WORKSHOPS

Learn To Meditate with Swami Shankarananda (Hinduism): Swami Shankarananda is the director of the Shiva School of Meditation and Yoga, author of many books including the best selling “Happy For No good Reason” and a guru in the powerful ancient Siddha tradition. His ashram in Mount Eliza is world-renowned as one of the very few authentic centres of Shiva Kundalini Yoga, in which a living master lives and teaches. Well-known for his loving and humorous style, Swamiji has taught thousands of people to meditate.  In this workshop Swamiji will teach his practical method of Self-inquiry, the Shiva Process. He will show you how to use meditative awareness to deal with blocks and obstacles in your life and will give you tools to continue your Self-inquiry meditation in the future.  For further information see www.shivayoga.org

African Drumming Workshop with Simon Fraser (African Indigenous): African Drumming is a proven, fun filled activity designed to bring people together. By creating a relaxed environment, which inspires group participation and synergy, African Drumming breaks down social barriers and allows individuals from all walks of life to harmoniously work together. Drumming also helps individuals to disengage from mental activity and brings relief from mental stress, creating better focus and clarity. So come join the meditative, energy-lifting, group-bonding world of African Drumming and embrace yourself for a fun filled experience!

Laughter Yoga Workshop with Carolyn Nicholson (Multifaith): Carolyn Nicholson has always loved to laugh, so when she met Dr Madan Kataria the founder of Laughter Yoga she knew it was ‘meant to be’. Carolyn trained with Madan to become a Laughter leader and teacher, and for the last four years Laughter has been the main focus in her life, beginning each day with a meditation and 10 minutes laughter.  Carolyn’s husband Des has healed himself of cancer with the same daily practise. Over the past 15 to 20 years Carolyn has worked as a Masseuse, Reflexologist, Counsellor, Pranic Healer, Reconnective Healer, Reiki , Vibrational Healing and also travelled to Austin Texas to train as a Trance Dance presenter.  Carolyn says 'I love to laugh, love and heal myself and others'.

 TALKS

Our planet is currently facing serious environmental challenges including  water and food shortages, global warming, deforestation, and unprecedented loss of species and habitat.  Environmentalists, economists and politicians are in hot debate over possible solutions to these challenges. Join us from a fresh perspective as speakers from four diverse faith traditions give their views on this topic drawing on the wisdom of their respective faith. Speakers include Rabbi Keren-Black (Jewish faith), Anne Boyd (Christian Faith), Dr Jo Sharvani Hughson (Hindu Faith) and Norman Currie (Others). A representative from the Mornington Peninsula Shire will also provide an overview of the expected impacts of Climated Change on the Mornington Peninsula.

 ART

2009 Art Exhibition: The Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network (MPIN) is conducting an art exhibition on the theme 'Spirituality: What it means to me'. The aim of the exhibition is to increase awareness of the diverse ways individuals express the theme of ‘Spirituality’. The exhibition will take place between 1:30pm and 6:00pm in the foyer of the Peninsula Community Theatre. Prizes will be awarded for each age category (primary school, secondary school and adult/professional) chosen by a panel of experienced judges.  A people's choice award will also be selected on the day.

Butter Sculpting with Venerable Thubten Khedup (Buddhism): Venerable Thubten Khedup trained as a Ritual Master in Tenzin Gang in East India, residing in his monastery for more than 30 years. He is skilled in Sand Mandala making, Butter Sculpting, Stupa Making and numerous other practices. Ven. Khedup will hold a one hour Butter Sculpting workshop teaching people how to make sculptures and their significance. Butter Sculpting is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition, where yak butter and dye are used to create temporary symbols for the Tibetan New Year and other religious celebrations. They are displayed on altars and shrines in monasteries or family homes. Ven. Khedup is currently at the Thupten Shedrup Ling Monastery in Bendigo, his role is acting as adviser to the construction team of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. 

Creating Enquiry for Artists: The Source of inspiration and great ideas is inside each and every one of us. Creative Inquiry for Artists provides a simple technique of guided meditation to take us directly to that Source, our inner most divine nature, unraveling any blocks that may be stopping our creativity and expression. This workshop, led by artist-teacher-curator Lakshmi Thurley, will leave you inspired and give you clear steps to fulfilling any creative project.

 FILM

Campfire Film Festival: An opportunity to preview some of the best short films presented by the Campfire Film Festival. In the twenty-first century, technology brings our world closer together. Yet ironically, spiritual conflict born of tribalism and intolerance is as strong as ever. Campfire’s aim is to harness the power of modern technology, and bring together disparate faiths and ideologies through the language of film. Take time to sample these quality short films before the inaugural Campfire Awards screening on Sunday 29 November at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne.  More information see www.campfire.net.au

 MUSIC & DANCE

One Fire Dance Troupe (Indigenous): The concept of One Fire Dance Troupe is to dance around one fire in the spirit of reconciliation and harmony. The core dancers are Geoff Tye and his brother John Tye. The Tye boys are from the Yorta Yorta people situated around the Barmah forest near Echuca. Geoff and John Tye started the group in 1995, naming it so to encompass more than one tribe (mob). John Tye, solo singer, received his first lessons in the treasures of his culture from Jim Remedio. He learnt Indigenous Performing Arts from Elders: Edgar Harris (googialangi), Phil Gaiah (Jabuki), Ian Hinter (Wurrundjeri) and Kutja Edwards (Mutti Mutti). John researched the songlines of various Koori tribes.

Nadanalaya Academy of Dance: The Nadanalaya Academy of Dance have staged several ballets in Melbourne, such as Santhasorubi, Kumarasambavam, Krishna Avatharam and Navarasa Shivasakthi along with traditional and contemporary dances that have won the praise of the public.  The students of the Academy have performed in numerous cultural functions, school concerts and religious festivals, with a notable appearance in the Centenary Celebrations of the Australian Federation. For more information on the Academy check out their website at: www.nadanalaya.com

ZAZU (Indigenous): Contemporary drum and dance ensemble, ZAZU, present a colourful and energetic performance of rhythm, movement and song inspired by the indigenous music of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. With an impressive display of traditional  instruments, they combine their knowledge of jazz and contemporary music with studies under African drumming and dancing masters abroad. ZAZU bring a new fusion of uplifting tribal beats and rich, dynamic movement and song.

Temple Beth Israel Choir (Judaism): Since 1991 the Temple Beth Israel Choir has performed at various services including the 'Festival of Jewish Choirs", the 'B’nai B’rith Variety of Stars Concert' and the 'Choral Festival for the Council of Christian and Jews'. One of the most memorable services was for the 'Order of Australia Association Interfaith Observance' in the presence of Australia's Governor General Michael Jeffries and former Governor General Sir Zelman Cohen. Also present were: the Catholic Bishop Chrisopher Prowse, Muslim Leader Sheik Fehmi Naji Elimam, and the Uniting Church’s Reverend George Grant. The Temple Beth Israel Choir is led by Music Director Joe Stupel who in 2003 was awarded the Ner Tamid Award by the World Union for Progressive Judaism and the Menorah award from B’nai B’rith for the work he has done for Jewish Music in Australia for over 5 decades. For more information see  www.tbi.org.au

Sudanese Chollo Choir (Christian): The Sudanese Chollo Choir, from the St James Anglican Church in Dandenong, will perform heartfealt Christian gospel singing. The Chollo are one of the tribal groups making up the Southern Sudanese community in Melbourne, currently the largest refugee group settled here. Dressed in their traditional colours, holding hands, singing enthusiastic and beautiful choruses while stepping to an enchanting african drumbeat, this choir will blow your socks away. Led by Reverend Stephen Goldit and Oyem.

INDIGO Singers (Christian). The INterDenominational Inspirational GOspel  Singers are an ecumenical a’cappella community choir based at St Peters Anglican Church in Mornington. They sing a variety of contemporary and traditional Gospel arrangements, together with songs that deliver a strong message of peace, hope, joy and harmony. They rehearse on Friday evenings from 7.00 to 9.00pm and new members are always welcome, no experience necessary. For more information go to www.twobayschoir.blogspot.com or contact Sue Kirkpatrick on (03) 8707 0031.

Abdul Rasheed & Colour of Unity: This group consists of musicians with various ethnic backgrounds who play traditional instruments and perform Qawali music, which is sacred devotional music inspired by Islam. The songs are performed in Urdu, Arabic and English. The group has performed in numerous functions including the Holy Melbourne Concert and the Muslim Music Festival. The Musical Director of the group is Abdul Rasheed who formed his first music group at age 18. Abdul studied singing from singers in Fiji, who performed the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Sabri Brothers. He developed interest in religion and became a teacher in Qur'an. Abdul migrated to Australia in 1999. He currently performs his own compositions as well as famous pieces.

Shiva Yoga Chanting Group: The Shiva Yoga Chanting Group is a group of devotional chanters who's music is a blend of East and West influences. They perform different styles of chanting such as kirtans which emphasise audience participation and bhajans which are performance based music. The group has performed at various interfaith events including the 'Warburton Harmony Festival', the 'Rye Interfaith Festival' and the 'Great Saints Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria'.