Parliament of Worlds Religion 2009 Melbourne Australia

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

Page 181

PROGRAM DET
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Taking just-a-minute": Meditation on the Move
Christine Westbury
Kalvinder Shields
Room 101
Religious or Spiritual Observance
This session will present a creative and practical journey into the art of bringing meditation into the many activities of our daily lives. A great deal of our day is taken up with prosaic activities, and finding the time to maintain our spiritual observances while doing our routine tasks can be quite challenging. If we can maintain an elevated consciousness while we are at work, at home, or while doing mundane things, then we will be better able to achieve peace and happiness in all aspects of our life. The program will be interactive and fully participatory with movement and one-on-one interaction as well as group participation. There will be creative visualisation and guided meditations to take the participant into inner stillness. The session is part of just-a-minute-a global initiative that encourages people to experience the power of a peaceful and calm mind starting with just one minute at a time. The initiative is aimed at people from all faiths and backgrounds and for those who feel the need to quieten and re-energise their mind wherever they are, regardless of what they do or how busy their life is.
Christine Westbury has been studying and teaching B K Raja Yoga meditation for the past 12 years. She currently coordinates their Fitzroy branch and oversees many of their Melbourne activities. She is on the advisory board for a Parliament of the World's Religions and has worked closely with interfaith groups, hosting numerous events. She works as a medical research nurse at Royal Children's hospital. Christine coordinated "just-a-minute' in Melbourne.
Dr Kalvinder Shields currently holds the position of Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne. She has been a practitioner of Raja Yoga meditation, as taught by the Brahma Kumaris, for over 10 years. Integrating her professional responsibilities and a spiritual lifestyle, she is a facilitator of meditation retreats and has been conducting meditation sessions in the workplace for many years.
Preksha Meditation
Vinay Pragya
Samani Akshay Prajna Room 102
Training Session
Based on ancient texts, modern science and practical experience, Preksha meditation is a technique that changes attitudes, modifies behaviour and integrates the personality. It uses exercises such as relaxation, long breathing, alternate breathing and colour meditation to purify the emotions and consciousness. Preksha meditation enhances mental abilities and creativity, while strengthening willpower and the ability to achieve goals. During this training session, two Jain nuns will teach participants from all faith traditions how Preksha meditation can help them bring about positive change in their personalities and their habits.
8:00-9:00am MORNING OBSERVANCES
Vinay Pragya is a Jain nun and disciple of H.H. Acharya Mahapragya. She holds a BSc and MA in Jainology, as well as an MPhil and NET. Her initiation was in 2002. She speaks several languages including Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi and English, and has conducted numerous international workshops and seminars. She has travelled throughout the United States. United Kingdom, and India.
Samani Akshay Prajna is a Jain Nun and disciple of H.H. Acharya Mahapragya. She holds an MA in Jainology and was initiated in 1983. She has travelled to over thirty countries and speaks several languages including Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi and English. She has conducted numerous international workshops and seminars.
Jewish Morning Observance - Saturday
Jewish Participants
Room 103
Religious or Spiritual Observance
This morning prayer will be conducted by those who gather on this Shabbat at the designated place for prayer.
Celtic Mysticism: An Introduction to its Arts and Traditions
Michelle MacEwan
Cath Connelly Room 104
Presentation, Observance, and Discussion
This inspirational presentation features storytelling, healing, meditation and discussion based on the path of Celtic mysticism. It will explore family traditions in healing and spiritual work through sharing personal stories, healing journeys and initiations into the mystical pathway. It will also explore the relevance of the Celtic mystical path in the 21st century. The presentation highlights the importance of listening, sharing, and learning to hear and to trust the voice of the heart. It will present the concept of harmonising heart and soul, and how this awakens our instinct and power of sovereignty, enabling us to be co-creators of a sustainable, diverse and harmonious world. To achieve these goals, we must first experience and value our personal genius or creative spark. Our inner transformation occurs as we embrace our wisdom and find the courage to follow our own inner lights. By harmonising heart and soul, compassion for self, for others, and for the planet emerges naturally.
Michelle MacEwan is a Celtic mystic and spiritual activist who continues a line of mysticism in the Scottish and Irish traditions. Descended from an ancient matriarchal lineage, over time Michelle has developed her own unique style of practising these arts. She has found a balance between the old and the new that complements life in the 21st century.
Cath Connelly is an experienced workshop facilitator with a background in counselling, pastoral care and spiritual direction. Her current project involves exploring the Celtic figure of Brigid and her representations as Celtic Saint and as Goddess. Cath is a professional Celtic harpist who performs, records, teaches and facilitates harp and spirituality workshops throughout Australia.
www.parliamentofreligions.org 177 www.jainelibrary.org