Planet Earth needs impassioned activists working together to raise consciousness and transform society. Spiritual Activist Training: Tools to Change Ourselves and the World is an opportunity to learn about and begin to implement a compelling vision of what your life – all our lives – can be, and of a more equitable, sustainable, and just society – one that will empower people and communities.
Spiritual Lifestyle Training – Tools to Change the World and Ourselves – TWO GREAT PROGRAMS THIS SUMMER
Spiritual Lifestyle Training:
Diving Deeply Within – Transforming Fearful Love into Fearless Love 11-19 August
Spiritual Activist Training:
Tools to Change the World 20 Aug – 3 Sept
Those who learn about the suffering and destruction in the world soon discover that these problems do not exist in a vacuum. They are interconnected and caused by an imbalanced and incomplete concept of life. This gets expressed as lopsided or confused values; an often unhealthy relationship with one’s self and with others – whether human, other living beings or nature herself; deteriorating social conditions, a broken political system, and a global economy that makes a few individuals very rich at the expense of both people and the environment.
Tools to Change Ourselves and the World is designed to nurture and develop all aspects of your being – body, mind and self or spirit, as well as deepen your understanding of our social reality, and strengthen your resolve and your ability to transform that reality.
We will collaboratively accomplish this through engaging in a daily routine of collective meditation, yoga postures, kiirtan (singing, chanting) and yogic dances; sharing community life and basic household responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning; study and discussion of relevant socio-economic, political and cultural issues; and learning and making use of a dozen or so practical activist skills.
In the Spiritual Lifestyle Training we will focus on the spiritual practices and teachings of Ananda Marga (“the Path of Bliss”) a global spiritual-social movement whose motto is: “For the liberation of self, and the welfare of this universe”. The base is classical Tantra and Astaunga Yoga, meditation with mantra. If you follow another path or discipline you are also welcome to join. Daily classes will explore and explain the depth and breadth of both philosophy and practices.
During the Spiritual Activist Training daily sessions will include collective study and discussion of Tools to Change the World, a new study guide based on Prout (Progressive Utilization Theory)*. Each day will focus on one module of this program. Each of the modules includes three sections: 1) social realities, 2) a specific aspect of Prout as an alternative socio-economic paradigm, and 3)practical skills with which we can empower ourselves.
The activist tools in this training are proven techniques that unlock our capacity to educate, to build collective power, and to make change. The tool box includes: telling your story, journaling, public speaking for activists, one-on-one interviews, consciousness-raising groups, choosing winning words and slogans, starting successful cooperatives, capturing media attention, leadership training, critical study, and unpacking privilege.
You’ll also have access to many resources, activities, articles, and videos to deepen your activist experience, and equipped to facilitate a similar study circle program wherever you live or work. Each participant will receive the Tools to Change the World Facilitation Guide which includes discussion questions, cooperative games, exercises, and more to excite and inspire a participatory study group and to encourage positive activities to transform both you and the world.
*Please refer to: https://prout.info/what-is-prout
Trainers & Program Support:
Dada Krsnananda
Dada Mahaprajinananda
Didi Ananda Mainjira
Brajesh (Francisco Dinis)
Abhik (Alexandre Ferreira da Silva)
Cinmayii (Krisi Pavlova)
The program:
Spiritual Lifestyle Training:
Diving Deeply Within – Transforming Fearful Love into Fearless Love
August
11 Arrival & Introductions*
12 – 18 Classes & workshops on spiritual philosophy & practices
19 Sharing & Closing
Spiritual Activist Training: Tools to Change the World
August
20 Arrival & Introductions**
21 – 25 Modules 1- 5
26 Community Service – work at the Ananda Kalyani
27 – 31 Modules 6 – 10
September
1 Community Action – applying new skills in the community
2 Evaluation & Sharing/Closing (party!)
3 Departure
You can do one of the above programs or both (we encourage both).
*Please plan to arrive no later than 17:00
**If you will do only the Spiritual Activist Training, please plan to arrive at the venue earlier than 15:00 on 20 August for an orientation.
Please note: We are located approximately 3 hours from either Lisbon or Porto.
ADDRESS: Casa Ananda, Rua Malhadas No. 1, Paul 6215-421 PORTUGAL (near Covilha or Fundao)
Fees (in Euros)*: these include the program, accommodation and food
Program: A B Standard
Spiritual Lifestyle Training 100 135 180
Spiritual Activist Training 160 210 280
Both 245 325 445
A = Russia, Romania, Ukraine & Balkans
B = Portugal & Greece
* Our fees are very reasonable to allow maximum participants to benefit from these programs. Please contact us if you are financially challenged and require further consideration, or if you will attend from outside of Europe.
PAYMENT OPTIONS (deposit of 50 Euros required by 15 July, non refundable after 15 July):
When making payment please indicate: SAT 2019
Account Details:
Account name: Associacao Ananda Marga
Bank name: Montepio
Account no. (NIB): 0036 0191 99100058541 21
IBAN: PT50 0036 0191 99100058541 21
SWIFT: MPIOPTPL
For more information about Ananda Marga, Prout and the venue please check:
www.anandamarga.org
www.amurt.net
www.anandakalyani.org
www.prout.info