Date: 09/15/2019
The practice of Karma yoga helps us to encounter our everyday problems without anxiety and worry. It is the technique of combining efficiency in action, a sense of unselfishness, non-attachment, a sense of sacredness to our duties and obligations in all spheres of life, and a sense of inner contentment by looking beyond reckless pragmatism and short-term goals. A Karma-Yogi is able to confront reverses and failures with a smile, and go ahead with his or her daily duties, by making use of the hidden mental resources. Karma yoga in actual-life situations expresses itself in the form of ‘Swadharma’. The practice of Karma yoga is the path to creativity and contentment. It is the creative utilization of human energy resources by combining the secular and the spiritual into one integral whole.
Swami Tattwamayananda, currently the Minister of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco, (originally founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1900) served in various centers of the Ramakrishna Order in India as editor, publisher, and teacher of Sanskrit, Advaitic texts such as Sri Shankaracharya’s commentaries on the ‘Prasthanatraya’ (the fundamental Sanskrit texts of Vedanta philosophy), Buddhism and Indian philosophy. He underwent traditional training in Hindu scriptures, Sanskrit, Vedic and Vedantic literature for many years, from his early days. Before coming to the United States in January 2012 he was teaching Sanskrit, Vedantic scriptures and Indian philosophy at the Training center in Belur Math, the institution that trains the monks of the Ramakrishna Order at the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, Kolkata, India. Apart from his traditional education, the Swami has also received modern University education in English literature, psychology, European history, and Western philosophy. He is frequently invited for lectures on Yoga, Vedanta, and traditional Hindu scriptures and for participating in interfaith dialogues.
Date: 09/22/2019
Forgiveness does not come easily. Many of us struggle to forgive those who have hurt us. In this presentation, Dr. Connie Hills (“Connie”) will look at forgiveness from two points of view:
from her thirty-year clinical practice as a Psychotherapist — where a hurting heart learns the balm of empathy, a building block to forgiveness; and from a twenty-five year study with her Buddhist teacher, Dr. Rina Sircar. “Rina” taught a Vipassana (insight) meditation practice that calms the mind. When the mind is calm, the heart is calm. When the heart is calm, empathy blooms into compassion. Compassion gives way to forgiveness. Connie will also discuss how grace, from a theological point of view, can bestow forgiveness.
Connie will give instruction for brief periods of Vipassana (insight) meditation, and lead a Metta practice, (Buddhist Lovingkindness/Forgiveness meditation).
Connie Hills is a Buddhist practitioner. She learned Vipassana meditation and Buddhist Psychology from Dr. Rina Sircar, her teacher of 25 years. (Connie met “Rina” while studying for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies). After working as a clinical psychologist for over 30 years, Connie retired her private practice to change gears. She spends more time in the Sierra Foothills these days where she reads/studies in the quiet of the Theravada (forest) tradition and writes poetry.
After six trips to India, Connie will lead a tour of her own – a 14-day tour of North India under the full moon of October 2020. cghills@mac.com
Date: 09/29/2019
In celebration of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Sur Laya Sangam will offer hymns and verses which were sung in his ashrams and prayer gatherings during his lifetime. Additional hymns will also be shared in the spirit of the Mahatma. Gandhi Ji’s efforts during the freedom struggle in India were not only to bring about outer freedom but also to fuel the inner liberation of the soul. The music he engaged is imbued with the principles of Satyagraha. It provided inspiration and strength to those aspiring for peace and still holds universal relevance for our times. Texts and translations will be provided.
The Sur Laya Sangam singers have been guided in music by the late Sri Karunamayee for many years and are dedicated to sustaining India’s rich tradition of spiritual music. They aspire to touch the depths of life through their singing and to share its intrinsic bliss, harmony and peace with all. The group will be accompanied by the Bay Area’s esteemed maestro, Arshad Syed, on tabla.
Date: 10/06/2019
Date: 10/13/2019
Date: 10/20/2019
New Consciousness, the next step in human evolution, is the awareness that although physically we are separate and unique, the “I am” we each feel inside is actually the same Universal “I AM.” At our very core, we are truly One. Consistent with modern science and ancient religion, New Consciousness is both the key to world peace and easily reachable through Integral Yoga practice.
This will be the second of four ground-breaking Integral Group Yoga Practice Sessions CIF will offer once each quarter during the coming year. The program will not be a lecture about Integral Yoga and New Consciousness, but a real-time opportunity to actually experience this advanced and evolved way of being from the inside out. We hope you take advantage of the opportunity. No prior study or practice is necessary to participate, only an open mind and a desire to be a positive force in humanity’s future.
Anton Grosz, PhD, has been a practitioner and teacher of Integral Yoga and New Consciousness for over 40 years. His focus is the experiential mode of this evolutionary way of being and the importance of its real time application for individuals, humanity, and the very future of our planet. He can be reached at www.rovingI.net.
