Approaches to Individual Transformation: Buddhism, Krishnamurti and 'A Course in Miracles'
A weekend retreat with Prof. Ted Kneupper Date: July 22-24, 2016 (Fri. 7:00 pm – Sun. 4:30 pm)
Ted Kneupper, Ph.D. is professor emeritus of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, where he taught for nearly 35 years in the Dept. of Philosophy. His focuses of teaching and research range from Philosophy of Science to Mysticism and Psychical Research and Eastern Religions. More recently he has directed his energy to articulating clarifications of the teachings of J. Krishnamurti and those in A Course in Miracles, which he sees as different modes of expressing fundamentally similar insights regarding the transformation of the human mind, both in individuals and society, and as an urgent need for life on Earth. Most recently he is engaged in a project with other scholars to make Krishnamurti and his teachings more relevant within the academic world.
In this retreat we will consider the question: What is meant by ‘transformation’ or radical change that is central to many spiritual teachings? We will also inquire into how transformation comes about, giving particular attention to views found in three approaches prominent in the world today, as found in the teachings of Buddhism, Krishnamurti, and A Course in Miracles.
The retreat will begin with an explanatory talk focusing on the general meaning of ‘spiritual transformation,’ followed by a Q/A discussion. The later sessions will focus on the particular way this is thought of within each of these three approaches, such as what Buddhism calls ‘the Eightfold Path,’ which principally emphasizes what it calls ‘meditation;’ then on what Krishnamurti calls the ‘Pathless Land of Truth and Radical Revolution,’ which emphasizes what he considers to be ‘real meditation’ and ‘dialogue;’ and what ACIM calls the ‘process of Atonement,’ which is complete letting go of limited thoughts and beliefs through a process of inner listening that can be facilitated through the use of supportive verbal forms and visualizations.
Following the clarification of each approach, we will engage in concrete types of ‘practice’ or exercises in the transformation process in light of those teachings. This should lead to a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences of these three approaches and the transformation of consciousness they point to.
Cost:
Shared accommodation (double occupancy) with meals:
Regular rate: $250 Early bird rate*: $220
Private accommodation with meals:
Regular rate: $300 Early bird rate*: $270
Day Commuter – with meals:
Regular rate: $190 Early bird rate*: $170
Day Commuter – without meals:
Regular rate: $140 Early bird rate*: $120
* valid up to 30 days before the event
Extend your weekend with a personal retreat of up to 3 nights for a discounted rate of only $40 per night.
Persons with significant financial constraints may be offered a special discount. Please contact the program manager, Ralph Tiller.
