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About life & spirituality in Cambridge Inter-Faith Group Adi Da group Baha'i Brahma Kumaris - "Inner Space" Buddhist Page Cambridge About Churches in general Christian Science Church The Unitarian Church "Spirit & Culture" @ St. Edward's Church Russian Orthodox Church Dances of Universal Peace |
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Especially since the independent Cambridge Centre is closed and the spiritual-alternative Greenwave Magazine is not appearing any more, it is important to provide the opportunity for individuals to find their way towards the light. The following organisations or groups are from my point rather open minded and open for seekers and finders. Maybe you feel drawn to one of them.
Cambridge represents the mind, the brain and thinking of England - Glastonbury is connected with the heart and the emotional quality of England. I feel that it is important to get connected with our heart, and that Cambridge may play an important role on a subtle level for the whole kingdom - maybe even influence the rest of the world... By connecting your mind with your heart, the morphogenetic field around Cambridge may start resonating in a similar way and radiate this harmony out to the world.
Some say, there are two energetic ley lines connecting Glastonbury and Cambridge: the Mary and the Michael line. Again this seems to me to be a matter of resonance with our own destiny, to balance the male and female energies within us in harmony.
Shall Cambridge become the cradle of genetic experiments, ruling over nature (included running over our own natural boundaries), victory of technique (and who will loose in the end?) - or can you imagine, that mind in connection with the heart may find gentle solutions and a sustainable and social ways of living? IT DEPENDS ON YOU - YOU DECIDE - every day; and TOGETHER we will move the world.
Remember: Love is the strongest power. Only with the emotional help of the guests from other countries (yes, we are a third world country in terms of emotional openness and expression!) we may succeed in doing this exiting quantum leap on our inner as well as outer levels. Please, you beautiful and (emotinanlly) rich folks from abroad: Do not let us alone here - we really do need your help!
A good start into a new awareness may be the book: "The Celestine Prophecy. An Adventure" by James Redfield. Please let me know about any groups working with this book. Ralph Nimmann, 1999
NEW home page at
www.cam.net.uk/home/interfaith/!
Meetings are now on the last Friday every month (except July, August & December), 7:45 for 8pm at the Unitarian
Hall (opposite central bus station). Each meeting has a theme or guest speaker with discussion. We also organise monthly visits to faith communities - check the latest programme at www.cam.net.uk/home/interfaith/ifg_prog.html
. You are welcome - free admission.
Please join our free email list: interfaith@home.cam.net.uk or contact Ralph Nimmann
"You have to begin to Dance because all there is, is Dance. All there is, is Madness. All there is, is Light... even in the form of all these manifested conditions" - Adi Da
"Adidam is not a conventionall "religion".
Adidam is not a conventional way of life.
Adidam is about the transcending of the ego-"I".
Adidam is about the Freedom of Divine Self-Realization"
- Adi Da
There are two groups in / around Cambridge and the University group. Some prayer
meetings are held at the Ghaneas' House, 18 Lexington Close [off Histon Rd.] at 7.30pm.
Every 1st and 3rd Friday 7:30 pm there is a Baha'i Community Devotional: "Land of the Spirit" at the Friends Meeting House, 12 Jesus Lane.
Contact: Shiva & Omid Aminian, T: 01223 560 100
Brahma Kumaris Cambridge has a NEW web page: www.cambridge.inner-space.org.
BK / Inner Space are offering a wide variety of courses, classes, lectures and
workshops on meditation, positive thinking, love and the meaning of life, all free of
charge. The main meditation tought is Raja Yoga, practiced with open eyes while
concentrating on the 3rd eye. The ancient vedic knowledge about the cycles of life, the
origin of the world religions and more is explained in their interesting lectures.
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University www.bkwsu.com
headquarter is in Mount Abu, Rajastan, India. There are more than 4000 centres in 70
countries. BK is affiliated to the United Nations and has received 7 Peace Messenger
Awards by the UN.
In England they are a registered charitable trust. See also: www.bkwsu.org.uk. All Brahma Kumari I know are very
gentle, idealistic, peace loving people. Ralph
"Inner Space" is an oasis of beauty and silence in the heart of Cambridge, opposite of King's College. Upstairs there are rooms for teaching and a room dedicated to meditation; everyone is welcome to use this space.
"Inner Space", open every day from 10 to 6pm
6 King's Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ, phone 01223 46 46 16 - e:
Click here to get to "The Buddhist Page Cambridge" with 12 Cambridge Buddhist group entries.
Assuming that 90+ % of the readers of these words are fed up with churches, due to bad experiences with hypocracy, rigidness and inflexibility or lack of direct spiritual experiences there, I still want to say some words about churches:
"Before you criticise someone, walk a mile in his shoes..." or: if you know any organisation or any spiritual master you consider to be a better way to spirituality - what do you think they (or better their followers) will be like in 100 years? In 500 years? in 1000 years? The church as an organisation is like a very old lady - how flexible can you expect old ladies to be? Would you start persuading her to do yoga asanas, participate at the 5 rhythms or else?
"Do not transplant old trees" - rather show and use your own flexibility, leave them where and how they are and treat them with respect. If you would live in the time when the churches were established, you would have realised, that the ordinary people were not capable of taking in the whole truth, that they were not ready for direct spiritual experiences. They would be confused when facing the complexity of the multidimensional world and frightened to take responsibility for themselves. You would not tell your child all about sex at the age of 4 or expect it to be self sufficient.
Having said this, I wish you the wisdom to feel , when it would be appropiate to change things in the church - and when to leave them as they are. Even when the walls are thick - deep within you'll find the light. And after all a lot of the churches are built on holy sites and have a wonderful architecture, inviting us to contemplate, meditate or sing. Ralph
There is no need to tell anyone about churches in Cambridge - they are easy to find. There are some smaller churches, which are different from the traditional ones - let me know about them! If you think, all churches are narrow minded, read the next:
Venue: 60 Panton Street, Cambridge, CB2 1HS, Telephone: Cambridge 355009 and 276912
Christian Science church, with associated Reading Room.
Sunday service at 11.00 a.m. - Sunday School at 11.00 a.m. (for pupils up to the age of 20).
Testimony meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7.30 p.m.
Reading Room at 96 Regent Street, Cambridge.
Opening hours: Mon, Tues & Thurs 12-3, Sat 10.30-1.
All are welcome to attend services and use the Reading Room.
Please visit www.spirituality.com and www.tfccs.com for more information
Some quotes from the web page of the Unitarian Church www.cambridgeunitarian.org/:
Experience of God is what matters, rather than words about God. Words are only pointers to
the experience. We can understand that for some people even the word "God"
itself may be unhelpful. Wherever people have sought truth, loved beauty, worked for
justice and known goodness, not in religion only, but in the many non-religious channels
present in the world, the love of God is active; it is "broader than the measures of
man's mind".
The word "Unitarian" originally referred to ancient controversies about the doctrine of the Trinity - God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons in one. The early Unitarians did not find this doctrine in the Bible, nor did they find it helpful. They stressed the unity of God and the humanity of Jesus, and so were called "Unitarian". Unitarians set small store by labels, even the label "Christian"; it is the spirit that matters.
Unitarians do not think of worship as a ritual bowing down before some almighty potentate. For us it is an expression of our sense of wonder. It is a celebration of those things that are of supreme worth. "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue. And if there be any praise, think on these things, and the God of peace shall be with you" (St. Paul).
We read from the Bible, .... it is a thoroughly human book. We reverence the wisdom it contains, but we do not look upon it as infallible. We also read from many other writings, for example, recently we have read from Leo Tolstoi, D. H. Lawrence's poems, the Bhagavad Gita (Song of God), the ancient Indian Upanishads, the Buddhist Dhammapada, John Bunyan, Richard Jefferies, David Lilienthal and Dag Hammarskjold. They are read because they are memorable expressions of spiritual experience. For more information see the homepage of the Unitarian Church www.cambridgeunitarian.org/.
VENUE: Unitarian Church Cambridge, 5 Emmanuel Road (opp. central bus station, Cambridge, CB1 1JW
[The Hall behind the church is also used by various community groups]
(see location on web map)
Sunday Morning Service 10.30am.
Service of Meditation, Music & Readings Sunday 6.30pm
Contact: Rev. Andrew Brown, 01223 576 952
mail [AT] revajbrown.demon.co.uk [ AT = @ ]
NEW Home Page at www.st-edwards-cam.org.uk - old St. Edward's home page (on Rainbow Network Cambridge)
More about St. Edward's. The "Spirit and Culture" Programme" stems from
a co-operation with the former Cambridge Centre.
Contact: Vicar-Chaplain Revd Dr Fraser Watts: 01223 359 223, e-mail: fnw1001@hermes.cam.ac.uk
The Dances of Universal Peace are a spiritual practice:
all chakras are involved, and may even get activated.
A sense of joy and bliss decending on the group may arise.
Tears may flow, when the soul begins to remember it's deep longing...
They can be a bridge to awakening, to connect with the Divine.
Your voice may open up and your breathing can become deeper and free.
All sorts of things may happen during or after the dancing, often on a subtle level.
We usually hug each other. These hugs can be very healing and comforting..." (Ralph)
There are two monthly peace dance groups in Cambridge: 1st Friday /month 7:30 with Margaret and seasonal Saturday afternoons with Ralph & Vitalija.
More peace dance groups in St Neots - Norwich - Oxford & London - more at the LINKS page for the Dances of Universal Peace
Those who have taken up the practice have reported improvements in both body and mind, as well as a deepened spiritual awareness. Practitioners become healthier, kinder and more tolerant towards the stress of everyday life. More information can be found at www.falundafa.org.uk and www.faluninfo.net/.
Classes are free. In Cambridge there is a practice every Saturday morning from 8.45am - 10.15am (& 10:15 again) on Jesus Green (near the tennis courts) - everyone is welcome. Or call Caroline for more information: 414 712 or 07971 226334.
It may sound exotic - but in this group everyone is VERY open minded, seeing the Krishna consciousness in many aspects and manifestations. If you are interested in finding out more about the ancient wisdom and joy chanting the Maha Mantra "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare", you are welcome to join the Cambridge Hare Krisna Group - no matter who you are, what your religion or spiritual direction is.
This weekly meeting (Nama Hatta) is - with some breaks - ongoing since April'99. Since Summer 2003 Kripamoya is visiting and teaching and chanting the Maha Mantra with the group. Also reading of the Bhagavad Gita, sharing our spiritual experiences and wisdom, Japa meditation (reciting the Mahamantra), chatting and finishing with a wonderful vegetarian dish. The group was started by members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISCON) London.
If you are interested, please first contact someone of the group.
Contact: Michelle: (01638 669057), 01223 246 454 - mobile 07891 621 339
or Marianne 01223 562 818
For other Hare Krishna groups in the UK see www.iskcon.org.uk or visit the Watford Temple at
www.krishnatemple.com
contact Kripamoya, phone 01923 857 244
This beautiful spacious hall can be rent out for classes and parties (kitchen available)
VENUE: Bharat Bhavan (Old Library), Mill Road / bridge, Cambridge CB1 2AZ (the big red brick building between Kingston Street and the railway bridge, adjacent to Cambridge School of Languages).
Click here to see location in Cambridge street map (you can zoom this map in and out at right bottom corner)
Parking: Monday - Saturday 9-5pm roadside 'pay & display' parking, also car park Gwydir Street (@ traffic light, just behind the Bath House).
Public transport: 10 min walk from the railway station (just walk to the right across the station carpark, under the cycle bridge with plastc tunnel and carry on until you come to Mill Road: you see Bharat Bhavon opposite on the other side)
From the central bus station walk past the police station and fire brigade about one mile along Mill Road - just before the railway bridge on your left is Bharat Bhavan. Or take bus "Citi 2" towards Addenbrookes until 'Gwydir Street'.
The Cambridge Mosque (1 Mawson Road, near Mill Road, phone: 01223 350 134
) has a new web site: www.ummah.com/cambmosque.
Prayer timetable:
www.cam.ac.uk/societies/cuiss/newsite/html/files/prayertime.pdf (Acrobat Reader format)
Quaker Testimonies:
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Report from the
World Family of Friends [Quakers] Conference England, 3 - 5 Sept. 2010 article by Ralph |
The Quaker's emphasis is placed on daily life and experience - every day is holy. The founder of Quakerism was George Fox (1624 - 1691), who was an ardent pacifist. He lived according to Jesus teachings and was put in jail because of his refusal to use a weapon. One time, when the established church decided he was too dangerous for them and sent out a group of men to execute him, he came out of his house, completely vulnerable - and no one was able to violate him.
I was impressed, in how many ways the Quakers ( or "Friends") were involved in politics and really go for what they believe: Peace vigils, active blockades of nuclear or weapon depots, campaigns against transport of living animals, banning of land mines and campaigning for genetically unmanipulated plants, just to mention a few.
After moving to Cambridge, I still regularly attend the Hartington Grove Meeting (see below), where I met quite a few CamLETS members and folks from the Circle dance group. I enjoy the silence - but was
missing some devotional singing. Finally the two Cambridge meetings have decided to give
it a try and sing before or after their meeting: every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month 9:30 -10:10 at Hartington Grove (Taizé and other chants), and every 3rd Sunday 12:00 - 12:30 Quaker songs at Jesus Lane Meeting House. You are most welcome to join in.
I am officially a member of the Religious Society of Friends since October 2003 - Ralph
Here is an inspiring video of a very unusual Quaker Meeting for Worship with Jon Watts:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XlMkK4_kTg
For more information and other meeting places in the UK see http://www.quaker.org.uk.
The regional Sikh community meets always on the LAST Sunday of each month in their
temporary Gurdwara in Arbury. Sikhism believes, that there is only one God. The worship
consists of Indian music and readings from the Guru Grand Sahib (sacred book). Please are
prepared to take off your shoes and to cover your head. Everyone is welcome.
VENUE: Arbury Centre, Campkin Rd (near Arbury Rd, next to the nursery), LAST Sunday of
each month, start about 3pm to about 5pm, followed by a vegetarian meal.
Sikh contact: Amrik Sagoo on 01223 232 519.
For more information see www.sikhs.org/topics.htm
S.U.N. is an international non-denominational spiritually orientated network of teachers dedicated to making available to the public esoteric energy work from all major traditions. Our goal is to assist people in progressing more effectively on their personal spiritual path, at their own pace, without prescribing what that path must be.
You can choose from DRISANA™ of Tibetan origin, HUNA and THE INFINITE LIGHT OF HUNA™ of Hawaiian origin or MIRACULOUS VESSELS of Chinese origin.
You can also experience “EMPOWERING THE LORD’S PRAYER” or “THE POWER and MYSTERY OF GAYATRI” or “THE ESSENE DOVE”.
There are also workshops that deepen your ability to understand and work with the Angelic kingdom.
You can obtain full descriptions about workshops at Laura's web site www.sunlodge.plus.com or the international page www.spiritunfold.com
Contact: Laura Nina Zealey, a Cambridge based qualified Spiritual Unfoldment Network teacher for more information and a demonstration at 01223 833037 or e:
"Wherever you go, go with inspiration and aspiration.
Whatever you do, do with love and concern.
Whatever you see, see with purity's beauty and responsibility's glory." (Sri
Chinmoy)
Contact: please visit the international website www.srichinmoy.org for general information or
contact the Sri Chinmoy Centre Cambridge, phone 01223 24 23 70
Unfortunally their beautiful 'madal bal' café in Mill Road had to be closed spring 2004.
Subud awakens your entire inner feeling, your senses and your body, so that you feel an inner guidance, peace and stability in your life. Subud means to follow the will of God / Allah / the Creator / the creative Life Force with the help of the Divine Power that works both in us and and around us. It is a way to renew contact with the Power of God, an individual experience which arises from within. Subud can be described as the reality behind all religions or the life within a life.
Subud was founded by Bapak and is spread in about 80 countries. In Britain there are 60 Subud groups.
Ralph is a member of this spiritual brotherhood - he has been Cambridge group chair for 2 years.
Read more at the Subud Cambridge home page: www.cam.net.uk/home/subud
and Subud Britain: www.subud.org.uk
Ralph's personal experiences in Subud: www.cam.net.uk/home/subud/myexperience.htm#ralph
Excellent 16 page article: "My Personal Introduction to a Spiritual Path" by Sharif Horthy
on www.raymondo.demon.co.uk/books/sharif.htm (probably the best intro to Subud around)
Sufism is the object of widespread interest today. Sufi culture has produced works of extraordinary beauty whose symbolism speaks to the heart and mind in poetry, music and art. In it's inward aspect the Sufi path teaches a living spirituality and advocates a direct and personal experience of the divine. The divine order and beauty are seen reflected in all things and experiences and this can act as a powerful antidote to the alienation and fragmentation of the soul, that is so characteristic of modern life. Meditation, purification, self-reflection, creative imagination, listening to inner guidance, etc. are Sufi practices that can lead to an opening of the heart and to greater self realisation. Sufism is also very much about living in the world, not transcending it, so the meditation sessions act as a battery charger to allow us to take our spirituality into everyday living.
"Gayan" - by Hazrat Inayat Khan:
The way of the Sufis is to experience life and yet to keep above it.
The first lesson that the seeker after truth must learn is to be true to oneself.
A worldly loss often turns into a spiritual gain.
When the heart breaks it gives birth to the soul.
"Go on a journey from self to Self my friend . . . Such a journey transforms
the earth into a mine of gold" (Rumi)
"The Sufi method works towards the unfoldment of the soul, that Self which is
eternal and to which all power and beauty belong." (Hazrat Inayat Khan)
"Dare you have the courage to be who you really are ?" (Pir Vilayat Khan)
We will use simple chants, prayers, readings from Hazrat Inayat Khan, breathing practices, wasifa practice and poetry from Rumi.
"Come, come whoever you are, whoever you may be . . . " (Rumi)
You are welcome to join us. We will be meeting fortnightly in Chesterton, Cambridge on Wednesdaay or Thursday evenings. See also Dnaces of Universal Peace in Cambridge (incl. Sufi dances). Please contact Margaret Amina on 01223 365484 for details or email:
Find more information about the Sufism in the West in the branches coming from Hazrat Inayat Khan:
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