Parliament of Worlds Religion 2009 Melbourne Australia

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

Page 348

PROGRAM DES
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
8:00-9:00 am MORNING OBSERVANCES
Sunrise Morning Sadhana Gurukirn Khalsa Room 108 Religious or Spiritual Observance Sadhana means daily discipline. By practicing morning sadhana each day, we dedicate our souls to attuning to God within, which manifests in our thoughts and actions throughout each day and our life as a whole. Morning sadhana allows us to cleanse ourselves at the very start of the day, when the energy is most conducive to meditation, so that the rest of the day shines with clarity and radiance. Morning sadhana is a self-sustaining process. It allows us to be more effective and aware. It builds our intuition, which enables us to be more in tune with the world around us. Morning sadhana is also called group sadhana. The energy of the group magnifies our own experience and we come to share a common dedication to nurture others and ourselves. This observance will feature a shortened version of the Aquarian Sadhana observed throughout the world. It will include the first five stanzas of Japji Sahib, an invigorating Kundalini Yoga, mantra chanting, and Gurbani Kirtan, the traditional music of the Sikhs. It provides participants with a refreshing and meditative start to their day. Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa was ordained a Sikh minister in 1974 She is a past chair of the International Khalsa Council. She is also an artist
t. She is the author of the book 'Pure Longing Fulfilled' which combines poetry and art in praise of One God. She and her family attend Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak Dwara in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
observance, we will begin with the Eight-form Moving Meditation, so participants can experience Chan in motion while relaxing their body and mind. This will be followed by guided meditation and a sitting meditation. Throughout this observance, participants will have a glimpse of Chan spirit and experience the ensuing calm and ease. This program will give participants a gift to bring home to raise efficiency at work and to fill their lives with happiness. Chang Wu Shi is a Buddhist nun in the Mahayana tradition, practising since 1995 under the guidance of the late Chan Master Sheng Yen in the Dharma Drum Mountain lineage of Chinese Chan Buddhism. She has participated in and been a panellist on international conferences on peace making, spirituality and sangha education. Currently she oversees he operation of the Special Project Department and the International Translation Department at the Dharma Drum Mountain Cultural Center in Taiwan. Chang Shen Shi, a Buddhist nun in the Mahayana tradition, has practised since 2001 under the guidance of the late Chan Master Sheng Yen in the Dharma Drum Mountain (DDMI lineage of Chinese Chan Buddhism Prior to becoming a bhikshuni, she studied in New York City and earned a PhD in sociology in 2004. Upon returning to Taiwan she attended Sangha University of DDM for monastic training, including the philosophy of Buddhism and Chan practice
Sikh Observance by Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Room 109 Religious or Spiritual Observance Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha will host a morning observance that will focus on Naam and Simran, the Sikh form of prayer and meditation. This interactive observance will allow participants to embrace forms of meditation that inculcate a deep sense of inner peace. It will also include an exposition of the Sikh scripture.
Viswamitra in Union with the Universe HH Swami Sandeep Chaitanya Room 204 Religious or Spiritual Observance This morning observance is a string of simple prayers and chants that subtly yet consciously make one aware of one's bonding with all the elements of the universe, living and non-living. From the waking moment until the end of the day, these prayers lead one to absorption, introspection, contemplation and self-evaluation. The 'Pratha Smaranam' points inwards to Awareness of the Self, mov ing on to the Gayatri mantra that draws inspiration and energy from the Sun, to salutation to Mother Earth, other elements, flora and fauna, and to meditations while going through the activities of daily routine. Swami Sandeep Chaitanya guides this session with chanting supported by musical renditions and printed material providing explanations. The prayers, hymns and mantras composed by the ancient sages of india are a sincere commitment of Man's consideration, care and love towards everything else in this Universe. Such a Man is the Viswamitra, after whom this program is named, one of the most revered of sages and the Universal Friend', the mitra (friend and well-wisher) of the entire viswa (universe). HH Swami Sandeep Chaitanya is the founder and Chairman of The School of Bhagavad Gita, with centers in India, USA, UK, UAE and Canada. For over fourteen years he has conducted discourses on the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and other sacred texts, in India and abroad. He is a founder of the Salagramam Ashram and has spearheaded the National Awareness Programs for the protection of rivers. He is a disciple of Swami Chinmayananda of blessed memory.
Chan Meditation to Ease the Body and Mind at All Times and on All Occasions Ven Chang Wu Shi Ven Chang Shen Shi Room 110 Religious or Spiritual Observance Chan Meditation is the essential practice in Chinese Buddhism. Prominent Chan Masters have attained supreme wisdom and compassion through their cultivation of Chan meditation. Application of the method is not limited to sitting only, but walking, standing, lying down, eating and exercising as well. In this one-hour spiritual
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