Media Contact: Micki Leventhal, 312-344-7383; mleventhal@colum.edu
CHICAGO, IL -- Some say that our current era is one that is characterized by self-centered behaviors. We are the “me” generations. But what is this “Self” that we are supposed to be centering on? Is it given to us at birth? Do we have a hand in creating it? Is there a difference between “me” and “we”? Is this selfishness an historical oddity?
This question of individual identity will be addressed at the Intersections program Self, Selves and Soul: An Exploration of Identity, on Wednesday, March 5 at 6 p.m. The free public program takes place in the Garland Room, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, 1st floor. Further information at 312-744-6630.
Participants Andrew Causey (anthropologist), Rami Gabriel (psychologist) and Bill Hayashi (philosopher) will explore the cultural, philosophical, religious and psychological constructions of “Self,” beginning with an investigation of our intuitive understanding of the modern Western self/soul. The discussion will include an historical description of the religious, scientific, psychological and technological sources of the modern concept of the self.
They will then explore selected Eastern paradigms of the Self/self distinction by contemplating the core principles of the Hindu school of Kasmir Shaivism (non-dualistic Vedanta) and Mahayana Buddhism, to see how concepts of the Self as Consciousness, as universal/inclusive in addition to individual/separate, and as karmically grounded in compassion and wisdom can contribute to our deeper understanding of inner and outer well being.
To help anchor our discussion in lived reality, we will also present an ethnographic example from the Toba Batak culture of North Sumatra, where the self/soul is collectively constructed by the deity, by the community and by the individual. We will conclude with a general discussion between presenters and with the audience inviting a co-creative effort to connect our exploration of self-identity and a greater sense of oneness and collective harmony.
PANELISTS:
Andrew Causey, Ph.D. is a Professor of Anthropology and Cultural Studies at Columbia, teaching courses such as Visual Anthropology and Anthropology of Communication. He holds his Ph.D. in Anthropology from University of Texas. Dr. Causey is also a painter, sculptor and cartoonist.
Rami Gabriel, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Liberal Education department of Columbia where he teaches courses in Psychology and Philosophy. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California Santa Barbara program in Cognitive and Perceptual Sciences Psychology. Dr. Gabriel is also a musician.
Bill (Gorakh) Hayashi is a Professor of Humanities in the Liberal Education department of Columbia. This spring he will be teaching Philosophy of Love, Spirituality and Empowerment and Mystical Consciousness East and West. He is also a teacher of Siddha Yoga meditation and a Life Coach focusing on concerns of creativity and Spirit.
WHO: A collaboration between the Cultural Studies Program of Columbia College Chicago and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Intersections presents lectures and discussions that investigate and celebrate the complexity of contemporary culture and the arts in which scholars and educators from Columbia College Chicago explore a broad range of compelling topics in a format designed to be informative, invigorating and accessible.
Upcoming Intersections programs: The Countryside of the City: Puerto Rican Culture in the 1950s with Carmelo Esterrich, Ph.D. (April 9). “… and gladly teche:” Academic Labor in the Neo-Liberal Economy, panel discussion with Cris Thale, Joe Berry, Pete Insley, Janina Ciezadlo, and additional part-time faculty from several local institutions.
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