mainly between the schools he had founded in India, Britain and the United States, schools that educate for the total understanding of man and the art of living. He stressed that only this profound understanding can create a new generation that will live in peace.For further information, please contact:Nahid Aslam, e-mail: nahid.a slam@che.ac.uk Or Cameron Pirie, Tel: 0131 552 1445, e-mail: campirie@aol.com
IMPORTANT: Send cheque and completed Booking and Registration Form to:
Neill Walker, The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, Scottish Charity, SC030155, 4 William Black Place, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9PZ. Scotland. Ph: +44 (0)131 331 4469, email: njwalk1302@hotmail.com
Conference Venue Information
Quaker Meeting House, 0131-225 4825. The meeting house is accessed from the top of Lawnmarket or from the George IV Bridge/Victoria Street. Look for the blue pointers. There is metered parking nearby in Johnson Terrace, Victoria Street and Grassmarket. Buses 23, 27, 28/28A, 35, 40, 41/41A, 42, 45, 46 and 47 pass: http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?pc=EH12JL&title=Edinburgh
1. Booking will be done on a first come, first served basis, upon receipt of the cheque and completed Booking and Registration Form.
2. Any booking cancellations after 1 February will not be refunded.
3. The cost of the lunch will be in addition to the conference fee.
4. A conference pack will be given out to delegates when they arrive.
5. Travel and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of each delegate. Speaker arrangements will be dealt with individually.
6. Enclosed is the latest draft of the conference schedule, and the finalised details will be given out on the day of the conference.
7. Participation in the parallel sessions in the afternoon will be done on a first come, first served basis, on the day of the conference.
8. Delegates are welcome to bring information on their spiritual work and organisations, and these can be displayed for conference delegates on the approval of the conference organisers, if the material is related to the aims and objectives of the conference and Festival.
9. Any photography, videoing, or recording should only be undertaken on agreement with the conference organisers.
10. This conference and Festival are being developed on an ethos of mutual respect and shared understanding, and all delegates are asked to be mindful of this ethos at all times during the events. The organisers would like the conference and Festival to be an educational and enjoyable experience for all participants. Please show respect for other delegates even where you disagree with them.
11. Books, CDs, and related publications can be sold at the conference and at some of the Festival events, subject to agreement with the Festival organisers.
12. The Festival organisers would welcome expressions of interest for participation in future Festivals, and we would welcome any appropriate opportunities for developing sponsorship of future Festivals.
Festival Introduction and Welcome
Welcome to the Ist Annual Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, Edinburgh, Scotland, Friday 27 February - Sunday 7 March 2004. This Festival has been jointly organized by the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and the Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning, EIAL, and with the support of those organisations listed in the Festival brochure. This Festival is built around the conference on Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace on Thursday 4 March 2004. This conference will seek understandings of the nature of spirituality among Middle Eastern Spiritual Traditions, with particular reference to the Spiritual Foundations for Peace. This conference will be developed in association with, and with the support of, the other events in the Festival. We look forward to welcoming you in person to the Festival conference and events.
There is increasing awareness of the potential contribution of the world's spiritual traditions to wider society, and the need for dialogue, shared understanding, and cooperation between these traditions. Scotland has a distinctive role in meeting this global challenge. Hence, it is planned to develop this as an annual Festival in Scotland. This will not only lead to new spiritual understandings across traditions and the sharing of spiritual practices, but it will also lead to further contacts being established between Scotland and the spiritual communities of the Middle East, and to those who share an interest in such spiritual work. We aim to manifest the spiritualities under consideration as well as having informed discussions about the Spiritual Traditions of the Middle East.
Please share this information with other individuals and organisations who you think would be interested to participate in the conference and Festival. Please do get in contact if you would like to develop links to our spiritual work.
Neill Walker and Dr Neil Douglas-Klotz,
Conference and Festival Coordinators.
Festival Contacts
Neill Walker, The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, Scottish Charity, SC030155, 4 William Black Place, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9PZ. Scotland. Ph: +44 (0)131 331 4469, email: njwalk1300@hotmail.com
Dr Neil Douglas-Klotz, The Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning, EIAL, 7 East Champanyie, Edinburgh, EH9 3EL, Scotland, UK. Ph: +44 (0)131 466 1506, email: ndk@eial.org; www: www.eial.org, http://www.genesismeditations.com/schedule.html, and, http://www.abwoon.com/
Hinduism: Past, Present, and Future. Thursday 22 January, Thursday 29 January, and Thursday 5 February, 7-9pm. 3 talks by Dev Kainthola, Edinburgh and Glasgow Hindu Communities, accompanied by Acharya-Ji, Priest of the Glasgow Hindu Mandir. At St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. Jointly organised and hosted by Creative Space and the EICWS, in association with the EIFA. All welcome to attend and participate. Donation welcome towards costs. Contact: Fiona, 0131 225 7001, or Neill, 0131 331 4469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com
The Baha’i Faith: Past, Present, and Future. Thursday 12 February, Thursday 19 February, 7-9pm. 2 talks by Dr John Parris, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK. At St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. Jointly organised and hosted by Creative Space and the EICWS, in association with the EIFA. All welcome to attend and participate. Donation welcome towards costs. Contact: Fiona, 0131 225 7001, or Neill, 0131 331 4469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com
Sikhism: Past, Present, and Future. Thursday 18 March, Thursday 25 March, 7-9pm. 2 talks by Balwant Singh Saggu, Glasgow Sikh Community. At St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. Jointly organised and hosted by Creative Space and the EICWS, in association with the EIFA. All welcome to attend and participate. Donation welcome towards costs. Contact: Fiona, 0131 225 7001, or Neill, 0131 331 4469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com
Judaism: Past, Present, and Future. Thursday 6 May, Thursday 20 May, 7-9pm. 2 talks by Rabbi David Rose, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation. At St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. Jointly organised and hosted by Creative Space and the EICWS, in association with the EIFA. All welcome to attend and participate. Donation welcome towards costs. Contact: Fiona, 0131 225 7001, or Neill, 0131 331 4469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com
Talks on the Buddhist Faith (in June/July) are also being planned. This series follows on from a series of events on Islam held previously.
Seminar on Spirituality and the Science of Breath. Jointly presented by The Art of Living and the EICWS, Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, Friday 30th January 2004, 7-9pm, Meeting Room, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. Donations Welcome, All Welcome To Attend. Calm the mind, heal the body, and make life a celebration through Breathing, Yoga, and Meditation Techniques. Contact: Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com
Ist Annual Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, Edinburgh, Scotland, Friday 27 February - Sunday 7 March 2004.
Festival Pre Event: Talk by Diana Basterfield on the Ministry of Peace Wednesday 4th February 2004, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, 7-9pm. Jointly organised by the EICWS and the EIFA, in association with the WPPS. Admission is free. Contact: Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com; Victor Spence, eifa100@hotmail.com, 01383723412.
Festival Pre Event: The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey with the Suleyman Erguner Ensemble Edinburgh Queen's Hall, Tuesday 10th February 2004, 8pm, Tickets - £16, Box office - 0131 668 2019/boxoffice@queenshalledinburgh.org. Presented by MultiCulti, in association with the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS. This event will be preceded by a pre-concert talk by Suleyman Erguner on ‘The Spiritual Side of Sufism’, from 7pm. Contact: Kola Adefope, multicultiuk@yahoo.co.uk, or 0131 668 2019, Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com
International Conference on Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace An international conference on the subject of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace on Thursday 4 at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. Jointly organised by the EICWS and the EIAL. Registration 9am-9.30am. Conference runs from 9.30am-5.30pm. Lunch will be available from 1pm-2pm. Conference registration £20/£10. This conference will include participation from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sufi, Ismaili, Baha’i, Zoroastrian, and Druze as well and other faith and spiritual traditions. Contact: Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com, for enquiries, and a conference registration form.
Information on the Festival is at www.eial.org. 6,000 Festival brochures are being distributed, and will be available at each of the above events, and at many venues across Edinburgh. A Festival Schedule, a Conference Schedule, a Conference Registration Form, and a Festival Press Release are available from: Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com
National Level Visit to Scotland by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, 22-26 June 2004 This national level visit will include public talks at the SECC, Glasgow, Thursday 24 June 2004, from 7pm, and at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Friday 25 June 2004, from 7pm. It is expected that tickets will go on sale in February 2004, from the relevant box offices concerned at the SECC, and at the Usher Hall respectively. For information on the visit, but not for tickets. Contact Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com. For information on His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar see: http://www.artofliving.org/Sri-Sri-Ravi-Shankar.html18/1/2004.
Please find enclosed as an e-mail attachment a copy of The Agenda for The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, Trustee Meeting on Wednesday, 29/1/2004, 2.30-4.30pm, at The Edinburgh Brahma Kumaris Centre, 20 Polwarth Crescent, Edinburgh, EH11 1HW, Scotland, UK, 0131 229-7220, email: edinburgh@bkwsu.com. Buses: 10 or 27 to Polwarth Roundabout. 6/1, 34/35, or 28 to Dundee Street Library.
Please feel free to send or contribute any information which you consider would be of interest to those who are involved in the work of The EICWS.
Information on up-and-coming events, talks, seminars, workshops, conferences, visits, projects, publications, articles, WWW Links, centres, networks, trusts, foundations, charities, news, proposals, newsletters, new books, etc., and contacts would be very gratefully received, and particularly those with connections to spirituality, religion, interfaith, education, peace and justice, values, citizenship, networking, and global issues and affairs. Please send any such information to Neill Walker at the address below.
Please feel free to forward this information to anyone who you consider might be interested. For anyone who has not yet attended an EICWS Meeting, and who may be interested in attending and participating, please contact Neill Walker, as below, for more information. New participants are very welcome to attend these EICWS meetings.
Yours sincerely,
Neill.
Neill Walker, EICWS, Scottish Charity No SC 030155, Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, 4 William Black Place, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9PZ. Scotland. 0131 331 4469.
Date and Time: Thursday 29 January 2004, 2.30pm-4.30pm.
Agenda.
The meeting should begin with a brief period of shared silence.
Each person attending is asked to briefly introduce themselves.
0. Approval of The Minutes of The EICWS Trustee Meeting of 27/11/2003.
Vote to be taken.
1. Exploring World Spiritualities.
There is increasing awareness of the potential contribution of the world’s spiritual traditions to wider society, and the need for dialogue, shared understanding, and cooperation between these traditions. Scotland has a distinctive role in meeting this global challenge. Previous conferences in this series have included Baha’i Spirituality, Hindu Spirituality, and Sikh Spirituality, and conferences on Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, Buddhist Spirituality, Islamic Spirituality, Jewish Spirituality, and Christian Ecumenical Spirituality are planned for the future, among others. These conferences are set in a multi-faith and multi-cultural Scotland where spirituality and interfaith are becoming ever more widely recognised and celebrated.
Ist Annual Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace,
Edinburgh, Scotland, Friday 27 February - Sunday 7 March 2004.
The Conference and Festival Schedule are now finalised. Information on the Festival is at www.eial.org. A Festival Schedule, a Conference Schedule, a Conference Registration Form, and a Festival Press Release can be sent from: Neill Walker, 0131 331 4469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com. 6,000 Festival Brochures have been produced, and are being distributed extensively across Edinburgh. Copies will be available at the meeting. The principal event of the Festival is the Conference, see appendix for details:
International Conference on Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace.
An international conference on the subject of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace on Thursday 4 at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. Jointly organised by the EICWS and the EIAL. Registration 9am-9.30am. Conference runs from 9.30am-5.30pm. Lunch will be available from 1pm-2pm. Conference registration £20/£10. This conference will include participation from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sufi, Ismaili, Baha’i, Zoroastrian, and Druze as well and other faith and spiritual traditions. Contact: Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com, for enquiries, and a conference registration form.
We will discuss the Conference and Festival at the meeting.
No vote to be taken.
Festival Pre Event: Talk by Diana Basterfield on the Ministry of Peace.Wednesday 4th February 2004, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, 7-9pm. Jointly organised by the EICWS and the EIFA, in association with the WPPS. Admission is free. Contact: Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com; Victor Spence, eifa100@hotmail.com, 01383723412.
No vote to be taken.
Festival Pre Event:
The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey with the Suleyman Erguner Ensemble.
Edinburgh Queen's Hall, Tuesday 10th February 2004, 8pm, Tickets - £16, Box office - 0131 668 2019/boxoffice@queenshalledinburgh.org. Presented by MultiCulti, in association with the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS. This event will be preceded by a pre-concert talk by Suleyman Erguner on ‘The Spiritual Side of Sufism’, from 7pm. Contact: Kola Adefope, multicultiuk@yahoo.co.uk, or 0131 668 2019, or Neill Walker, 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com
No vote to be taken.
1.2. Jewish Spirituality Conference.
A discussion has begun with Rabbi David Rose, and with the wider Jewish community in Scotland, about possibly holding a conference on Jewish Spirituality at the Edinburgh Synagogue. Progress on these discussions will be reported at the meeting.
We will discuss this proposal at the meeting.
No vote to be taken.
2. Visit to Scotland by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, 22-26 June 2004.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has recently accepted an invitation to visit Scotland, on behalf of the EICWS, for a national level visit. This will be the first visit to Scotland by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. A detailed schedule for this visit has been agreed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and discussions have began with the relevant agencies in Scotland, including the Scottish Parliament. A detailed information pack associated with the visit has been prepared. It is proposed that this visit be jointly organised by the EICWS and The Art of Living Foundation.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: http://www.artofliving.org/Sri-Sri-Ravi-Shankar.html
Good progress has been made on the planning for this visit, and an update on progress on the planning of the visit will be given at the meeting for discussion. Here is an outline Schedule for the visit:
Visit of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Scotland, 22-26 June 2004.
Tuesday June 22:
Evening: arrive in Edinburgh.
Wednesday June 23: Edinburgh Day.
Morning: Meeting with Edinburgh University Staff and Students.
Possible theme: tbc
12.45pm-2pm: buffet lunch with MSPs, religious leaders, etc.
2.30pm-2.35pm: Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament.
4pm-5.30pm: Health and Wellbeing engagement. Possible theme:
Spirituality and Health: a quest for today, some wisdom from tradition.
Evening: Media engagements.
Thursday June 24: Glasgow Day.
10.30am-12: Education Event, Glasgow City Chambers.
Theme: Values and Citizenship.
12.15pm-1.15pm: Buffet Lunch and Meeting with invited guests.
Early afternoon: in depth interview with Tern TV, Glasgow City Chambers,
as part of a process to make a TV programme associated with the visit.
7pm-9.30pm: SECC Talk.
Talk Title: tbc
Friday June 25: Edinburgh Day.
10.30am-12: Education Event, Edinburgh City Chambers.
Theme: Values and Citizenship.
12.15pm-1.15pm: Buffet Lunch and Meeting with invited guests.
3pm-4.30pm: Prison event. Possible theme:
Spirituality and Prison Rehabilitation.
7pm-9.30pm: Usher Hall Talk.
Talk Title: tbc
Saturday June 26:
Morning: departure from Edinburgh.
No vote to be taken.
3. Links between the EICWS and The Alister Hardy Trust.
Rev Prof Frank Whaling will report back from a discussion to explore possible links.
No vote to be taken.
3.1. The Lothians Spirituality Committee.
The EICWS will now be represented at the meetings of this committee.
No vote to be taken.
3.2. The Spirituality in Scotland Network.
The next meeting of this Network will be in June 2004.
No vote to be taken.
4. Events
4.1. A Series of Talks on Each of Five Faith Traditions.
A series of talks, jointly organised by Creative Space – spirituality & creativity centre, St George’s West Church, Edinburgh, and the EICWS, in association with the EIFA, will feature the Baha’i faith, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism, and will be held at St George’s West Church. This series follows on from earlier events on Islam. Detailed information on the series is given below.
Speakers: Rev. Dr Joseph Muthura, Church of South India; Caroline Uchima, World Peace Prayer Society; Rev Brian Cooper, Churches Secretary, World Disarmament Campaign, representatives of Edinburgh's faith communities. The event marks Annual Weekend of Vigils for Peace. LOCATION: St Mark's Unitarian Church, Castle Terrace.
5.2. Spirituality in Contemporary Scotland Conference: Contemporary Spirituality 2 Day Conference at Glasgow University, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2004, 10am to 5pm. Cost - £45; concessions £30 (students and low-waged).
Ist Annual Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, Edinburgh, Scotland, Friday 27 February - Sunday 7 March 2004.
Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Conference, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, Thursday 4th March 2004. Registration 9am-9.30am. Conference from 9.30am-5.30pm. Lunch from 1pm-2pm. Conference Registration Fee: £20/£10 (concessions).
Jointly organized by the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and the Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning, EIAL.
22/12/2003.
Please find attached information on the above conference. To be emailed a Conference Registration Form contact:
Neill Walker, The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, 4 William Black Place, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9PZ. Scotland. Ph: +44 (0)131 331 4469, email: njwalk1302@hotmail.com
Please encourage your members and contacts to participate, and please forward to those who you think may be interested.
Ist Annual Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, Edinburgh, Scotland, Friday 27 February - Sunday 7 March 2004.
23/2/2004.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Please find attached information on some events in the Festival.
Please forward to your contacts and post links on your web site.
Full Festival details are listed on www.eial.org
1. Public Discussion: 'To the Leaders of the World's Religions', Led by Dr John Parris, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai's of the UK, Thursday 26 February, 7pm, Baha'i Centre, 26 North Fort Street, Leith. Admission is free. Contact: David and Maureen Hunter-Merrick, 0131 333 2170, meteorquake@hotmail.com, or mospleen@hotmail.com;
2. Middle Eastern Films at the Filmhouse Cinema. See: Filmhouse Cinemas: 0131-228-2688 or www.filmhousecinema.com;
3. Public Talk on Islam and Medicine by Professor Aziz Sheikh, Professor of Primary Care Research and Development, University of Edinburgh, Chair of the Research and Documentation Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain. The Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre hosts a public talk with Professor Aziz Sheikh who will speak on Islam and Medicine on Monday 1 March, 7.30pm, Annandale Street Mosque, Edinburgh. Admission is free. Contact: Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre, 0131 229 0993, peace-justice@btconnect.com , or, Neill Walker - 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com;
4. Public Talks: Meetings at the Borders: Spiritual Approaches to Middle East Peace, Wednesday 3 March at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, 6.30pm for 7pm-9.30pm: Meetings at the Borders: Spiritual Approaches to Middle East Peace, with Rodef Shalom Eliyahu McLean, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bukhari, and Dr Neil Douglas-Klotz. First come, first served. Admission is free, donations appreciated towards costs. Everyone welcome to attend. Contact: Neill Walker - 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com;
5. International Conference on Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace. An international conference on the subject of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace on Thursday 4 March at the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. Registration 9am-9.30am. Conference runs from 9.30am-5.30pm. Lunch will be available from 1pm-2pm. Conference registration £20/£10. Advance registration requested. Registration forms from njwalk1300@hotmail.com, or 0131 331 4469;
6. Public Multi Faith Forum on the Spiritual Foundations for Peace. Thursday 4 March at St George's West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, refreshments from 6.45pm-7.15pm. Multi Faith Forum on the Spiritual Foundations for Peace, 7.15pm-9.30pm. First come, first served. Admission is free, donations appreciated towards costs. Everyone welcome to attend. Chair, Fiona Bennett. Speakers, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bukhari, Margaret Clark, Malcolm Deboo, Dr Neil Douglas-Klotz, Dr Arzina Lalani, Rodef Shalom Eliyahu McLean, Dr Moojan Momen, Rabbi David Rose. Jointly organised by Creative Space, EICWS and EIAL. Contact: Neill Walker - 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com; Fiona Bennett, 0131 225 7001;
7. Public Talks: Science and Spirituality. A Crisis of Faith in Science and the Need for a New Enlightenment? Friday 5 March at Martin Hall, New College, The Mound, Edinburgh University, jointly organised and hosted by the Helsinki Citizens Assembly and the EICWS. 7pm-9.30pm. Chair: Joyce McMillan. Speakers: Prof David Fergusson, Head of the School of Divinity, Edinburgh University; Professor Aziz Sheikh, Professor of Primary Care Research and Development, University of Edinburgh, Chair of the Research and Documentation Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain; Prof Wilson Poon, Prof of Physics and Astronomy, Edinburgh University. Admission is free, everyone welcome to attend. Contact: Neill Walker - 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com, or Dr Andrew Morton, 0131 332 6592, armorton@btopenworld.com;
8. Middle Eastern themed One World Peace and Justice Concert. A major Middle Eastern themed One World Peace and Justice Concert on Saturday 6 March. Doors open at 5.45pm, first come, first served. 5.45pm-6.30pm: refreshments by Suruchi Indian Restaurant. Concert from 6.30pm-10pm, at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, near Haymarket, Edinburgh. No tickets in advance. £4.50/£3.50, family ticket price of £2.50 per person. Contact: Neill Walker - 0131-3314469, njwalk1300@hotmail.com; Paul Boast - 0131-2299594, pboast@onetel.com;
Best wishes,
Neill.
Neill Walker, The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, 4 William Black Place, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9PZ. Scotland. UK. Office: +44 (0)131 331 4469 Email: njwalk1300@hotmail.com
Dr. Neil Douglas-Klotz, Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning, 7 East Champanyie, Edinburgh EH9 3EL, Scotland, UK. Office: +44 (0)7005 802 580 Email: ndk@eial.org www.eial.org
Visit of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Scotland, 22-26 June 2004.
Jointly organised by The Art of Living Foundation, and, The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS.
In association with: City of Edinburgh Council, The University of Edinburgh and City of Glasgow Council.
14/3/2004.
Dear Friends,
I would be grateful if you could forward this to your contacts, include in Newsletters, post information on web sites, and generally communicate these talks to anyone who you think would be interested.
Please find enclosed information on this visit with details of two public talks:
The Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Title: “Love moves the World”, Date: Friday 25th June 2004. Time: 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Doors open 6pm. Venue: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA. Ticket Price: £7, Concessions £5, Usher Hall Box Office 0131 228 1155.
The SECC, Glasgow, Title: “Life - A Celebration”, Date: Thursday 24th June 2004. Time: 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Doors open 6pm. Venue: Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, G3 8YW. Ticket Price: £8, Concessions £6, SECC Box Office 0870 040 4000.
In addition, each evening will include associated cultural performances and a short meditation led by H H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, with opportunities for questions.
Please forward to your contact lists. A PDF of the full visit brochure can be sent on request, as can the full visit schedule.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a world-renowned spiritual master. Today, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar teaches internationally, reminding us that the great spiritual traditions have common goals and values. He advocates towards the upliftment of the innate dignity of human life through compassion and non-violence, through service to society with integrity, through recognising the inter connection between human kind and the environment, and through recognising the interdependence of the individual and of the collective quest for peace and happiness.
Achievements and Acknowledgements of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
• Founder of the International Art of Living Foundation active in over 140 countries. • Co Founder of the International Association of Human Values (IAHV), dedicated to world wide humanitarian service projects. • Featured guest speaker at the United Nations, European Parliament, World Economic Forum, opening of the Museum of World Religions, etc. • Awarded the title of “Yoga Shiromani” – the Supreme Teacher of Union with Self by the President of India. • Served on the Advisory Board of Yale University's School of Divinity. • Chaired the International Conference of Religions at Kyoto, Japan.
List of some Events in Scotland with His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
• Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament.
• Meeting with the NHS Executives and Staff.
• Education Events with Children and Teachers from schools across Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• Address to Students and Staff at Edinburgh University.
• Public Talks at the SECC Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, and The Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
• Receptions hosted by Edinburgh and Glasgow Councils.
• Meeting with the Prison Authorities, Staff, and Inmates at HMP Edinburgh Saughton.
Public Talks by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
The Usher Hall, Edinburgh.
Title: “Love moves the World”
Date: Friday 25th June 2004. Time: 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Doors open 6pm. Venue: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA. Ticket Price: £7, Concessions £5.
SECC, Glasgow
Title: “Life - A Celebration”
Date: Thursday 24th June 2004. Time: 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Doors open 6pm. Venue: Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, G3 8YW. Ticket Price: £8, Concessions £6.
In addition, each evening will include associated cultural performances and a short meditation led by H H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, with opportunities for questions.
For Bookings:
• Post - Fill in the attached form and send it to the above address with a cheque payable to the SECC / The Usher Hall respectively. • Phone - SECC Box Office 0870 040 4000 / Usher Hall Box Office 0131 228 1155 • Online - www.secc.co.uk / www.usherhall.co.uk • Box Office Counter - SECC and Usher Hall.
Booking Form for the Public Talks in Edinburgh and Glasgow by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you send your cheque to the Box Office address of the venue where the relevant talk is being held. For the SECC add a SAE.
Please send the completed form along with the cheque for the Public Talk of your choice to the Box Office address of the venue where the talk is being held. If you wish to attend both of the Public Talks, then please make a copy of this Booking Form, and return it to the appropriate Box Office address.
To,
Your Name:
Address:
Tel No:
Email:
Number of tickets and cost: …………………… I have enclosed the cheque of …………………
Thank You.
‘The Visit to Scotland - 23-25 June 2004, by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, jointly organised by The Art of Living Foundation, and, The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS.’
In association with: City of Edinburgh Council, The University of Edinburgh and City of Glasgow Council.
For more information on this visit see: www.artoflivinguk.org
Please forward to contacts who may be interested to attend. Volunteers for the concert would be appreciated.
ONE WORLD PEACE AND JUSTICE CONCERT Celebrating the Unity in Diversity of Spiritual and Cultural Traditions in Scotland’s Capital
Saturday 12th June 2004, 6.30pm-10pm. St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh. Doors open 5.45pm, first come, first served, no tickets in advance. £4.50/£3.50, or family ticket £2.50 per person on the door. Refreshments by Suruchi Indian Restaurant, 5.45pm-6.30pm.
African Music and Dance with Waa Sylla; Traditional Classical Indian Dance with Priya Shrikumar and Merav Israel; Dance Eurythmy with the Edinburgh Steiner School; A Fusion of Traditional Oriental Music and Scottish Music Using Traditional Instruments with the Chinese Ensemble Ocean; Sacred Spiritual Songs of India with Acharya Meenakshi Devi;
Dances Inspired by Isadora Duncan with Jonathan Burnett; Expressions of Harmony: Spiritual Dance and Music with BK Myriam and BK Ian; Traditional Chinese Opera with Miss Chen Wang of Ocean; Zizu Performing a Fusion of Traditional and Western Music Using Portuguese Guitars, Balinese Flutes, and Chinese Zither and Harp.
Jointly Organised and Sponsored by Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and The UNA Edinburgh.
Please find enclosed as an e-mail attachment a copy of The Agenda for The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, Trustee Meeting on Tuesday 8 June 2004, 3pm-5pm, at The Edinburgh Brahma Kumaris Centre, 20 Polwarth Crescent, Edinburgh, EH11 1HW, Scotland, UK, 0131 229-7220, email: edinburgh@bkwsu.com. Buses: 10 or 27 to Polwarth Roundabout. 6/1, 34/35, or 28 to Dundee Street Library.
Please feel free to send or contribute any information which you consider would be of interest to those who are involved in the work of The EICWS.
Please feel free to forward this information to anyone who you consider might be interested.
Best wishes,
Neill.
Neill Walker, EICWS, Scottish Charity No SC 030155, Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, 4 William Black Place, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9PZ. Scotland. 0131 331 4469.
The meeting should begin with a brief period of shared silence.
Each person attending is asked to briefly introduce themselves.
0. Approval of The Minutes of The EICWS Trustee Meeting of 7/4/2004.
Vote to be taken.
1. Exploring World Spiritualities.
There is increasing awareness of the potential contribution of the world’s spiritual traditions to wider society, and the need for dialogue, shared understanding, and cooperation between these traditions. Scotland has a distinctive role in meeting this global challenge. Previous conferences in this series have included Baha’i Spirituality, Hindu Spirituality, Sikh Spirituality, and Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, and conferences on Buddhist Spirituality, Islamic Spirituality, Jewish Spirituality, and Christian Ecumenical Spirituality are planned for the future, among others. These conferences are set in a multi-faith and multi-cultural Scotland where spirituality and interfaith are becoming ever more widely recognised and celebrated.
No vote to be taken.
2.
The Visit to Scotland by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, 22-26 June 2004.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has accepted an invitation to visit Scotland, on behalf of the EICWS, for a national level visit. This will be the first visit to Scotland by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. A detailed schedule for this visit has been agreed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and schedules have been agreed with the relevant agencies in Scotland, including the Scottish Parliament. A detailed information pack associated with the visit has been prepared. This visit is jointly organised by the EICWS and The Art of Living Foundation, in association with The City of Edinburgh Council, The University of Edinburgh, and Glasgow City Council. See: http://www.artofliving.org/Sri-Sri-Ravi-Shankar.html
Planning Process: good progress has been made on the planning process for this visit, and an update on progress on the planning of the visit will be given at the meeting for discussion.
Finalised Visit Schedule: below is the finalised Schedule of engagements for the visit.
Visit Memorandum of Understanding: an agreement on the management of the visit has been drawn up between the EICWS and the Art of Living Foundation UK.
Visit Publicity: visit brochures, flyers, and posters have also being distributed very widely.
Visit Press and Media Release: a Press and Media Release for the visit has also been released (copies are available on request) and it has been distributed very widely internationally, and it has generated lots of media interest, especially in Scotland and in India.
Pollock Halls Workshop: the Art of Living Workshop, 23rd-25th June 2004, Pollock Halls.
Commemorative Book for the UK visit: the Art of Living Foundation UK have produced a Commemorative Book for the entire UK visit.
Extensive Contacts with Organisations: Very extensive meetings and contacts with organisations have been developed through working on the visit planning process.
The Wider UK Context of the Visit: as part of the wider UK context of the visit, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will also do engagements in London, including a major talk at Wembley Arena, and events with leading business leaders, and a further talk and events in Leicester, including a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, a Press Conference, a visit to Leicester Cathedral, a Civic Reception hosted by the Leicester Council, and a TV interview.
Visit Schedule
Tuesday June 22:
Evening: arrive in Edinburgh.
Wednesday June 23: Edinburgh Day.
Morning: participation in the Pollock Halls Workshop (tbc).
11am-12: Meeting with University of Edinburgh Staff and Students,
Martin Hall, New College.
Theme of Talk: Spirituality in Education.
Hosted by the University of Edinburgh.
12.45pm-2.15pm: buffet lunch with MSPs, religious leaders, etc.,
Room 5.14c, Parliamentary Headquarters, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
Theme of Talk: Spirituality and Leadership (tbc)
Hosted by the Scottish Parliament.
2.30pm-2.35pm: Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament.
Hosted by the Scottish Parliament.
4pm-5.30pm: Health and Wellbeing engagement.
Theme of Event: Spirituality and Health:
a quest for today, some wisdom from tradition,
David Hume Tower, Lecture Theatre A, George Square, Edinburgh University.
Hosted by the Art of Living Foundation, the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and Spirited Scotland, University of Edinburgh.
6pm onwards: Media Interview Opportunities,
Consulate General of India, Edinburgh, 17 Rutland Square, Edinburgh.
Theme of Event: Media Interviews with His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Hosted by the Consulate General of India, Edinburgh.
Evening: Satsang event at Pollock Halls (tbc).
Thursday June 24: Glasgow Day.
10.30am-12: Education Event, Glasgow City Chambers, George Square.
Theme of Event: Values and Citizenship.
Hosted by the Glasgow City Council Education Department.
12.15pm-1.15pm: Civic Reception, Buffet Lunch, and Meeting with invited guests,
Glasgow City Chambers, George Square.
Theme of Talk: Service and Spirit.
Hosted by the Lord Provost of Glagow.
4pm-5pm: Media Interview Opportunities at SECC.
Theme of Event: Media Interviews with His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
5pm-5.45pm - Darshan and Satsang at SECC with Art of Living Members.
6pm: Doors open to the public at the SECC.
7pm-9.30pm: SECC Public Talk by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Talk Title: Life - A Celebration.
(with associated cultural performance, meditation, questions, and Darshan)
Return to Edinburgh in the evening.
Friday June 25: Edinburgh Day.
Morning: participation in the Pollock Halls Workshop (tbc).
10.30am-12: Education Event, Council Chambers, Edinburgh City Chambers, Royal Mile.
Theme of Event: Values and Citizenship.
Hosted by the Education Department, City of Edinburgh Council.
12.15pm-1.15pm: Civic Reception, Buffet Lunch, and Meeting with invited guests,
Council Chambers, Edinburgh City Chambers, Royal Mile.
Theme of Talk: Service and Spirit.
Hosted by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
3pm-4.30pm: Prison event at HMP Edinburgh (Saughton).
Theme of Event: Spirituality and Prison Rehabilitation.
Hosted by the Scottish Prison Service.
6pm: Doors open to the public at the Usher Hall.
7pm-9.30pm: Usher Hall Public Talk by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Introduced by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
Talk Title: Love Moves The World,
(with associated cultural performance, meditation, questions, and Darshan)
Saturday June 26:
Morning: departure from Edinburgh.
The Art of Living Workshop, 23rd to 25th June 2004
The Art of Living Workshop is based upon the healing power of the breath adapted to the needs of modern life. It offers practical tools to eliminate stress and awaken our innate potential to heal ourselves. A few of the sessions in the course will be taken by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The workshop will take place at the Pollock Halls, the University of Edinburgh.
There will be an opportunity to discuss where the planning process has reached.
Visit to Scotland by Acharya Meenakshi Devi Ji, 11-20 June 2004.
Visit Organised By
Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS.
Visit Schedule
Friday 11 June: Acharya arrives in Scotland.
Saturday 12 June 2004:
5.45pm for 6.30pm-10pm, Acharya sings in the Edinburgh One World Peace and Justice Concert, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh.
Sunday 13 June 2004:
11.30am for 12 noon onwards: Chanting, Bhajans, and Discourse at the Glasgow Hindu Mandir, 1 La Belle PlaceGlasgow.
Monday 14 June 2004:
1.45pm for 2pm: Talk to Staff and Students at the EdinburghSteinerSchool, 60 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh.
6.30pm for 7pm-9pm: Chanting, Bhajans, and Discourse followed by a meal at Mrs Kumar’s House, 7 Parkland, Broxburn, EH52 5RB, for the Edinburgh Hindu Community members.
Tuesday 15 June 2004:
6.30pm for 7pm-9.30pm: Acharya speaks and leads a workshop at the Women’s Spirituality for Peace event, St John’s Church Hall, Princes Street, Edinburgh.
Wednesday 16 June 2004:
6.30pm for 7pm onwards: Acharya offers a Satsang evening of Blissful Singing, Chanting, and Meditation at the Union Yoga Centre, 25 Rodney Street, Edinburgh EH7.
Thursday 17 June 2004:
6.30pm for 7pm-9.30pm: Acharya attends the event on Migration and Community, at St George’sWestChurch, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Friday 18 June 2004:
6.45pm for 7pm-10pm: Acharya attends A Justice Project Programme at St George’sWestChurch, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh:
7.30pm: ‘Where’s the Power?’ dance/drama by The Elements.
8pm-10pm: Multicultural Dance and Food Party.
Saturday 19 June 2004:
All day: Acharya attends the 6th World Peace Prayer Ceremony, Allanton.
Sunday 20 June 2004:
Acharya departs from Scotland, or, Acharya stays for some of the visit of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
'Acharya Meenakshi Devi has dedicated her entire life to the service of all creatures. She leads an austere life, dedicated to the service of humanity and for the upliftment of spiritual values. She continuously travels in society to attend the smallest needs of an individual. She ceaselessly spreads the message of "Sat Sanatan Dharma", "the eternal truth.'' This message follows the divine teaching of her Satguru, Pujya Ramanandacharya Prapanna of Vrundavan. These goals are to inspire humankind to follow the ethics and moral principles of Non-violence, Love, Compassion, and the protection of all life on this planet.
She has a broad mind and vision, with inspiring horizons. She supports equal reverence for all religions, "Serva Dharma Sam Bhav". While visiting places of all faiths, Acharyaji has been received with equal respect in Gurdwaras of Sikhs, peace pagodas and Buddhist temples, Jain temples, Synagogues, Churches, and in Davgaha and Mosques. She travels widely across the world, and she was one of the Hindu woman spiritual leaders at The Global Peace Initiative of Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders, October 6-9, 2002, at the United Nations in Geneva. See: http://www.millenniumpeacesummit.org/gpiw_about.html
Acharya Meenakshi Devi has established Vishva Shanti Sadhana Pratishthanam, at Manohar Dham, Dattapur, Wardha, India, and this place is famous for leprosy service and rehabilitation. Service and devotion are central to its ethos. Homeless girls of leprosy parents are given proper education and spiritual guidance. Organic farming methods are being used there. Further, Acharya Meenakshi Devi has been actively involved in peace work at both a grassroots and at a global level, drawing deeply on her spiritual practice to nourish her vision of peace.
Acharya Ji is a beautiful singer, and she has done some 8 CDs of chanting and spiritual songs. Acharya Ji will stay with Bhailal Patel during her visit to Scotland, and Bhailal will transport her around during her time in Scotland. This visit follows on from Acharya Ji’s visit last year.
The accounts for the year will be presented for approval.
Vote to be taken.
5. Development of an Electronic Newsletter for the EICWS.
It is proposed that an Electronic Newsletter be produced for the EICWS for international distribution. Kate Atchley has kindly offered to produce such a Newsletter in collaboration with Neill. Given the number of events which the EICWS organises, it would certainly be good to do such a Newsletter to communicate internationally on our activities.
Vote to be taken.
6.
The 2nd Annual Edinburgh Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, Edinburgh, Scotland, Thursday 24 February – Sunday 6 March 2005.
Festival Introduction and Background
From Thursday 24 February – Sunday 6 March 2005 the 2nd Annual Edinburgh Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace will bring together artists and speakers from the Sufi, Druze, Baha’i, Ismaili, Zoroastrian and other lesser known spiritual traditions, in addition to representatives of more mainstream Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Among the highlights of the Festival will include: a Closing Gathering (March 6); a two day International Spiritual Conference on Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace at St George’s
West Church (March 4-5); an evening Networking and Social Gathering (March 5); a one day International Spiritual Conference: A Day of Meditation, Prayer, and Reflection for World Peace: Honouring Our Traditions: Sharing Spiritual Practice for Peace (March 3); evening Plenaries (March 2, 3, and 4); a one day Workshop: Spiritual Transformation through Circles of Compassion (morning)/Awakening the Inner Foundations for Peace (afternoon) (March 1); an evening Spiritual Approaches to Middle East Peace Gathering (March 1); a one day Workshop: Deep Listening as Spiritual Practice (morning)/Awakening the Heart of Compassion and Respect (afternoon) (February 28); an evening Multi Faith and Spiritual Forum on Women’s Spirituality for Peace (February 28); Services for Peace at Churches and Cathedrals across Edinburgh (February 27); an evening Middle Eastern Themed One World Peace and Justice Concert at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral (February 26); a three day Inter Spiritual Retreat (February 25-27); a one day Workshop: Where’s the Power?, on Overcoming Obstacles to Peace (February 25); an evening Multi Faith and Spiritual Forum on Science, Spirituality and Civilization (February 25); an Open Space Workshop: The Practice of Peace (February 24); an evening Festival Launch (February 24); among a range of pre events, conferences, talks, dialogues, forums, retreats, workshops, spiritual practice events, deepening of spirituality events, open space events, networking and social gatherings, exhibitions and displays, book launches, education processes, school visits, visits to places of worship, visits to places of spiritual significance locally, vigils, training sessions, services, times for reflection, media engagements, hospitality events, arts and cultural events – including film, theatre, music, dance, movement, storytelling, poetry, visual arts, and mime and clowning, among others.
The Festival is being jointly organized by the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and the Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning, EIAL, and with the support of many other organizations.
Festival Ethos
The Festival positively affirms the diversity contained within the religious and spiritual traditions of the Middle East, as well as those here in Scotland, in justice and equality. The Festival takes no fixed position on any political or cultural question. We intend rather to create a forum in which we can listen to one another more deeply and learn with a more open mind and heart. The emphasis of the Festival is on spirituality, and on spiritual approaches to peace. We aim to manifest the spiritualities under consideration to direct experience.
The Festival will bring together at least three different kinds of presentations. First, we hope to learn from each other about our shared traditions, as well as those that form the unique voice of any one of us. Second, we will hear from those who have been active in peacemaking on a spiritual basis on the ground in the Middle East. Third, we invite participants to share in the musical and devotional spiritual practice presented, in order to gain an experiential view of the traditions we discuss. Simply knowing facts (or presumed facts) about another does not become real meeting without such an experience.
Proposing A Festival Event
Each of the items listed on the Festival Schedule will be organised by the Festival Coordinators. The Festival Coordinators will also take a lead to develop Pre Events, some Exhibitions and Displays, an Education Process, School Visits, Visits to Places of Worship, a Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament, Services, Media Coverage, Hospitality, and Arts and Cultural Events.
The Festival Coordinators will welcome proposals for Festival events – see the Festival Announcement – and we will work with the proposer to identify a suitable venue, to develop the proposal, and to finalise the practical arrangements. All events in the 2005 Festival in addition to those listed in the Festival Schedule will be developed in close cooperation with the Festival Coordinators to ensure that all events in the 2005 Festival fit within the Festival ethos, and cover suitable themes and approaches.
A Report on the 2004 Festival is available on request and is posted on the Festival web site. Photos from the 2004 Festival as well as Recordings will also be posted on the web site. An Announcement and Invitation to participate in the 2005 Festival has also been posted on the web site, and sent out widely. Grant applications for the 2005 Festival are being drawn up, and potential contributors to the 2005 Festival are being approached.
There will be an opportunity to discuss what is being proposed, and give input and feedback.
No vote to be taken.
7.
Spirituality and the Arts.
It is planned that the EICWS and Creative Space jointly develop a series of events on the theme of Spirituality and the Arts, to be hosted at St George’s West Church, and beginning in Spring 2005. An initial statement on what is intended is included below, and this will be discussed at the meeting for input and feedback.
Spirituality and the Arts: Connecting to the Source.
Throughout 2005 it is planned to run a series of Saturday day workshops exploring the theme of Spirituality and the Arts: Connecting to the Source. This series will begin with a launch event in early 2005, followed by a series of 7 day workshops on the last Saturday of March, April, May, June, September, October, and November 2005 at St George’s West Church, Edinburgh. Associated with each of these workshops the Filmhouse Cinema have agreed to show one film linked to the theme of each workshop. This series is being jointly organised and hosted by The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and Creative Space at St George’s West Church. A follow up conference on Spirituality and the Arts will also be considered.
The areas of the arts to be covered in these seven workshops includes poetry, music, storytelling, dance and movement, drama, cinema, and the visual arts. The launch event is intended to give an overview of the series, to situate the series, and to raise themes of interest to participants across all of the workshops.
This series on Spirituality and the Arts: Connecting to the Source aspires to positively affirm and encourage the creative spirit within each participant by drawing upon examples and experiences from a range of spiritual traditions, and from a range of artistic forms of expression, to explore relationships between spirituality and the arts. Further, this series will explore the integration of these two universal aspects of human experience – spirituality, the arts - into our daily lives. Throughout this series many examples will illustrate the diverse artistic and creative forms that can be expressive of spirituality. In a spirit of diversity and inclusion, the series will involve a diverse range of artistic forms, and a diverse range of spiritual, cultural, and historical contexts.
Potentially, the creative arts explore, engage, and illustrate the whole being – body, mind, and spirit. Further, the creative arts have the potential to be a source of connection, of healing, and of awakening, and a pathway for renewing and sharing spirituality. Creative human expression and the shared appreciation of creative acts contain a spiritual as well as a psychological, physical, social, and emotional dimension which can also serve as an enriching source connecting each of these aspects of human experience.
This series will enable participants to explore their inner journey together in an atmosphere of freedom and respect, and among the themes to be illustrated will include that of spiritual health - involving physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of individuals, families, communities, societies, and ecosystems.
The proposed format of each workshop is as follows:
Welcome and introduction; plenary talk; two shorter talks to illustrate specific themes; lunch; two parallel workshops; examples of the artistic form in practice.
No vote to be taken.
8.
Reflections on the Visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Scotland.
Victor Spence will lead some reflections on the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Scotland in late May/early June 2004. See: http://www.dalailamascotland.org.uk/
No vote to be taken.
9.
Update on the Planning of the 6th Annual World Peace Prayer Ceremony, Allanton.
Caroline Uchima will reflect back on the two Peace Prayer Ceremonies associated with the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on the planting of a Peace Pole in Dunfermline as part of that visit, with photos, and she will report on the detailed plans for this year’s 6th Annual World Peace Prayer Ceremony on Saturday 19th June 2004. See: http://www.wppsallanton.btinternet.co.uk/
No vote to be taken.
10.
Report from the House of Commons Launch of the Hindu Forum of Britain.
Deven Kainthola will report back from his participation at the launch of the Hindu Forum of Britain at the House of Commons on Wednesday 26 May 2004. Over 100 Hindu organisations from different regions of Britain united together to form what they called "an umbrella body with a difference, to make a difference". The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) was launched on 20th March 2004 by member organisations from the regional Hindu Councils of Brent, Harrow, Birmingham, Leicester and the North, beside many other regional bodies and Temples. See: www.hinduforum.org
No vote to be taken.
11.
The Parliament of the World’s Religions Gathering in Barcelona, 4-13 July 2004.
Several people associated with the EICWS will attend this Gathering, and we plan to take extensive photos, and do some video recording at the event, and to network widely. The latest Parliament Newsletter is available on www.cpwr.org giving details of the plans for the event.
No vote to be taken.
12.
Future Events of the EICWS (for information)
12.1.
ONE WORLD
PEACE AND JUSTICE CONCERT
Celebrating the Unity in Diversity of Spiritual
and Cultural Traditions in Scotland’s Capital
Saturday 12th June 2004, 6.30pm-10pm.
St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh.
Doors open 5.45pm, first come, first served, no tickets in advance.
£4.50/£3.50, or family ticket £2.50 per person on the door.
Refreshments by Suruchi Indian Restaurant, 5.45pm-6.30pm.
African Music and Dance with Waa Sylla;
Traditional Classical Indian Dance with
Priya Shrikumar and Merav Israel;
Dance Eurythmy with the Edinburgh Steiner School;
A Fusion of Traditional Oriental Music and Scottish Music
Using Traditional Instruments with the Chinese Ensemble Ocean;
Sacred Spiritual Songs of India with Acharya Meenakshi Devi Ji;
Dances Inspired by Isadora Duncan with Jonathan Burnett;
Expressions of Harmony:
Spiritual Dance and Music with BK Myriam and BK Ian;
Traditional Chinese Opera with Miss Chen Wang of Ocean;
Zizu Performing a Fusion of Traditional and Western Music Using
Portuguese Guitars, Balinese Flutes, and Chinese Zither and Harp.
Jointly Organised and Sponsored by
Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities,
The format of the event will be: four talks each of twenty minutes; break into four workshop groups for thirty minutes, with each of the four workshops facilitated by one of the speakers; thirty minutes of feedback from the workshops and discussion. The themes of the four workshops will be: Maire-Colette Wilkie - tbc; Acharya Meenakshi Devi Ji - Spiritual Practice for World Peace; Rebekah Gronowski - Mothers of the Middle East, Unite; Ibtisam Al-Wardi - Spirituality and Peace in the Family.
No vote to be taken.
12.3.
Migration and Community:
Newcomers and Oldcomers Experiencing Migration.
Scottish Stories for Refugee Week.
An Open Public Meeting,
Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Thursday 17 June 2004, 6.45pm for 7pm-9.30pm,
St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Jointly Organised and Hosted by:
Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS,
and, Helsinki Citizens Assembly, Scotland.
Chair
Joyce McMillan, Convenor, the Scottish Civic Forum.
Speakers
Professor Aziz Sheikh, Chair, the Research and Documentation
Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain, and, Professor of
Primary Care Research and Development, the University of Edinburgh.
The Effect of Migration over Time on the Muslim Community.
Joyce Phiri, recently arrived Asylum Seeker in Scotland.
One Woman’s Personal Experience of Migration to Scotland.
Dr Kenneth Collins, Chairman, the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre.
The Experience of Jewish Migrants and their Descendents.
Dr Richard MacCready, Secretary, Justice and Peace Scotland.
The Experience of Irish Migrants and their Descendents, and,
Catholic Approaches to Public Policy on Immigration and Asylum.
Rev Dr Andrew Morton, 0131 332 6592, morton@ootbox.com
No vote to be taken.
12.4.
Friday 18 June 2004, 7.30pm-11pm, A Justice Project Programme,
St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Free Admission, Donations Welcome. A Contribution to Refugee Week.
7.30pm: Dance/Drama: Where’s the Power? Presented by The Elements.
8pm onwards: Multicultural Food and Dance Party.
The EICWS is supporting this event of The Elements, following the development of the Workshop during the Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace.
No vote to be taken.
12.5.
The Mahabharata
‘Based on a complex and subtle anonymously written Indian narrative 3,500 years old, The Mahabharata attempts nothing less than to tell the epic story of mankind. A fiery explosion of such rich Indian colours as saffron, ochre, crimson and white, telling the tale of the developing rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas who provoke a war that brings the world to the brink of total destruction. Brook has created a film fantasy, a fascinating combination of the earthy and the spiritual which is enriched by the vitality and diversity of its international cast.’
The EICWS has collaborated with the Filmhouse to have this film shown associated with the visit of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Scotland, 22-26 June 2004.
No vote to be taken.
12.6.
On The Way To Unity And Inner Peace
Unique insights into the life and teachings of one of the most significant spiritual leaders and humanitarians of our time, Her Holiness Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Amma, by her close disciple, Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya.
An Evening With
Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya,
One of Amma’s Closest Disciples,
Her Holiness Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
‘‘Amma’ as she is known all over the world today, has inspired and started innumerable humanitarian services. She has earned international recognition for her outstanding contributions to the world community. She is recognized as an extraordinary spiritual leader by the United Nations and by the people all over the world.’
St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Jointly Organised By
Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS,
The Friends of Amma in Scotland, hosted by Creative Space.
Evening Format
Presentation on Amma’s Life and Work/
Spiritual Talk by Br. Shubamrita Chaitanya
Bhajans (spiritual songs)
Prayer and Blessing
Food and Drink
Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya will be visiting Scotland officially on behalf of Amma as part of the process associated with an invitation for Amma to visit Scotland. Books, CDs, and pictures of Amma will be sold on the evening. For information on Amma see: www.amritapuri.org, or www.amma.org
Post Parliament Gathering in Edinburgh to Evaluate the 2004 Parliament of the World’s Religions Meeting in Barcelona, 4-13 July 2004,Tuesday 27 July, 2.30pm onwards,Edinburgh Brahma Kumaris Centre, 20 Polwarth Crescent.Organised by the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities.
It is proposed that this event should be held with view to evaluating the 2004 Parliament of the World’s Religions Meeting in Barcelona, 4-13 July 2004. Given that Scotland was one of the two finalists with Barcelona for hosting the next Parliament, it would seem quite appropriate that we evaluate the 2004 Parliament from a wide range of perspectives. Invitations will be sent out to attend. See: www.cpwr.org
Reports On Some Recent EICWS Events (for information)
13.1.
Spirituality of the Heart
The need for a new world order inspired by love and spirituality.
The relevance of spirituality both to individuals and on a global
scale will be explored, in reference to the practice of Sahaj Marg.
An Evening With
Mr P Rajagopalachari Krishna
and Mr Ajay Kumar Bhatter
Mr Krishna is the son of the current spiritual teacher Shri Parthasarathi
Rajagopalachariji, and Vice President of the Sahaj Marg Mission world wide.
Sunday 25 April 2004, 7pm-8.30pm,
St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Jointly Organised By Sahaj Marg, and,
Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS,
Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Evening Format
Talk
Followed By Questions And Discussion
‘Sahaj Marg means Simple or Natural Way in Sanskrit. It is a spiritual practice based upon heart-centred meditation, adapted for the realities of ordinary modern-day living. The aim is a balanced human existence.’
This event on the Spirituality of Sahaj Marg was preceded by a visit to Bromlee.
No vote to be taken.
13.2.
A Series of Talks on Each of Five Faith Traditions.
A series of talks, jointly organised by Creative Space – spirituality and creativity centre, St George’s West Church, Edinburgh, and the EICWS, in association with the EIFA, has featured the Baha’i faith, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism, and the two talks on Buddhism are to follow on 22nd and 29th July 2004, and they will be held at St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. This series follows on from earlier events on Islam.
Faiths: Past, Present, and Future.
Judaism: Past, Present, and Future.
On Thursday 6 May and Thursday 20 May, 7-9pm, there were 2 talks by Rabbi David Rose, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation, at St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. These talks admirably set out some of the key aspects of Judaism, and demonstrated the considerable diversity within Judaism itself.
The EICWS and LEEP, Lothian and Edinburgh Environment Partnership, plan to develop a National Multi Faith and Spiritual Forum, Conference, and Talks on Environmental Sustainability.
It is proposed that the EICWS and LEEP will jointly organise:
A Public Multi Faith and Spiritual Forum on Environmental Sustainability;
2. A National Level Conference: Multi Faith and Spiritual Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability;
3. A series of 6 follow up Public Talks looking at the practical aspects of addressing environmental sustainability in a multi faith and multi cultural setting.
It will be the first time in Scotland that such a multi faith and spiritual event will address environmental sustainability. Participation will be sought from across the UK. Possible funding options to take this forward will be explored.
Links Between the EICWS and The Alister Hardy Trust.
Through Rev Prof Frank Whaling potential links will be explored and reported upon.
The Lothians Spirituality Committee.
The EICWS will now be represented at the meetings of this committee.
The Spirituality in Scotland Network.
The next meeting of this Network will be on 21 June 2004.
Jewish Spirituality Conference at the Edinburgh Synagogue.
A discussion has begun with Rabbi David Rose, and with the wider Jewish community in Scotland, about possibly holding a conference on Jewish Spirituality at the Edinburgh Synagogue. Progress on these discussions will be reported on in due course.
Proposed Visit to Scotland by Dennis Kucinich.
In the U.S. and Britain there are proposals to create a Department/Ministry of Peace. U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich introduced the Department of Peace bill into Congress a few years ago and continues to re-introduce the bill each session. It is hoped that Dennis Kucinich will be able to do a visit to Scotland to discuss this process later in 2004.
Edinburgh - New Baha'i Centre ‘The Baha’i Universal House of Justice has given the National Spiritual Assembly the urgent task of acquiring "a property in Edinburgh that can serve as a dignified and a suitable Baha'i Centre in Scotland's capital", "a Centre appropriate to the important changes taking place in Scotland". This, the House of Justice tells the National Assembly, is to be regarded as a priority task of the present plan for the United Kingdom.The House of Justice has made it clear that the new premises should be owned or rented by the Edinburgh Assembly, whilst the Council for Scotland could still operate from that address and prominent visitors could be received there.’
No vote to be taken.
Science, Spirituality, and Civilization Conference.
The possibility of a joint conference on this subject with the Science and Religion Forum at the University of Edinburgh is being explored.
No vote to be taken.
15.
Opportunity For People To Share News About Past And Future Events.
Please bring along any contributions that you would like to share. Set the place, date, and time of the next EICWS Trustee Meeting. Thanks for attendance, participation, and for hosting of the meeting. The meeting should close with a brief period of shared silence.
__________________
Neill Walker
Date:
Migration and Community/Women’s Spirituality for P
Please forward to your contacts information on two events:
1. Migration and Community: Newcomers and Oldcomers Experiencing Migration. 2. Women’s Spirituality for Peace.
Migration and Community: Newcomers and Oldcomers Experiencing Migration.
Scottish Stories for Refugee Week.
An Open Public Meeting, Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Thursday 17 June 2004, 6.45pm for 7pm-9.30pm, St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Jointly Organised and Hosted by: Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and, Helsinki Citizens Assembly, Scotland.
Chair: Joyce McMillan, Convenor, the Scottish Civic Forum.
Speakers:
Professor Aziz Sheikh, Chair, the Research and Documentation Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain, and, Professor of Primary Care Research and Development, the University of Edinburgh.
The Effect of Migration over Time on the Muslim Community.
Joyce Phiri, recently arrived Asylum Seeker in Scotland.
One Woman’s Personal Experience of Migration to Scotland.
Dr Kenneth Collins, Chairman, the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre.
The Experience of Jewish Migrants and their Descendents.
Dr Richard MacCready, Secretary, Justice and Peace Scotland.
The Experience of Irish Migrants and their Descendents, and, Catholic Approaches to Public Policy on Immigration and Asylum.
Please forward to contacts who may be interested in any or all of the following four events. Everyone Welcome.
ONE WORLD PEACE AND JUSTICE CONCERT Celebrating the Unity in Diversity of Spiritual and Cultural Traditions in Scotland’s Capital
Saturday 12th June 2004, 6.30pm-10pm. St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh. Doors open 5.45pm, first come, first served, no tickets in advance. £4.50/£3.50, or family ticket £2.50 per person on the door. Refreshments by Suruchi Indian Restaurant, 5.45pm-6.30pm.
African Music and Dance with Waa Sylla; Traditional Classical Indian Dance with Priya Shrikumar and Merav Israel; Dance Eurythmy with the Edinburgh Steiner School; Sacred Spiritual Songs of India with Acharya Meenakshi Devi; A Message of Peace from His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar;
Dances Inspired by Isadora Duncan with Jonathan Burnett; Expressions of Harmony: Spiritual Dance and Music with BK Myriam and BK Ian; Traditional Chinese Opera with Miss Chen Wang of Ocean; Zizu Performing a Fusion of Traditional and Western Music Using Portuguese Guitars, Balinese Flutes, and Chinese Zither and Harp.
Jointly Organised and Sponsored by Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and The UNA Edinburgh.
Tuesday 15 June 2004, 6.30pm for 7pm-9.30pm, St John's Church Hall, Princes Street, Edinburgh. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
The evening will involve speakers from four different spiritual traditions who will each give a short presentation for 20 minutes, and then facilitate a workshop for 30 minutes. With feedback and discussion to close.
Chair: Rev Di Williams, Chaplain of The University of Edinburgh
Speakers:
Maire-Colette Wilkie, The Iona Community
Acharya Meenakshi Devi Ji, Hindu woman spiritual leader from India
Rebekah Gronowski, Edinburgh Reform Jewish Community - Sukkat Shalom
Ibtisam Al-Wardi, The Edinburgh Central Mosque
The themes of the four workshops will be: Maire-Colette Wilkie - Confronting the Powers: an Overview of Women Challenging Trident Nuclear Weapons; Acharya Meenakshi Devi Ji - Spiritual Practice for World Peace; Rebekah Gronowski - Mothers of the Middle East, Unite; Ibtisam Al-Wardi - Spirituality and Peace in the Family.
Jointly Organised By the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and Edinburgh Peace and Justice Resource Centre.
Migration and Community: Newcomers and Oldcomers Experiencing Migration.
Scottish Stories for Refugee Week.
An Open Public Meeting, Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Thursday 17 June 2004, 6.45pm for 7pm-9.30pm, St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Jointly Organised and Hosted by: Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and, Helsinki Citizens Assembly, Scotland.
Chair: Joyce McMillan, Convenor, the Scottish Civic Forum.
Speakers:
Professor Aziz Sheikh, Chair, the Research and Documentation Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain, and, Professor of Primary Care Research and Development, the University of Edinburgh.
The Effect of Migration over Time on the Muslim Community.
Joyce Phiri, recently arrived Asylum Seeker in Scotland.
One Woman’s Personal Experience of Migration to Scotland.
Dr Kenneth Collins, Chairman, the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre.
The Experience of Jewish Migrants and their Descendents.
Dr Richard MacCready, Secretary, Justice and Peace Scotland.
The Experience of Irish Migrants and their Descendents, and, Catholic Approaches to Public Policy on Immigration and Asylum.
Visit of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Scotland, 22-26 June 2004.
Jointly organised by The Art of Living Foundation, and, The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS.
In association with: City of Edinburgh Council, The University of Edinburgh and Glasgow City Council.
20/6/2004.
The visit organisers would like to invite you to consider attending the following two talks, and we would be very grateful if you could forward this to your contacts, and any friends who may be interested, and generally communicate about these talks to anyone who you think would be interested to attend.
MAIN PUBLIC TALK BY HIS HOLINESS SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR IN EDINBURGH:
Title: “Love Moves the World”, Date: Friday 25th June 2004. Time: 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Doors open 6pm. Venue: Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh. Ticket Price: £7, Concessions £5, Usher Hall Box Office 0131 228 1155, or just turn up on the night.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC TALK BY HIS HOLINESS SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR IN EDINBURGH:
Invitation to a Talk by
HIS HOLINESS SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR,
WORLD RENOWNED RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL LEADER.
Spirituality and Health:
A Quest for Today, Some Wisdom from Tradition.
Wednesday June 23, 4pm-5.30pm,
David Hume Tower, Lecture Theatre A, George Square, Edinburgh University.
Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Chair: Dr Desmond Ryan.
Come and meet the originator of the WHO-recognised educational and self-development programs which enable the:
Elimination of stress Improvement of health Expansion of awareness Resolution of conflict
and which have been enjoyed by more than a million people. These themes will be linked to the development of Spiritual Care in the NHS in Scotland, to issues of diversity and inclusion in the NHS in Scotland, and more generally to the contribution of spirituality to peace, health, and well-being.
Achievements of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
• Nobel Peace Prize nominee 2004. • Founder of the International Art of Living Foundation active in over 140 countries. • Co Founder of the International Association of Human Values (IAHV), dedicated to world wide humanitarian service projects. • Featured guest speaker at the United Nations, European Parliament, World Economic Forum, opening of the Museum of World Religions, etc. • Awarded the title of “Yoga Shiromani” – the Supreme Teacher of Union with Self by the President of India. • Served on the Advisory Board of Yale University's School of Divinity. • Chaired the International Conference of Religions at Kyoto, Japan.
You are warmly invited to attend these four events.
Please forward this information to your friends and contacts:
1. On The Way To Unity And Inner Peace
Unique insights into the life and teachings of one of the most significant spiritual leaders and humanitarians of our time, Her Holiness Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Amma, by her close disciple, Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya.
An Evening With Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya, Close Disciple of Amma, Her Holiness Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
‘‘Amma’ as she is known all over the world today, has inspired and started innumerable humanitarian services. She has earned international recognition for her outstanding contributions to the world community. She is recognized as an extraordinary spiritual leader by the United Nations and by the people all over the world.’
Wednesday 21 July 2004, 7pm for 7.30pm-10pm, St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Jointly Organised By Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, The Friends of Amma in Scotland, hosted by Creative Space. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Evening Format: DVD Presentation on Amma’s Life and Work Talk by Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya on the Life of Amma Satsang Prayer and Blessing Food (Free Indian Vegetarian Food Prepared by Amma's Devotees).
Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya will be visiting Scotland officially on behalf of Amma as part of the process associated with an invitation by the EICWS for Amma to visit Scotland. It is hoped that Amma will visit Scotland in Autumn 2005. Books, CDs, tapes, and pictures of Amma will be sold on the evening. For information on Amma see: www.amritapuri.org, or www.amma.org
'Her Holiness Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, affectionately known as Amma, is a world-renowned representative of humanitarian principles and one of the most respected spiritual leaders of our time. Regularly invited by international organisations to address the issues of religious differences, the environment, and peacemaking, Amma addressed the Parliament of World Religions in 1993 and was one of the keynote speakers at the United Nations Millennium Peace Summit in 2000. In October 2002 Amma received the prestigious Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence. Amma’s teaching that perceiving the unity and sacred nature of all life is the essence of spirituality and the real goal of each of us on our journey through life.
Born in a remote fishing village in Kerala, Southern India, from her early childhood Amma showed signs of profound spiritual inclination. She dedicates every moment of her life to care for others and to alleviate their sorrows and sufferings. She wanted to reach out to serve those in need. A feeling of boundless love and compassion towards everyone manifested in her every action. Her inspiration has given rise to a vast network of charitable activities. Transcending all barriers of religion, ideology, colour, and creed she began to open her arms and spontaneously embrace everybody who came to see her for solace and comfort. With this very simple and at the same times extraordinary expression of compassion, Amma has physically embraced more than 21 million people all over the world, young and old, healthy and sick, rich and poor.
Amma’s example of her own life and message inspired people around the world to deepen their spiritual search through meditation and selfless service. Thus, Amma transforms their lives, rekindling love, compassion, empathy, and mutual respect. The Amritapuri Ashram at Amma's birthplace is a pilgrimage point for thousands from around the world and home for over 1,800 residents who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity under Amma’s guidance.'
Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya:
'Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya is one of Amma’s closest disciples, and as her personal translator during question and answer sessions he is a most authentic envoy to present her message. Born in Kerala, South India, he grew up in Bombay and graduated in chemistry and biology. He met Amma in 1987 and joined her Ashram soon afterwards to lead a monastic life of spiritual practice and selfless service. For many years he edited the ashram’s official journal (Matruvani). In 1996 Br. Shubamrita was formally initiated by Amma as Brahmacharya.
He has a profound knowledge of spiritual subjects and the ability to present them in a practical and easy to understand way. His eloquent spiritual discourses have made his previous tours a great success. Amongst his various talents he is a gifted singer and musician, and he wrote the texts of many beautiful spiritual songs (Bhajans) which Amma sings.'
2. Buddhism: Past, Present, and Future.
2.1. Thursday 22 July 2004, 7-9pm. Talk and Discussion led by Frank Tait, The Western Chan Fellowship in Scotland. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
2.2. Thursday 29 July 2004, 7-9pm. Talk and Discussion led by Rawdon Goodier, The Portobello Buddhist Priory. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Both evenings will be held at St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. Contact: Neill Walker, 0131 331 4469, njwalk3300@hotmail.com
Jointly Organised By The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and Creative Space, in association with The Edinburgh Interfaith Association.
3. Post-Parliament Reflection Meeting, Tuesday 27 July 2004, 2.30pm onwards. Edinburgh Brahma Kumaris Centre, 20 Polwarth Crescent, Edinburgh. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome. Organised by Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS.
This event will be an opportunity to reflect back on the Parliament of the World's Religions Meeting, Barcelona, 4-13 July 2004, both for those who attended and for those who are interested to learn about what took place. Extensive photography will be done at the Parliament, and the photos and many of the Parliament publications will be available to see. We will have the opportunity to reflect upon how the Parliament experience can positively influence our spiritual work here in Scotland.
You are warmly invited to attend these four events.
Please forward this information to your friends and contacts:
1. On The Way To Unity And Inner Peace
Unique insights into the life and teachings of one of the most significant spiritual leaders and humanitarians of our time, Her Holiness Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Amma, by her close disciple, Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya.
An Evening With Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya, Close Disciple of Amma, Her Holiness Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
‘‘Amma’ as she is known all over the world today, has inspired and started innumerable humanitarian services. She has earned international recognition for her outstanding contributions to the world community. She is recognized as an extraordinary spiritual leader by the United Nations and by the people all over the world.’
Wednesday 21 July 2004, 7pm for 7.30pm-10pm, St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.
Jointly Organised By Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, The Friends of Amma in Scotland, hosted by Creative Space. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Evening Format: DVD Presentation on Amma’s Life and Work Talk by Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya on the Life of Amma Satsang Prayer and Blessing Food (Free Indian Vegetarian Food Prepared by Amma's Devotees).
Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya will be visiting Scotland officially on behalf of Amma as part of the process associated with an invitation by the EICWS for Amma to visit Scotland. It is hoped that Amma will visit Scotland in Autumn 2005. Books, CDs, tapes, and pictures of Amma will be sold on the evening. For information on Amma see: www.amritapuri.org, or www.amma.org
'Her Holiness Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, affectionately known as Amma, is a world-renowned representative of humanitarian principles and one of the most respected spiritual leaders of our time. Regularly invited by international organisations to address the issues of religious differences, the environment, and peacemaking, Amma addressed the Parliament of World Religions in 1993 and was one of the keynote speakers at the United Nations Millennium Peace Summit in 2000. In October 2002 Amma received the prestigious Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence. Amma’s teaching that perceiving the unity and sacred nature of all life is the essence of spirituality and the real goal of each of us on our journey through life.
Born in a remote fishing village in Kerala, Southern India, from her early childhood Amma showed signs of profound spiritual inclination. She dedicates every moment of her life to care for others and to alleviate their sorrows and sufferings. She wanted to reach out to serve those in need. A feeling of boundless love and compassion towards everyone manifested in her every action. Her inspiration has given rise to a vast network of charitable activities. Transcending all barriers of religion, ideology, colour, and creed she began to open her arms and spontaneously embrace everybody who came to see her for solace and comfort. With this very simple and at the same times extraordinary expression of compassion, Amma has physically embraced more than 21 million people all over the world, young and old, healthy and sick, rich and poor.
Amma’s example of her own life and message inspired people around the world to deepen their spiritual search through meditation and selfless service. Thus, Amma transforms their lives, rekindling love, compassion, empathy, and mutual respect. The Amritapuri Ashram at Amma's birthplace is a pilgrimage point for thousands from around the world and home for over 1,800 residents who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity under Amma’s guidance.'
Amma gave the keynote closing address at the Parliament of the World's Religions Meeting in Barcelona in July 2004.
Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya:
'Brahmachari Shubamrita Chaitanya is one of Amma’s closest disciples, and as her personal translator during question and answer sessions he is a most authentic envoy to present her message. Born in Kerala, South India, he grew up in Bombay and graduated in chemistry and biology. He met Amma in 1987 and joined her Ashram soon afterwards to lead a monastic life of spiritual practice and selfless service. For many years he edited the ashram’s official journal (Matruvani). In 1996 Br. Shubamrita was formally initiated by Amma as Brahmacharya.
He has a profound knowledge of spiritual subjects and the ability to present them in a practical and easy to understand way. His eloquent spiritual discourses have made his previous tours a great success. Amongst his various talents he is a gifted singer and musician, and he wrote the texts of many beautiful spiritual songs (Bhajans) which Amma sings.'
2. Buddhism: Past, Present, and Future.
2.1. Thursday 22 July 2004, 7-9pm. Talk and Discussion led by Frank Tait, The Western Chan Fellowship in Scotland. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
2.2. Thursday 29 July 2004, 7-9pm. Talk and Discussion led by Rawdon Goodier, The Portobello Buddhist Priory. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome.
Both evenings will be held at St George’s West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. Contact: Neill Walker, 0131 331 4469, njwalk3300@hotmail.com
Jointly Organised By The Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS, and Creative Space, in association with The Edinburgh Interfaith Association.
3. Post-Parliament Reflection Meeting, Tuesday 27 July 2004, 2.30pm onwards. Edinburgh Brahma Kumaris Centre, 20 Polwarth Crescent, Edinburgh. Admission Free, Everyone Welcome. Organised by Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS.
This event will be an opportunity to reflect back on the Parliament of the World's Religions Meeting, Barcelona, 4-13 July 2004, both for those who attended and for those who are interested to learn about what took place. Extensive photography will be done at the Parliament, and the photos and many of the Parliament publications will be available to see. We will have the opportunity to reflect upon how the Parliament experience can positively influence our spiritual work here in Scotland.