Workshop Outline - January 14 - 15, 2006
Science and Spirituality:
"Friends at Last"
Brother Bernard Seif, SMC, EdD, NMD - Catholic monastic monk to share rare weekend workshop
on 'Science & Spirituality' at Kahuna Valley Retreat
Catholic monastic monk Brother Bernard Seif, will be coming from the Salesian Monastery
of Pennsylvania to teach a weekend workshop on "Science and Spirituality" on
January 14 & 15 as a special guest lecturer for the educational non-profit, Kahuna
Valley. Seif is a Catholic monastic monk and clinical psychologist as well as being board
certified in behavioral medicine. He is also a doctor of naturopathic medicine, and skilled
in the Chinese practice of Medical Qigong. He has traveled to China, Tibet and India
to learn deeply of the eastern healing traditions, bringing together the best of the
eastern and western healing philosophies in his teachings. "As humanity continues
to evolve, it has becoming increasingly clear that science and spirituality are not irreconcilable
opposites," says the enigmatic monk. “They are, rather, two manifestations
of a greater Whole. Our time together will look at the scientific method as a launching
pad from which we can venture forth into the world of philosophy and theology. Expressions
of this world include such fascinating topics as natural medicine, neuropychology, and
cellular biology. All of this will be looked at in a "user friendly" fashion
and include time for meditation, Qigong exercise, and reflection. "
Though considers himself a perpetual student, Brother Bernard is an articulate and learned
teacher who manages to bring humor and light to all his teachings. His cultural sensitivity
has given him entrée into countries and cultures that might otherwise hesitate
to share their ancient wisdom with curious westerners. He has a passion for understanding
what motivates both human health and suffering from spiritual, psychological and physical
levels, which has inspired the abbot of the Salesian Monastery to write not only clinical
papers for respected medical publications, but to author a series of intriguing monastic
mysteries. When asked what compelled him to write mysteries, Seif smiles and says thoughtfully, “Most
of my published writings have been in professional journals. It is so refreshing to write
without the confines of the scientific method. Writing monastic mysteries helps me to
process and enjoy even more deeply the experiences life has gifted me with.”
“Brother Bernard is a rare individual,” says Francesco Garripoli who will
be hosting the Catholic monk, “He is able to integrate both western and eastern
philosophies and not take away from either. He teaches us how a compassionate and open
mind is the key to higher learning and spiritual growth, regardless of faith or religious
tradition. Brother Bernard’s workshop will be sure to inspire those searching for
ways to understand the connection between faith, clinical psychology, natural medicine,
Chinese medicine and East-West spirituality.”
Brother Bernard Seif will be teaching at Kahuna Valley Jan. 14 & 15 from 9:30 am
to 4:30 pm, as well as presenting at Kukui Grove at the Interfaith Roundtable's Martin
Luther King Day festivities on Jan. 16. For more information, contact Daisy Lee-Garripoli
at (808) 822-4268 or visit www.kahunavalley.org.
Workshop Program:
As humanity continues to evolve, it has becoming increasingly clear that science and
spirituality are not irreconcilable opposites. They are, rather, two manifestations of
a greater Whole. Our time together will look at the scientific method as a launching
pad from which we can venture forth into the world of philosophy and theology. Expressions
of this world include such fascinating topics as natural medicine, neuropychology, and
cellular biology. All of this will be looked at in a “user friendly” fashion
and include time for meditation and reflection.
Course Outline:
Methods of Knowing: 1) tenacity, 2) authority, 3) a priori / intuition, 4) science
Scientific methodology (see Kerlinger & Lee)
Three Aspects of any classic Philosophical system: 1) ontology (what is real), 2) epistemology
(how we know), 3) axiology (the beautiful / values)
“Philosophy is the servant of theology.”
When theology flowers into prayer, it is spirituality.
Various spiritualities, e.g., Franciscan, Ignatian, Salesian, The Dao, etc.
Salesian Spirituality: Origin and application for today; Spiritual Direction as an aid
to our spiritual / prayer life
Natural Medicine: 7 Principals & Naturopathic Doctor’s Oath; Doctor Murray’s “Natural
Facts” on Optimism, Immunity, Cardiovascular Health, & Self-Actualization
Candice Pert, PhD, material: Your Body is your Subconscious Mind / The Molecules of
Emotion; Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)
Eastern spirituality—Buddhism
Clinical & Experimental Psychology: Brainwaves; Neurofeedback
Qigong & Medical Qigong research: Chinese Herbology; Qi Machines
Concluding reflection questions: What is my style of knowing? What are the prejudices
that block my learning? What additional areas of knowledge would help bring greater balance
to my life?
REFERENCES
Capra, F. (1991). The Tao of Physics. Boston, MA: Shambhala.
CHI Institute. 1000 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA. 1-800-743-5608. www.chi.us.
Cohen, K. (1997). The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing. New
York, NY: Ballantine Books.
Diagnos-Techs (clinical & research laboratory). 6620 S. 192nd Place, Building J,
Kent, WA 98032. 1-800-
878-3787. www.diagnostechs.com.
Dossey, L. (1993). Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine. New
York, NY: HarperSanFrancisco.
James, W. (1997). Varieties of Religious Experience. Carmichael, CA: Touchstone Books.
Johnston, W. (1997). Silent Music: The Science of Meditation. New York, NY: Fordham University
Press.
Kerlinger, F. & Lee, H. (1999). Foundations of Behavioral Research. Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth Publishing.
Leech, K. (2001). Soul Friend. Seattle, WA: Morehouse Publishing.
Pert, C. (2000). Your Body is Your Subconscious. (audio-tapes) Boulder, CO: Sounds True.
1-800-333-9185 www.soundstrue.com.
Poesnecker, G. (1996). It’s Only Natural. Quakertown, PA: Humanitarian Publishing
[Clymer / Woodlands Healing Research Centers]. 1-800-300-5168 www.healing.org.
Qigong Database. (updated periodically). (CD for computer) Qigong Institute, 561 Berkeley
Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025. (650) 323-1221. www.qigonginstitute.org.
Ryan, J. K. (Ed.) (1966). Introduction to the Devout Life. (by St. Francis de Sales).
Garden City, NY.
Taylor, B. (2002). The Luminous Web: Essays on Science and Religion. Cambridge, MA:
Cowley Publications.
Yang, J. (1997). The Scientific Foundation of Chinese Qigong. (videotape) Roslindale,
MA: YMAA Publication Center. 1-800-669-8892. www.ymaa.com.
Handouts: Course outline & References, ProThera Brochures, Medical Applications
of Qigong Research Vipassana meditation.
Audiovisuals: Tumor Video, Pert audios, Qi research,
Experiential: Five Elements Qigong, Meditation, Pulse Dx, Chi Machines
Registration:
January 14th , Part I - $95
January 15th, Part II - $95
Both days together: $175
For more information or to register please click here
Special Accommodations:
Aloha Beach Resort in Kapaa has a special $89.00/night/room rate for the Kahuna
Valley Retreat. Two persons in the same room would share the cost. Call directly at (808) 823-6000. For
people who want to sleep in the Octagon classroom at Kahuna Valley, (bring a blanket or sleeping bag)
the rate is $45/night.
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