FoSP 2011 Programme by Katherine Newbigging

Contents Welcome

Page 1

Special Events

Page 2

Children and Family events

Page 6

Conversations

Page 8

Civic Cafes

Page 16

Film

Page 16

Performance Events

Page 17

Talks and Workshops

Page 28

Spiritual Practices

Page 36

Exhibitions

Page 39

Festival Charities

Page 43

Booking / Information

Page 45

A Festival Diary, listing the programme chronologically, can be downloaded at www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk/diary For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8.

This year there are two special developments in our programme: • There will be events aimed at Children and Families (see pages 6 and 7). • Several conversation events will take place in other parts of Scotland. For details see www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk/scotland

We welcome proposals for events for future festivals.

A call for volunteers Be a part of Edinburgh’s most exciting and dynamic Festival and help make 2011 a Festival to remember. Every year we welcome around thirty volunteers from a wide variety of faiths, cultures and backgrounds. We are deeply committed to our volunteers and last year we were awarded Investing in Volunteers status by Volunteer Development Scotland. Join us for three weeks of excitement, dialogue and discovery and be a part of one of Edinburgh’s fastest growing and most diverse festivals. Remember, all events are FREE for our volunteers. If you want to get involved in this year’s Festival of Spirituality and Peace as a Festival volunteer please visit www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk/volunteering for more information. Or you can email Festival Coordinator Katherine Newbigging: katherine@festivalofspirituality.org.uk

In 1947, after the devastation of war, the Edinburgh International Festival was conceived to ‘provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’. The Festival of Spirituality and Peace seeks to reawaken the heart of the festival for people who, after 9/11, want to work together for a peaceful future.

Welcome

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11 there was much comment to the effect that ‘the world had changed’. The intervening period has been marked by much violence – especially that wrought on the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan – and an increased sense of fear and insecurity throughout the world. Is ‘the clash of civilisations’ prophecy coming true? What is the legacy of these events? In the shadow of fear and violence, can we choose hope and peace ? Events in the Arab world suggest we CAN choose hope and peace. The popular (and non-violent) revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere have demonstrated that we are NOT powerless to effect change for the better. Are these hopeful and

inspiring events recasting our perceptions of what is possible? Can peace grow in this freshly tilled soil? These are just some of the questions we shall be addressing at this festival. We will explore not only how different worldviews clash and contradict but also how different perspectives on reality might converge or complement one another, offering the possibility of fuller understanding. ‘Choose life, not death! Choose blessing, not curse!’ In this festival we seek to draw on wisdom, wherever it may be found, to help us with this imperative. Pax, salaam, shalom Donald Reid, Director

The Festival of Spirituality and Peace is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting those with a practical vision for peace. Each year we will partner with appropriate humanitarian causes for which we will raise money through ticket surcharges and donations at selected events. This year we will split all money raised in this way between the Blood Foundation in Thailand, the St Paul’s Centre in Uganda and our own Volunteer Programme. See page 43 for details.

Scottish Episcopal Church

SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE FESTIVAL OF SPIRITUALITY AND PEACE 2011 FAITH, HOPE, ACTION! ANIMATION WORKSHOP £30 (for Ages 9 – 14 years) Saturday 6 August, 10am – 12.30pm and also 1.45pm – 4.15pm In the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) This world is full of happiness and magic. But it is moving so fast that problems are hard to fix without the super powers of the gods! This animation workshop gives you the chance to build and take control of your own all powerful being. Join with others in the battle to be the best, the most glorious and help fix the planet we all love... Earth. This two and a half hour animation workshop is led by animators from Red Kite Animation studio in Edinburgh. We will teach you how to create your own 2D puppet avatar (or customise our own MegaGods) and animate them quickly with cameras and computers. No experience is necessary. Age range 9 to 14 years. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

MINDFUL PEACE WALK: IN PRINCES STREET GARDENS FREE Sunday 7 August, 9am – 10.15am Meeting at the mural on Princes Street side of St John’s (Venue 127) This silent walking meditation is an open event. It will be led by members of the Edinburgh Sangha of the Community of Interbeing, who follow the practice of Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Before the walk begins there will be a brief introduction to mindful walking as meditation practice. Children are welcome when accompanied by adults. ‘We walk just for walking. We walk with freedom and solidity, no longer in a hurry. Let us enjoy every step we make.’ Thich Nhat Hanh. www.interbeing.org.uk/sanghas/wildgeese

LAUNCH EVENT: REALITY BITES FREE Sunday 7 August, 6pm – 7pm at St John’s (venue 127) During the next three weeks we will look at reality – sometimes controversial or difficult reality - from different perspectives, looking for convergent wisdom and signs of hope. Join us in our celebratory opening event with various of our festival performers and special guests including Bishop Brian Smith, actor David Benson and others. Followed by refreshments (until 8.30pm) with various festival artists and contributors present. Come mingle and celebrate! ALL WELCOME.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

LOCKERBIE: UNFINISHED BUSINESS £12 (£10) presented by David Benson Monday 8 August, 4pm – 5.10pm (followed by a question and answer session) St John’s Church (Venue 127) When 270 people were killed in Britain’s worst terrorist atrocity, grieving father Jim Swire found his faith in his own country’s legal system shattered. His shocking story is told in this Fringe First award-winning production, which premiered at Fringe 2010 and is back in Edinburgh for one performance only. A hard-hitting piece of political theatre with international relevance. ‘Combines a profoundly moving performance with a mighty and unanswerable indictment of cover-up, in a show that every thinking citizen of this country should see’ (***** Scotsman). Benson, better known for his comic portrayals, is outstanding. Illuminating and profoundly moving’ (***** Whatsonstage.com). Followed by a question and answer session with Dr Jim Swire, spokesman for relatives of the victims and Professor Robert Black QC, Robert Forrester and other members of the Justice For Megrahi Campaign (www.justiceformegrahi.com/index.html) which is still actively working to persuade the Scottish Government to re-examine the conduct of the trail of Al-Megrahi. This trial was designed by Professor Black himself who was subsequently appalled at what took place at Camp Van Zeist.

THE JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY FREE (by donation) Tuesday 9 and Tuesday 23 August, 11am – 12pm and Saturday 20 August, 6pm – 7pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) “Cha-no-Yu: Way of Tea,” is a living art which originated in 16th century Japan. The 4 principals of the Tea Ceremony are Harmony, Respect, Purity and Tranquillity. It synthesizes the arts of elegant Kimono, flower arrangement, calligraphy, pottery and philosophy into a way of life. After the great popularity of past years’ Tea Ceremonies at the Festival of Spirituality and Peace, Mio Shapley, master of Tea ceremony, accompanied by shamisen player Hiromi Moffat, warmly invite you once again to come and share a cup of peace and simplicity.

THE CHURCH OF THE ENQUIRING MIND: SCIENCE VARIETY NIGHT (Adults only) £5 Friday 12, Friday 19 and Saturday 27 August, 10pm – 11pm St John’s Church (Venue 127) Science! Danger! Strong language! The Church of the Enquiring Mind features some of Edinburgh’s finest science presenters in a no-holds-barred, grownups only, late night show. Come for the science, stay for the chance to see someone blow themselves up using household objects!

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

USING MUSIC TO CONNECT THE BRAIN AND HEART AND EXPERIENCE DEEP PEACE & HEALING - PUNIT YAATRI £12 (£10) sue palmer

The ancient Greeks believed music had the power to heal the body and soul. Music composer, Punit Yaatri, has witnessed this firsthand. His music, called BrainHeart Music, has transformed many lives and has undergone scientific-based research. Join him for a fascinating talk on why the “brainheart” connection is so important and the valuable role his music plays in the healing process. This will be followed by a demonstration of BrainHeart. Also presenting are retired medical physician Dr David Mason Brown, who will provide insights into how and why Punit’s music has such a profound effect and, Sue Palmer, author of over 200 books and one of the UK’s leading education consultants, on the role Punit’s music plays in modern education and healthy child development. All children are welcome to attend. This event brings Science and Spirituality together - don’t miss it! Music and CDs will be available to purchase. www.BrainHeartMusic.com dr david mason brown

punit yaatri

Saturday 13, Friday 19 and Wednesday 24 August, 4pm – 6pm St John’s Church (Venue 127)

presents John Rutter’s REQUIEM £10 (£8) Conducted by: John Rutter, Soprano: Susan Hamilton Saturday 13 August, 5.30pm – 6.30pm at St Cuthbert’s Church, Lothian Road, Edinburgh (Venue 122) Internationally-acclaimed composer, John Rutter, conducts a massed choir for this one-off performance of his Requiem and of Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine. Scored for organ and small orchestra, the Requiem is unmistakably optimistic in its message of hope and comfort and is one of the composer’s most-performed choral pieces. Supporting Waverley Care’s work with people living with HIV or Hepatitis C. Please note that tickets for this event will not be available to buy from the St John’s Box Office for tickets please book through the Hub Box Office Phone number: 0131 473 2000 and website: www.hubtickets.co.uk

MEET YOUR SIKH NEIGHBOUR FREE Sunday 14 August, 1.30pm at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, 1 Sherriff Brae, Leith, Edinburgh The Sikh Community at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Leith invite you to come and experience Sikh worship, hear a short introduction to the Sikh faith and the Gurdwara with the opportunity for questions then we are further invited to join them for Langar (blessed vegetarian community meal).

MEET YOUR MUSLIM NEIGHBOUR FREE Sunday 14 August, 7pm – late at Blackhall Mosque, 1 House O’Hill Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2AJ Blackhall Mosque welcomes you to observe the late afternoon prayer which will be around 7.30pm. Enjoy a tour of the Mosque, an opportunity to meet the children and staff; this will also include a question and answer session to learn more about Ramadan. To finish off you are invited to a meal which will mark the end of the fast for that day around 9.00pm. Open to those of all faiths or none. www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

JEWISH COMMUNITY OPEN DAY FREE (Suggested donation £5 (£3)) Sunday 21 August, 12pm – 3.30pm at The Synagogue, 4 Salisbury Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB Come along to meet the Jewish community and see some of the Jewish acts on show at this years festival. Performances and chat interlaced with food and tours of the synagogue. For more info check on www.ehcong.com

GARDEN OF CONTEMPLATION FREE Garden open 24/7 at Church of the Good Shepherd, Murrayfield Avenue, EH12 6AU Come and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the ‘country church in the heart of the city’. Just sit and be in the sacred space or follow the prayer path of meditation around the garden of the Church of the Good Shepherd- One of the city’s hidden gems. Public transport links: Lothian Buses 12,26,31,48 to Roseburn

CLOSING EVENT: LIVING IN HOPE FREE Sunday 28 August, 6pm – 7pm at St John’s (venue 127) At the end of the Festival we bring together the many strands in words, music, dance and story representing our hopes for the world and our commitment to working for peace. With various festival performers and guests– and, of course, the traditional hearty rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

ONE SONG – BRINGING HARMONY TO OUR COMMON HOME Wednesday 31 August, 11.30am – 1pm at St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 13 George St (venue 111) The great faiths hold deep treasures precious to the best ordering of society – but what are they? Here members of different faiths set out what key tenets would build up our common life, with music from different traditions performed by members of the Philadelphia Orchestra: reminding us of the hope that we can together build a ‘city of love’. In collaboration with the Scottish InterFaith Council, the Interfaith Office of the Church of Scotland and INTERCULTURAL JOURNEYS. Intercultural Journeys seeks to promote understanding in pursuit of peace among people of diverse faiths and conflicting cultures through dialogue and the presentation of world-class music, dance, the spoken word and other art forms. www.interculturaljourneys.org The SCOTTISH INTER FAITH COUNCIL promotes dialogue between different religions and inter faith groups throughout Scotland. www.scottishinterfaithcouncil.org

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

children and family events FAITH, HOPE, ACTION! ANIMATION WORKSHOP £30

(for Ages 9 – 14 years)

Saturday 6 August, 10am – 12.30pm and also 1.45pm – 4.15pm In the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) This world is full of happiness and magic. But it is moving so fast that problems are hard to fix without the super powers of the gods! This animation workshop gives you the chance to build and take control of your own all powerful being. Join with others in the battle to be the best, the most glorious and help fix the planet we all love.......Earth. This two and a half hour animation workshop is led by animators from Red Kite Animation studio in Edinburgh. We will teach you how to create your own 2D puppet avatar (or customise our own Mega-Gods) and animate them quickly with cameras and computers. No experience is necessary. Age range 9 to 14 years. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

FESTIVAL STORYTELLING £5 (per adult with up to 3 accompanied children) Monday 8 – Friday 12 August, 10.30am – 11.10am and 11.30am – 12.10pm in the Persian Rug Village Nomadic Tent in Peace Garden in St John’s Church (Venue 127) Enter the magical world of story in our specially constructed Persian tent! Storytelling brings words and the world to life together; it stimulates the imagination, and builds a sense of community between tellers and listeners. The sessions are suitable for all ages and especially families with children over 5. Monday 8 August : Linda Bandelier Tuesday 9 August : Marie-Louise Wednesday 10 August : Alasdair Taylor Thursday 11 August : Russell McLarty Friday 12 August : Mio Shapley and Fergus McNicol, Kamishibai Kapers: traditional Japanese storytelling Please visit our festival website for further details of these exciting sessions! www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk Supported by the Edinburgh Persian Rug Village and the Scottish Storytelling Centre

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

MESSY FAITH FREE (suggested donation £2 per participant) Thursday 11 August, 9.30am – 10.30am in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Messy Faith is for all ages and is based on a belief that we grow best in faith when we walk the journey with as many different people as possible. The morning will include storytelling, fun (messy) activities, shared food and a tent.

BUILD IT ON A ROCK: THE ENGINEERING OF RELIGION £5 Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 August, 11am – 12pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) The Pyramids, the Parthenon, and Stonehenge: the most impressive buildings of the ancient world all hold religious importance. Come on a hands-on, fun-filled journey to discover how ancient engineers built their places of worship and see how the techniques that they developed are still in use today.

SPIRITUALITY IN ACTION? – A WORKSHOP AND DISCUSSION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FREE Tuesday 16 August, 3.30pm – 5.30pm and Wednesday 17 August, 3pm – 5pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Join young people your age (14-18) to explore how spirituality is central to everyday adventure. Proving that faith, belief and/or spiritual development are not separate from having fun (and you don’t have to be a Scout!)

Punjab’n De Rasoi Cafe Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year 11am – 8pm at 122-124 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 5DT Enjoy the tastes of the Punjab in the heart of Leith. Punjab’n De Rasoi is a social enterprise project which provides services to the local community. We cater for social events; get togethers, AGM’s or any other social function. We can cook on the premises of your event or deliver to your location. For more information visit www.sikhsanjog.com/cafe. htm or phone 0131 553 4737

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CONVERSATIONS Bearing in mind the current financial downturn we have sought to keep down ticket prices in this section and increase the number of free events. In addition we now offer ‘day’ or ‘combo’ (3 day) tickets offering considerable savings. Free tickets for those under 18 and for claimants (Job Seeker’s Allowance, Disability Living £10 (£6.50) Friday DAY TICKET Allowance) and for carers. Students: half-price. Saturday DAY TICKET £15 (£10) Thu-Sat COMBO TICKET £30 (£20) (only applicable to 2nd and 3rd weekend of the Festival)

SCOTLAND IS POSITIVE FREE Sunday 10 July, 2.30pm – 4pm at St John’s (venue 127) An opportunity to hear and meet Canon Gideon Byamugisha, an Anglican priest from Uganda who has been openly speaking about living with HIV since 1992. Canon Gideon is an inspiring and compelling speaker. His personal experience will help us to look at how we can challenge attitudes that stigmatise and discriminate against people living with HIV here in Scotland. Canon Gideon will be joined in discussion by policy makers within the political arena – the people who can influence decisions that affects the lives of some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people within our communities. This event will be hosted by David Johnson, Director of Waverley Care.

SOWING AND REAPING FREE Monday 8 August, 10.30am – 11.30am at St John’s (venue 127) Samuel Huntingdon postulated in 1992 that we were facing a ‘clash of civilisations’ between ‘the West’ and Islam. Many contested that analysis but then worried that with 9/11 and the ‘War on Terror’ the prophecy was coming true. But with the killing of Bin Laden and the democratic Arab revolutions, can we now be more hopeful about the future? With Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, journalist and author, in conversation with David Pratt, foreign editor of the Sunday Herald.

BUSINESSES AND OTHER CITIZENS FREE Tuesday 9 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St Cuthbert’s (venue 122) In gloomy economic times, one surprising and hopeful development has been that businesses have tried to avoid shedding labour – choosing instead to agree reduced hours or other cost savings with employees. But as public spending cuts bite, how well placed is business to offer new employment or training opportunities? And, in general, how has corporate social responsibility borne up in the crisis? How are businesses coping with a stressed workforce? And what kind of wider ‘citizenship’ can we expect from business? Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, in conversation with Douglas Fraser, business and economy editor at BBC Scotland. In partnership with OASIS, a project of St Cuthbert’s Church, serving the local business community www.oasisedinburgh.com www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CONVERSATIONS

For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM FREE Thursday 11 August, 5.30pm – 6.45pm at St John’s (venue 127) Churchill observed that ‘jaw, jaw’ was better than ‘war, war’ and Hans Kung that ‘there can be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions’. So, it seems dialogue has high stakes. But what makes for a dialogue which goes beyond platitudes and builds true peace? With Sr Isabel Smyth, convener of the Scottish InterFaith Council, Rabbi David Rose and Revd Donald Reid, co-conveners of the Edinburgh InterFaith Association and Sohaib Saeed, dialogue officer for the Scottish Islamic Foundation. In partnership with the Scottish InterFaith Council www.scottishinterfaithcouncil.org

DOES PRAYER WORK? £6 (£4) Friday 12 August, 10.30am – 11.30am at St John’s (venue 127) When we pray for someone - what are our expectations? When people say ‘their prayers have been answered’ - what has happened? Is there any scientific evidence that prayer works? What is being measured - and is God involved? Jenny Williams and Anne Douglas of the Christian Fellowship of Healing will discuss research into prayer, including projects they are currently running - in conversation with Jim Pym of the National Federation of Spiritual Healers (whose publication What Kind of God, What Kind of Healing will be available). In collaboration with the Christian Fellowship of Healing www.cfhscotland.org.uk

SQUADDIE’S WAR £6 (£4) Friday 12 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St John’s (venue 127) In the dark days following 9/11, Steven McLaughlin (author of Squaddie) felt compelled to serve in the army. From the harsh realities of basic training to post-war chaos in Iraq and knife-edge tension in Northern Ireland, he found himself submerged in a world of casual violence. Here he discusses an ordinary soldier’s daily fears and joys.

CREATION OR EVOLUTION? £6 (£4) Saturday 13 August, 9.30am – 10.30am at St John’s (venue 127) Though God said ‘Let there be light’, the fact is much heat has been generated over the issue of whether creation stories in sacred texts clash with or complement scientific accounts of creation. At the heart of this issue lie different views about the nature and interpretation of the texts – and, consequently, the relationship between faith and science. With Professor Sam Berry, Emeritus Professor of Genetics at University College London and author of Real Scientists, Real Faith and Sheikh Ruzwan Mohammed in conversation with Ewan Aitken of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CONVERSATIONS

For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8

BODY AND SOUL £6 (£4) Saturday 13 August, 11am – 12noon at St John’s (venue 127) Cutting edge science clearly demonstrates that there is a positive relationship between spirituality and health, with a resultant stimulation of our bodies natural healing powers. However, the NHS still does not fully acknowledge this ancient yet vital aspect of holistic health which is essential for the most effective practice of modern healthcare. How can we encourage scientific medicine to rediscover its long forgotten art, and to practice holistic (or whole) healing? With Dr Geoff Lachlan, a former general surgeon who has produced interfaith and belief spiritual resources for use in NHS Scotland and Dr Vinod Kumar, a GP who now practices Ayurvedic medicine in conversation with Sandy Young, lead chaplain for NHS Lothian.

THE WORST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO BE GAY? £6 (£4) Saturday 13 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St John’s (venue 127) As Uganda considered a bill that would make homosexuality a capital offense, Ugandan Bishop Christopher Senyonjo stood up for LGBT rights, campaigning against ‘sexual apartheid’. As a result he has been the target of death threats and condemnations. The Bishop - whom the Huffington Post named ‘one of the ten most influential religious figures in the world’ in 2010 - demonstrates what it means to have the courage of conviction, and faith enough to side with those whom Jesus called “the least of these.” In conversation with John Watson from Amnesty International. Please note: there will be related events in Glasgow. See www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk/scotland for details. The programme for Bishop Senjonyo is supported by various partners including Augustine United Church, Our Tribe, The Equality Network, LGCM.

POSITIVE MESSAGES FREE Sunday 14 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St John’s (venue 127) Since “Christianity reaches more people than healthcare” it matters what the churches (and other faith communities) say about HIV/AIDS: not just because of their reach, but because of their authority. Winnie Sseruma, a Ugandan Catholic who has lived with HIV for 23 years discusses how preachers help or hinder the spread of AIDS, particularly in Africa, with Oonagh O’Brien from the Institute for International Health and Development at Queen Margaret University and Ewan Aitken of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland. In collaboration with Christian Aid Scotland www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CONVERSATIONS

For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8

TAXATION AND THE COMMONWEAL FREE Tuesday 16 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St Cuthbert’s (venue 122) A central precept of most religious traditions is giving money for the poor. In a complex modern society, does taxation serve the same purpose, or distort it? How should ‘public goods’ such as health, education, security, foreign affairs - and government itself - be paid for? With Eben Wilson, director of TaxpayerScotland (the name for the TaxPayers’ Alliance in Scotland) and Kathy Galloway, head of Christian Aid Scotland, Bill Jamieson, writer on finance and economics for the Scotsman and Professor Frank Whaling, Emeritus Professor of the Study of Religion, Edinburgh University. In partnership with OASIS, a project of St Cuthbert’s Church, serving the local business community www.oasisedinburgh.com

all you need is love £6 (£4) Thursday 18 August, 5.30pm – 6.45pm at St John’s (venue 127) Christianity is often seen as ‘the religion of love’, boasting the insight that God is love - but can it be claimed that Christians are more loving than others? If religious laws and human actions have to be tested for the degree to which they express love, how does that affect our view of other religions? What is meant by ‘love’ - which can range from the platonic to the erotic and can cover a ‘multitude of sins’. Can we really know what is the most loving thing to do in a given situation? With Professor Werner G Jeanrond, author of A Theology of Love – in (loving) conversation with Bishop Brian Smith.

EYEWITNESS BLOODY SUNDAY £6 (£4) Friday 19 August, 10.30am – 11.30am at St John’s (venue 127) On Sunday 30 January 1972 a “carnival atmosphere” characterised a peaceful anti-internment march in Derry, Northern Ireland. A few hours later, thirteen men have been shot dead. Don Mullan, whose book Eyewitness Bloody Sunday was “crucial in bringing about the second inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday” (BBC News) discusses these events with Ruth Scott, co-author of Give a Boy a Gun the story one man’s journey from violence to peace-building in the Northern Ireland conflict. The film ‘Bloody Sunday’, co-produced by Don Mullan, will be screened at the Edinburgh Filmhouse tonight (Friday 19 August) at 5.45pm. See page 16 for details.

TALKING TO THE ENEMY £6 (£4) Friday 19 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St John’s (venue 127) It is official policy now, after almost 10 years of involvement in Afghanistan, to talk to the Taliban. What, then, are the prospects for a settlement and what will it mean for the Afghans and for the world? With James Fergusson, whose book Taliban strips away misconceptions about the Taliban and lays bare the contradictions of western policy, in conversation with Sir Menzies Campbell MP, one of Parliament’s most measured and authoritative voices on our engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. Co-organised with Ekklesia, the beliefs and values thinktank www.ekklesia.co.uk

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CONVERSATIONS

For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8

DO WE HAVE A SOUL? £6 (£4) Saturday 20 August, 9.30am – 10.30am at St John’s (venue 127) Do we have souls? If so, what are they? Is belief in souls rational in the twentyfirst century? Julian Baggini considers these questions in his latest book, The Ego Trick, and comes up with some perhaps surprising answers. In conversation with Bishop Brian Smith. Co-organised with Ekklesia, the beliefs and values thinktank www.ekklesia.co.uk

DESERTING THE CITY? £6 (£4) Saturday 20 August, 11am – 12noon at St John’s (venue 127) Some say that monastic communities are an escape from reality, others that they are a journey into reality where you cannot hide from God, from others – or from yourself. Which is it? Dom Mark Caira, Abbot of Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw and Sister Candasiri of the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in discussion with Ruth Scott priest, writer and broadcaster who for many years has worked with a number of religious orders as a facilitator.

THE WOOD AND THE TREES £6 (£4) Saturday 20 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St John’s (venue 127) Over recent centuries, has there been a drift towards literalism, fundamentalism and scientism in western culture and does this a ‘left brain chauvinism’ make us dangerously unaware of all that the right brain can offer – big picture, meaning, metaphor, spirituality. Iain McGilchrist, psychiatrist and writer (author of The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Modern World) explores these issues with Dr Joe Bouch, consultant psychiatrist and editor of Advances in Psychiatric Treatment and John Munro, philosophy of science graduate, retired Church of Scotland minister and member of the Scottish Institute of Human Relations.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CONVERSATIONS

For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8

PROMISES ... PROGRESS ... PREDICAMENTS – HOW SHALL WE HANDLE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES? FREE Sunday 21 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St John’s (venue 127) Genetic modification, synthetic biology, nuclear power, stem cells, nanomedicine, smart homes, surveillance, perhaps even enhancing the human body and mind … but a crumbling mural at Chernobyl shows that promises do not always mean progress for humans or God’s creation. What values should govern our potential for good or ill? With Dr Donald Bruce from Edinethics and former director of the Society, Religion and Technology Project of the Church of Scotland conversation with Professor Kenneth Boyd, Professor of Medical Ethics at the University of Edinburgh. In collaboration with the Society, Religion and Technology Project of the Church of Scotland

ETHICS AND FINANCE FREE Tuesday 23 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St Cuthbert’s (venue 122) With our societies still reeling from the shock of the near collapse of our financial systems, what can we learn from what happened to prevent a recurrence? What principles should underpin banking in a free market economy ? If we were designing the system from scratch – or indeed drawing on the practical wisdom of the faith communities - what would it look like? With Susan Rice, Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group, Scotland and Omar Shaikh from the Islamic Finance Council, in conversation with Charles Munn, former Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland and now Chair of the Church of Scotland Special Commission on the Purposes of Economic Activity. In partnership with OASIS, a project of St Cuthbert’s Church, serving the local business community www.oasisedinburgh.com and with the Church in Society Council of the Church of Scotland

not peace but a sword £6 (£4) Thursday 25 August, 5.30pm – 6.45pm at St John’s (venue 127) The seed of violence is in every human being – does that remain so if we are religious? Does religion address or exacerbate the problem? Fresh from his experience talking with Hamas and the religious right in Israel, Oliver McTernan, former RC priest and broadcaster, and author Violence in God’s Name will help us answer these questions. In conversation with Owen Dudley Edwards. Co-organised with Ekklesia, the beliefs and values thinktank www.ekklesia.co.uk

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CONVERSATIONS

For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8

CAN THE WOLF LIE DOWN WITH THE LAMB? - TALKING VISIONS OF PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST £6 (£4) Friday 26 August, 10.30am – 11.30am at St John’s (venue 127) After his experiences in the second Lebanon war, Alick Isaacs began to challenge some of his deeply held convictions about Judaism, Zionism, war and peace and to search for a way of reconciling the fact that religion is sometime used to justify violence with its messages of peace. In his book A Prophetic Peace he draws on sacred and secular sources, to propose an ambitious vision of religiously inspired peace and describes a project called Talking Peace whose aim is to bring individuals of different views together to share varying understandings of peace. In conversation with George Wilkes from the Edinburgh University Project on Religion and Ethics in the Making of War and Peace and Oliver McTernan whose work in conflict resolution has involved him with both Israeli and Palestinian religious parties. Please note: it is planned to have related events in Glasgow and Aberdeen. See www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk/scotland for details. In partnership with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC) www.scojec.org

MARRIAGE AND CIVIL PARTNERSHIP: DISTINCT BUT EQUAL? £6 (£4) Friday 26 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St John’s (venue 127) The current options for coupledom are civil partnership for same-sex couples and civil or religious marriage for male/female couples. Are there legitimate distinctions to be drawn between these options or should all options be open to all couples? Bishop Gregor Duncan - who supports equal status for same-sex relationships – says ‘no’. In discussion with Tim Hopkins of the Equality Network and Rabbi Mark Solomon, Interfaith Consultant for Liberal Judaism.

THE DAY THE WORLD CHANGED £6 (£4)

Saturday 27 August, 9.30am – 10.30am at St John’s (venue 127)

As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11 what is the legacy of that day and the conflict which ensued? Is the predicted ‘clash of civilisations’ being played out? We welcome Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, founder of the Cordoba Initiative in Manhattan and visionary leader of the so-called ‘Ground Zero Mosque’ - who was at the eye of the storm last September as US public opinion wrestled with the bitterness of 9/11, the threatened burning of the Quran, overseas wars in Muslim countries and growing Islamophobia at home. Can the US exorcise the ghosts of 9/11? In conversation with Professor Hugh Goddard the Alwaleed network of centres promoting mutual understanding between the World of Islam and the West.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CONVERSATIONS

For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8

HOW TO START A REVOLUTION £6 (£4) Saturday 27 August, 11am – 12 noon at St John’s (venue 127) The non-violent revolutions in the Arab world have brought hope to millions there and throughout the world. But HOW was it possible? Facebook, Al Jazeera and Gene Sharp’s book ‘From Dictatorship to Democracy’ have all been credited. We welcome Osama Saeed Head of International and Media Relations for Al Jazeera network and Ruaridh Arrow, Director of the film ‘How to Start a Revolution’ (based on Gene Sharp’s book) and Robin Yassin-Kassab, British Syrian writer and commentator, recently returned from Cairo.

THE ARAB SPRING: HOPE FOR ALL? £6 (£4) Saturday 27 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm at St John’s (venue 127) The century began with the violence of 9/11 and counterviolence which has bedevilled our times. But have the recent non-violent revolutions in the Arab world brought hope where there was previously only despair? Is the Arab world now a democratic example to the West? And has ‘political Islam’ been outflanked by the youth of the Arab street? With Marilyn Booth, Head of the Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Robin-YassinKassab, British Syrian writer and commentator, recently returned from Cairo and Oliver McTernan, expert on middle east and east west relations. In partnership with the Prince Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World at the University of Edinburgh. www.alwaleed.ed.ac.uk

AEROSOL ARABIC IN EDINBURGH In September 2011, visionary street artist Mohammed Ali (aka Aerosol Arabic) will be visiting Edinburgh to paint his first ever public mural in Scotland. By fusing graffiti-art with classical Islamic script, Mohammed’s unique brand of urban spiritual art has won him world-wide acclaim. Whether it be in Liverpool or New York, Birmingham or Kuala Lumpur, Mohammed’s work has consistently challenged the notion that the relationship between the World of Islam and the West represents a fundamental “clash of civilisations”. To find out the location of Mohammed’s first ever Scottish mural and for more information about Islam in Scotland, visit www.alwaleed.ed.ac.uk

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CIVIC CAFÉ DIALOGUES The Festival of Spirituality and Peace also organises invitation-only dialogues on key issues – bringing people together from different disciplines and perspectives, with the objective of making change possible. To know which topics are being pursued, please see www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk/civic If you would like to suggest or commission an area of work, please email us at: civic.cafe@festivalofspirituality.org.uk (or ring 0131 221 2271).

F IL M GETTING OUT (2011, 60 mins) Friday 12 August, 5.45pm at Edinburgh Filmhouse, Lothian Road £7.50 (£5.50) A documentary produced by the Refugee Law Project in collaboration with the Ugandan Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights & Constitutional Law, explores the reality that for many LGBTI Africans coming out to family and friends at home is not even an option. Before they can come out, they first have to get out. This means not only finding means to escape the political forces promoting homophobia at home, but also dealing with the hypocrisies and failings of asylum systems around the world. Filmed in Uganda, South Africa, Geneva, and London, with supporting footage from Malawi and Zimbabwe, “Getting Out” depicts the true stories of five individuals navigating their way through this complex issue. Followed by Q&A with Bishop Christopher Senjonyo from Uganda, a campaigner for gay rights.

BLOODY SUNDAY (2002, 107 minutes) Friday 19 August, 5.45pm at Edinburgh Filmhouse, Lothian Road £7.50 (£5.50) Documentary-style drama showing the events that lead up to the tragic incident on January 30, 1972 in the Northern Ireland town of Derry when a protest march led by civil rights activist Ivan Cooper was fired upon by British troops, killing 13 protesters and wounding 14 more. Followed by Q&A with Don Mullan, coproducer of the film and on whose book ‘Eyewitness Bloody Sunday’ it was based.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL (2008, 72 minutes) Friday 26 August, 5.45pm at Edinburgh Filmhouse, Lothian Road £7.50 (£5.50) The remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. Thousands of women — ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim — came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the Presidential Palace. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they demanded a resolution to the country’s civil war. Their actions were a critical element in bringing about a agreement during the stalled peace talks. A story of sacrifice, unity and transcendence, Pray the Devil Back to Hell honours the strength and perseverance of the women of Liberia. Inspiring, uplifting, and most of all motivating, it is a compelling testimony of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations. Followed by Q&A with Derek MacLeod, international officer for Africa, University of Edinburgh in conversation with Lizelle Bisschoff, Africa-in-Motion Film Festival. These events should be booked directly with the Filmhouse.

performance events TENCHI SHINMEI: THE OCEAN £12 (£10) Friday 5 – Tuesday 23 August, 2pm – 3pm (except Thursdays) at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Ensemble Rivelta, Japanese masters of the Shakuhachi (Bamboo Vertical Flute) and Koto (Japanese lyre) perform melodies from ancient Japanese to modern Spanish tango. Joined by taiko drumming artist Art Lee, this is their first performance in the U.K. www.tokara.net

TENCHI SHINMEI: THE MOUNTAIN £12 (£10) Friday 5 – Tuesday 23 August, 8pm – 9pm (except 7, 20 and Thursdays) and Wednesday 24 – Monday 29 August, 2pm – 3pm and 8pm – 9pm (except 25 and 28) at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Tokara is one of the most unique and versatile taiko drumming groups to come from the mountains of Nagano, Japan... bringing the powerful and jazzy rhythms of the famed Tokara-style. Headed by Art Lee, the first and still the only non-Japanese in the world to win Grand Champion at the Tokyo International Odaiko Championships. www.tokara.net

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

STEAMER LANE FREE (by donation) Saturday 6 August, 4pm – 5pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Steamer Lane comes together for an hour of soft rock and gentle folk music. Share and enjoy their fresh vocal harmonies. A great way to start the festival.

MAGIC OF THE SILK ROAD £8 (£6) Saturday 6 August, 6pm – 7pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Walking in oriental palaces and gardens, enjoying the smell of Yasmine blossoms and roses, imaging pictures of caravans, feeling the sand on your skin, listening the sound of exotic melodies... Gülay & The Ensemble take their audience on a dance along the historical SilkRoad, where Orient and Occident meet. Be enchanted by the extraordinary!

GAELIC HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS – LAOIDHEAN GÀIDHLIG £8 (£6) Saturday 6 August, 8pm – 9pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) An evening of Gaelic hymns and spiritual songs with Gillebride MacMillan and Alasdair Codona, with accompaniment by Deirdre Morrison on fiddle. The evening will showcase some of the finest traditional Gaelic hymns as well as more recent compositions.

ETERNITY IN AN HOUR FREE (suggested donations £3 (£2)) Sunday 7 August, 4pm – 5pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Come and enjoy music from combined influences, from traditional Scottish to Western to Indian Classical. A performance blending images, poems, quotes and sounds describing a soul journey into the present moment, unfolding its beautiful gifts. Artists and musicians from Scotland, Canada, India and Argentina are amongst the group, including co-producer and director of the BAFTA Award Winning Short film, ‘Self-realisation’ 2009. The Concert is dedicated to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, for her endless gifts of love, wisdom, humour, inspiration and self-realisation felt by so many.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

BEAR: IRANIAN PUPPETRY FOR ADULTS £10 (£8) Monday 8 August, 2pm – 3pm, Wednesday 10, 8pm 9pm and Friday 12 August, 2pm – 3pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Bear is one of the Chekhov’s masterpieces. The show is combination of puppets and performers. With an Iranian director this is a unique, fast paced drama for adults with captivating dialogue and engaging characterisation.

LOCKERBIE: UNFINISHED BUSINESS £12 (£10) presented by David Benson and Festival Highlight Monday 8 August, 4pm – 5.10pm (followed by a question and answer session) at St John’s Church (Venue 127) When 270 people were killed in Britain’s worst terrorist atrocity, grieving father Jim Swire found his faith in his own country’s legal system shattered. His shocking story is told in this Fringe First award-winning production, which premiered at Fringe 2010 and is back in Edinburgh for one performance only. A hard-hitting piece of political theatre with international relevance. ‘Combines a profoundly moving performance with a mighty and unanswerable indictment of cover-up, in a show that every thinking citizen of this country should see’ (***** Scotsman). Benson, better known for his comic portrayals, is outstanding. Illuminating and profoundly moving’ (***** Whatsonstage.com). Followed by a question and answer session with Dr Jim Swire, spokesman for relatives of the victims and Professor Robert Black QC, Robert Forrester and other members of the Justice For Megrahi Campaign (www.justiceformegrahi.com/index.html) which is still actively working to persuade the Scottish Government to re-examine the conduct of the trail of Al-Megrahi. This trial was designed by Professor Black himself who was subsequently appalled at what took place at Camp Van Zeist.

SAHRA: NOSTALGIC SOUNDS FROM IRAN £5 Monday 8 August, 8pm – 9pm and Tuesday 9 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Sahra duo was formed in December 2009. Sara and Sahand rearrange Iranian folk and old songs using the guitar and two voices. They want their arrangements to be simple and warm. Nostalgia combined with creativity are the main elements of their arrangements. Sahra also performs their own music which is based on Persian poems, vocal harmonies and jazz chords. “When we create our own melodies and harmonies on poems, we find our own ways of understanding and citing the poems which pushes us into a new illustrative world.”

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

THE GOLDEN THREAD OF POETRY: TESSA RANSFORD AND FRIENDS FREE (by donation minimum £1) Tuesdays and Thursdays in August (except 2 and 4 August) 2pm – 3pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Tessa Ransford will again bring The Golden Thread of Poetry to The Festival of Spirituality and Peace. This time in the Hall, Scottish poets chosen by Tessa from beyond Edinburgh will offer an hour of beauty that is truth and truth that is beauty. All are freely welcome to enjoy artistic integrity and contemporary relevance, archetypal and topical books for sale at the Cornerstone bookshop. Image ‘Return to Eden’ by Ruby Elizabeth Littlejohn

LOVE £10 (£8) Wednesday 10 – Saturday 13 and Wednesday 17 – Thursday 18 August, 6pm – 6.40pm, Sunday 14 and Sunday 21 August, 8pm – 8.40pm and Friday 19 August, 4pm – 4.40pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) A contemporary exploration through the sonnets of William Shakespeare. Two people in love, with jealousy, joy, lust and passion. Sold-out Melbourne Fringe 2010, winner of the Hannah Barry Award (MU Theatre Board 2010) and Best Production (MU Shakespeare Festival 2009). (Tickets on Wednesday 10 August, 6pm – 6.40pm will be priced £6)

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

SITAR! £10 (£8) Friday 12 August, 6pm – 7pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) An evening of meditative, exotic, exciting, classical Indian music featuring the sounds of the sitar, given by members of Edinburgh’s the sitar project and friends. A combination of ancient melodies, improvisation, intricate rhythms and music inspired by Indian folk melodies.

THE CHURCH OF THE ENQUIRING MIND: SCIENCE VARIETY NIGHT (Adults only) £5 Friday 12, Friday 19 and Saturday 27 August, 10pm – 11pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Science! Danger! Strong language! The Church of the Enquiring Mind features some of Edinburgh’s finest science presenters in a no-holdsbarred, grownups only, late night show. Come for the science, stay for the chance to see someone blow themselves up using household objects!

SCOTLAND – A PARTIAL JOURNEY FREE (by donation) Saturday 13 August, 2pm – 3pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Fife-born songwriter Alan Forrester introduces people he has met as his career took him around Scotland. Working first in local government, then university administration and now song writing, Alan came to know Scotland better through his travels and “became even more Scottish” as a result. A mixture of songs, readings, photos and painting, the participants will include author Ron Halliday with brief readings from, amongst other writings, his ‘Edinburgh after Dark.’ Also, artists from CAD (Community Arts Dunfermline) will contribute from their creative output.

THE DOLOMITES £5 Saturday 13 August, 4pm – 5pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) From Dunfermline, The Dolomites are a pop/rock 4-piece destined for great things! Formed only a year ago by guitar teacher/singersongwriter Jonathan Cairney and 3 of his pupils, the band might possibly be the youngest ever to play during the Edinburgh Festival. Lead guitarist Euan Birrell is just 12 and bassist Gregor Horne and drummer Andrew Knight are both 14. Expect great originals and uproarious covers. Support from rising fellow Fifer Lucy Hume and Scarlet Hill.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

Waverley Care presents John Rutter’s REQUIEM £10 (£8) Conducted by: John Rutter, Soprano: Susan Hamilton Saturday 13 August, 5.30pm – 6.30pm at St Cuthbert’s Church, Lothian Road, Edinburgh (Venue 122) Internationally-acclaimed composer, John Rutter, conducts a massed choir for this one-off performance of his Requiem and of Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine. Scored for organ and small orchestra, the Requiem is unmistakably optimistic in its message of hope and comfort and is one of the composer’s most-performed choral pieces. Supporting Waverley Care’s work with people living with HIV or Hepatitis C. More details from www.waverleycare.org or 0131 556 9710. Please note that tickets for this event will not be available to buy from the St John’s Box Office for tickets please book through the Hub Box Office Phone number: 0131 473 2000 and website: www.hubtickets.co.uk

THE GOSPEL OF ST JOHN FREE (suggested donation £4)

Saturday 13, Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 August, 8pm – 9.40pm, and Sunday 14 August, 4pm – 5.40pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) The Gospel of St John presented by Artes Christi Australia and Donald Macdonald. Having learnt the entire Gospel, Donald brings Christ’s story to life with just a table and 2 chairs: this remarkable play depends solely on the drama of the Gospel and the magnificent acting of the performer. A truly unforgettable experience. www.arteschristi.org.au

TOUCHING STILLNESS: DANCE PERFORMANCE AND DERVISH WHIRLING TASTER £6.50 (£5) presented by Temenos Theatre Saturday 13 August, 9.30pm – 11pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) The dance invites you to subtly, playfully to empty yourself into Presence. Then experience a session of Dervish Whirling together with the dancers and discover how the simple steps of this meditative dance take you through stillness into ecstasy! www.temenostheatre.com

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

RUBY PAUL – ENCYCLOPAEDIA BOTANICA £8 (£6) Monday 15 August, 6pm – 7.15pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Share a journey through “Encylopaedia Botanica,” a series of solo harp improvisations inspired by the wild flowers of the British Isles. Ruby will unveil her musical sketches “bluebell” and “shamrock.” From the age old modality of “moss” to the glittering effervescence of “daisy.” Recently conceived as a studio improvisation piece, Ruby will use audience interaction to spark the creation of new material, so the work evolves before your eyes. A contemporary harpist and composer, York-based harpist Ruby performs on a stunning black camac concert harp. Featured last year at the International Harp Festival in Sentmenat, Barcelona, Ruby is known as a singer-songwriter. She will close the work with a performance of her song “Cherry Blossom Day.”

EVENING OF CULTURE, GLAMOUR AND PASSION £10 (£8) Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 August, 8pm – 9.00pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Chilean born, San Francisco based musical sensation Viviana Guzman will perform an array of music spanning from classical, traditional world music and original compositions including a multimedia presentation that features her own photography and videos as backdrops. ‘An imaginative artist’ (The New York Times).

DUNYA ENSEMBLE £10 (£8) Thursday 18 August, 4pm – 5pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Dunya Ensemble is an Edinburgh-based ensemble of Middle Eastern music. The band performs innovative arrangements of traditional Persian, Arabic, Turkish, Kurdish and Azeri music as well as original work exploring the links between Middle Eastern traditional and pop music.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

THE BIBLE IN VOICE AND VERSE – A SPECIAL CONCERT OF WORDS AND MUSIC £10 Friday 19 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) A concert of words and music celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. Genesis to Revelation in Bible passages and songs including pieces by Haydn, Handel, Mendelssohn and Rutter. www.invoiceandverse.co.uk

LIVE MUSIC WITH THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD £5 Friday 19 August, 8.30pm – 9.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) A foot stompin’ blend of folk, country and Americana. All delivered with a healthy dose of East Coast realism. Expect music that ranges effortlessly from heartfelt and tender through to rowdy and raucous ‘A flawless set of songs’ (Dunfermline Press) ‘nails you with raw emotion’ (Daydreamer Music Reviews)

THE VOYAGE OF ST. BRENDAN: A POSTMODERN RE-TELLING THROUGH POETRY AND MUSIC £5 Saturday 20 August, 6.30pm – 7.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) The Filid is a collective of religious artists from Canada. Half performance, half audience participation, Filid shows are designed as ‘aesthetic interruptions,’ hour-long stabs at opening the modern heart for contemplation. Through original music, poetry, dance and visual art, the Filid build a temporary sanctuary in the midst of everyday life.

STUART MCNAIR £10 Saturday 20 August, 8.30pm – 9.30pm Saturday 27 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) A singer/songwriter from the American South, Stuart McNair combines Folk, Country, Bluegrass and Louisiana traditions for a joyous live show. Called “dazzling”, “uplifting” and “glorious”, his songs deliver an Earth-friendly message that deals with love, life and communion with nature. A multi-instrumentalist, Stuart wows audiences by playing guitars, piano, harmonicas, trumpet, accordion, washboard, mandolin and other instruments on stage. He employs humour, irresistible bayou and mountain rhythms and unique tales to take his audience to new places.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

THE CHOIR OF ST JOHN’S IN CONCERT £8 (£5) Saturday 20 August, 8pm – 9.30pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) The general theme of ‘faith’ is picked up in our annual concert, which includes some Hungarian folk songs all about love, Gorecki’s beautiful Totus Tuus written for Pope John Paul II and Rutter’s colourful setting of Mary’s song, the Magnificat, with orchestra.

THE SOUL OF THE VIOLIN £5 Monday 22 August, 4pm – 4.50pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Violinist Feargus Hetherington performs a short recital of contemplative music by Johann Sebastian Bach, followed by the uplifting and exuberant music of the great Belgian violinist/composer Eugène Ysaÿe.

TERRA £5 Monday 22 – Sunday 28 August, 4pm – 4.50pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Old songs, old suits, old words and little villages: this is Terra. The woman is the protagonist: her secrets, her fears and her strength. We are exploring clandestine abortion and euthanasia. We are in the place where life and death meet. Directors: Carmela Colaninno and Federica Fiorillo

CHRISTINE BOVILL – FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY £10 (£8) Monday 22 August, 8pm – 9pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Christine Bovill has built her reputation on her interpretation of classic 20th century songs, singing blues, folk and jazz. She is also performing PIAF at the NLS and Billy Holiday at this year’s Fringe, so expect some real treats at this show as well as great songs from her debut album! A hot ticket not to be missed. ‘A star is born’ (The Herald)

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS BY C.S. LEWIS £8 (£6) adapted and presented by Michael Appleby Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 August, 8pm – 9.45pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Lewis’s classic, witty, ‘cautionary tale’ is sub-titled “From a Senior to a Junior Devil.” Screwtape is the self-important Under Secretary of the Department of Tempters in Hell, sending advice to his nephew Wormwood on how to ensure that his human ‘patient’ goes to the bad – a mission that does not go smoothly. This energetic one-man show delivers a bulging post bag of diabolical letters, some challenging, many amusing, all thought provoking. The profits from this event will go to charity.

NO NAME TRIO £12 (£10) Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) No Name Trio, headed by Mobo award-winning jazz pianist Ceri Evans, fuses a concoction of jazz and traditional Iranian music to produce a wildly original set featuring new compositions and fresh takes on classic jazz covers.

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW BY CANDLELIGHT £10 (£7) Wednesday 24 and Friday 26 August, 9.30pm – 11.10pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Witness the first Gospel as Jesus’s followers first heard it... in a darkness illuminated purely by candlelight and the Word! ‘An award-winning performer, an original translation, a unique and unforgettable experience’. (Threeweeks) www.georgedillon.com

SCOTT’S ABROAD £8 (£6) Thursday 25, 4pm – 5pm and Saturday 27 August 6pm – 7pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Join Coreen Scott as she explores songs from Scotland and around the world. Coreen’s beautiful, melodic voice will be complemented by a range of instruments to present a rich programme of Scottish, traditional, contemporary and international songs. Some of Coreen’s musical friends and collaborators will join her on stage including gifted young harpist Aislinn Faulkner with Jonny Gibbs and Alasdair Morrison on guitar.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

A JOURNEY THROUGH IRANIAN MAGHAM MUSIC – MAGHAM ENSEMBLE £12 (£10) Friday 26 August, 6pm – 7pm and Saturday 27 August, 4pm – 5pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Inspired by the Magham (loosely translated as Modal) music of various regions in Iran, Magham Ensemble is aiming to explore and exhibit the art of Magham music. The ensemble uses a tempered scale and concentrates more on ornamentations and melodic motifs to showcase musical traditions from different ethnicities in Iran. ‘Innovative Virtuoso Musicians’ (Evening Post)

EVELINA PUZAITÉ AND ANDRIUS PUSKUNIGIS – PIANO AND OBOE RECITAL – FAITH AND STUDY £10 (£8) children free (accompanied) Friday 26 August, 7.30pm – 9pm at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, 23 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh (Venue 91) “...wave upon wave of applause washed across the concert hall in acknowledgement of her outstanding performance...” Brighton Philharmonic, 2011 “The oboe, a magical instrument, in the hands of Andrius Puskunigis, “ Le Républicain Lorrain, France 2011 With true faith, absorb Andrius and Evelina’s exciting programme of Schumann, Chopin, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Rachmaninov and Piazzolla. Evelina Puzaité performs in order to inspire - brilliance, sensitivity and charisma sparkle from her piano keys. She has won more than 15 piano competitions, gives regular recitals at Wigmore Hall, the Barbican and Royal Festival Hall, as well as frequently performing with national orchestra. Andius Puskunigis, is a profoundly talented and moving performer. He is the principal oboist with the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra and teaches oboe at music schools in France. Following their CD Launch in France, this is their premier performance together in Scotland. A spiritual reaction. www.evelinapuzaite.com www.andriushautbois.net Refreshments included. CDs / Books For Sale. Tickets are available through the Hub - tel: 0131 473 2000 and website: www.hubtickets.co.uk , at any time from Elise Kelly - tel: 0141 882 4520 / 07990 981682 or on the door at St. Mary’s (venue 91)

A CURIOUS DETOUR £8 (£6) Sunday 28 August, 2pm – 3.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) In 2005 Stuart Hepburn suffered an extensive stroke which left him completely paralysed with no speech. Refusing to succumb he applied his life’s learning to his own situation and began to effect a slow, laborious recovery. The first half will be a dramatized reading of excerpts from Stuart’s biography and the second half will be an exploration of the spiritual aspects of Stuart’s life and his recovery. Concluding with a question and answer session involving Stuart Hepburn, Rev. Ian Gilmour, Adam Tompkins (actor), James McSharry (director) and Alistair Rutherford (scriptwriter). Stokes! an art exhibition including some of Stuart’s works will be displayed in the Church Hall at St John’s from Thursday 25 to Monday 29 August. For more information see page 40.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

BEYOND DIALOGUE: SACRED MUSIC IN THE MULTIFAITH AGE FREE Scottish Voices (dir. Graham Hair) with guests Monday 29 August, 5.30pm – 7pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Celebrating the Abrahamic traditions, collaboration across traditions, and sharing public spaces between traditions. Contemporary versions of Hebrew psalms, Islamic mystical poetry, Orthodox hymns and Mahmood Jamal’s “A Child’s Prayer.”

talks and workshops MAKE UTTERLY BESPOKE CLOTHES WORKSHOP £30 (£25) Mondays and Tuesdays in August (except 1-2 and 29-30 August), 9am – 12pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Make your own Utterly Bespoke clothes! Sew a unique design in Scottish Cloth with designer dressmaker Caroline Scott. Choose a garment from the Utterly Bespoke Icon Collection and make it for yourself in a morning or two. Using your own sewing machine you will learn techniques to create clothes easily. You have a choice of designs from a dress, a slip shirt, a sleeveless over dress, a short jacket, a coat or a waistcoat. All can be made in fabrics from Utterly Bespoke Scottish cloths. Visit the Festival of Spirituality and Peace’s page on http://www.utterlybespoke.com to choose your design and fabric. Then email caroline@utterlybespoke.com to book your place. Materials not included.

PUNJABI STYLE COOKERY CLASSES £15 Mondays and Tuesdays in August (except 1 and 2 August), 10am – 12pm or 11am – 1pm and 6pm – 8pm at Punjab’n De Rasoi, 122-124 Leith Walk Enjoy the taste of the Punjab in the heart of Leith. Make an authentic curry and take it home in under 2 hours. Punjab’n De Rasoi is a social enterprise project which provides services to the local community. For more information visit www.sikhsanjog.com/cafe.htm There are only 4 places available per session. Please contact us by phone or email to let us know what day and time you would prefer and whether or not you would like Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian option. To book your place please phone 0131 5534737 or email info@sikhsanjog.com

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

SAHAJA YOGA MEDITATION WORKSHOP FREE Monday 8, Wednesday 10 and Friday 12 August, 4pm – 5pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Come and experience this ‘Yoga’ or Union which is ‘Sahaj’ – born with you, therefore is a spontaneous and effortless happening, silently enabling a state of genuine meditation to occur. A short introduction, meditation and music will create the atmosphere for this very gentle awakening of our essential nature. “You cannot have Peace in the world until you have Peace within” Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, founder of Sahaja Yoga

DISCOVER THE UNDERLYING NATURE OF REALITY £8 (£6) Monday 8 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Author and meditation teacher Sandy C. Newbigging (as seen on Discovery Health) shares enlightening insights and exercises for discovering the underlying still silent peaceful nature of reality that, as he explains is your birthright to experience, explore and enjoy. Sandy C. Newbigging is author of four books including PEACE FOR LIFE (2011) and teaches therapy and meditation around the world. Visit www. mindetox.com

JOURNEY FROM THE ANDES TO THE AMAZON £7 (£5) Tuesday 9 August, 3.30pm – 5pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Coach and writer Bryce Redford takes you on a journey with the shamans and explores the parallels with leading scientific research into the nature of reality and how these two different worldviews are providing new insights into our role in creation. Bryce Redford is a writer and coaches people to achieve more of what they want in life in fun, fast and easy ways. Visit www.bryceredford.com

COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION £10 (£8) Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 August, 3.30pm – 5.30pm in the Church Chapel at St John’s (Venue 127) Do you find it’s sometimes difficult to be as compassionate as you’d like to be? Come learn how choices we make in everyday language can help deepen our relationships and help us be kinder to ourselves and others. Come to one or all three of these challenging yet quite fun sessions. Session 1 provides an overview of the model (based on NVC, Nonviolent Communication as developed by Marshall Rosenberg) and looks at how habits and patterns of communicating contribute to lessthan-wonderful interactions. Session 2 focuses on expressing feelings in a way that invites understanding, rather than creating defensiveness. Session 3 focuses on expressing our needs in a way that helps awaken the natural compassion in ourselves and others. Facilitated by Claralynn Nunamaker, www.compassion.org.uk

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

OVERCOMING LOSS AND ADDICTION: A PATHWAY TO LIVING LIFE ON LIFE’S TERMS £5 Tuesday 9 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) When does life change its terms? Is it when someone dies? Divorces? Moves? Has a fire? What makes someone turn to alcohol or drugs for comfort and courage? Explore through a comedic and heart-warming presentation how to live life on life’s terms.

UFOS AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORLD: GERARD AARTSEN £5 Tuesday 9 August, 8pm – 9.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) According to author Gerard Aartsen, similarities in the teachings from the Space People and the Ageless Wisdom indicate the that UFOs are here in support of the historical awakening of humanity and its rightful place in the cosmic brotherhood of consciousness. www.bgapublications.nl

SPIRITUALITY – HAVE YOU FOUND ANY YET? £8 (£6) Wednesday 10 August, 9.30am – 11.00am and also 11.30am – 1.00pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Faith in Older People and Alzheimers’ Scotland invite you to a discussion about the spiritual care of older people. We will be showing a short film using the voices and experiences of older people and people with dementia. These conversations, which open up issues for staff, residents and relatives, help us to understand the importance of enabling older people to have their spiritual needs met as well as enhancing the wellbeing of those caring for them. The aim of the discussion is to explore the issues in more depth. (A DVD of the film will be available for those attending)

THE KEY TO UNCONDITIONAL LOVE NOW! AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ISHAYAS’ ASCENSION OF THE BRIGHT PATH FREE Wednesday 10 and Wednesday 17 August, 7.30pm – 9pm at Theosophical Society, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH Is unconditional love possible? Is it sustainable? What enables us to express and receive it? What prevents us? Many believe that the “Key to Unconditional Love” is permanently lost or an ideal that has no basis in ordinary reality. Yet, there are many examples of people who have embodied unconditional love in their lives and teaching and inspired others to make it their highest priority. During these talks, we will introduce Ishayas’ Ascension of the Bright Path, a gentle and very powerful form of meditation enabling you to unlock whatever doors may have prevented you from living life in joy, unconditional love and inner peace. No meditation experience and no beliefs are required. You may discover that you already have the key and that when you actually use it, the door opens effortlessly. For more information please visit www.thebrightpath.com

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

MASTERS OF ETCHING WORKSHOP £35 (£30) Tuesday 23 August, 10.30am – 1pm at Edinburgh Printmakers, 23 Union Street, Edinburgh Create your own Rembrandt inspired etching. Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. For details visit www.edinburgh-printmakers.co.uk Tel: 0131 557 2479

LAUGHTER YOGA WORKSHOP: ARE YOU HAVING A LAUGH? £8 (£6) Thursday 11 and 18, Friday 12 and 19 August, 11am – 11.45am and Thursday 25 and Friday 26 August 12.30pm – 1.15pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) We all know how great we feel after a good laugh, so get happy and healthy with 45 minutes of laughing for no reason and be reminded that laughter really is the best medicine. The only event at this year’s Festival where laughter’s guaranteed! No prior experience necessary just bring a sense of humour and a childlike playfulness.

INTRODUCTION TO TRANSMISSION MEDIATION FREE Thursday 11 and Sunday 14 August, 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Theosophical Society, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH Transmission meditation is the simplest, most potent way to serve humanity and to help transform our world. It is a spiritual practice that affects the entire evolution of humanity for the better. It is a simple form of group meditation that provides both a dynamic service to the world (Karma yoga) and a powerful technique for personal growth (Laya yoga). Transmission Meditation is safe, scientific, nondenominational, and extremely potent. It will not interfere with, but will actually enhance any other spiritual practice and/or service activity in which you may be engaged. As a result of transmission meditation, many people find they can experience and demonstrate love more easily. Others report that their mind is more stimulated and creative. Some people receive healing, spontaneously, during the transmissions. Everyone welcome. No previous experience required.

TRANSFORMING GRIEF TO HOPE £5 Thursday 11 August, 4pm – 5pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Surviving the loss of a person, place or thing is one of life’s lessons that has no textbook answer. Exploring the path to spiritual awakenings and hope is easier when someone turns the lights on! Learn how to simply turn on the lights!

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

WHAT DOES THE ‘BIG SOCIETY’ MEAN IN SCOTLAND? FREE Thursday 11 August, 8pm – 9.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Are communities becoming more fragmented? Is volunteering really a way of bringing communities back together? Can it promote peace and understanding, and reduce conflict in communities? Did we really have a ‘bigger society’ in the past? Join our lively, informal conversation with a great panel of speakers which will include Martyn Evans, Chief Executive of the Carnegie Trust UK and Karen McCluskey, Crime Prevention Unit, Strathclyde Police. The discussion will be chaired by the International Voluntary Service.

LUNCHTIME WORKSHOPS IN DERVISH WHIRLING: DANCE OF THEBELOVED £6.50 (£5) presented by Temenos Theatre

Monday 15 – Friday 19 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Come and enjoy this ancient practice for creating inner stillness and ecstasy. The movement is simple; balance comes through a short meditation for energetic realignment and empty mind, ecstasy comes by itself. With Helen Fost, shamanic healer and performer www.temenostheatre.com

MEET THE ARTISTS: INDELIBLE IMPRINTS FREE Monday 15 and 22, Wednesday 17 and 24 and Friday 19 August, 2pm – 3pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) An exhibition of original contemporary prints from artist members of Edinburgh Printmakers presented to explore creativity in printmaking as an avenue through which artists make and leave more permanent tracks in life, unforgettable traces of human existence in the lines and marks of the image. Meet the Artists is an opportunity to meet and talk informally with artists included in the exhibition on the works in the show and to learn more about their approaches to printmaking. Indelible Imprints is exhibited Monday – Wednesday 24 August in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127)

LOVING THE LIFE YOU LIVE £7 (£5) Monday 15 August, 3.30pm – 5pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Coach and writer Bryce Redford explores insights from science, psychology and spirituality into the nature of reality and our role in creation sharing fun, fast and easy ways you can use to create more of what you want in your life Bryce Redford is a writer and coaches people to achieve more of what they want in life in fun, fast and easy ways. Visit www.bryceredford.com

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

THE DIFFERENCE A MEAL MAKES FREE Tuesday 16 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) We invite you to learn more about the remarkable charity Mary’s Meals. Since 2002 they have set up school feeding projects in communities where hunger and poverty stop children from gaining an education. The charity provides over 526,000 daily meals to children in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. www.marymeals.org

WOODCUT WORKSHOP £35 (£30) Thursday 18 August, 10.30am – 1pm at Edinburgh Printmakers, 23 Union Street, Edinburgh Follow in the footsteps of Durer and create your own design as a woodcut print. Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. For details visit www.edinburgh-printmakers.co.uk Tel: 0131 557 2479

POSTCARDS FROM JAPAN: WE ARE STILL HERE SLIDE TALK FREE Thursday 18 August, 4pm – 5pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) After the major earthquake, subsequent tsunami and nuclear disaster on 11th March, the priority is to re-build communities and livelihoods. Life goes on, and art and culture are vital in celebrating life, helping to nurture imagination, energy and determination to move on. Exhibition curators Kate Thomson and Hironori Katagiri will introduce art projects in North East Japan and the wider context of work by the artists from the region who are exhibiting “Postcards from Japan” from Saturday 6 August to Monday 29 August in St John’s Church. If you would like to take part in the sister project Postcards to Japan by sending original A5 art work or poetry postcards to north east Japan please see http://www.ukishima.net for more information, or e-mail: info@ukishima.net

DERVISH WHIRLING AND SOUL RETRIEVAL JOURNEY WORKSHOP £20 (£15) presented by Temenos Theatre

Saturday 20 August, 1pm – 6pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Soul retrieval gathers our full energy potential from the past into the timeless ‘now.’ Dervish whirling anchors the ‘now’ around an axis of stillness: ‘At the still point there the dance is.’ With Helen Fost, shamanic healer and performer. www.temenostheatre.com

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

MOVEMENT IMPROVISATION: EXPLORING TIMELESSNESS WORKSHOP £20 (£15) presented by Temenos Theatre

Sunday 21 August, 1.30pm – 6.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Journeying through the shamanic medicine wheel with movement improvisation, we dissolve thoughts and emotions to become the flow. Empty mind permits the dance of not knowing; timelessness turns insecurity into freedom! With Helen Fost, shamanic healer and performer www.temenostheatre.com

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION WITH ANI RINCHEN KHANDRO £10 (£7) Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 August, 2pm – 4.30pm at Samye Dzong Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre, 4 Walker Street, off Shandwick Place Take time out from the stress of busy life and festival burnout. Ani Rinchen presents the what, why and how of meditation, giving guidance on relaxation, posture, breathing, and mindfulness. Letting go of habitual thinking allows space to simply be present and experience our true nature. With regular practice we feel happier, less stressed, more peaceful and aware. Reserve your place online at: www.edinburgh.samye.org or pay on the day at the Samye Dzong Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre

HEAL THE HIDDEN CAUSES OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONS £8 (£6) Monday 22 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Author and mind-body healing expert Sandy C. Newbigging (as seen on Discovery Health) explains why physical problems don’t necessarily have purely physical causes, how your emotional well-being and physical wellness are linked and how it is possible to heal your body by getting peace with your past. Sandy C. Newbigging is author of four books including PEACE FOR LIFE (2011) and teaches therapy and meditation around the world. Visit www.mindetox.com

COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION £10 (£8) Tuesday 23 August, 3.30pm – 5.30pm in the Church Chapel at St John’s (Venue 127) Discover how habits and patterns of communicating contribute to less-thanwonderful interactions. This exploration of 4 simple yet powerful language tools is both challenging and fun. Facilitated by Claralynn Nunamaker, www.compassion.org.uk

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

HEALTH AND SPIRITUALITY: A DAOIST PERSPECTIVE £7 (£5) Tuesday 23 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) What is the connection between the health of the body and the health of our spirituality? This lecture and demonstration will explore Rachael’s experience of training in Daoist (Taoist) martial arts in China, and discuss the importance of physical well-being to our spiritual growth and enjoyment of life. www.soenren.com (£12 (£8) when combined with one workshop see below.

INTRODUCTION TO THE AGELESS WISDOM TEACHINGS – BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION FREE Tuesday 23 August 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Theosophical Society, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH This presentation will provide an introduction to that great body of wisdom at the heart of all spiritual teachings given throughout the ages. It is only by discovering our common wellspring that men and women will truly come to understand their spiritual interconnectedness, as part of one divine family. The teachings present a systematic and comprehensive account of the evolution of consciousness, in humanity and nature, and the science of the energies, which bring that process about. Standing as we do at the threshold of a new era, the ageless wisdom teachings will throw greater light on the mysteries of the universe, the nature of our Being, and the underlying synthesis between science and religion.

HEALTH AND SPIRITUALITY: EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF WORKSHOP £7 (£5) Wednesday 24 – Saturday 27 August, 11am – 12pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Following on from the talk Health and Spirituality: A Daoist Perspective (see above), these open workshops will teach some basic daoist taiji (tai chi) and qi gong (chi kung) exercises and explain the benefits of these for spirituality and internal health and peace. Beginners welcome and attendance of the talk is not compulsory for attendance. www.soenren.com (£12 (£8) when combined with Health and Spirituality: A Daoist Perspective)

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

WHERE FAITH MEETS REALITY: FIREWALK EXPERIENCE £65 (£45) Thursday 25 August, 6pm – 10pm at The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh Develop the right mindset for living a positive, peaceful and productive life – free from problems – by attending this evening firewalk event. During the evening you will help prepare the fire, enjoy enlightening dialogues on science, faith and reality and have the life changing opportunity to do something beyond belief by walking on fire – all with the guidance and support from qualified firewalk instructor Bryce Redford and author/teacher Sandy C. Newbigging.

URBAN WORRIER – ADVENTURES IN THE LOST ART OF LETTING GO £5 Friday 26 August, 6pm – 7pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) When modern life grinds you down, how do you stop worrying and really start living? Award-winning writer Nick Thorpe tried everything from naturism to monasticism, Buddhism to ballooning, in his quest for balance and spiritual fulfilment in a highspeed world.

IT’S ALL LIGHT: A UNIFIED THEORY OF SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALIY £5

by Gloria Prema, BSc., Dip.Env.& Dev., MNFSH Saturday 27 August, 2pm – 3pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) In her theory, Prema reconciles and unifies several theories, for example quantum mechanics, relativity, and universal spiritual experiences and gives experimental evidence for the healing potential of love. Using the morphic resonance of light, she explains how healing, hence peace, can come about through Gandhi’s maxim of being the change we want to see in the world.

spiritual practices SACRED SPACE FREE Mondays - Thursdays in August (except 1 - 4 August), 12.15 - 1.00pm at St John’s (venue 127)

Experience the stillness and mystery of our beautiful church. Music and silence in the midst of a busy festival. Spend half an hour with some of Edinburgh’s finest musicians in one of its most stunning buildings. Open to those of all faiths or of none. Mon 8, 15 Tue 9, 16, 23

Lissa-Käthe (piano) Sacred Sphere with Mio Shapley (Harp)

Wed 10, 17, 24 Norman Lamont – Wave forms – gentle layers of sound Thu 11, 18, 25 Ben Kearsley (classical guitar) Mon 22

Martin Aelred (Voice and guitar)

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

ONE MINUTE SILENCE FREE Daily, 1pm – 1.01pm Everywhere Every day at 1pm you are invited to take a minute to reflect on the need for peace in the world. Wherever you are, stop and reflect – or join us at St John’s if you can.

WORSHIP AT ONE FREE Mondays – Thursdays throughout August, 1.01pm - 1.30pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) Thirty minutes for silence, words and prayers on a relevant theme including communion for those who wish it. You are welcome to come and go as you please.

HEALING FREE (by donation) Thursdays in August (except 4 August), 10.30am – 12.30pm in the Church Chapel at St John’s (Venue 127)

Need a quiet time out of the busy rush of the Festival and Fringe? Why not come for a healing? Available for those of all faiths and none, it is given by members of the National Federation of Spiritual Healers (NFSH). Relaxing, gentle and safe. Try it for yourself. The healing is free, but donations towards Festival costs would be gratefully appreciated.

MUSIC, PRAYER AND SILENCE: CHANTING IN THE STYLE OF TAIZE FREE (by donation) Thursdays in August (except 4 August), 2pm – 3pm in the Church Chapel at St John’s (Venue 127)

Join us for a meditation in music in St John’s beautiful Chapel. These chants are from the Christian tradition, but are open to those of all faiths or of none.

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE – SHARING OUR INNER AND OUTER CONNECTEDNESS FREE (by donation) Fridays in August (except 5 August), 11.30am – 12.30pm in the Church Chapel at St John’s (Venue 127)

Dances of Universal Peace are a form of moving meditation/body prayer, based on spiritual traditions from different parts of the world, using voice (chanting sacred phrases) and simple movements (usually danced in a circle). Beginners warmly welcomed.

DONATE MOMENTS OF PEACE FREE

Saturdays in August (except 6 August), 10.30am – 11am and 12pm – 12.30pm at St John’s Church (Venue 127) An opportunity to share positive thoughts for the world’s benefit. Each half hour will start with a guided commentary or suggested thoughts for reflection. Then silence, concluding with soft background music.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

MUSIC (and words) at ST JOHN’S in THE FESTIVAL The Choir of St John’s is one of the leading church choirs in Edinburgh. We invite you to enjoy the riches of church music, both traditional and contemporary, at services in August:

CHORAL MATINS Sundays, 14, 21, 28 August, 9.30am – 10.10am at St John’s (venue 127) A colourful collection of music for Morning Prayer, including music by Boyce, born 300 years ago, recent sacred music including Hutchings and Jonathan Dove and Matins for upper voices, showcasing the ladies of the choir!

CHORAL EUCHARISTS Sundays, 7, 14, 21, 28 August, 10.30am – 11.30am at St John’s (venue 127) Victoria Missa Laetatus Sum for 3 choirs, Haydn Missa Sancti Nicolai with orchestra, Liszt’s Missa Choralis in this his anniversary year and finally Vierne’s monumental Messe Solonelle, scored for choir and two organs- not to be missed! Guest Preachers: Sunday 14 Aug Dr Geoff Lachlan Sunday 21 Aug Revd Ruth Scott Sunday 28 Aug Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf from New York

CHORAL EVENSONG Sundays, 14, 21 August 6pm – 7pm at St John’s (venue 127) No collection of Anglican church music would be complete without the music of Howells, including his Gloucester Service. Music inspired by Durham Cathedral also features, including William Smith and Thomas Ebdon. Guest preachers: Sunday 14 Aug Bishop Christopher Senjonyo from Uganda Sunday 21 Aug Dr Donald Bruce

Please see separate leaflet for the full listing of music at St John’s and see page 25 for a concert listing

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

exhibitions CONVERSATIONS FREE

Saturday 6 – Sunday 14 August in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127)

Conversations. From a school for the deaf in Aleppo to the streets of Glasgow, discover the diversity of Deaf culture in Syria and Scotland. Join us on a photographic journey. Rediscover Scottish society with Deaf young people as your guide. Conversations. Be part of this international conversation

INDELIBLE IMPRINTS FREE Monday 15 – Wednesday 24 August in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) An exhibition of original contemporary prints from artist members of Edinburgh Printmakers presented to explore creativity in printmaking as an avenue through which artists make and leave more permanent tracks in life, unforgettable traces of human existence in the lines and marks of the image. Featuring works by Edinburgh artists: Joyce Gunn Cairns, Anna Pettigrew, Ingrid Bell, Ross Flemington, Chris Sleath, Ian Ferguson, Jill Bennett, Gavin Johnston, Mina Braun, Olga Kaliszer, Eoin Dallas, Anna Davis, Rowena BirkettJones, Lawrence Nowosad, Rona Maclean. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of events to learn more about the artists themselves and the art of printmaking.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

STROKE! FREE Thursday 25 – Monday 29 August in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Stroke! Expresses people’s lives, losses and the emotional impact of their experiences of stoke through drawing and painting. The artists are all living with the impact of a stroke and have attended the Edinburgh Community Stroke Service at Firhill Centre Edinburgh. Contributor Stuart Hepburn talks about his experience in the event ‘A Curious Detour’ on Sunday 28 August, 2pm – 3.30pm in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) see page 27.

POSTCARDS FROM JAPAN: WE ARE STILL HERE FREE Saturday 6 – Monday 29 August in St John’s Church (Venue 127) An exhibition of postcards from artists in North East Japan. After the major earthquake, subsequent tsunami and nuclear disaster on 11th March, the priority is to re-build communities and livelihoods. Life goes on, and art and culture are vital in celebrating life, helping to nurture imagination, energy and determination to move on. Exhibition curated by Kate Thomson and Hironori Katagiri, who will give a Slide Talk on Thursday 18 August, 4pm – 5pm at the Church Hall at St John’s. This will introduce the wider context of work by the exhibiting artists and art in North East Japan. (For more information see page ...) If you would like to take part in the sister project Postcards to Japan by sending original A5 art work or poetry postcards to north east Japan please see http://www.ukishima.net for more information, or e-mail: info@ukishima.net

LIFE AFTER IRAQ – PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA CATLIN FREE Monday 6 – Monday 29 August in St John’s Church (Venue 127) Since 2003, at least 4.7 million Iraqis have been forced to flee their homes. Around half of the displaced remain in Iraq, while more than 2 million have fled to Syria and Jordan. Commissioned by the Scottish Refugee Council, Life After Iraq is an exhibition of work by award-winning photojournalist Angela Catlin and writer Billy Briggs, who travelled to Syria to document the lives of ordinary Iraqis living there after fleeing their homeland. The exhibition also gives an insight into the lives of Iraqi refugees who have come to Scotland.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

CALEDONIAN LAND TRUST FREE Monday 6 – Monday 29 August in St John’s Church (Venue 127) Reality bites. Right now, economic realities bite hard. Spiritual wellbeing is dandy, but the reality of holding your family together when you are homeless is tough. Caledonian Land Trust is pioneering a spiritually motivated and practical response – helping families facing repossession stay in their homes while strengthening community bonds. Visit our display and follow us on Twitter: @Cally_LT. www.caledonianlandtrustorg

DISCOVER ISLAM EXHIBITION FREE Saturday 6 – Tuesday 16 August, 12pm – 5pm (except Fridays 2pm - 5pm) at Edinburgh Central Mosque (Venue 48)

A dynamic experience of knowledge, art and culture, with friendly guides on hand to answer your questions. Admission is free, as are refreshments and literature.

ALTERNATIVE REALITIES FREE Saturday 6 – Monday 29 August displayed outside the north, Princes Street side of St John’s Church (Venue 127) Alternative Realities is an installation created by siblings Laura and Murray Ferguson, who together explore the built environment through their specialist mediums, architecture and sculpture. This project focuses on the theme of human trafficking, exploring ideas of its involvement in everyday society. It investigates the use of human beings as functional objects, questioning public perception of the subject and asking how trafficking is able to survive relatively unnoticed by the majority.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

MEMORY FOR A BETTER FUTURE FREE by Faten Nastas

Saturday 6 – Monday 29 August outside on the north wall of St John’s Church (Venue 127) In September 2011, Palestinians are expecting the U.N. declaration of an independent Palestinian State. Like every independent country, there should be a memorial to the martyrs who offered their lives on behalf of their nation and country. We, the Palestinians, are human beings first before being a cause, we need to remember the past and work hard for the future. We need to commemorate our lost beloved fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters in order to be able to live in inner peace and establish a sustainable state. This site specific installation is a memorial for all those who were killed while defending their family, house and land. Edinburgh is a town of History and future, heritage and vision, and I believe that St. John Church is an excellent place for the memorial. We would like to invite all the visitors and believers to dedicate few minutes of their lives, to contemplate and to pray for the souls of the lost beloved ones from all over the worlds.

ST JOHN’S MURAL FREE Throughout August at St John’s Church (venue 127) St John’s has become famous over the last 28 years for its murals commenting incisively – and often controversially - on topical issues. View – and comment on – the festival mural unveiled on Friday 8 August (see www.stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk)

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

festival charities St Paul’s reconciliation & equality service Each year the festival raises money for humanitarian charities through a surcharge of 50p on tickets for events we have organised. This year the good causes we will support are: St Paul’s Reconciliation and Equality Centre, Kampala, Uganda The Centre is building a “gay/straight alliance” where LGBT people are supported by the families and neighbours. This economic program is designed to build a culture of inclusion at the local level where discrimination is discouraged. “I am working with all the marginalized people of my community” said Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, who is the Executive Director of the Centre. www.stpaulsfoundation.com/Center_For_Devel___Recon.php

The Blood Foundation, Fang Valley, Thailand www.bloodfoundation.org

Currently working on the Thai-Burmese border in northern Thailand, we have a number of education and incomegeneration projects directly benefiting Burmese refugees, hill tribes and Thai people. These humanitarian efforts are supported by commercial projects that remain in line with our overall philosophy such as ‘Monk for a Month’ and ‘Muslim for a Month’.

The Festival Volunteer Programme www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk/volunteering

We rely on our community of volunteers to run the festival. Donations will help make participation in this opportunity possible for some who would otherwise be excluded.

www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

HAVE YOU VISITED THESE OTHER FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES AT ST JOHN’S (VENUE 127)? CRAFT AND DESIGN FAIR An absolute must if you like buying contemporary work from the makers, artists and designers. Over 80 exhibitors, changing at weekends. www.westendfair.co.uk

ONE WORLD SHOP During the Festival, visit our award-winning shop which is open Monday to Sunday and drop in to our Fair Trade Marquee opposite the shop, filled with an enticing array of hand crafted products, supporting communities across the globe. Delicious fair trade foods and drinks for you to sample. Open 7 days 10am - 6pm. www.oneworldshop.co.uk

HENDERSON’S @ St JOHN’S The atmospheric barrel-vaulted dining room can seat up to 80 people and offers the very best in contemporary vegetarian cookery at prices that won’t hurt your pocket. The ideal place to relax over coffee and a cake, a light snack or a drink. www.hendersonsofedinburgh.co.uk/st-johns.php

PEACE AND JUSTICE CENTRE An information network for groups across Scotland, both faith-based and secular, concerned for peace, ecological responsibility and justice. www.pjrc-edinburgh.org.uk

CORNERSTONE BOOKSHOP An ecumenical bookshop with an inclusive ethos. Stocks a wide range of specially crafted cards, candles and gifts. www.cornerstonebooks.org.uk

Thanks Special thanks are due to the many organisations who have helped establish the Festival of Spirituality and Peace over the last decade and especially to St John’s Church (whose original inspiration it was) and to Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association (who have partnered with us since 2005). So many individuals have also helped but this year I owe deepest thanks to Katherine Newbigging, our coordinator, without whose unfailing diligence the festival would literally have been impossible. The Festival of Spirituality and Peace has now been established as a separate entity and I am extremely grateful to those who have agreed to become trustees. As we seek to put the festival on a sustainable basis for the future we welcome any offers of practical help, especially in areas such book-keeping, marketing, website or social networking, PR, fundraising, venue management, friends organisation or programming. If you are interested please contact me.

Donald Reid, Director (donald@festivalofspirituality.org.uk or 0131 221 2271). www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk

BOOKING INFORMATION

BOOKING INFORMATION Unless otherwise stated Festival events can be booked in advance online, by phone or in person at: Hub Tickets, The Hub, Castlehill Phone: 0131 473 2000

Persian Tent

Website: www.hubtickets.co.uk

or at the door.

Chapel

HENDERSON’S CAFE

Church Hall (Tea House)

For special deals on ticket prices for CONVERSATION EVENTS see page 8

INFORMATION

Download a PDF of the Festival Diary at: www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk/diary

For further information see the Festival of Spirituality and Peace Information Point at St John’s Church (venue 127) or www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk or the Festival Information line: 0131 221 2277

•111

ce la

pp ro

we st a

•F

t po wes

ols n ic

bread street

on street

rris

e cowgat

brid

haymarket terrace

torphichen street

ace err et et ton ark johns ssm gra

s tr e

ridg

e ac

d n roa

iv b

n to

itl

ad h ro ac

•HUB

rge

h ig h

lo th ia

ce la

east market street

•127 •122

e re st

eet

south

l pa

•91

tr s s

geo

n ha

p ick

nce

pri rr ys

brid

mou

t es

the

rge

et north

geo

e str

str eet

lauriston plac

geor

uare

on ls co ni

•48 bucc

Edinburgh Filmhouse, Lothian Rd

St John’s St Andrew’s & St George’s West St Cuthbert’s Hub Tickets

e str

St Mary’s Cathedral

Edinburgh Central Mosque

cle

stree leuch

• F • 48 • 91 • 127 • 111 • 122 • HUB

ge sq

st we

mel

vill

e dr ive

•Persian Tea House• Saturday 6 – Monday 29 August in the Church Hall at St John’s (Venue 127) Feed the body and the mind at the Persian Tea House. Our friendly staff would like to play host to you during your time in Church Hall at St John’s. Enjoy the tastes and smells of Iran while partaking in one of our numerous exciting events. Alternatively come and socialise between events and be part of the festival atmosphere. Offering: Iranian Tea • Moroccan mint tea • Coffee • • Ash reshte(Iranian special noodles and herb soups) • • Vegetarian & Mediterranean foods • • Iranian Zaferan Rice pudding • Sandwiches • • Soft drinks and different kind of snacks • Please note when there are events in the Church Hall, service will only be available to audience members.

Persian Rug Village Nomadic Tent Experience Saturday 6 – Monday 29 August 10am – late at St John’s Church Gardens (Venue 127) Persian Rug Village have designed the first ever Nomadic Tent set in the historic heart of St John’s Church, Edinburgh. We invite you to our romantic candle lit evenings where you can relax and experience a night of poetry, where you can let your mind conjure up scenes of vibrant bazaars. Relax and have the simple pleasure of a cup of ‘Tea of Life’. You can also sample and enjoy: • Mediterranean snacks • Storytelling • Educational talks • Read your own poem • • Cultural films about the East • Question and answer sessions Contact us on 0131 466 7071 or email persianrugvillage@gmail.com Visit us every day from 9am till 6pm at 34 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DA