Power of Silence

About the Programme

What grows makes no noise! This is the abiding message of every tree. This is true of our spiritual life too. Real growth in spiritual life takes place in contemplative silence. During these sessions we shall practice some basic methods of meditation through which we can enter into a contemplative silence. There will be a few inputs on the theory of meditation. Most of the time will be spent on repeated practice of meditation.

The quality that everyone of us needs most urgently is silence.  We simply must learn how to be silent and how to remain in silence. Once you enter that silence, once you open your heart to that unpredictable and incomparable experience, you will find that each of us can be the person we are called to be if we allow that silence to develop in our hearts. Make no mistake about it, the silence that each of us is summoned to enter is the eternal silence of God. This is the silence each of us can find in our own hearts. Discovering it will lead you to understand that silence is itself the medium of perfect communication. It is in silence that we communicate at depth and with the truth of wholeness. – John Main (Benedictine monk) 

About the Facilitator

Fr Sebastian Painadath, a Jesuit priest, is head of the Sameeksha Ashram in Kalady, South India. He is an internationally renowned Asian theologian who frequently lectures in Europe and Asia. He has facilitated in workshops organised by the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs-Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (OEIA-FABC). He has also facilitated many workshops in Malaysia in recent years. He combines the best of the Asian mystical traditions with Western philosophical traditions in his presentations.

What some past participants have to say:

• The meditation that he teaches helps to calm the mind and instill some discipline in me to try & practise it at home.
• I know that through this I can communicate better with God.
• Feel refreshed, peaceful, rejuvenated…
• Meditation moves with you – walks out with you into your daily life.
• Presenter exudes a certain aura of calmness and deep spirituality.
• A wonderful facilitator…. very authentic & sincere.

When
Saturday, 12 July 2014
8.30 am: Registration
9.00 am – 4.30 pm: Workshop
Sunday, 13 July 2014
9.00 am – 4.30 pm: Workshop

Where
CCM Ecumenical Center (opposite University Hospital)
26 Jalan Universiti
Petaling Jaya

How much
A contribution of RM120.00 is requested to cover the cost of venue, lunch & light refreshments. Those who can afford to pay more are encouraged to contribute to a collection on the second day to help defray other costs.

How to pay
Payment is by cash or GIRO transfer to CIMB Bank A/C No: 7017070353 (Chow Mei Mei). Kindly send registration form and payment details to chowbernie@yahoo.com.

Who should attend
This meditation workshop is an introduction for those who wish to start on a spiritual journey but do not know how. For others already familiar with meditation, this workshop will also be a refreshing experience.

What to bring
Bring your own writing materials and a cushion if you wish to sit on the floor during the meditation.

Who to ask
Bernie (012-263 7912)
Angeline (03-7955 0845)

LIMITED PLACES ONLY - PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!

Spirituality & Consciousness in a Changing World

About the Programme

Dr Chia’s talks will focus on what it means to be Christian in the modern and increasingly postmodern world with its mind-boggling changes in almost every field of human activity. He will address transitions in the science, religion, politics and cultures of the world and discuss what has come to be known as World Christianity.

This workshop will explore developing fields in the area not only of Catholic theology but also of humanity's collective consciousness. He will draw on the groundbreaking works of transpersonal theorist Ken Wilber as well as the integral vision of the holistic health physician Deepak Chopra. These works are helping us to cross borders that divide and bring people together in God's loving embrace.

About the facilitator            

Edmund Chia is originally from Kuala Lumpur where he began his career as a teacher. From 1996-2004 he was the executive secretary of interreligious dialogue for the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. He then taught at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, a seminary and graduate school of ministry.

Since 2011 he has been on the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy of the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. He has a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Human Development, an M.A. in Comparative Religion (all from the U.S.), and a Ph.D in Intercultural Theology (from the Netherlands).

When
Thursday 19 June    7.30 pm – 10.30 pm [Registration at 7pm]
Friday 20 June        7.30 pm – 10.30 pm

Where
La Salle Hall, Jalan 5/15B, Off Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya

Registration
RM 20 for both the talks (inclusive of light refreshment during breaks) which can be paid on the first evening. Kindly complete & return the form via email to chowbernie@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance.

Closing Date: June 14, 2013

Enquiries
Angeline (03-7955 0845); Bernie (012-2637912)