Institute of World Culture
Theme for 2008 
Imaginative Use of Spiritual, Mental and Material Resources
As the worldwide circulation of ideas germane to an emerging world culture flourishes, one might ask what can be done to promote more concretely the use of ideas in the service of universal welfare. Is there not too much deprivation and suffering around the globe to merely talk about ideas of universal unity and causation (interdependence)? Imaginative use of resources offers both a moral and a practical path for building a world of plentitude where poverty now (apparently) prevails. The challenge is not a quantitative scarcity as much as poverty of imagination. Resources are boundless in potentia. The task is to discover the rich layers of spiritual, mental and material resources constituting the cosmos (universe of life) and give shape to their ethical, transformative and self-sustaining use. Resources might be seen as sacred in origin even for those who don’t believe in a creation story. Resources give life and sustain a multitude of creative and intelligent activities by life forms. While the natural world appears guided by ancient sources of intelligence, human beings demonstrate a great capacity for obscuring what is intelligible with the delusions of ignorant selfishness. Can we not improve our clarity of thought and motivation? Is not the first step to discovering the plentitude of resources a step of self-discovery? Spiritual and mental resources may seem shrouded in invisibility and difficult to actively utilize. Yet small, immediate commitments may engage us in constructive experiments for the sake of universal welfare. In the popular novel by Herman Hesse, Siddhartha, the seeker representing the life search of the Buddha was challenged by a wealthy courtesan: What did he have to offer? His answer was both immediate and timeless in application: “I can think, I can fast and I can wait.” Who cannot make some modest use of these self-directed disciplines that contain seeds of insightful responses to many of the controversial and excessive uses of material resources?

There is nothing small about the recognition that we live on the planet Earth with well over six billion human beings and billions upon billions of other centers of life and consciousness. A very big breath is needed to absorb this cosmic fact. Recognition of the interdependence of life enables us to investigate the use of resources with greater scientific effectiveness. Who could have imagined forty years ago that various household spray cans could contribute to a hole in the earth’s protective cover? What other “inconvenient truths” could we respond to if we truly cared about the well being of all the life forms with whom we share the spaceship earth? Our immediate goal in investigating the use of resources may be very instrumental. A broader, more inclusive and deeper level of inquiry may nurture the intellectual and moral growth of individuals serving within healthy, self-sustaining communities.

Spiritual teachers remind us of ethical principles such as universal brotherhood, cooperation and non-violence. Without the application of such principles, our knowledge acquired about the practical use of resources may be misapplied and even destructive. Long-term sustainability is only possible if there is balance built into the use of a resource. Balance, as the sages have long taught, is rooted in moral balance however reflected in natural, psychological or social harmony. Inner balance enables both creative change and self-sustaining persistence. A great variety of programs this year at the Institute of World Culture will explore the challenge of initiating transformative change based on both knowledge and ethical commitment in relation to a very complex social and natural environment.

Carolyn Dorrance, President, Institute of World Culture

Program for 2008
_______________________________
Seminar
What is True Wealth?

Saturday, January 19, 2008
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Speakers: James Tepfer and Mary Jacob

What is true wealth? What are the possible meanings of ‘wealth’? What is the relationship between ‘inner wealth’ and ‘common wealth’? Why doesn’t material wealth bring more lasting solutions to conditions of poverty? How does the relationship of human life to the natural world determine the wealth or poverty of a society? What insights or principles do exemplars of non-violent service, such as M. K. Gandhi or 2004 Nobel Peace prize winner, Wangari Maathai, use to promote true wealth? What do people from different cultural backgrounds value as wealth? How do attitudes toward the environment, cultural practices, and the role of gender shape values and practices regarding wealth?  What are the problems or possibilities that global interdependence offers for reducing poverty and promoting wealth? These and other questions will be the focus of the opening seminar for the 2008 program presented by Dr. James Tepfer and Dr. Mary Jaob. Contributions from seminar participants welcome.
Click here for a copy of Dr. Tepfer's talk
Click here for a biography of Dr. Jacob
Click here for a biography of Dr. Tepfer
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Excursion
Asia Pacific Museum
and the Norton Simon Museum

Friday, January 25, 2008
1:00 pm  Depart Santa Barbara for Los Angeles
7:00 pm  Lecture at the Norton Simon
Meet at Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Coordinator: Carolyn Dorrance

Visits to the Asia Pacific Museum and the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena will include viewing of three special exhibits: Rainbow Colors: Woodblock Prints of Paul Jacoulet; Rank and Style: Power Dressing in Imperial China; and Tales of the Blue Lord.  The excursion will include a special illustrated lecture from 7–8pm on The Life of Krishna by the curator of the Norton Simon Museum. For more informaiton, contact Carolyn Dorrance at carolyn@worldculture.org or call 805-967-1055.




Forum
Remembering Mahatma Gandhi

Saturday, February 2 , 2008
4:00 – 6:00 pm 
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara

Gandhi was “an inspiring example of a genuine inter-faith and inter-civilizational dialogue…. For Gandhi, rational discussion was not just an exchange of arguments but a process of deepening and expanding the consciousness of the participants. When it was conducted in a proper spirit, those involved reconstituted each other’s being and were reborn as a result of the encounter.” 

An observance of the 60th Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi will include readings and comments by participants.  Professor Nandini Iyer will offer her observations on Gandhi's legacy.  Other contributions are welcome.  The section on Ahimsa in Politics and Society in Chapter 8 of The Moral and Political Thought of Mahatma Gandhi by Raghavan Iyer offers a timely election perspective. A recording of Gandhi speaking will be played.
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Film Forum and Live Performance
Othello



Saturday, February 16, 2008
   4:00 – 9:00 pm  
   Film, Dinner and Discussion
   Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
   Watch the Laurence Fishburne version of the movie, dinner ordered in, discuss the film

Saturday Matinee, March 1, 2008 
   2:00 pm    
   PCPA live performance of Othello
   Alan Hancock College, Santa Maria
    
Coordinators: Judy Saltzman and Renée Tillotson
Passion, jealousy and revenge ignite William Shakespeare's Othello into a searing tragedy of love and paradox. The collision of Moore and Venetia, war and love, youth and age, infidelity and loyalty. European and African are the backdrop against which Othello and Desdemona pursue their love and Iago conducts his campaign of destruction and manipulation. As gripping and poignant today as when it was written, this play's tantalizing poetry and unblinking humanity gives it a rightful place in the heart's core of great dramas.
For more information on the live performance:  http://www.pcpa.org/othello.html
Email judy@worldculture.org or call 805-528-3008 for more information about carpooling and tickets.
Click here for an editorial article on "Why Shakespeare?"

Saturday, March 1, 2008
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Speaker: Leo Gabriel

Dr. Leo Gabriel is a leading voice in the World Social Forum and other global projects for progressive reform.  As a researcher, journalist, published author, university professor, political activist and candidate for the European Parliament, Dr. Gabriel has lived the life of a global citizen. He has particpated in numerous projects promoting democracy and social justice around the world. Upsurge in Latin America – the Politics of Social Movements (2007), his latest book, describes efforts to develop independent civil societies in the region. Time for questions and answers will be included. Call 966-3941 for more information. Suggested donation: $5.
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Lecture
The Vision of Sustainable Urbanism
and the Future of Santa Barbara


Saturday, March 15, 2008
10:30 am – 12:00 noon
Victoria Hall Theater, 33 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara
Speaker: Stefanos Polyzoides

How can Santa Barbara's General Plan be updated to promote the city's evolution towards a more sustainable and humane built environment while growing its physical character, economy, architectural and other traditions as well as the cherished ways of life it provides for its residents and visitors? Stephanos Polyzoides, urbanist, architect and educator, has been one of the foremost contemporary voices advocating and practicing sustainable town planning. He will provide an exploration of the principles and current applications of some of the key concepts of New Urbanism: Connectivity, Place-specificity, Compactness, Diversity and Frugality.

As co-founders of the Congress for New Urbanism, Moule & Polyzoides has a long history of architecture and urbanism projects that are informed by a respect for understanding of architectural history and regional building traditions, consideration of existing urban settings, respect for the functional and spiritual purposes of architecture, and sensitivity to place and the fragility of natural ecosystems. In all these ways, our projects reduce energy consumption levels at the neighborhood and urban scales.

Though it has been widely established that approximately 48% of CO2 emissions are produced by buildings (primarily in the form of their heating and cooling needs), it is also true that another third is spent transporting people and goods to and from those buildings. That is, even if an individual building is "carbon neutral" thereby generating all its own energy needs through new technologies, if it is not located in an integrated urban fabric in which walking, bicycling and public transport is a viable option, many believe it cannot be considered truly “green” or “sustainable.”

Sustainable Urbanism is a return to a European and ancient model of neighborhood planning, city design and land use. It undertakes to confront one of the greatest public challenges of our time: reversing or reforming the basic conceptual framework of city and neighborhood Master Planning to encourage the reduction or elimination of dependence upon the automobile, to return safe streets to the pedestrian and bicyclist, to preserve open spaces, natural resources, human and environmental health and to foster a more integrated and meaningful sense of community through reformation of the built environment. Venice and Copenhagen are the most well known contemporary examples of very successful urban centers offering a high quality of life due to the whole-hearted adoption of these principles.

For more information on the lecture, contact Kirk Gradin at 805-564-4423 or kirk@banyan-architects.com

Co-sponsored by: The Institute of World Culture, The Sustainability Project, Santa Barbara Contractors Association, Community Environmental Council, the U.S. Green Building Council, Santa Barbara Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Council for Sustainable Transportation
Click here for more information on the topic
Click here for biographical information on Mr. Polyzoides
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Film Forum
The Sand Castle: Building
a City in the Desert of Ras al-Khaimah


Saturday, March 29, 2008
7:30 – 9:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara

WIDE ANGLE travels to the royal headquarters of the United Arab Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah as HH Sheikh Saud solicits top European architects to carry out his plans for a new capital city in the middle of his desert kingdom. The documentary follows a Norwegian architectural firm as it makes its bid to design the capital's master plan, immersing viewers inside an unfolding drama in which agents of East and West struggle to arrive at an architectural vision both worlds can embrace -- and one that will ultimately fulfill a Sheikh's bold dreams. Join us for a showing of the film with discussion to follow. (57 minutes)
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Seminar
Can Civil Society Prevail?
Reports from Europe, Kosovo, Iran and Other Nations


Saturday, April 5, 2008
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Panalists: UCSB Global Studies Graduate Students

Many global and local social change initiatives are being conducted that escape or are distorted by news media sound btyes. UCSB Global Studies graduate students will offer us glimpses from many parts of the world about how civil society initiatives are enhancing human well-being despite challenges of the status quo. Question and answer dialogue will follow the presentations.
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Seminar and Public Lectures
Vandana Shiva

Speaker: Vandana Shiva
Dr. Shiva, a global campaigner for a sustainable planet and recipient of the Right Livelihood Award, will be making three appearances in Santa Barbara.  These events are sponsored by the Santa Barbara Ecological Education Coalition, of which ithe Institute of World Culture is a member.  All appearances by Dr. Siva are open to the public, however, reservations are required for the seminar on Saturday afternoon and a $10 charge will be charged at the door.  Please note: each event is at a different location in Santa Barbara.  Detailed information on each event is below:

Friday, April 25, 2008
   Talk:  Recreating the Commons in a Globalized World
    4:00 – 5:00 pm
    UCSB Student Resources Building, UC Santa Barbara
    Dr. Shiva will give a short talk and then participate in a dialogue with UCSB faculty and students. This
    event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.  Exact change will be needed in order
    to park on campus. The UCSB Student Resources Building is located between Humanities Building, the
    Events Center and the Faculty Club at UCSB. Park in Faculty Club or Events Center lot. For more
    information, contact: B.J. Danetra, email: bjdanetra@bren.ucsb.edu

Saturday, April 26, 2008
   Seminar:  Recreating the Commons
    2:00 – 5:00 pm
    Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
    Dr. Siva will speak about reclaiming the commons and give examples of her current work.
    Members only/Reservations Required/Cost $10.  Please contact Carolyn Dorrance to make your
    reservation by calling 967-1055.

Saturday, April 26, 2008
    Lecture:  Peace, Justice and Sustainability
    7:30 pm
    Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 East Anapamu, Santa Barbara
    Dr. Siva will give a talk, followed by discussion, on the topic of peace, justice and sustainability. This event
    is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. Contact: Philip Grant for more information: email:
    grantp45@hotmail.com

Special thanks to the following donors: The UCSB Bren School, The Santa Barbara City College Center for Sustainability, The W. H. Capps Foundation, The Institute of World Culture, La Casa de Maria Retreat Center, The Institute of Reverential Ecology.
Click here for biographical information
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Seminar and Dance Presentations
Hawaiian Spirituality, Ecology and Dance  

Friday, May 16, 2008
   Dance Performance: Hi'iaka: Journey of a Goddess
   7:30 – 9:30 pm
   Victoria Hall Theater, 33 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara
   $20 General Admission, $10 Students/Seniors (cash only)
   Kumu Hula (Hula Master) Kehaulani Kekua of the Traditional Hula School of the island of Kaua'i: Halau
   Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai, with her lead male and female dancers, will delight us with an evening of
   dance, storytelling and chanting inspired by the epic tale of Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes.
  
Saturday, May 17, 2008
1:00 – 4:00 pm
   Dance-illustrated Seminar: Unveiling the Kumulipo
   Institute of World Culture, Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
   Speaker: Kehaulani Kekua
   Unfolding of the epic Hawaiian Chant of Creation: the Kumulipo. Free. Seating limited. Pre-registration
   recommended.  For more information: 805/455-9552 or 808/864-0495 or email renee@worldculture.org.
  7:30 – 9:30 pm
   Lecture Demonstration: Laka is the Forest, Hula and the Environment
   Santa Barbara City College, Fe Bland Forum, West Campus
   $15 General Admission, $5 Students/Seniors (cash only)
   A glimpse into the transmission of Hawaiian cultural knowledge passed from master to pupil in a
   traditional school of Hula.  Honoring of the native environment is key. Special dances and chants will
   illustrate the presentation. For more information: 805/455-9552 or 808/864-0495 or email
   renee@worldculture.org.
 
Additional workshops and classes: Friday, May 16, Sunday, May 18, Monday, May 18, 2008
   Hula Classes and workshops with Kumu Kehaulani Kekua.

For more information, to arrange for tickets, or to register for classes and workshps:
call 805/455-9552 or 808/864-0495 or email renee@worldculture.org.
Click here for printer-friendly brochure with more detailed information
Click here for printer-friendly full-color flyer for sharing with friends or for posting
Click here for a biography of Kumu Kehaulani Kekua





Film
Nuclear Weapons
and the Human Future

Saturday, May 31, 2008
7:30 – 9:00 pm
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara                                                 
This film, produced by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, documents the alarming danger of nuclear weapons and suggests the options for humanity.  Discussion will follow.



Seminar
Learning through Myth,
Symbol and Metaphor


June, 2008                                  
Time to be determined
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Speaker: Pending




Founding Day Lecture
Environmentalism Plus:
The Influence of Rachel Carson


July, 2008
Time to be determined
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Speaker: Pending




Seminar
Plato versus Al Qaida:
A Natural Law Perspective on Political Conflict


August, 2008
Time to be determined
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Speaker: Pending




Seminar and Original Film
Santa Barbara Architecture:
Historic Precedent versus Sustainable Vision


September, 2008
Time to be determined
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Speakers: Kirk Gradin and Russ Lewin




Seminar
Liberation Theology in Latin American


November, 2008
Time to be determined
Concord House, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Speaker: Pending




Seminar
Safeguarding Art Treasures in Cirebon, Indonesia


December, 2008
Time to be determined
Concord House: 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Speaker: Richard North