Interfaith

This multifaith slide presentation explores visual representations of the Virgin Mary and Guanyin (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, aka Kwan Yin) as they appear in sacred art traditions.  As we examine resonances between these two examples of the divine feminine, we’ll take a deep dive into the nature of compassion and the gestural language of open-heartedness. Discover how you can reclaim these two archetypes of love and compassion and draw upon them sources of inspiration and healing energy.  Explore a somatic experience through gestures and postures that overcome the ego, unlock the heart, and communicate compassion. We will engage in this practice of embodied prayer together, as we live into precious values that we cherish while generating and radiating that energy in the world.

An exploration of the relationships between sacred art, interfaith dialogue, and individual spiritual transformation. Using many specific examples from painting, sculpture, architecture, and music, we look at the opportunities that sacred art from around the world offers us to open our selves in humility and move toward respectful listening, appreciation, and dialogue.  We consider the life-affirming power of beauty and how it opens our hearts; how the study of the meaning and symbols in sacred art can open our minds and help us understand other religions and spiritual paths; and how the infinite creativity of humanity is the source of cultural diversity. By creating and experiencing sacred art we can become grounded in a joyful embodied spirituality that affirms our common humanity.