Panels, Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Journey from Glimpse to Abidance: The Process of Self Realization after Awakening Chris Hebard (moderator-Founder, Stillness Speaks), Scott Kiloby (Nondual Author/teacher), Jeff Foster (Nonduality Author), Rupert Spira (Artist and Nonduality Teacher)
"Self Realization: The apparent process in time which occurs after awakening that may appear to be "oscillation", or the back and forth experienced after awakening. It is the process of dissolution of residual conditioning born of the core belief in separation. It is a comprehensive realignment: it extends into very nook and cranny our thinking, our sensing and our perceiving. Like some sort of virus, it's influence is buried not only in the mind but in how we sense and perceive that which we call the body and world. In fact, it creates it.
The desire to change what is–is the bell weather of separation; in the most extreme, it manifests as suffering or lack. In it's least noticeable forms it is missed entirely: boredom and daydreaming are two safe places for this sense of separation to hide and maintain itself. It's offspring is the bitter fruit of lack.
In the deepest sense, seeing resistance and desire operate is like watching the leaves on a tree flutter about in the wind after the ground root has been severed with an axe. Since much of this change occurs outside of time and space altogether, we may only notice it's absence in retrospect.
It is like the classic Indian metaphor of the rope: after it has been burned up in a fire, all that remains of the rope is it's ashen skeleton, standing in it's previous form. It's substance has been consumed by the fire. It stands ghostlike as the silence eventually blows it away. Residual conditioned behaviors, originally created by the fundamental sense of lack, may seem to continue to arise from time to time, but, have little traction, dying quickly, like a clutch that slowly spins long after it is disengaged. Both sage and seeker continue to experience Maya; the difference is that the sage no longer believes it. What never leaves is the "spaceless space" in which even this appears."
Waiter, there's a Nondualist in My Soup! New Contexts for Nonduality: Resistance, Acceptance, and the Future of Nonduality. Jerry Katz (moderator), Stanley Sobottka, Jay Michaelson, Peter Fenner
This discussion panel brings together people who are introducing nonduality in new ways to audiences largely unfamiliar with nondual thought. We explore their form of nonduality, how it is expressed, how it changes their field of knowledge; the where, why, and how of resistances to their work, and how resistances are dealt with. Acceptance of their work is also discussed. We ask whether there is a nonduality movement or whether nonduality is merely spreading as a teaching, and what the difference is. The personal is considered as well: how did each panelist stumble into nonduality and how did nonduality drop into the context of their life work? What advice do they have for people meeting resistance to ideas of nonduality and for people needing assistance integrating the teaching of nonduality into their work?
Where Have We Been and Where are We Going? The Past and the Possible Futures for the Science Of Nonduality. Frank Echenhofer, PH.D. (moderator), Allan Coombs, PH.D., (Professor of Transformative Studies, CHS), Zoran Josipovic, PH.D., (Research scientist and professor, New York University)
The Science of Nonduality as an enterprise by that name is very new. But since the 1960s there has been popular interest, scholarship and research, and professional societies and conferences dedicated to similar if not identical enterprises. This panel will bring together three panelists who can speak from their own personal history from three of the most prominent streams that continue to contribute to an emerging Science of Nonduality. The panelists have been asked to try to envision, based upon their extensive experience, what do they see that is emerging in the Science of Nonduality? The panelists will discuss together the questions: What is the purpose of the Science of Nonduality? How could we bridge the Science and Nonduality divide? What methods can bridge this divide? How should we develop directions for collaboration in the future?
The Evolution of the Unchangeable. Maurizio Benazzo (moderator), Peter Russell, Peter Baumann, Jeff Carreira
If evolution is defined as a process of change in a particular direction, then how can we talk about the evolution of that which never changes? We sometimes talk about the evolution of an idea, the evolution of the self, or the evolution of a species. In biology, we can get very specific and talk about the evolution of a particular organ, such as the brain, or even a part of the brain, like the neo-cortex. These evolutionary changes through time can be seen by looking at changes on a more micro-level, at the level of cells, proteins, or even further down.
So what is it that is changing and evolving? As the neo-cortex evolves, so too does the brain, does the species, does human thinking, does consciousness itself. Limiting evolution to the particular, then, is just an artificial construct. As the smallest part changes, the whole changes. The boundaries we impose on evolution are just that– boundaries we impose. When we begin to recognize that, how does it change the way we think about evolution? How does our view of evolution evolve? If, as Heraclitus says, "Nothing endures but change," what does it mean to talk about the evolution of the unchangeable?
The death of a star results in the birth of a supernova. Is that a death or a birth? Is that evolution or involution?
The Journey from Glimpse to Abidance: The Process of Self Realization after Awakening; 40 Days–The Alchemy of Tranquility–Spirituality and Science.
The Unity of Ancient Wisdom and Current Research. Panelists: Jamal Granick, MFT, Dr. Arife Ellen Hammerle, and Dr. Amineh Amelia Pryor
This unique program is based on the ancient recognition that psychology, physiology, and spiritual experience are interrelated and interconnected dimensions of the whole self. To better understand any one dimension requires exploration and research into all dimensions. Such an exploration and research in the laboratory of the self fosters emotional balance and a deeper understanding of our attitudes, behavior, and spiritual development. The 40 days program is a program designed and directed by Dr; Ali Kianfar, co-director of the International Association of Sufism, and the program is now in its second season. Presenters cover topics including: Cell Intelligence and its Meaning in Science and Spirituality; Knowledge by Presence in Psychotherapy; and Unfolding unity.
Through panel presentations we start with the foundation, a general overview of the physical system, the wisdom of unity and how it is observed in biology, physiology the development of the body and brain of the fetus. Next we look at the mind and environment through neurology, science, and philosophy: how the mind forms; how our physical system communicates with our environment; the effects of education, heritage, and society on the development of the human being. We then move to the hidden mysteries of the human being, harmony and balance in science, spirituality and mysticism, including: the wisdom in human development; the heart and its mysteries; knowledge of the intuitive, transpersonal and unseen. In the fourth stage of our presentation we convey the importance of practices for self-awareness and for the coordination of body, mind, heart, and essential energy. We open awareness for stabilizing tranqurlity and balance in our systems and environments.
Toward a Science of Consciousness & Sexuality–A Groundbreaking, Evidence-Based Discussion Regarding Sexuality, The Brain, Consciousness, And Volition. Natalie Geld (moderator), Bernard}. Boars, Caroline Muir, Shauna Shapiro
Sex and sexuality are not just opportunities for love and interpersonal fusion. One of the big, big questions is under what circumstances that becomes possible, compared to the times when sex is just the opposite. Sex and love also lead to jealousy and conflict, both pleasure and pain, joy and sadness. According to Jaak Panksepp's Affective Neuroscience, "Psychological and brain analyses must remain two-way streets. For instance, to understand the nature of the brain we must understand emotions, but to understand the diversity of real-life emotions, we must understand the intrinsic operating systems of the brain." Sex drives evolution - embedded in nature, in life itself. How does the content and context of our sexuality and belief systems prohibit or allow access of our nondual awareness? How does our body's powerful, ancient evolutionary system affect potential neural correlates of consciousness, brain function and behavior? "Once we begin to observe sexuality - or consciousness - a lot of the clouds of mystery start to clear away." -Dr. Bernard Baars, The Neurosciences Institute
White Robed Monks of St. Benedict