Parliament of Worlds Religion 2009 Melbourne Australia

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

Page 182

PROGI
Saturday, December 5, 2009
8:00-9:00am MORNING OBSERVANCES
Given Life by Heaven and Earth: A Shinto Observance Rt Rev Yoshinobu Miyake Room 108 Religious or Spiritual Observance This program is a performance in the tradition of Konkokyo, a sect that has played a prominent role in the history of Shinto tradition. In the traditional Shinto worldview, 'Nature' stands as a higher concept than 'Kami (divine being). Kami as well as humans (and all sentient beings! are fully capable of bringing their primary powers into full play under the field of Nature (which could be restated as "Heaven and Earth'). After an explanation of this worldview, Rt Rev Yoshinobu Miyake will outline and perform the traditional Konko-kyo ritual together with traditionally attired, ceremonial assistants and musicians using instruments dating back a millennium and a half. Those assembled will pray in Japanese, the Shinto language, with a brief explanation to follow in English. At the end of the performance, in the resonant aftermath of the observance, Rev Miyake will explain in English both the Konko-kyo theology of salvation, and how the relationship it implies is collaborative in the work between Kami and human beings. Rt Rev Yoshinobu Miyake, Superior General of the Konko Church of Izuo in Osaka, Japan, was born in 1958 in a well-known Miyake family of Shinto priests. He studied at Doshisha University in Kyoto and Harvard University. Having been active worldwide in the field of interfaith dialogue for the past thirty years, he established Reinet Corporation in 1997 and served as General Secretary of the recent G8 Religious Leaders Summit.
Gathering of the Spirit of Peace in All John Morton Leigh Taylor-Young Room 111 Interactive Workshop This workshop will present a series of meditations aimed at cultivating peace in the world, in our hearts, and in all of our activities. The meditation 'Gathering of Peacemakers' is designed to evoke the spirit of peace, leading to a beautiful visualisation where love is the catalyst for creating a healthy, balanced and peaceful planet. This meditation creates an opportunity to let go of the restrictions of the past and move to a nurturing and healing environment that cleanses, purifies, and promotes peace. In the meditation entitled 'Forgiveness: The Key to the Kingdom. participants experience the value of forgiveness as a daily practice which creates both love and peace in their lives. In the final meditation, 'The Spiritual Principles of Abundance and Prosperity. participants learn the deeper spiritual meaning of wealth, abundance, prosperity, and riches. The spiritual principles of seeding and tithing are presented as ways to bring a greater awareness of how God can be our partner in life. As they explore their own perceptions of all of these concepts, participants are given the opportunity to bring Spirit into these areas of their lives. John Morton, Doctor of Spiritual Science (DSS), is the current Spiritual Director of the non-denominational Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. As part of his ministry he has travelled extensively around the world facilitating programs in support of spiritual awareness, peace, and charitable causes. He regularly travels throughout the United States and the world to promote peace and to support people in finding the good in everything
Leigh Taylor-Young is an award-winning actress and an international personality. With fifteen feature films and numerous television series to her credit, Leigh has also become a major spokesperson for many distinguished organisations. She has represented the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as the keynote speaker in Nairobi, Kenya for the 20th Anniversary ceremonies of the Better World Society and the Institute for Individual and World Peace.
Sri Sri Yoga: A Celebration of the Diversity in Yoga Bernice Bailey Room 110 Religious or Spiritual Observance Yoga transcends religion and culture. Its application is universal. Sri Sri Yoga, which was designed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a simple and joyful celebration of the diversity in yoga. It combines the essentials of yoga: breathing techniques, stretching and postures, meditation, relaxation and yogic knowledge. By incorpo rating all of these beautiful facets of yoga we are able to look beyond the level of the physical body and sharpen our sensitivity and awareness of subtler levels of existence. Sri Sri Yoga gives us a holistic approach to allend to the body, the mind and the spirit.
transcends religion and culture-its application is universal. Bernice Bailey has 10 years experience as a yoga teacher and is as enthusiastic today as the day she started! With The Art of Living, Bernice has gained experience in the subtle aspects of yoga practices. Her yoga teaching style is energetic and light hearted with an emphasis on strengthening the body and mind. Bernice teaches Sri Sri Yoga at the Art of Living Centre at Abbotsford Convent.
Mother of Compassion: Ancient Secrets to Inner Peace: Healing Our Earth, Our Faith, and Ourselves Sri Karunamayi Vijayeswari Devi Room 203 Religious or Spiritual Observance In this inspiring lecture, Sri Karunamayi will share the secrets of India's ancient philosophy of Vasudeva Kutumbam, which from time immemorial has emphasised universal togetherness: the oneness of all that ever is, all that ever was, and all that ever will be. Brief periods of meditation will provide tools through which participants of all faiths may realise such truths deeply within and unlock knowledge that can lead to increased compassion, understanding, and tolerance. Through the cultivation of such inner knowledge, our world can be transformed into the peaceful home for which we all yearn.
178 PWR - Parliament of the World's Religions