These events, workshops and retreats are offered at our National Center, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL.
Pre-register online by clicking on the highlighted link, or by phone: 630-668-1571, ext. 315; or by e-mail info@theosophical.org.
Saturday, June 1, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
JOY isn’t about the absence of disturbance. Painful experiences, as with pleasurable experiences, come and go. JOY is about the presence of something deeper than the ebb and flow of the human experience and is as available as your next breath. Breathwork has been a life enhancing practice for thousands of years. Consistent practice will change the neural pathways in your brain so you can more easily calm down and open to the joy that is always present.
Learn vital tools to achieve more peace and joy in your life in the form of explorative inquiry followed by 30 minutes of focused breathwork.
Leslie Sann, MA, LCPC, is the author of the award-winning book, Life Happens: What Are YOU Going to Do About It? She is the founder of the Living by Design School. For over 30 years Leslie has been helping people create a joyful life personally, professionally, and in their relationships, guiding them to live by design rather than by default while learning to live in joy regardless of circumstances. Visit www.lesliesann.com for more.
$35 nonmembers, $30 members, $40 at the door
Friday, June 7, 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate the vitality of summer! As the frequency and vibrations of the bowls bring harmony to the etheric, emotional, and physical bodies, the brain shifts into higher states of consciousness, thoughts are slowed down, and the heart opens to healing. Deeksha, or the Oneness Blessing, creates balance in the hemispheres of the brain, releases fear, and invites the higher frequency of love to enter, allowing us to reconnect with our spiritual essence.
Yolanda Lozano has over 20 years of extensive bi-cultural training in the healing arts from master teachers in India, China, and the United States. She integrates breathing techniques, toning and chanting, meditation, movement, vibrational energy healing, and self-care while listening to the True Self within. For more, visit www.yolandahealinghearts.com.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat and/or blanket.
$25 per person in advance, $30 at the door
Saturday, June 8, 11:30 a.m.
Join us for an event devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Our speakers come from the ecumenical community to offer prayers and blessings of peace. With an open heart and mind, reach out and share your expertise and ideas in this global effort.
Discussion over a light lunch follows. If you plan to attend or would like to represent your tradition by speaking, please RSVP to hmahmed@hotmail.com.
Mazher Ahmed, born and educated in India, is involved in a number of interfaith endeavors. She is vice president of the Batavia Islamic Center in Illinois, an emeritus trustee for the Council for the Parliament of World’s Religions, and founder of Interfaith Prayers for Peace.
Donations are appreciated.
Saturday, June 15, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Transform your fear and exhaustion into empowerment and inspiration!
Active Hope is about what we would love to see happen in the world. It’s about becoming a participant in bringing those things about. Active Hope a practice, a way of living with purpose. This groundbreaking workshop is designed for those who want and need a deeper sense of inspiration, hope and renewal to support their healing work during these troubling times.
This interactive experience is based on The Work that Reconnects, an innovative process developed by Joanna Macy, internationally-acclaimed author, eco-philosopher, and activist. The Work helps us transform fear and despair into inspiration and a sense of empowerment. Experience the healing power of gratitude, find compassion in honoring your pain for the world, embrace your connections with each other and with the web of life, and realize your potential to make a difference.
The Active Hope workshop includes experiential practices, movement, inspirational readings and teachings, and simple rituals.
Kathleen Rude holds a BS in Wildlife Ecology and an MS in Natural Resources. She began her career as an environmental writer. Her studies of indigenous spiritual practice led her to become a shamanic practitioner and ceremonial leader. She has been mentored by Joanna Macy and is a senior facilitator of The Work That Reconnects. In addition to her Active Hope workshops, she also runs workshops on environmental awareness and Earth-based spirituality. Kathleen is the author of The Redemption of Red Fire Woman.
$65 nonmembers $55 members $75 at the door
Ajahn Brahm is an internationally renowned Buddhist teacher and bestselling author. Born Peter Betts in London in 1951, he graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in theoretical physics, but, disillusioned with the life of academia, he headed off to the jungles of Thailand, where he trained under famed meditation master Ajahn Chah for nine years. A Theravada monk for over thirty-five years, Ajahn Brahm is a revered spiritual guide and the abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Western Australia and spiritual adviser and inspiration for Buddhist centers throughout Asia and Australia. He is known for his support for the revival of women's full ordination in Buddhism in traditions where it has been lost. His books are bestsellers in many languages and he regularly tours internationally. We are excited to welcome Ajahn Brahm for a public lecture and daylong meditation retreat as he tours the U.S.
Public Lecture:
Wednesday, June 19, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Join us for a unique opportunity to meet and hear the internationally acclaimed Buddhist teacher and meditation master Ajahn Brahm. Known for his wit and wisdom, Ajahn Brahm is the bestselling author of Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond; Don’t Worry, Be Grumpy; Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung?; and Kindfulness. A self-described meditation junkie, Ajahn Brahm will share his knowledge and experience of the jhanas and insight, which constitute the heart of the Buddha's original teachings. Never before has this material been approached in such an empowering way by a teacher of such authority and popularity.
The event will include time for questions and discussion, and will conclude with a book signing.
General Admission: $20
College Student: $0
Pre-registration required. Must bring current student ID.
This event takes place at College of DuPage:
College of DuPage
Jack H. Turner Conference Center
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 2000
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Registration for this lecture is still open.
Thursday, June 20, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
At the Theosophical Society
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to receive teachings and practice meditation under the guidance of the highly respected meditation master Venerable Ajahn Brahm. Set your worldly concerns aside for the day and be inspired by the joyful presence of Ajahn Brahm as he shares his profound knowledge of Buddhism and meditation. With his usual wit and wisdom, he will provide guidance that will help refine your meditation practice so that you may experience serenity and transformative insights. Topics to be explored include:
The schedule for the day will include lectures, Q&A, and sitting and walking meditation sessions.
A vegetarian lunch will be provided.
Registration for "A Day of Meditaton" is now closed.
If you would like to be put on a waiting list please email events@theosophical.org.
Friday, June 21, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Let us join together in celebrating the Summer Solstice. Summer is a time of abundance; a time to let our light shine. The days are the long, the trees are in full bloom, and there is an abundance of plants, life, and energy all around.
This celebration is designed for families with children but is open to all. The event will begin by connecting to nature. Next we will sing, dance, create, share, and make music. We will then take some time to reflect on how our light shines, and share our thoughts with the group. We will end by bringing the energy from the celebration into ourselves through food.
Parents are required to stay with their children at all times. When you RSVP, please let us know if anyone has any allergies.
Genis Schmidt has been leading seasonal celebrations for over seven years and has taught outdoor education and nature-based spirituality to children. She is mentored in the Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) and has been trained in teaching DUP to children. She has two daughters and loves witnessing their sense of wonder about nature and spirituality.
Love offerings are appreciated.
Friday, June 21, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Embrace the light within and around you in this unique meditation event! Radiate your truth with sun-inspired, energetic meditations that allow you to feel your inner strength, gather your potential, and honor your highest Self. Mudras (meditation gestures), mantra (chanting), and accessible movement will enhance your experience, helping you feel positively charged and alive at every level. Instruction and handouts will be provided to continue your journey during the Solstice period.
Yolanda Lozano has over 20 years of extensive bi-cultural training in the healing arts from master teachers in India, China, and the United States. She integrates breathing techniques, toning and chanting, meditation, movement, vibrational energy healing, and self-care while listening to the True Self within. For more, visit www.
Bring a meditation pad for comfortable seating (chairs provided if needed).
$15 nonmembers, $10 members, $20 at the door
Saturday, June 22, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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Ayurvedic medicine is a 5,000-year-old mind/body healing system based on Vedic knowledge, fused with modern science. It concentrates on prevention and understanding one's own makeup, and focuses on how the outer world and environment affect one's daily life. The concept of agni, or digestive fire, is seen by Ayurveda as the very source of life and is the primary indicator of gut health. Ayurveda teaches us that impaired agni is at the root of every imbalance and disease. During this workshop, you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of agni and learn practical tools with which to tend to your own agni. Topics include:
Swati Mhaske, BA, MS, MSc, Pharm, is an Ayurveda physician with a Bachelor degree in Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery and a Masters in Pharmaceutical Medicine from India. She also has extensive hands-on training in Panchakarma (detoxification and body cleanse procedures) and offers one-on-one Ayurvedic and Panchakarma consultations in treating lifestyle disorders, hormonal imbalances, fertility issues and other health imbalances in adults and children at her company HemaVeda in Crystal Lake, IL. $25 nonmembers, $20 members, $30 at the door |
Saturday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The practice of mindfulness can help us realize both inner peace and outer harmony with our world and those around us. Explore practical ways to cultivate peaceful and meaningful relationships using powerful mindfulness techniques. Through a combination of lectures and experiential exercises, we will discuss how the differences between people are a part of every relationship, and how our needs, thoughts, desires, and expectations motivate us to relate in certain ways. We will then learn how to build bridges instead of walls and develop the kind of relationships that are fulfilling for everyone involved. Imagine the peace and joy of having enriched, deeper relationships with all the people in your life!
Dr. Jagdish P. Davé, PhD, PsyD, has a rich educational, experiential, and professional background in Eastern and Western cultures. In recent years, his focus has been on holistic health, stress management, mindfulness parenting, and multicultural wellness conferences and workshops. He is an active consultant, counselor, and educator at Desert Garden Montessori School in Phoenix, AZ.
$30 nonmembers, $25 members, $35 at the door
Saturday, June 29, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Nurture your spirit through rhythm and meditation. Based on a blend of traditions, this Spirit Circle draws on our most ancient roots to creatively raise group energy. Each round will begin with a chant or Native American flute song. Rhythm instruments will gradually come in until the drumming reaches its natural conclusion. A few moments of silent meditation will follow as we take in the energy that was raised and send it out in blessings. This is a safe place to connect with your deepest wisdom, honor your inner guidance, and create more love and light for yourself and the universe. You are welcome to bring your own drums, rattles, or rhythm instruments. A limited number of shared instruments will be available.
Karen Tlusty-Rissman is a musician, astrologer, artist, and celebrant of Spirit. She currently leads a variety of meditation classes in the western suburbs and has facilitated sacred circles for over 35 years. She weaves the common threads from many Earth-centered traditions as well as astrology, aromatherapy, and energy work to provide participants with a direct connection to their inner Source. Karen plays the Native American flute, concert flute, bass guitar, Tibetan singing bowls, and gong. She is available for private consultation, meditation classes, musical performances, and lessons. Visit her at www.facebook.com/SpiritScent.
$10 per person
Friday, August 9, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Let us join together in celebrating the Lughnasad or First Harvest. August marks the start of the harvest season, when plants are ripening in the gardens and we are offered an opportunity to reflect on what feeds us.
This celebration is designed for families with children but is open to all. The event will begin by connecting to nature. Next we will sing, dance, create, share, and make music. We will then take some time to reflect on how our light shines, and share our thoughts with the group. We will end by bringing the energy from the celebration into ourselves through food.
Parents are required to stay with their children at all times. When you RSVP, please let us know if anyone has any allergies.
Genis Schmidt has been leading seasonal celebrations for over seven years and has taught outdoor education and nature-based spirituality to children. She is mentored in the Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) and has been trained in teaching DUP to children. She has two daughters and loves witnessing their sense of wonder about nature and spirituality.
Love offerings are appreciated.
Friday, August 16, 7:00 p.m.
The Four Noble Truths are the very core of early Buddhism and the central concept around which all the teachings of the Buddha revolve. The Three Universal Signs of impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and no-self (anatta), which are all observable empirical facts, lead up to and underpin the Four Noble Truths. Both ideas are the main drivers in developing the insight (vipassanā) that results in Enlightenment (Bodhi). Bhante Samahita will elucidate their history, explanation, and implications in detail.
Bhante Samahita was educated as a medical doctor at the Copenhagen University in Denmark, and became Associate Professor in Bioinformatics at the Technical University in Denmark, working with theoretical biology and artificial intelligence. He arrived in Sri Lanka in 2001, where he became fully ordained as a Bhikkhu in 2003. As a monk of the Theravada Araññavasin Forest Tradition, he has been living and meditating for the past 16 years alone in a remote mountain forest hermitage. His main philosophical interest is the convergence and congruence of ideas within Early Buddhism, Orthodox Quantum Physics, Einsteinian Relativity, Information Theory, and Thermodynamics.
$5 members, $10 nonmembers
You can also join Bhante Samahita on Saturday, August 17 for his retreat The Four Infinite and Divine Dwellings: Classic Meditation Objects Taught by the Buddha.
Saturday, August 17, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Buddha often spoke about four states of mind as the four Brahma-viharas: divine or god-like dwellings in which the mind reaches outward toward the immeasurable world of living beings, embracing them all in these boundless emotions. These four sublime states are loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. Systematic meditation, and thus gradual development of these states, constitute four of the 40 classic meditation objects taught by the Buddha. We will go through their proximate causes, praxis, advantages, and long-term benefits. The day will include guided meditation sessions that will underscore the infinite nature of each quality. If the cause is infinite, so is the effect! May all beings thus become Happy.
Bhante Samahita was educated as a medical doctor at the Copenhagen University in Denmark, and became Associate Professor in Bioinformatics at the Technical University in Denmark, working with theoretical biology and artificial intelligence. He arrived in Sri Lanka in 2001, where he became fully ordained as a Bhikkhu in 2003. As a monk of the Theravada Araññavasin Forest Tradition, he has been living and meditating for the past 16 years alone in a remote mountain forest hermitage. His main philosophical interest is the convergence and congruence of ideas within Early Buddhism, Orthodox Quantum Physics, Einsteinian Relativity, Information Theory, and Thermodynamics.
$55 members, $65 nonmembers, $75 at the door
You can also join Bhante Samahita on Friday, August 16 for his lecture “The Four Noble Truths and the Three Universal Signs.”
Friday, August 23, 7 p.m.
Join us for an immersive healing experience! A Gong Bath™ is a powerful vibrational journey that positively affects emotional balance, cellular healing, and spiritual awareness. An alchemy of eastern philosophy, bio-energetics, and quantum science, it is a powerful healing modality. During the Gong Bath, participants are bathed with rhythms, tonalities, and multi-tonal octaves that are naturally revitalizing, stress reducing, and profoundly healing – physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Richard Rudis, (Karma Sonam Dorje), has studied Eastern philosophy, principally Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist practice, for thirty years. He was granted refuge in the Buddha from His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa while in Tibet in 1996 and has been teaching Buddhist Dharma via vibrational sound healing workshops since 1988. He is a published writer, musician, and lecturer. Richard conducts his Gong Baths nationally. Visit www.sacredsoundgongbath.com for more information.
$30 pre-registered $35 at the door
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