Wessex Research Group Network

Wessex Research Group - Education Aid

Title	Education Aid
Venue	Castle of the Muses, Craigard, Carrick Castle, Cairndow, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Map	Show location
Contribution
Contact	Thomas Daffern
Tel	07583 276948
Email	iipsgp@educationaid.net
Web	www.educationaid.net
Schedule
Info	THE VISION OF EDUCATION AID ? The first years of the 2000's represent a critical, challenging and defining moment for humanity. On the one hand enormous problems and difficulties still remain on the global agenda: war, violence, disease, ignorance, unemployment, poverty, civil and political conflict, crime, world hunger, the degradation of nature and the environment, drug abuse, despair, militant nationalism and racialism, inner city problems, violence and sexual abuse against women and children, religious conflicts..... In the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11th 2001, and the continuing conflict in the Middle East the global situation remains poised on a knife-edge. At the same time we all know that there are answers to these problems. Details apart, all who think long and clearly can see that education holds the key to the future: education, in all its variety, complexity and depth: - formal and informal - scientific, ethical and spiritual - from primary school and kindergarten, through secondary and up to higher education and the work of Universities and beyond.

19 July 2009	Conference of the European Pagan Academic and Education Network (EUROPAEN)
Rhos Gallt, Llanerfyl, Powys	The conference is about all aspects of paganism and how they are studied and taught in the UK and internationally, particularly but not exclusively in the British Isles . It is being held in Aberystwyth to enable delegates to hopefully explore the collections of the National Library of Wales and the nearby Institute of Advanced Celtic Studies as well as to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sea air. Excursions to Bardsey Island and Llanfair Caereinion, home of Taliesin, and other sacred sites connected to Druidry are also to be arranged. We are inviting any academics, teachers and educators in the UK who are either known as practicing pagans, or who have an academic interest in paganism as a field of study, interpreted in the broadest sense of the term. Topics addressed could include the study and practice of : Druidry, Wicca, shamanism, prehistoric religions, Classical Greek and Roman religions, Egyptian, Slavonic, Germanic, Norse and Anglo-Saxon religions, Amerindian religion, African, Polynesian, Indian and Asian religions etc. It is the purpose of the conference to advance scholarship and study into all aspects of paganism and to promote a healthy debate about the contributions of paganism to world civilisation and culture. In a world where religion is too often a force for polarization and conflict, we are keen to understand the creative overlap between faith communities and to explore the way that ancient oral pagan traditions often underlie the more recent revealed religions. Teachers interested in paganism and in reviewing the status of paganism on the national curriculum and in the statutory provision for Religious Education are also welcome and invited to attend. For further information on any aspect of the conference, or to offer a paper, please write to: PAEN, Rhos Gallt, Llanerfyl, Powys, Wales, SY21 0ER. Tel. 01938 820586 Mobile : 07951 600959 email: iipsgp@educationaid.net

From October 2008	Pathways of the Spirit - Esoteric and Metaphysical Aspects of World Religions
Calne	An Outstanding Course by a World Renowned expert in the field: Dr Thomas Daffern
	You are welcome to apply for this pioneering course on the esoteric and metaphysical aspects of the world's religious traditions being held near Avebury in Wiltshire. The 2009 course is being taught in Calne (7 minutes drive from Avebury)
	February 2. Introduction: towards a Periodic Table of the World's Religions and Philosophies - Neo-paganism, Shamanism and New Religious Traditions February 9. Sumerian, Babylonian philosophies and Phoenician (Canaanite) religions March 2. Judaism and the Kabbala March 9. Greek and Roman philosophical teachings March 16. Druidry and Celtic teachings: Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the Continental Celts April 23. Anglo-Saxon, Germanic and Scandinavian Paganism April 27. Chinese and Japanese philosophy: Taoism, Confucianism and Shintoism May 4. Hinduism and ancient Indian philosophies and religions May 11. Christianities: Gnostic, Catholic, Protestant, Ecumenical, Orthodox traditions May 18. Ancient Egyptian philosophy and African traditional teachings May 25. Islam and Sufism: Sunnism, Shiism, Ismailis etc. June 1. Modern Science and scientific philosophies, quantum theory, humanism and consciousness and Modern Spiritualism, A.R. Wallace, Theosophy, Anthroposophy and New Age Teachings June 8. Buddhist and Jain Philosophies June 15. Zoroastrian, Bahai and Sikh Philosophies June 22. Jungian, post Jungian psychology, Wilber, Grof and transpersonal history June 29. Modern European philosophical traditions, including German, Slavonic, Balkan, French, Spanish, Italian, British etc. July 6. Contemporary Global Philosophies: towards a periodic table of the world's religious and philosophical traditions

	Course details: This pioneering study course is taking place. It is taking place on Monday evenings at St Mary's School, Calne, Wiltshire, from 6 - 8 p.m. The cost for the entire course is £250. Classes can be attended individually for £15 each. Concessions will be available to those on a low income or unwaged (£150 per course, £10 per class) To book a place on the course please send a cheque payable to IIPSGP, addressed to: Dr. Thomas Daffern, IIPSGP, Rhos Gallt, Llanerfyl, Near Welshpool, Powys, Wales , SY21 0ER. Tel. 01938 820586 or 07951 600959 or email *iipsgp@educationaid.net* . Details on the website www.educationaid.net COURSE AIMS: The purpose of the course is to advance understanding of different philosophical and spiritual traditions, and to enable students to gain a broad, deep, knowledge of different spiritual paths. This will help in the making of informed life choices regarding spiritual journeys, and also with guiding others through the complexities of life. Focusing on the esoteric philosophical core teachings of each tradition, Dr Daffern gradually aims to unveil a transpersonal common denominator underlying all the spiritual paths of humankind and to develop students' understanding of the possibilities for the emergence of peace and interfaith harmony. Attending the course can be regarded as preliminary training in becoming an interfaith mediator and philosophical peace worker. Whatever spiritual path one is drawn to, or practices, the course is premised on the faith that it will bring great benefit to learn about others' practices and beliefs as they will enrich and stimulate one's own. TUITION: The course is being led by Dr. Thomas Daffern, Director of IIPSGP. He has taught and travelled in over 30 countries worldwide and has twice spoken at the United Nations Headquarters about peace studies and global spirituality and education. An educator for many years, he has taught at the Universities of London and Oxford . A British-Canadian Anglican philosopher, historian, theologian, educator, writer, and poet, in the 1980's he launched an organization called Philosophers and Historians for Peace. This grew into the International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy (www.educationaid.net). In 2008 he founded the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Middle East while visiting Israel and Palestine (see www.holisticchannel.org.uk ) He currently teaches religious studies and critical thinking at St Mary's School. See www.lulu.com/iipsgp for details of his philosophical publications.