Date: 12/08/2019
Chanukkah is one of the many Jewish holidays to celebrate “a miracle.” In Elliottt’s cross-cultural perspective, he will look at “the miracle” of Chanukkah as it relates to the Sanskrit notion of “siddhi.” Siddhi is discussed by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras & is often translated as “paranormal powers.” This talk is an exploration of the Jewish part of Elliott’s religious identity. When Elliott was asked his religion during his 9 months travel in Asia, he would respond: “BuJew.”
Elliott Isenberg PhD received his doctorate from the California Institute of Asian (now Integral) Studies in San Francisco in 1983 after doing his dissertation on “The Experience of Evil: A Phenomenological Approach.” He traveled extensively in his youth, spending time in India at the ashram of spiritual teacher, Neem Karoli Baba. Danish mystic Sunyata also influenced Elliott: he co-authored a book on Sunyata’s teachings. In his private psychotherapy practice in San Francisco, Elliott draws on both Eastern and Western perspectives, including a method of self-inquiry and transformation developed by Byron Katie.
Date: 12/15/2019
Date: 01/12/2020
This is Sally’s 80th birthday party, and she would love to have your presence (not presents!) to help her celebrate.
Come one and all and bring your friends, partners, and neighbors to a gathering in which favorite poems will be shared. Or you can come and simply listen and enjoy. The number of poems one can read will depend on the number of people attending who want to share their poetry. You may read one or more.
Sally Love Saunders is a widely published Poet, Poetry Therapist, Lecturer, Free-Lance Writer and Workshop Leader. Sally’s work has appeared in the New York Times, Times International, The London Times, The Denver Post, and among over three hundred fifty anthologies, magazines and newspapers. She has received many prizes for her poetry.
“A Johnny Appleseed Poet,” Sally has traveled all over the country running workshops. It is her absolute conviction that “Everyone is a Poet!” Sally has developed fun techniques to help individuals to get in touch with their own unique creativity.
Date: 01/12/2020
Date: 01/26/2020
This program celebrates the life of Swami Vivekananda (Narendranath Datta) (1863-1902) commemorating the anniversary of his birth. Regarded as India’s first great spiritual ambassador to the West, Swami Vivekananda is perhaps best known for his inspiring speech which began, “Sisters and brothers of America …” delivered at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893.
We have selected Songs, Shlokas and Bhajans reflecting the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, generating a secular social order through Religious and Ethnic Pluralism that would transcend differences of caste and creed and result in a unique place for India in the World.
Our singers this morning are Sonali Bhattacharya, Aditya Das, Ashidhara Das, and Shyamoshree Gupta Diamond, with Anoop Bhattacharjya on tabla. All are outstanding artistes who have received praise and recognition for their performances and concerts both in India and in the United States.
