Mar
29
3:00 PM15:00

JAPAN: FROM SHINTO TO EMPEROR

Japan is an island nation and its mountains and surrounding water provide a context for its history. The very first human habitation in the Japanese archipelago has been traced to prehistoric times around 30,000 BC. Between the fourth century and the ninth century, Japan's many kingdoms and tribes gradually came to be unified under a centralized government, nominally controlled by the Emperor. This imperial dynasty continues to reign over Japan.

Elisabeth will guide us through some of the highlights of each of Japans historical periods and we will have the opportunity to examine the myths, art and architecture of each period. We will also explore early Japanese religious life which is a mix of native Shinto practices and Buddhism.

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EGYPT: MYTH AND ETERNITY
Feb
23
3:00 PM15:00

EGYPT: MYTH AND ETERNITY

Egypt has long been a land of endless fascination and a favorite travel destination. Millennia-old monuments sit along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza's colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor's hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs.

Join Elisabeth as she takes us on a historical tour of Egypt, exploring the dynasties of the pharaohs and their pyramids. Learn about the religion of early prehistoric Egypt…its gods and goddesses, myths and icons…and what was done to ensure a successful journey into the underworld and eternity.

Elisabeth has been to Egypt a number of times and her lecture will explore not only ancient Egypt but also the modern country it has become. Come join us for a tour of this magnificent and mysterious land.

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BOROBUDUR: THE MIDDLE PATH
Feb
17
2:00 PM14:00

BOROBUDUR: THE MIDDLE PATH

Borobudur is a 9th Century Mahayana Buddhist stupa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Java. It is the world’s largest Buddhist stupa and consists of stacked platforms and a central stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with low reliefs that are excellent examples of 9th century Indonesian art.

Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The central stupa is empty, in contrast to the other 72 stupas. In this lecture you will tour the stupa and discover how the superstructure corresponds perfectly with the Buddhist cosmology and conception of the Universe.

You will also learn some of the basic concepts about the different traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices of Buddhism such as circumambulation…walking clockwise around the stupas. The benefits of this practice are well know to Buddhists and are believed to produce purity, make one good, radiant and wise and lead to enlightenment.

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