Purpose

The Bede Grifflths Association was founded to promote the renewal of contemplative life in the contemporary church and world. This renewal requires, in Fr. Bede's words "a marriage of contemplation and action."

Activities

Promoting the awareness and practice of contemplative prayer, and helping people to dispose themselves to receive the grace of contemplation which, Fr. Bede believed, is offered to everyone. Contemplative practice and experience will, in turn, nurture a spirit of peace and compassion among the peoples of the earth.

Continuing the pioneering work of Father Bede in the area of interreligiious dialogue. This too, he understood, is crucial for the peace of the world and the future of our global family.

Disseminating Fr. Bede's vision in various ways: through making available the books, articles and recordings of Bede and other spiritual teachers, through retreats and contemplative prayer groups, through operation of the Bede Griffiths website and publication of The Golden String bulletin.

Furthering the ongoing life of Shantivanam, Fr. Bede's Ashram in Southern India, and supporting the Ashram’s projects on behalf of the poor in the surrounding villages. The life of the spirit – contemplative life –must be integrated, Bede taught, with the social and economic life of the larger human community.

Events

May 9, 2009

BEYOND THE DARKNESS. A day to celebrate the life and teachings of Dom Bede Griffiths. Our presenter Dr Meath Conlan has been in the forefront of promoting the teachings of Dom Bede Griffiths that outstanding promoter of Inter Religious Dialogue. Through his writings and life style Bede Griffiths has touched the lives of thousands and his message continues to be fresh and challenging. Bede tells us he went to India to find the other half of his soul and in doing so he discovered a spirituality that continues to inspire many. Cost $65.00. One Day Retreats begin at 10.00.am and finish at 4.00.pm. Lunch is provided. Contact information: SANCTA SOPHIA MEDITATION RETREATS 2009. Karith, 50 Riverturn Lane, Warburton 3799, PO Box 53 Warburton, Victoria, 3799, Australia. Tel/Fax 0359662120. Email info@sanctasophia.org.au. Web. www.sanctasophia.org.au

May 15, 16, 17, 2009

THE CROSS AND THE LOTUS. An Insight meditation Workshop for Personal and Spiritual Growth. During this weekend we will explore through meditation and shared reflection the Christian and Buddhist paths that lead to fullness of life. Our guides will be Jesus of Nazareth, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and the Buddha. Our facilitator is Rev Dr. Meath Conlan, PhD, who has had wide experience of both traditions and for many years has been involved in Inter Religious Dialogue in Australia and overseas. In particular, as he refers to the above teachers, he will draw from the inisights of his late Mentor Dom Bede Griffiths. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the 'mahasamadhi' of Dom Bede who died in May 1993. Contact information: Tel/Fax 0359662120. Email info@sanctasophia.org.au. Web. www.sanctasophia.org.au. All Weekend Retreats begin at 8.00 pm on the Friday night and end on Sunday at 4.00 pm.

May 16-17, 2009

BEDE GRIFFITHS MAHASAMADHI CELEBRATION at Osage Forest of Peace, Sand Springs, OK. Saturday conference at 7:00 p.m.: "The Age of the Holy Spirit". Sunday: 4:45 p.m. Fire Blessing, 5:30 buffet supper, followed by "New Church & New World in Bede's Vision" by Fr. Bruno Barnhart, OSB O.Cam. Contact Sr. Pascaline osagemonastery@juno.com.

December 28, 2009

Sakyadhita International Assoc. of Buddhist Women. Conference to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Contact: sakyadhita@gmail.com