It’s exciting to announce that I will be presenting the workshop “Cultivating Universal Intelligence” at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, Australia, on December 5th, this year.

I am especially excited for three reasons:

First, ten years ago my mother expressed her desire to visit Australia. Unfortunately she passed away before she had an opportunity to travel there. This trip is dedicated to her memory.

Next, the first time I heard of the Parliament of the World’s Religions was when I was doing research for my book, Heaven Is Not the Last Stop and I discovered that Swami Vivekananda, who establisherd Vedanta societies in America and England, addressed the Parliament at their first event in 1893.  Little did I know that I would be presenting my workshop at their fifth conference since then.

Finally, I am honored that the Council selected Cultivating Universal Intelligence as a presentation that offers solutions to the great challenges of our times.  To cultivate universal intelligence is to develop the cosmic insight, moral awareness, and spiritual perception that can truly sustain a growing spirituality among all peoples.  When we commit to the harmonious development of consciousness, we gradually come to the realization that the goal of developing human consciousness is not to become enlightened or survive physical death.  The true purpose of developing consciousness is to be fully empowered to contribute one’s best to the advancement of civilization.  This is the responsibility and privilege of every spiritually progressive person in every generation.

 When we cultivate universal intelligence we expand the accuracy of our worldview - factually and philosophically; our reasoning becomes increasingly more objective, inclusive, moral, loving, and selfless.  As a result decisions become more effective, socially progressive, and peace enhancing.

 The Cultivating Universal Intelligence workshop is powerful and transforming and I look forward to sharing it with participants.