CNS Sweden |
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A Bio-psychology Intensive Seminar was conducted at CNS Sweden by Dr. Richard Maxwell from the USA . The 25 participants included six from Thailand and Norway . The overall goal of the seminar was to provide an understanding of basic physiology and to show that prevalent concepts in western science are consistent with the science of bio-psychology as explained by Shrii PR Sarkar. Implications of Shrii Sarkar's statements about physiology, particularly the pineal gland, were examined in |
| depth. The central role of devotion in Ananda Marga practices was elaborated through quotes from Shrii Sarkar's discourses and demonstrated to correspond to brain systems that may be related to gurucakra. The week long program dealt with basic science of physiology, cakras, emotions, vrttis, sama'dhi and Ananda Marga practices. A more detailed outline of the program is included below: |
Monday Basic science of the nervous system, endocrine system and immune system. Basic science of the pineal gland. Tuesday Basic Ananda Marga concepts of cakras, possible embryological links and relationships with the physiology of acupuncture. Science-based answers to perturbing questions about cakras. Wednesday Psychological theories of emotion. Vrttis and their relationship to emotions and the brain. |
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Thursday |
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Dr. Richard Maxwell specializes in clinical neuropsychology with a large part of his practice serving individuals with brain injuries or other neurological challenges. An active member of Ananda Marga since 1974, he has tried to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. His most recent scientific interest is in brain phenomena associated with ecstatic states arising from meditation. He has worked to translate aspects of tantric yoga philosophy and practices into a framework that has meaning and validity from the perspective of western science. |
CNS Sweden Given by Vishva Shanti Ole Brekke |
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This two day workshop for potential neohumanist educators was held in August at CNS in Sweden and conducted by Vishva Shanti Ole Brekke, director of The Commedia School in Copenhagen . It is natural for teachers to want to expand their knowledge of ways to approach an educational situation. The workshop was to introduce these future teachers to the process of using theatre in whatever teaching situation they might find themselves from toddlers to adults. |
The workshop itself was designed to demonstrate that using a well planned theatrical model in approaching any educational theme will accomplish several educational objectives in one project. For the workshop, educational objectives were divided into five categories: 1) Knowledge, 2) Inquiry and problem solving skills, 3) Social skills, 4) Psycho-motor skills, and 5) Values. The workshop introduced the participants to all five areas with special emphasis on social skills and psycho-motor skills. On evaluating the workshop at the close, the general consensus of the participants was that they appreciated getting to know one another in different ways and that it was also enjoyable to use their bodies actively during the entire process. New doors were opened when it was demonstrated that chemistry, mathematics and biology could be enjoyably approached by using theatre. More about The Commedia School programs including TIE (Theatre In Education) can be found on the web, www.commediaschool.com or by writing to obrekke@commediaschool.com . TIE became a part of The Commedia School 's program in 1991 and has since been offered to groups, universities and other educational institutions in South America, North America, and Europe . |
Ydrefors Study Circle (YSC) |
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Professor Agnetta Ottander led a Ydrefors Study Circle (YSC) session on Social Ethics in a Multicultural World in Ydrefors , Sweden . Ms. Ottander is a specialist on Voice, Speech and Oral Interpretation and associated with CNS-Sweden. YSC has attracted the attention of Swedish Citizens. Twenty-four participants joined the second session on Social Ethics and Yogic life Style held on August 7,2005. An Addiction Prevention Centre sent eleven of its inmates to benefit from Ydrefors Study Circle . |
| CNS Croatia |
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The second nation wide "My First Book" contest has started with an interview of the winners of the first contest on national TV. Posters have been sent to schools and workshops are offered in schools and libraries. The best 50 books made by children go on an exhibition tour at some libraries. Didi Anandarama has begun doing workshops in schools about “how to make your own book” and will be conducting similar workshops in some places in the coming weeks along with having an exhibition of the books. |
| The picture shows “KUKU" - the creative learning club of CNS. Four children finished together one story book to warn children about mines still in the fields from the last war. This picture was taken at an exhibition of the books of children from the last contest "My First Book" in Karlovac in a Youth Club. The exhibition is going on now to Zadar city and then to Rijeka . The ballet play 'The dance of toys' of the winning story book had its premier last week at the local theatre. |
| CNS Asheville, USA |
| The Center of Neohumanist Studies (CNS) on the Asheville Master Unit (MU) has recently sponsored three lectures followed by workshops on Peace Movements, presented by Clare Hanrahan; Spiritual Cosmology, chaired by Basil Savitsky and Alternative Health, chaired by Cindy Sobering. For the fall we plan to pursue the format of a weekly CNS forum at our downtown Quest Center drawing on one of our themes: multipathic health care, neohumanist education, green economics, inner (spirituality) and outer (environmental) ecology and sustainable community. These weekly forums would be followed up by monthly workshop at the Master Unit Dome. This plan is part of a larger promotion and creation of an ongoing seminar program for the CNS which would be given at the Quest Center , the MU, in cities throughout the region and on line (distance learning). This CNS activity is expected to become a full time schedule in the next year when the second dome, which is under construction now, is completed in the summer of 2006. This second dome will add 4,000 square feet of space including meeting rooms, dorm rooms, kitchen, dinning room and baths to accommodate 50 people. |
The existing dome, for meditation, will be connected to this new dome by a vestibule. The recent addition of 100 acres to the MU creates the opportunity to develop a long term plan for a larger campus for the CNS that will provide additional educational programs and structures, including a complex of buildings to house the Gurukula offices, libraries, classrooms and overnight facilities. The MU also now has the potential for developing approximately 150 acres as a comprehensive MU with agriculture, animal husbandry, cooperatives, ponds, and a nearby cooperative community of members of |
Meadow on the new 100 acres with great agricultural and building potential |
| Ananda Marga. This gives us the opportunity to develop a sustainable community design that integrates MU, individuals and families. We will have a CNS meeting at the MU on November 11 through the 14 which will focus on Sustainable Communities and CNS development of a Gurukula University . |
