Living Arts
WISDOM FESTIVAL:
Converging World Views of Science and Spirit
by Robert Quicksilver
Wisdom. We immediately think of an old person who has wizened over the years, gaining understanding, knowledge, insight and good judgment through a lifetime of experience. When applied to an entire culture, we think of wisdom in terms of an older society and such schools of thought as the Wisdom of the Elders, the Wisdom Teachings, or Ancient Wisdom.
This is all beneficial but it hardly speaks to modern time with its particular sets of conditions. We don’t live in India or Tibet; we are not crossing the Tigris and Euphrates; we are not old and wrinkled. We live in a time where scientific method and rational thought dominate the mental landscape, while consumerism and commercialization dominate the physical environment. The question becomes whether “wisdom” is even a relevant word in our contemporary language. Should it just remain in the history books, relegated to old people sitting in rocking chairs pining for the “old days when things were better?” Are the ancient Wisdom Traditions so archaic to enter the catacombs once and for all?
Perhaps we can instead redefine the word “wisdom” and make it relevant for modern consciousness and contemporary sets of conditions. Let’s take the “oldness” out of its basic meaning and make it fresh, progressive and cool. Now we are creating a “wisdom culture” in harnessing the key truths from all available sources—scientific, social, psychological, and spiritual—and putting it into a relevant language that speaks to everyone, young and old.
Bringing together the modern scientific and spiritual worlds that comprise this emerging wisdom culture is The Wisdom Festival in San Francisco. While the old and dusty definition of wisdom may have had everyone on Geritol, this new definition brings abundant joy through music and dance, visual and presentation art, 60 lectures, workshops and panels, and 90 hand-picked exhibitors.
Held at Ft. Mason Center on October 18 and 19, the festival is a unique opportunity to discover scientists Amrit Gotswami, Russell Targ and Stewart Greene, who share the keynote platform with spiritual teachers Sonia Choquette, Sri Rani Kumra and Patricia Sun. Drop in the Conference Rooms for conversations on radical and evolutionary transformation or join us in the Festival Pavilion for a celebration of life and creativity. The Wisdom Festival is a chance for individuals and communities to come together and co-create a new vision which is pounding at the door to get recognized.
To find out how you can be a part of The Wisdom Festival 2008 visit wisdomfestival.com. To book a booth or purchase tickets, call 800.367.5777 or email contact@ wisdomfestival.com.