The Godspeed Institute - 01/22/12

THE SIDDHARTHA SCHOOL PROJECT, WITH LISA V. BLAKE

Join Caer Hallundbaek in an engaging hour with Lisa V. Blake, Executive
Director of the Siddhartha School Project - an educational wonder in
Ladakh, India founded by Tibetan Monk and educator, Khen Rinpoche Lobzang
Tsetan.

Find out why the school was founded, learn about Buddhist principles and
Khen Rinpoche's journey, and see how our efforts are interconnected, even
as we are on opposite sides of the world.

What started in a one-room shed is now an exemplary school with over 300
students in grades K through 10. The Siddhartha School gives the children
of Ladakh access to the highest-quality, thoroughly modern education in
the region, while also honoring their life-ways and traditions in the
curriculum and school activities. From her offices in Freeport, Maine,
Lisa organizes efforts to support the Siddhartha School in India.

Topics in this hour include: Lisa's experience as a Catholic woman drawn
to Buddhism; the journey of Khen Rinpoche; why he founded the school; the
education the school provides; how it supports the Dalai Lama's interest
in modern science and technology, while still retaining the traditional
and sustainable wisdom; building bridges across cultures; Buddhist
philosophy and practice; meditation; karma - individual and collective;
compassion; Caer's Tip for your Spiritual Toolbelt; and more.


For more information, visit http://godspeedinstitute.com/

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The Godspeed Institute - 01/15/12

THOR’S HAMMER: THE BELIEFS OF THE OLD NORSE

Dr. Terry Gunnell is professor of Folkloristics at the University of Iceland at Reykjavik, where he teaches Old Nordic religion and mythology, Scandinavian Folk Tales and Traditions; Icelandic Legends, Folk Beliefs and Society; Tolkien; and much more. He received his PhD in Icelandic Studies at the University of Leeds, is a prolific writer, and the editor of the books ‘Legends and Landscape’ and ‘Masks and Mumming in the Nordic Area.’

Topics in this engaging hour include: Gunnell’s favorite Old Norse deity; the Old Nordic worldview; their relationship with people, the earth, nature, the elements; the peoples who make up the Nordic or Scandinavian cultures; Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya and other gods; how women were much more central in the older traditions as the majority of priests; a spirituality based in the present; the landscape; the film The 13th Warrior; the role of human beings in Norse mythology; Icelandic developments and the impact of Irish slaves; the Vikings; dreams, omens and the dead; JRR Tolkien, The Hobbit, and Nazi Germany; the popular presence of fantasy including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Narnia Chronicles; our yearning for mythology; and much more.

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The Godspeed Institute - 01/08/12

REPEAT PROGRAM: SUFISM AND THE WAY OF BLAME: HIDDEN SOURCES OF A SACRED PSYCHOLOGY

 

What is the Way of Blame in the Sufi tradition? It's not likely what you're thinking. Dr. Yannis Toussulis, psychologist, is the author of 'Sufism and the Way of Blame: Hidden Sources of a Sacred Psychology.' He currently serves as director of Itlaq Foundation - a non-denominational religious non-profit dedicated to Sufi Studies.

Dr. Toussulis formerly served as director of the Consciousness Program, Antioch University/West, and taught political psychology at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Topics in this engaging hour include: What Sufism is; what the Way of Blame refers to; superfluous blame and guilt as obstacles; the Malamati school of Sufism, dating back to the 9th century; meaning; values; non-duality; the lack of the necessity to adopt a doctrinaire system of fixed beliefs; spiritual maturity; how the image of God changes as we do; obstructions to growth; martyrdom; dialogue; religious tolerance; his work with the last living representative of the Malamati school; the week's tip for your Spiritual Tool Belt; and more.

For more information, visit www.godspeedinstitute.com

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The Godspeed Institute- 01/01/12

REPEAT PROGRAM: 12/11/11

 

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The Godspeed Institute- 12/25/11

REPEAT PROGRAM: 11/27/11

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Godspeed - 12/18/11

REPEAT PROGRAM: 09/18/11

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The Godspeed Institute- 12/11/11

FINDING PEACE IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, THROUGH SUFI WISDOM 

 

Philosophy. He is the author of 'A Commuter's Guide to Enlightenment' and the new book 'Sufism for the Western Seeker' which he will discuss at length with Caer Hallundbaek on Sunday's program. Dr. Bitkoff is a frequent contributor to Sufism: An Inquiry and Sacred Journey Magazine and writes for multiple online entities, including the Philadelphia Spirituality Examiner, Wisdom Magazine, New Age Journal, and more. 

The Godspeed Institute- 12/04/11

THE SUMMUM PATH OF SELF-LIBERATION

If you visit the organization SUMMUM in Salt Lake City, Utah, you can find

a modern day pyramid built as a sacred meditation sanctuary. You can also

enter the journey of the SUMMUM philosophy, and, if you like, make

arrangements for your mummification. SUMMUM is a spiritual center founded

on principles that guided the civilizations of ancient Egypt, among

others. They have been featured in educational television programs such as

National Geographic Explorer, the BBC's "The Face of Tutankhamun," and The

Quest on The Learning Channel. Su Menu is president of SUMMUM and talks to

Caer Hallundbaek today about its history, purpose and gifts.

Topics in this hour include: how SUMMUM came into being; what issues it

seeks to address; the Summum Philosophy and where it came from; why Su was

drawn to them; the Seven Summum Principles; The Divine Proportion; the

building of the pyramid in Utah and how is it utilized; the recent

discovery of many pyramids in China, and around the world; the rite of

mummification; death and the spirit in SUMMUM philosophy; how this

perspective of death related to other faiths; The Tibetan Book of the

Dead; the purpose of mummification; Caer’s reflection on death; and much

more.

For more information, visit www.godspeedinstitute.com or www.summum.us

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Godspeed - 11/27/11

INTERVIEW WITH JEAN BELIVEAU, RETURNING FROM HIS 10-YEAR WALK FOR PEACE

On August 18th, 2000, at 9:00 am, Jean Béliveau left Montreal, Canada. His goal was to walk around the planet to promote peace and non-violence for the children of the world. He traveled alone with a three-wheeled stroller that held his food, clothing, a First Aid kit, a small tent and a sleeping bag. Jean walked across the continents, from North America to South America, then across to South Africa, up to Europe, then the Middle East, South and Eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand and finally back to Canada. Known as "The Walker," he returned home on October 16, 2011, after meeting 1600 families around the world and walking more than 75,000 kilometers.

Caer Hallundbaek speaks with him about his journey, which was made in support of the United Nations International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World.

Topics in this hour include: what inspired him to go on this decade-long journey; where he was on 9-11 and how it affected his journey and thoughts; stories from the road, including the U.S., Peru, Africa, the Middle East, the Philippines, Europe; his encounters with poverty, children, joy; how these affected his spirituality; how joy is not found in material values and gadgets; how his life was changed by this journey; a reflection for your spiritual tool belt; and much more.

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Godspeed - 11/20/11

REPEAT PROGRAM

Godspeed - 11/13/11

HYPNOSIS AND SPIRITUAL HEALING, WITH REV. JANET I. DECKER

Rev. Janet I. Decker is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church in Modesto, CA, and is a dean of metaphysics at The International Metaphysical University.  She is also a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a certified Hypnoanesthesia therapist.

A graduate of The Institute of Ethical and Clinical Hypnosis in Washington, D.C., she is creator and publisher of 10 hypnosis self-help and spiritual development resources. A qualified forensic hypnotist, Rev. Decker has worked with various law enforcement agencies, as well as persons in the private sector, to help witnesses and victims of crime or accidents to recover repressed or forgotten information. She is a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, the American Association of Behavioral Therapists, and the United Metaphysical Churches.

Topics in this hour include: The International Metaphysical University, and its development; the role world religions play in the curriculum at IMU; the mystical component of religious traditions; consciousness; how we are part of a greater consciousness, but often do not realize it; consciousness in relation to healing; Decker’s discovery of her interest in hypnosis; how she found it more helpful than psychology; how it affects consciousness; how hypnosis allows her to help heal clients; the spirituality of this work; her role as a minister; psychic and intuitive development; how any one can develop these faculties; Carole’s weekly tip for your spiritual toolbelt; and more.

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Godspeed - 11/6/11

THE IMPACT OF NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES, WITH LEE WITTING

  

Carole Hallundbaek speaks with Reverend Dr. Leland Witting, Pastor of the
Union Street Brick Church in Bangor, Maine and Staff Chaplain at Eastern
Maine Medical Center. He holds a doctorate in Near Death Studies from
Bangor Theological Seminary and is a board member of the International
Association for Near-Death Studies. Founded in 1978, it was the first
organization in the world devoted to the study of near-death and similar
experiences and their relationship to human consciousness.

Topics in this hour include: what a near death experience (NDE) is;
Witting's own experience of an NDE at age 8; who coined the term near
death experience in the 1970s and its prevalence in culture and films; the
4 phases of NDE - disassociation, naturalistic/supernatural perception,
life review, return; distressing NDEs; some aftereffects of NDE; how his
affects his service as a hospital chaplain; stories of NDEs – accounts
that he has found particularly striking; why is it important to study
NDEs; its unifying impact on religious communities; the material and the
spiritual; how today's crises, including the Occupy Wall Street movement,
is a result of a deep-seated desire for a change in values that are
spiritual at their core; and more.

For more information, visit www.godspeedinstitute.com

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Godspeed - 10/30/11

BUDDHA, CHRIST, AND INTERRELIGIOUS PEACE, WITH DR. LEO D. LEFEBURE

“…mindfulness is very much like the Holy Spirit. Both of them help us touch the ultimate dimension of reality. Mindfulness helps us to touch nirvana, and the Holy Spirit offers us a door to the Trinity.”

-from Living Buddha, Living Christ, by Thich Nhat Hanh

In this program Carole Hallundbaek speaks with Dr. Leo D. Lefebure, Matteo Ricci, S.J. Professor of Theology at Georgetown University. A prolific writer and traveler of where religious paths cross, merge and support each other, he is the author of The Buddha and the Christ: Explorations in Buddhist-Christian Dialogue; Life Transformed: Meditations on the Christian Scriptures in Light of Buddhist Perspectives; The Path of Wisdom: A Christian Commentary on the Dhammapada; and Revelation, the Religions, and Violence, recipient of the Pax Christi U.S.A. 2001 Book Award. 

He has also served on the board of directors of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies; was a participant in the New York Buddhist-Catholic dialogue; an adviser to the Board of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue; and is currently on the Board of Trustees of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions.  

Topics in this hour include: Lefebure’s own background as a Roman Catholic with diverse Christians in his family;  how interfaith studies and dialogue become a central focus of his life’s work; his book Life Transformed: Meditations on the Christian Scriptures in Light of Buddhist Perspectives; a meditation from the book; why it is important to explore and make connections between Buddhism and Christianity (or other faiths); the relationships between Buddhism and Christianity; how we get through our adolescence around God and religion that tends to lead to arguments and fighting, including in-fighting; his book Revelation, the Religions, and Violence; the “scapegoat mechanism”; loving thy neighbor, listening and lunch; the violence around differing religious beliefs; his experiences in interreligious dialogue and memorable moments; bringing discussions on religious tolerance into the community;  the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions; Tip for your Spiritual Toolbelt; and more. 

For more information, visit godspeedinstitute.com

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Godspeed - 10/23/11

SUFISM AND THE WAY OF BLAME: HIDDEN SOURCES OF A SACRED PSYCHOLOGY

 

What is the Way of Blame in the Sufi tradition? It's not likely what you're thinking. Dr. Yannis Toussulis, psychologist, is the author of 'Sufism and the Way of Blame: Hidden Sources of a Sacred Psychology.' He currently serves as director of Itlaq Foundation - a non-denominational religious non-profit dedicated to Sufi Studies.

Dr. Toussulis formerly served as director of the Consciousness Program, Antioch University/West, and taught political psychology at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Topics in this engaging hour include: What Sufism is; what the Way of Blame refers to; superfluous blame and guilt as obstacles; the Malamati school of Sufism, dating back to the 9th century; meaning; values; non-duality; the lack of the necessity to adopt a doctrinaire system of fixed beliefs; spiritual maturity; how the image of God changes as we do; obstructions to growth; martyrdom; dialogue; religious tolerance; his work with the last living representative of the Malamati school; the week's tip for your Spiritual Tool Belt; and more.

For more information, visit www.godspeedinstitute.com

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Godspeed - 10/16/11

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REPEAT PROGRAM: 05/15/11

Godspeed - 10/09/11

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PAUL HARRISON, PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD PANTHEIST MOVEMENT

Have you felt awed by the power of the ocean, found yourself gazing at the stars in wonder, or felt a sure sense of belonging while in nature? Do you find it difficult to imagine a divinity or spirituality somehow set apart from the power of nature and the universe? Then you may be a Pantheist. Dr. Paul Harrison is the founder and president of the World Pantheist Movement and the award-winning writer of six books on the environment, population, development and agriculture. He is the author of ‘The Elements of Pantheism,’ which we will discuss at length today, described by critics as “one of the most extraordinary books written in recent years about the subject of religion." Topics in this hour include: Harrison's journey toward Pantheism as a teen in England; what Pantheism is; the heart of Pantheism; the belief that God is the universe; love for the beauty of nature; theism and atheism; Christianity; sacred nature and reverence for the universe; mystery; acceptance of science; respect for human and animal rights; asceticism; unity; Pantheist ethics; controversies; beliefs around natural death, natural funerals, and the afterlife; the week's tip for your spiritual tool belt - St. Francis of Assisi and Steve Jobs; more. For more information, visit www.godspeedinstitute.com

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Godspeed - 10/02/11

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AN HOUR WITH DIVINE MOTHER AUDREY KITAGAWA

“The simplest questions are the most profound. Where were you born? Where is your home? Where are you going? What are you doing? Think about these once in a while and watch your answers change.” - from the book Illusions, by Richard Bach.

In this program Carole Hallundbaek speaks with someone who knows the twists and turns of life’s journey, and has watched her answers change: A former attorney who practiced in Honolulu for twenty years, Audrey Kitagawa became the spiritual leader of The Light of Awareness, a worldwide community based in Hawaii, evolved from the wisdom of the Avatar, Sri Ramakrishna.

A Trustee of the Council For A Parliament of The World’s  Religions, Mother Audrey is a prolific writer on matters of spirituality and multiculturalism, and has served as Advisor to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations.

Topics in this hour include: a prayer; Audrey’s path to becoming Divine Mother and how it evolved; the Avatar, Sri Ramakrishna and his legacy; what an Avatar is; a practical spirituality intended for the householders; the external and internal self; her specific efforts addressing greed and war; the relentless pursuit of materialism and militarism; the tension, imbalance and lack of harmony it has created within the global community; personal responsibility as the way forward, in alignment with the universal laws of harmony, balance and love; tolerance; and more.

Godspeed - 09/25/11

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REPEAT PROGRAM: 06/19/11

Godspeed - 09/18/11

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FOOD AND HEALING - WITH HOLLY NOONAN.

 As a young woman Holly Noonan watched her health dwindle with a chronic illness that dogged her for 7 years and depleted her immune system. She healed herself with food - making herself well in part by  overcoming a decades-old sugar addiction and outgrowing many self-limiting beliefs. A graduate of the The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she now helps others as a life coach, a certified Holistic Health Counselor, and a member of the American Academy of Drugless Practitioners.

Topics in this hour include: Her journey from sickness to health over seven years; the different approaches to diet she tried as she traveled around the world; the importance of the choices we make around food; emotional eating issues that can stand in your way, but are not part of your DNA; the important of ancestral foods; each person's unique 'food fingerprint'; the spiritual core of our relationship with food; how food relates to our full potential and authentic self; The Empowerment Institute; Hope's Edge Farm and community supported agriculture; the Godspeed Tip of the Week; and much more.

Godspeed - 09/11/11

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FOOD AND DIVINE NOURISHMENT, WITH CHEF MARY LANE 

‘All sorrows are less with bread,’ wrote Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. We know the importance of food in terms of survival, in terms of deep, basic connection to another human being, the use of food in religious celebrations, and we are beginning to discern better paths in terms of our health. Our relationship with food is primal and lifelong, and can also be a lifelong challenge. In this program, Carole Hallundbaek explores the fascinating topic of food and spirituality with Mary Lane – a professional chef of 30 years, and the author of ‘Divine Nourishment: A Woman's Sacred Journey with Food.’

Topics in this hour include: What nourishment is (and isn't); what form it takes in our culture; our separation from Mother Earth, going back generations; Lane's awakening and deepening of understanding of the connection between food and nourishment; her book, Divine Nourishment, and how it offers ‘support in reclaiming lost and rejected aspects of ourselves'; Lane's own journey with food and separation; her career as restaurant owner, private chef, caterer of numerous health and spiritual retreats; living and eating seasonally as a road-map to physical and spiritual health; the need for balance; how we can learn to recognize our authentic self through the rhythms of nature; Carole's reading from Dear Little One: Thoughts to My Child in an Uncertain World, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11; applying daily use of healthy organic seasonal foods that are nourishing and appropriate for alignment with the seasonal journey; the ancient Taoist 5 Element System of Nutrition and how it works; this week's Godspeed Tip for your Spiritual Tool Belt; and more.

For more information, visit www.godspeedinstitute.com.