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Today's date is Friday, March 29, 2024
Spiritual Life UWA
 May 2014
Thursday 01
18:00 - PRESENTATION - What's Christianity Ever Done For Science? : Taking a leaf out of "Life of Brian", this WXED talk will present the key players and principles of faith which pioneered modern science. More Information
Science and Faith seem to be arguing a lot lately, so is their long term marriage over? The accusations are not pretty, not even true. Can we afford for them to split? Taking a leaf out of "Life of Brian", this talk will present the key players and principles of faith which pioneered modern science up to today. WXED is a series of data-rich multimedia presentations on the theme "What's Christianity(WX) Ever Done(ED) for Us?"
Thursday 08
18:00 - PRESENTATION - What's Christianity Ever Done for Healthcare : Taking a leaf from "Life of Brian" this WXED talk uses multi-media to find the pioneers and principles that Christianity has contributed to healthcare. More Information
It's a torrid space, between healthcare budgets and complex ethical questions of end-beginning of life. Much of our talk takes place in a vacuum. So, taking a leaf from "Life of Brian" this WXED talk uses multi-media to find the pioneers and principles that Christianity has contributed to healthcare. This event is an experiment in thinking beyond the silos and we are looking for you to join the conversation.
Monday 12
12:00 - Art Exhibition - The Art of Zhen Shan Ren International Exhibition : A compelling fine art exhibition reflecting the human rights situation in China (Free event) Website | More Information
The Art of Zhen Shan Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance) takes viewers through the story of Falun Dafa - from its introduction to the public in 1992, through the beauty and enlightenment of the practice, to the unjust and unrelenting persecution, moving forward through the peaceful resistance of Falun Dafa practitioners worldwide who seek to bring an end to the persecution, then through themes of karmic retribution, salvation and grace, and finishing with a moment of choice.

Storytelling has long been one of fine art's greatest joys, and this Exhibition's ability to cross cultural, lingual and ethnic barriers is highlighted each time it is shown.

Inspired by tradition and divinity, the artists paint - often collaboratively - stories either experienced by themselves or shared by fellow Falun Dafa practitioners worldwide. Realist oil painting, or Neo-Renaissance, was chosen as the style for its narrative capabilities, accessibility and, above all, its purity.

The Exhibition aims to educate and draw focus to an unjust persecution - to record a moment in time when the universal principles of Truth, Compassion, Forbearance are openly opposed. It also highlights the danger of becoming involved in the persecution through state-run ventures such as forced labour and forced organ harvesting of Falun Dafa practitioners. Outlasting these sombre themes, however, is a steady message of hope and fulfilment, as the enduring courage and belief of practitioners bring positive change in numerous dark settings.

A central hope of founding artist Professor Zhang's mission is to promote, through fine art, the understanding that freedom of belief is a fundamental human right, and to raise awareness.
Tuesday 13
13:00 - EVENT - Meditation : Half hour contemplative centering prayer More Information
Half an hour of silent meditation - also called 'contemplative' or 'centering' prayer. Tuesdays at 1pm in the university chapel (Law Link building, near the Law Library) commencing on 13th May.

This kind of prayer originates with the Christian Desert Fathers and Mothers of Egypt in the 3rd Century. However the practice of silence is common to many religious traditions and this practice is very accessible to people of any religion or none. All staff and students welcome.
Wednesday 14
12:00 - TALK - What Matters to Me and Why? : A lunch time conversation with Professor Mark Randolph More Information
Lunch time talk: What Matters to Me and Why (with Professor Mark Randolph, WA Scientist of the Year, 2013)

'What Matters to Me and Why' is a series of lunch time talks and conversations with UWA Academics. The talks explore personal stories of family, place, formative influences and how such factors continue to shape people's lives and academic work.

Professor Randolph will share some of his story and then there will be the opportunity for questions/conversation. BYO Lunch. Tea/Coffee will be available or you can buy from the nearby Science Library Café.
Thursday 15
18:00 - PRESENTATION - What's Christianity Ever Done for Arts and Architecture? : This WXED talk presents stunning visuals of soaring and uplifting Christian art and some stories of iconclasm and censorship in order to draw a picture of Christianity's contribution to our current artistic culture. More Information
'Verily it is by beauty that we come at wisdom,'so it says at Winthrop Hall, so what are all the 'words' for? This WXED talk presents stunning visuals of soaring and uplifting Christian art and some stories of iconclasm and censorship in order to draw a picture of Christianity's contribution to our current artistic culture.This event is an experiment in thinking beyond the silos and we are looking for you to join the conversation.
Tuesday 20
13:00 - PUBLIC LECTURE - India-Pakistan Relations: An Overview : CMSS Presents: A Public Lecture by Dr. Sanu Kainikara Website | More Information
Ever since the birth of Pakistan and India as independent nations after the partition of the Indian sub-continent in 1947, Indo-Pak relations have been vexed to say the least. The nations have fought three accepted wars; two unacknowledged wars; and is still in the throes of insurgency and counter-insurgency operations. The divergent socio-political direction that the nations have taken in the post-independence age have vitiated their bilateral relationship.

This presentation provides a brief background to the relationship between the two nations; examines the fundamental reasons for the animosity that prevails most of the time in the official relationship of the two nations; and analyses the current situation. It will also pay particular attention to the ‘Kashmir Issue’ and consider the impact of the result of the on-going Indian elections.

Dr Sanu Kainikara is the Air Power Strategist at the Air Power Development Centre of the Royal Australian Air Force and also a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales. He is the author of 11 books: Papers on Air Power, Pathways to Victory, Red Air: Politics in Russian Air Power, Australian Security in the Asian Century, A Fresh Look at Air Power Doctrine, Seven Perennial Challenges to Air Forces, The Art of Air Power: Sun Tzu Revisited, At the Critical Juncture, Essays on Air Power, The Bolt From the Blue, and From Indus to Independence Volume I. He has presented extensively in international forums and published numerous papers on national security, strategy and air power. He is the recipient of the RAAF Chief of Air Force’s Commendation.

Dr Kainikara is a former fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force who retired as a Group Captain after 21 years of commissioned service. During his service career, he has flown over 4,000 hours on a number of modern fighter aircraft, commanded an operational fighter squadron and held various other command and staff appointments. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, and a graduate and instructor of the IAF Fighter Weapons School, the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College, and the College of Air Warfare. He is a recipient of the IAF Chief of Air Staff Commendation and the Air Force Cross.

After retirement from active service, he worked for four years as the senior analyst, specialising in air power strategy for a US Training Team in the Middle East. Prior to his current appointment he was the Director Wargaming and Strategic Doctrine in the Strategy Group of the Department of Defence. He has also taught Aerospace Engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne. He has two Bachelors degrees, a Masters degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras and his PhD in International Politics was awarded by the University of Adelaide.
Thursday 22
18:00 - PRESENTATION - What's Christianity Ever Done for the Law? : This WXED talk uncovers some pioneering persons, values and structures that Christianity has contributed to the Law as we have it, though its track record is stained by times of corruption and assumed privilege. More Information
Complex ethical questions, judgements for the crime or the criminal or society? And what place mercy? Much of our talk takes place in a vacuum. So, taking a leaf from "Life of Brian" this WXED talk uncovers some pioneering persons, values and structures that Christianity has contributed to the Law as we have it. It is a track record clouded by corruption and assumed privilege, of times too close between church and state and times when it was too little. This event is an experiment in thinking beyond the silos and we are looking for you to join the conversation.
Thursday 29
18:00 - PRESENTATION - What's Christianity Ever Done for Education? : This WXED talk will trace several pillars of today's Education system that arose from an adventurous Christianity. More Information
It began with chimney sweeps and is now publicly funded universal education. In this and other stories, this WXED talk will trace several pillars of today's Education system that arose from an adventurous Christianity. Is there today a potential for teachers and students in a new ongoing, adventurous and open conversation towards a transformative learning. This event is an experiment in thinking beyond the silos and we are looking for you to join the conversation.

 July 2014
Wednesday 23
8:30 - EVENT - UWA Quiet Day for Staff : Collegiality and Silence for Reflection More Information
Set on a lovely bush block in Mundaring this Quiet Day provides space to 'be alone' in the company of other UWA academics and professional staff with the intention of marking out some good quality thinking/reflection time.

There are no formal presentations and no flip charts or powerpoints! Rather we seek to create an environment of quiet, trust and collegiality in which things become clearer and creative new ideas can emerge. This involves a combination of small group reflections on poetry (which helps slow down the pace and takes us into a deeper level of contemplation) and an extended period of silence, in which participants can rest and reflect. ‘We do less in order to achieve more’. This is not a religious event.

The principles underpinning the Quiet Day are based on the work of Parker J Palmer (The Courage to Teach; The Heart of Higher Education), more of which can be found at: www.couragerenewal.org

Cost: $50 including lunch, morning and afternoon teas

A registration form can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or phone Michael for more information on 0435 065326

Registration and payment is needed by Wednesday 9th July

Previous participants have commented:

"this retreat provided a rare opportunity to quietly reflect on what's going on for me internally as a teacher, helped by excellent facilitators and a wonderful peaceful location"

"the benefits of this retreat to my personal and professional life have been immense"

“Thank you for the retreat - I found it really useful, have a sense of focus, realised I was missing an important work goal and came home and wrote a research paper that has been bugging me for some time” (from unsolicited email)

“it is good because it forces you to disengage in order to more fully engage – well done and many thanks”

“useful, health-giving and creative time”

“definitely go!”

“The best thing about the day was the space to think (but the whole deal was great) – yes, go. Important opportunity to reflect. Thank you to the organisers. I feel positively that UWA supported this”.




 September 2014
Tuesday 23
18:00 - PUBLIC TALK - Over diagnosis and over treatment of mental illnesses Website | More Information
An On the Edge Lecture by Jon Jureidini, child psychiatrist, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide.

Over diagnosis and overtreatment are dangerous, not just because of the possible adverse effects of unnecessary interventions, but because they detract from autonomous citizenship.

In this lecture Dr Jureidini will discuss the dangers of pharmaceutical domination of psychiatry, and the creation of key opinion leaders; evidence-based medicine; and biological reductionism. He will then make a case that we can counter these dangers by respecting ordinary feelings, minding our language, taking good risks, and practising drug-centred prescribing.

Cost: Free, but RSVP required via http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/lectures/jureidini
Tuesday 30
8:30 - EVENT - Quiet Day : for UWA staff More Information
Set on a lovely bush block in Mundaring (Nathanael’s Rest Retreat Centre) this Quiet Day provides space to 'be alone' in the company of other UWA academics and professional staff with the intention of marking out some good quality thinking/reflection time.

There are no formal presentations and no flip charts or power-points! Rather we seek to create an environment of quiet, trust and collegiality in which things become clearer and creative new ideas can emerge. This involves a combination of small group reflection on poetry (which helps slow down the pace and takes us into a deeper level of contemplation) and an extended period of silence, in which participants can rest and reflect. ‘We do less in order to achieve more’. This is not a religious event.

The retreat is a ‘technology free zone’ (no phones or lap tops)

The principles underpinning the Quiet Day are based on the work of Parker J Palmer (The Courage to Teach; The Heart of Higher Education), more of which can be found at: www.couragerenewal.org

Cost: $50 including lunch, morning and afternoon teas (you may be able to claim this as a professional development activity).

A registration form can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or phone Michael for more information on 0435 065326

Registration and payment is needed by Friday 19th September.

Previous participants have said:

"this retreat provided a rare opportunity to quietly reflect on what's going on for me internally as a teacher, helped by excellent facilitators and a wonderful peaceful location"

"the benefits of this retreat to my personal and professional life have been immense"

“Thank you for the retreat - I found it really useful, have a sense of focus, realised I was missing an important work goal and came home and wrote a research paper that has been bugging me for some time” (from unsolicited email)

“it is good because it forces you to disengage in order to more fully engage – well done and many thanks”

“useful, health-giving and creative time”

“definitely go!”

“The best thing about the day was the space to think (but the whole deal was great) – yes, go. Important opportunity to reflect. Thank you to the organisers. I feel positively that UWA supported this”.




 October 2014
Thursday 09
17:00 - FREE LECTURE - Islam and the Community: Panel Discussion : This panel discussion will engage with the various reactions to current national security policy in Australia Website | More Information
There are some students and individuals of Muslim background who feel that they are being targeted through the new focus on anti-terrorism moves taken by the Federal Government. There is also concern among students and members of the wider community about perceived dangers posed by Muslim community members to their safety and society. Given these fears, it is important to open the space for discussion among stakeholders and members of the students and wider community. This panel will discuss the following; • What has been done to counter possible threats of terrorism? • What is their perceived impact on communal harmony? • How can government agencies and the general public across religious, ethnic and educational backgrounds work together to ensure that Australia’s positive record as a multicultural society is maintained? The Panel Shamim Samani: Ms Samani completed her PhD at the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, and is currently a Research and Evaluation Officer at Ethics Equity and Social Justice at Curtin University. Professor Sam Makinda: Professor of International Relations and Security Studies in the School of Management and Governance at Murdoch University. Detective A/Superintendent Sharron Leonhardt: Ms Leonhardt currently works within the Security Operations Division which is responsible for state and dignitary protection. Acting Superintendent Don Emanuel-Smith: Mr Emmanuel-Smith joined the WA Police in 1982, and has recently been promoted to Inspector overseeing Youth Policing initiatives. He previously served 15 years in regional WA.
Tuesday 14
18:00 - FREE LECTURE - Banning the Burqa is not the Answer : This lecture will discuss the place of the burqa in Australian society. Website | More Information
The place of the Islamic face veil in public places has again arisen as an issue for debate in Australia. Politicians from all sides have variously called for its banning, called it confronting or appealed to liberal values in defence of freedom of choice. In light of the recent debates it is time to again examine the place of the veil in law, both existing laws and those proposed by people like Rev Fred Nile and Jacqui Lambie.

About the speaker:

Dr Renae Barker is a lecturer in Law at The University of Western Australia and honorary research fellow as the Centre for Muslim States and Societies. She recently completed her Phd which examined the relationship between the State and religion in Australia. She has previously published on the legal status of the Islamic face veil in Australia.
Friday 17
17:00 - FREE LECTURE - CMSS Panel Discussion: The Role of Political Leadership in Building Communal Harmony : A panel of distinguished political leaders will discuss the role of political leadership in fostering and sustaining communal harmony. Website | More Information
The Australian Government’s decision to elevate the threat level of violent extremism in the country against the backdrop of the developments in Iraq and Syria has reignited debates on the place of Muslims and Islam in Australia. The feeling of being victimised among some Muslim minority groups coexists with a sense of un-ease among some Non-Muslims in the wider community. The CMSS, committed to go beyond these debates, is organizing a series of panel discussions on how to encourage a sense of community and collaboration in Australia.

A panel of distinguished political leaders will discuss the role of political leadership in fostering and sustaining communal harmony:

Hon Liz Behjat MLC, is Member for North Metropolitan, The Parliament of Western Australia. She was first elected in 2008 and was re-elected in 2013. She has served on various committees of the Parliament and is currently the Chair, Standing Committee on Public Administration.

Senator Rachel Siewert was first elected as a Senator for Western Australia at the 2004 election and commenced her term in July 2005, and was re-elected in 2010. She is the Australian Greens Whip and chair of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee. A passionate advocate for a fair, just and compassionate society, she is the Australian Greens spokesperson on family and community services, ageing and disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, agriculture and rural affairs and the marine environment.

Hon Alannah MacTiernan MP was elected to the Federal Parliament, House of Representatives for Perth, Western Australia, in 2013. She has previously served as a Member of the Parliament of Western Australia in the Legislative Council (1993-96) and the Legislative Assembly (1996-2010). She also served as the WA Minister for Planning and Infrastructure (Feb 2001-September 2008).

Hon. Mr Benjamin (Ben) Sana Wyatt MLA was elected to the Legislative Assembly, The Parliament of Western Australia, in a by-election held in March 2006 to fill the vacancy created when the Hon Dr Geoff Gallop resigned. He was awarded the Australian Defence Medal in 2008. He is currently the Shadow Treasurer, and also the Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Native Title and Cost of Living.

 November 2014
Monday 03
18:00 - FREE LECTURE - Conflict Resolution Forms in the Life of Prophet Muhammad : CMSS Public Lecture Website | More Information
Dr Recep Dogan will examine the life and leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to discover conflict resolution forms that may offer solutions to contemporary global problems and challenges faced by the world's nations.
Thursday 06
14:00 - FREE LECTURE - Foreign Fighters in Iraq and Syria : CMSS Panel Discussion Website | More Information
This Panel Discussion will address the current developments in Syria and Iraq, and the impact of foreign fighters there.

The discussion will be initiated by research and postgraduate students at The University of Western Australia, and a practitioner committed to promoting understanding of developments in the Middle East:

Aiyed Wahab was born in Iraq in 1961, and served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iraqi Air Force. He completed his Engineering degree in the United Kingdom, before continuing his study in English Literature in Iraq. He is the founder and chair of the Australian-Arab Institute for Strategic Affairs (AAISA).

Aakash Tolani is an intern at the Centre for Muslim States and Societies. He is currently completing a Masters degree in International Security at Macquarie University (Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism).

Antony Botello is currently completing an Honours degree in International Relations. His thesis, Syria: The Global Epicentre of Modern Jihad, focuses on the impact of foreign fighters in Syria and the propaganda used to recruit them. Antony is also undertaking research at the Centre for Muslim States and Societies.
Saturday 08
13:00 - SCREENING - Free Human Rights Films : Free awarding-winning films about human rights in China Website | More Information
At 1:00pm "Transcending Fear, the Story of Gao Zhisheng" will be screened.

Born in a cave with only stars to tell time, Gao Zhisheng overcomes incredible odds to become one of China’s top attorneys. The people call him “the Conscience of China.” But then, in the eyes of the Communist Party, his pursuit of justice goes too far....

A story of cruelty, courage and compassion, this film is a must-see for anyone wishing to understand the tensions bubbling below the surface of today’s China—or to meet one of the most noble freedom fighters of our time.

At 2:30pm, another film "Free China, the Courage to Believe" is screened.

This multi award-winning film explores why persecution happens to tens of millions of peaceful Falun Gong practitioners in China and their plight . A must-see thriller which also provides insights into the functioning of China's labour camp system. In the end, the film provides hope for humanity and a new China.

Enquiries: Michele 0439 750 987
Thursday 13
16:00 - FREE LECTURE - Zone of Crisis: Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq : A CMSS Book Launch for Prof Amin Saikal Website | More Information
The West Asian states of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Iran have over the last few decades represented an arc of crisis. Characterised by fractured and dysfunctional political elites, fraught economic policies, and ideological struggles between the forces of authoritarianism and democratisation, neo-fundamentalism and pluralism, they embody a mosaic of ethnicities.

In his book, Amin Saikal, a distinguished Afghan-born scholar of international affairs, provides a sweeping new understanding of the complex contemporary political and social instability encompassing the region.
Monday 24
13:00 - EVENT - Staff Retreat : for renewing clarity and purpose More Information
This in the seventh year of offering these end of year retreats for staff at UWA. The feedback from previous participants has been unanimously positive. The Retreat provides space to interact with other academic and general staff from across UWA; reconnect with professional ‘passion’; allow inspiration and creativity to surface; restore purposefulness.

The format includes some reflection on poetry (to slow us down into a more reflective space), time alone in silence (walking, resting, reading) and we introduce a process for group listening for anyone who wants support in discerning a question/issue of personal importance (called a ‘Clearness Committee’).

The design of the retreat is based on principles developed by the American Educationalist Parker J Palmer (Let your life speak; The courage to teach; The Heart of Higher Education) and the Centre for Courage and Renewal www.couragerenewal.org

The retreat is facilitated by Michael Wood, Anglican Chaplain at UWA. It has an implicit contemplative spirituality focussed on listening, is not religiously specific and does not assume any faith position.

The focus is on creating some good quality space for refreshment, renewal and gaining clarity in personal and professional direction. The retreats and quiet days have support from Teaching and Learning (CATL) and the Research Office. The cost is $260 (no GST) for two full days inclusive of accommodation in single rooms, breakfasts and lunches. In order to keep the cost down, participants share in the provision and cooking of evening meals. Staff may be wish to apply to their manager or Head of School for funding support as a recognised professional development program.

Previous participants have said….. “This time at the staff retreat has been encouraging for the possibilities of university teaching, lifting us above the limiting busyness of everyday life. Not a ‘how to’ time but a time of deepening inner resources”; “This retreat provided a rare opportunity to quietly reflect on what’s going on for me internally as a teacher, helped by excellent facilitators and a wonderful peaceful location”; “The retreat is expertly and compassionately structured. It provides a rare chance to be brought back to the rawness and passion that inspire great teaching” “I have learned that I am not alone and have community at UWA and the journey of teaching is as special and sacred as I believed it to be”

To obtain a registration form please email [email protected] and if you would like to know more, please contact Michael on Ext 4762.

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