October 7, 1999
Table of Contents
Community Celebrates Institute Mission
"Live and Help Live"
Advancing the Institute
Admissions Staff on the Road
InnerLight Bookstore News
Co-sponsored by the Institute
Want to Email the Whole Community?
In the Spotlight
Our New Registrar
Notable Dates
Alumni of Note
Comings and Goings
On Campus
Parking Tips
COMMUNITY CELEBRATES INSTITUTE MISSION
On
September 29, Dean of Students Richard Buggs led a celebration for the entire
community in which the Institute rededicated itself to its mission, honored one
of the Institute's founders, and welcomed our new president. The festivities began
with ACS faculty member Dr. Jim Ryan offering an invocation, by chanting some
of the 1,000 names of the Goddess in Sanskrit, and sharing insights about the
significance of our logo, the Sri Yantra mandala, which he said, "represents
the body of the Goddess Sri Lilita, as well as the entire universe." He explained
that "Every single level of the Sri Yantra is guarded by feminine powers."
ICP Academic Student Advisor Roger Marsden, '85 ICP, talked about his long association with special guest of honor Bina Chaudhuri, co-founder of the Institute, who was pleased that the school was rededicating itself to its mission. Bina shared, "The Institute is very much a part of my whole being. My heart is always here. I love the Institute very much."
The Institute's seven ideals were the platform for the day's event. Selected members of the community addressed each ideal. TLC faculty member Dr. Monty Montuori spoke on "an integral approach to learning and research;" Dean of Enrollment Management Henry Villareal on "cultural diversity;" Library Serials and Circulation Coordinator and graduating WSE student Eahr Joan on "feminism and sustainability;" PCC faculty member Dr. Sean Kelly on "multiple ways of learning and teaching;" student ISD doctoral student Rupert Davis on "community;" and Susan Christy, '94 PSY, on "integral and innovative governance." ACS student Susnita Das spoke on "spirituality," and touched the audience by sharing a poignant story of a young boy's search to understand the meaning of freedom.
President
Subbiondo began his remarks by saying, "People ask
me what my vision is. The truly important question is, what is the
Institute's vision? CIIS has a wonderful vision and mission."
He was clearly moved by the renewed sense of dedication and excitement that filled
the room. He spoke on several topics including diversity, commitment, vision,
and the notion of higher education as it relates to the four seasons, commenting
that "We plant in the Fall, and harvest in the Spring."
The audience was entertained by a musical offering from Aushim Chaudhuri (son of Bina and Haridas Chaudhuri) on tabla, and Ben Kunin from the Ali Akbar College of Music.
In closing, the president reminded the 100 member audience that "We [CIIS]
are a beacon and
our light is desperately needed on this planet." [Back
to the top]
Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, a member of the CIIS Council of Sages and an internationally recognized pioneer in mind-body-spirit health, is a living bridge between traditional medicine and the newest concepts of integrative, relationship-centered medical practice. Integrative medicine, she says, "restores medicine to its own integrity and reclaims its original meaning and purpose. And the original meaning of medicine is not science, it is service."
Rachel has won numerous teaching awards and academic recognition for returning humanity to the practice of medicine, and was featured in the popular Bill Moyers PBS television series, "Healing and the Mind." Her new book, My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging, will be published in April 2000. Her first book, Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal, was a New York Times bestseller and is used in introductory clinical medicine courses across the country.
Rachel believes that if we are to survive into the next millennium, we must move from an approach to life that says, "live and let live," to one that urges us to "live and help live." "This is where the wisdom lies she says, "not just the wisdom to survive, but to live well and with meaning." The practice of "live and help live" emerges from a sense that it is in fact service to others "our capacity to befriend and bless the life in ourselves and in each other, to become a blessing to life" that is a final step in the healing we need to become true citizens of the planet.
Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen was the inspirational keynote speaker October 1st at the Institute's Second Annual Gala, "Endbeginnings" at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. [Back to the top]
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT SUBBIONDO
Dear Colleagues:
During my interviews last spring, many of you indicated to me that the Institute should continue to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that will guide the institution into the next millennium. In recent years, the Institute has developed a preliminary plan that has served us well in preparing for the past accreditation visit; and now we need to expand that plan.
This past week, I met with the President's Council to discuss how we should proceed. The Council agreed that we should link three components in the planning process: first, the current plan; second, the WASC report; and third, the budget process. Ideally, we should plan with the WASC recommendations clearly before us and our planning should drive our budgeting.
To draw in the various stakeholders of the Institute, the council approved a planning committee comprised of the following: the vice-presidents, the deans, the Dean of Students, the Chair of the Faculty Council, the Chair of the Staff Alliance, two faculty members (one from each school), two students (one from each school), the Library Director, the Dean of Enrollment Management, the Continuing Education Director, the Communications and Marketing Director, the Director of the Clinics, the Assistant to the President for Special Projects, and myself as chair. To ensure broad consultation, we will be circulating drafts for review by all members of the Institute throughout the planning process.
I believe that the planning process is as important as the plan itself. If the process is to be successful, all members of the Institute need to participate. I assure you that the process will be open and that all voices will be heard.
Presently, I serve two roles: the president and the chief academic officer. I am restructuring the office of the chief academic officer by having the Dean of Enrollment Management and the Dean of Students reporting to that office. This will give the Vice-President of Finance and Administration the time to manage the endowment, improve budget materials, develop community relations with social service organizations, and increase institutional research and planning. In addition, I am appointing faculty member Alfonoso Montuori as Assistant to the President for Special Projects. He will be working on several projects including the summer program, international courses, and workshops in the Santa Clara Valley.
In my first letter, I reported that Susan Christy and Ron Wu, trustees of the Institute, would be helping us improve our working relationships. They have decided to start with interviews of the President's Council in the coming weeks. I will keep you updated on our progress. I am grateful to them for their generous service to the Institute.
Thank you for your support,
Joseph L. Subbiondo [Back to the top]
During the months of October and November the Admissions Office staff will be out in the field promoting the Institute to prospective students on college campuses throughout California and the nation. Campus visits will include:
- University of Massachusetts
- The New School for Social Research
- New York University
- University of San Francisco
- San Francisco State
- UC Berkeley
- UCLA
- UC Santa Barbara
- UC Irvine
In addition, the Institute will be exhibiting at the Body & Soul Conference in San Francisco, and the American Massage Therapy Association Conference in San Antonio, where faculty member Don Hanlon Johnson, will be the keynote speaker. This expanded outreach will help to further promote the Institute and contribute to achieving next year's new student enrollment goals. [Back to the top]
Book Reviews by Victoria Ritchie, Manager
Halfway Up the Mountain: The Error of Premature Claims to Enlightenment
By Mariana Caplan (CIIS alumna), Hohm Press, 1999
The subtitle of this book encapsulates the subject, as does the Rumi quote on the flyleaf: "Fool's gold exists because there is real gold." This is a book about the true and the false, about enlightenment and the presumption of enlightenment, about true teachers and false teachers. The author looks at homegrown New Age spirituality and the traditional lifelong paths to liberation.
With contributions from Charles Tart, Ram Dass, Joan Halifax and others, this book sobers, challenges delusions, gives perspective, and finally, deeply inspires. Not just another New Age spiritual book by any means.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By J.K. Rowling, Scholastic Press, 1997
This so-called 'children's book', now an international phenomenon, is the first novel by a Britsh author who by now has won every children's book award on the planet óand for very good reason. Interestingly, until writing this book, J.K. Rowling was an unknown single mom living on the dole in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Reviewers are in ecstasy about this book, suggesting that the author dances in the footsteps of P.L. Travers and Roald Dahl. It's brilliantly imagined and beautifully written, full of humor, charm and enchantment. The story is nothing less than captivating. I was hooked after two pages. It's magical! Get it for the children in your life (recommended for ages 9-13), or better, buy it for yourself and thoroughly enjoy the wonder of it. [Back to the top]
Marianne Williamson
CIIS sponsored in conjunction with the Learning Annex, An evening with Marianne Williamson, noted author of Abundance, Return to Love, and Enchanted Love, on Wed., October 27. CIIS students are eligible for a discounted rate of $29 ($10 off ). See Learning Annex link on CIIS Website.
Body & Soul Conference
Featuring an exceptional lineup of world-renowned explorers in the fields of mind-body healing, spirituality, creativity, right livelihood, and social transformation. CIIS is co-sponsoring the November 12-14, 1999 conference in the Hyatt Regency, San Francisco Airport. Two members of our Council of Sages, Ram Dass and Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., will be noted speakers. To register, call 877-944-3003.
Ayahuasca: Amazonian Shamanism, Science, and Spirituality
First-ever conference devoted solely to "Ayahuasca," the visionary plant brew widely use by indigenous shamans in South America for healing and divination. Call Michael Kender at 415-575-6290 or e-mail: kathyg@ciis.edu.
U.S. Association for Body Psychotherapy
In June 2000, the Institute will co-sponsor the U.S. Association for Body Psychotherapy Conference in San Francisco (location TBA) to promote the field of somatic psychotherapy in a non-denominational manner. CIIS students discounts and volunteer opportunities will be available. Call Mark Ludwig at 510-663-9649 or e-mail: malud123@aol.com
WANT TO E-MAIL THE WHOLE COMMUNITY?
Our new E-mail system will allow you to get messages out to the entire community by addressing to the following:
calendar@ciis.edu = Calendar of Events (Information about Institute events and other interest to the Community).
classified@ciis.edu = Classified Ads (Items to sell, buy or trade)
fyi@ciis.edu = General Information (Information not necessarily regarding the Institute, but of interest to the Community)
staff@ciis.edu = All Staff (Institute-related information only)
faculty@ciis.edu = All Faculty (Institute-related information only)
community@ciis.edu = Community (Institute-related information only posted to Staff and Faculty Boards
Sending E-mail to the selected address will share your information with all subscribers. All users are subscribed to all lists by default. If you would like to unsubscribe from these lists, you may do so by clicking on the link labeled "Bulletin Boards" on InnerGate at mail.ciis.edu (you do not need to login to E-mail to do this). [Back to the top]
NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS IN THE U.S.
Dr. Connie Jones, faculty member in the doctoral Transformative Learning and Change Program, was one of several scholars invited in August to consult with legislators and psychiatrists from other countries who have concerns about religious movements in their countries.
The group which included Werner Amon, member of Parliament, Republic of Austria, and Ringolds Balodis, Director of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Latvia met at Fuller Theological Seminary in Los Angeles, and discussed the civil and spiritual importance of new religions in the U.S. and in Europe.
Connie Jones spoke about "New Religious Movements in the Social and Cultural Milieu of the U.S." Other topics included "The Brainwashing Controversy" and "Religious Innovation in the U.S."
Connie participated in discussions about new religious movements in Europe and the concerns of governmental agencies to protect their citizens against dangerous groups and extremist belief structures. Connie says, "We were trying to allay fears that new religions are inherently dangerous. As the country with the most religious innovation, the U.S. has an excellent record of allowing religious liberty while recognizing the importance of religious innovation. Certainly, the U.S. has been quite intolerant toward some religions, but this country has seen much more innovation than the countries involved in these discussions. We stressed the impracticality and questionable morality of denying new religions legal status, especially when governmental decisions are based largely on innuendo and bias from opposing groups. All of this should be seen from the vantage point of actual suppression of new religions in a number of European countries today." [Back to the top]
NANCY HAGER
Nancy Hager assumed the position of Registrar in July, coming to us after seven years as Registrar at the California School of Professional Psychology. She was attracted to CIIS by the program diversity, the sense of community, and by the people. She says, "The people at CIIS are so nice, there really are a lot of gentle souls here. During my interview process, Richard Buggs, the Dean of Students, particularly impressed me -- he is an incredible person. Working with Richard and with my staff has been so uplifting. When I first came to CIIS, the office had been understaffed, and I think the staff did an excellent job. I get a tremendous amount of support here."
Nancy is aware that students have been struggling with the many changes that have occurred in past years. Her goal, she says, is "to improve the structure in the Registrar's Office so that registration and other processes are as smooth and seamless as possible. This will allow students to focus on the academic work that they are here for. We are making a strong effort to respond to everyone who comes to the office with a question or problem in a timely manner; our goal is to treat all faculty, staff, and students with fairness and integrity."
Nancy and her husband Skip, who works at a Calistoga winery, live in Healdsburg with their three cats, Cheri (an Abyssian), ET, and Ace (mixed breeds). She commutes by bus each day to the Institute from Healdsburg, which takes close to two hours each way. But she says it hasn't been a bad experience: "I can read, crunch numbers, meditate, and I've met some wonderful people. You just have to be open to the experience." [Back to the top]
CELEBRATING SACRED AMERICA: REMARKABLE STORIES & ECSTATIC POETRY
Friday, November 12, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Namaste Hall -- FREE EVENT
Presented by the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Forum*
In a year of travel all over America, Roger Housden has found people in every walk of life awakening to the intelligence of the individual heart. This afternoon he will share some remarkable inner stories of ordinary Americans from his new book, Sacred America: The Emerging Spirit of the People. He will also illustrate the spiritual vibrancy he found on his journey with poems of Rumi and other ecstatic voices who celebrate the eternal song of the human heart.
Roger Housden is a writer, explorer of sacred traditions, and leader of contemplative journeys in the Sahara, India, and the United States. He gives inspirational talks on the theme of Sacred America and also public recitals of ecstatic poetry from the world's spiritual traditions. His writings include Travels Through Sacred India and Sacred Journeys in a Modern World. Sacred America is his eighth book.
* The Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness (PCC) Forum is a series of lectures and dialogue for the PCC, CIIS, and greater community. It is an opportunity for creative and inquiring minds to come together and to share ideas and experiences. We hope that you will join us! For more information about this event or other PCC forums, please call Christina Hardy at 415- 575-6270.
Sponsored with the support of Laurance S. Rockefeller [Back to the top]
METZNER BOOK SIGNING & READING
Thursday, November 4 - 6:00 p.m.
Faculty & Staff Lounge, 4th Floor
Join faculty member, Ralph Metzner for an evening celebrating the publication of his two latest books, Green Psychology, and Ayahuasca. Ralph will be reading excerpts and signing books for students and staff as well as answering questions from the audience.
Sponsored by the East-West Psychology Program [Back to the top]
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 14
The Integral Counseling Psychology Program is sponsoring the film, Powder, which examines how transpersonally- oriented psychotherapy can work with individuals who are experiencing a spir-itual emergency. Louis P. Gainsborough Room (307), CIIS, 6:15 p.m.
October 23
Open House 10am - 2pm,
Namaste Hall
General Information
- Welcome, Dean of Enrollment
- Management
- Meditation, Rina Sircar, Ph.D.
- History & Vision, President Joseph Subbiondo
Program Information
- Overview of our Programs
- Topical Presentation
- Questions & Answers
- Closing Ritual
October 27, Downtown San Francisco
Marianne Williamson
www.learningannex.com
November 4
Faculty Book Signing - Ralph Metzner
Faculty & Staff Lounge, 4th Floor CIIS
November 12
Celebrating Sacred America: Remarkable Stories & Ecstatic Poetry, Namaste Hall
4 - 6 p.m., Christina Hardy @ 415-575-6270
November 12-14
Body & Soul Conference, Hyatt Regency, San Francisco Airport; call 510-663-9649
March 17-20, 2000
Ayahuasca Conference, San Francisco
415-575-6290
April 1, 2000
Open House, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
June 2000, Location TBA
U.S. Association for Body Psychotherapy Conference; contact Mark Ludwig 510- 663-9649; E-mail: malud123@aol.com
Our Alumni Office received a tremendous response to a letter recently sent out to alumni. Notes from graduates from around the world poured inwe were heartened to hear about all the fascinating things they have been doing since graduating from the Institute. Many alumni have agreed to be profiled in our publications, talk to prospective students, and volunteer for events. For an extended and ongoing listing, check out the upcoming issue of Open Eye and the alumni section on our Website.
Fariba Bogzaran, '94, Ph.D., East-West Psychology, developed a concentration program in dream studies at JFK University, one of the first of its kind in an accredited university in this country. She is the author of Through the Light: An Exploration into Consciousness.
Johara Chapman, '95, M.A., Social & Cultural Anthropology, is an M.D. who works at a community health clinic with a large Hispanic population and with people from all over the world.
Lori Clarke, M.A., '95, Somatics, is director of the North Atlantic Institute for Somatic Education. She is especially involved in issues of violence, childbirth, education, and women’s health.
Patti Dobrowolski '95, M.A., Drama Therapy, RDT (Registered Drama Therapist), is a drama therapist in private practice who specializes in corporate team building, change management, and coaching for keynote speakers.
Marya Grathwohl, '98, M.A., PCC teaches cosmology at Dull Knife Memorial College in Montana, exploring the complementary wisdom in the universe story as told by science and by the native Cheyenne worldview.
Sean MacDonald, '96, B.A., is completing a doctorate in religion at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in the Department of South East Asian Languages and Literature.
Kartikeya Patel, '98, Ph.D., Philosophy & Religion, is an assistant professor in the Global Program at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, and author of a number of publications.
Murshida Rabia Ana Perez-Chisti, '99, Ph.D., Philosophy & Religion, is a core faculty member at the University of Creation Spirituality/Naropa Institute in Oakland, California, and a Sufi Movement International lineage holder.
David Weinstein, '91, M.A., Expressive Arts Therapy, is a psychotherapist and co-clinical director of the HAART Clinic in San Leandro, California where he works with patients who are opiate dependent. He also leads the Oakland Zendo of the California Diamond Sangha.
Farewell:
Bobbi Evans, Controller, who is taking a career sabbatical to go sailing toward points south on a large sailing vessel with her partner.
Kaern Kreyling, Online Coordinator, who is leaving her position after five years to expand her work with program development for elementary schools in the Bay area.
Carlton Rounds, Admissions Officer, will leave to take on the position of Director of Undergraduate Admissions at College of Notre Dame in Belmont, CA.
Welcome:
Jon Dockery as Maintenance Assistant. Jon has worked in maintenance at Fort Mason and International Hostel and is also a film and video maker.
Jason Salkind as evening Receptionist. Jason is an artist/painter and an avid bicyclist.
Transitions:
Cynthia Morrow, from Library Assistant to Administrative Manager of the Clement Street Counseling Center. Cynthia has been a beloved assistant in the library and they will miss her. In her new position will be more fully utilizing her CIIS degree from ICP.
Your Safety
by Cris Brackett, Facilities
Some of you may know we have a security guard in the lobby on the first floor seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The guard’s duty is to keep our facility safe from thefts. We’ve also assigned duties to include:
-- Informing people that bicycles are not allowed in the building and that they should use the bicycle cage in the Minna Street lot. (Contact the Dean of Students office for access.)
-- Keeping the roll- up door in the West parking lot closed.
-- Patrolling the third, fourth, and sixth floors as well as the back parking area and bicycle cage, every hour.
I have good news for those who wish to be able to call the security guard from the back lot, (on a cell phone), or from any of our floors, to request the guard respond immediately. Dial 791-5570. If you are calling from the back parking lot enter a string of ones "11111111111," and the guard will respond to the back lot. If you need assistance on the third floor, enter "333333333," fourth floor,"444444444," and sixth floor "666666666."
Please put this number in an accessible place should you need it quickly. I have it programed into my cell phone for emergencies and suggest that if you have a cell phone you do the same. A button can be programed into your console of your phone as well. Michael Kender, at ext. 123, can also assist you with this.
I appreciate your patience as we try to increase safety here at the Institute. I am very interested in feedback, both positive and negative, about safety issues.
Please contact me via E-mail or voicemail at ext. 147 or direct from outside 415- 575-6147 for any discussion, concerns, or ideas regarding long-term solutions to our security challenge.
Just a reminder that the parking spaces in the Minna Street parking lot are rented by faculty and permanent staff members ONLY. Since the lot is shared with other tenants, all vehicles must display valid permits.
If you drive to CIIS, and prefer not to engage in the challenge of on-street parking, the following options exist:
Mutual Parking
(Mission Street between South Van Ness and 11th) $5.00 up to 12 hours.
Central Parking
(Jesse Street between 10th and 11th and between Mission and Market)
Cost ranges from $5-7 depending on what day of the week and time you enter.
US Parking, Inc.
(8th between Mission and Howard at Natoma) $5.00 for all day parking. Open M-F, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
City Parking Company
(on Mission between 7th and 8th)
$5.00 for all day parking (8 am-6 pm)
Monthly rate available for $100. Call 558-9147.
1453 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 575-6100 Fax: (415) 575-1264
The INNER EYE
Editor: Pamela Chaloult
Editorial Board: Donna Blakemore, Candice Chase, Cathy Coleman, Phaedra Valencia
The Inner Eye is published every 3 weeks by the Communications & Marketing Department. Next issue: October 28
Articles may be submitted by to candicec@ciis.edu via email or disks may be put in the Inner Eye mailbox. Articles are subject to editing for clarity, length, and appropriateness.
Deadline: Thursday, October 14.