Parliament of Worlds Religion 2009 Melbourne Australia

Author(s): Parliament of the World’s Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

Page 142

PROGRAM
Friday, December 4, 2009
8:00-9:00am MORNING OBSERVANCES
on access to the Nepean River in which all the main Australian baptisms are conducted. This presentation will focus on the baptismal practices of the Mandaeans in Australia today and seeks to outline the intricate processes associated with this central rite. It will also consider the origins of Mandaeism in biblical times, looking in particular at the tradition which links these practices to John the Baptist, from whom the Mandaeans believe they are descended. Iraqi born Ganzibra Dr Brikha HS Nasoraia is a high priest of the Mandaean religion now living in Sydney. He earned his PhD from the University of Sydney for research into a previously unpublished Mandaean illustrated manuscript and is currently finishing a second doctoral thesis on the esoteric and mystical concepts of the Mandaean secret scrolls. He is President of the Mandaean Spiritual Council of Australia and of the International Mandaean Nasoraean Supreme Council. Sandi van Rompaey is currently completing a doctoral thesis on the symbolic art of the Mandaean religious manuscripts that are housed in the Bodleian Library. Oxford, and the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. These complex, stylised black ink illustrations, meant only for the knowledge of Mandaean priests, have not been previously researched. Sandi has presented papers at an international level and has conducted research in Israel, London, Paris, Rome and Berlin
A Celebration of the Cosmos and its Processes from a Mystical, Inclusive Perspective William Wallace Room 215 Religious or Spiritual Observance The Cosmos is a blessing which we can receive and share with others. During this observance participants will be asked to think deeply about their place in the Cosmos, acknowledge their failures and misuses of other people and the planet, and let go of illusions, while at the same time affirming the cosmic origin and sacred identity of each person and celebrating the common bonds of humankind. There will be readings from a variety of sources, including a song based on the "Canticle of the Sun by St Francis. William L Wallace, BA Dip Ed, is a New Zealand Methodist Minister and an internationally published writer of hymns and other worship resources. His children's songs, including hymns and Mass of the Universe, are soon to appear on the website of the Centre for Progressive Christianity. Bill has chaired the New Zealand branch of the World Conference on Religion and Peace (CRPI and served on the executive committee of the Asian CRP
Yoruba Religious Observance Baba Wande Abimbola, Nigeria: Yoruba Room 214 Religious or Spiritual Observance Yoruba religion is an Indigenous religion of West Africa that has been transported to the Americas, and from the Americas to other parts of the world as a result of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It is hoped that this program will rekindle an interest in the ancient knowledge of Africa and in the religion of all Indigenous peoples throughout the world. This session will be a demonstration of a typical process of Ifa divination. During this process, a client or clients will consult a priest of Ifa and the priest of Ifa will use his divining instruments to discover the clients' problem. The priest of Ifa will then chant the relevant verses of sacred oral literature and prescribe the appropriate sacrifices. The presenter will use his own sacred emblems of Yoruba religion in this devotional worship service. Professor Wande Abimbola is the current Awise Agbaye, or Spokesperson of Yoruba Religion in the World. He was formerly ViceChancellor of University of lfe Inow Obafemi Awolowo University. Ile-Ife from 1982-1989. Senate Majority Leader for the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1992-1993; and Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria from 2003-2005. Professor Abimbola has taught at Harvard and Boston Universities. He is currently President of the UNESCO sponsored lra Heritage Institute, Nigeria.
The Radiant Path: Meditation Practice and Philosophy in the Kriya Yoga Tradition Ellen O'Brian Room 216 Religious or Spiritual Observance Superconscious meditation is a scientifically proven way to cultivate inner peace by allowing restless thought activity to subside. One who knows how to cultivate this inner peace through meditative stillness can truly listen to others. Without this ability, there is often only attachment to one's own thoughts or beliefs. Without inner peace how can we truly listen? How can we heal the earth without the ability to be fully present? This program will offer an experience of meditation as well an overview of its philosophical foundation. It will offer an eight-step method for the practice of superconscious meditation and Spiritually conscious living based on the Kriya Yoga teachings outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. This systematic approach to superconsciousness is built upon universal guidelines for ethical living, insight into the nature of mind and consciousness, and the direct experience of Reality Participants will be given an overview of yoga philosophy that is supportive of meditation practice. This will include a guided meditation experience, explanation of the stages of practice, and clear guidelines for continuing on their own. The workshop will also discuss the relevance of this spiritual practice to personal and planetary healing. Rev Ellen Grace O'Brian is the Spiritual Director of the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment and a minister in the spiritual tradition of Kriya Yoga. She was ordained in 1981 by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. She serves on the board of trustees of the Parliament, is the President of Meru Seminary, and leads a thriving congregation. She is the author of several books on meditation and spiritual practice.
138 PWR - Parliament of the World's Religions Jain Education International