There is a belief that a true democracy is not possible without equality and equality assumes absence of hierarchy. And at the same time, Japan offers us a different example of a working system which values subordination, democracy, duties and roles. This talk is designed to explore a possibility to see structure and constraints as a critical part for understanding freedom.
In this talk, Azumi will take you on a journey and discuss a concept of Ma (time and space in-between, a Confucius concept of the space between the edges, between the beginning and the end, the space and time in which we experience life), a perception of space in Japanese households and what arts mean to Japanese society. We will explore ideas of beauty as intellectual endeavors through mastery of Geisha and see how Japanese aesthetics and consumption of arts relate to everyday life.
Japanese philosophy Yasuragi teaches us to take a moment and be present, to notice wonders we are surrounded with. Contemplating nature or experiencing a cup of tea - every moment can bring peace to our minds. Haiku poems do exactly that: they are odes to mundane, a moment of gratitude to the transient present. Join our talk on Japanese philosophy Yasuragi and explore Haiku poems as a way to find harmony and peace.
We will look at artists who use their art to hold a mirror to society and expose problems or issues around them. I'm going to bring in themes like Feminism, Black lives matter etc.
This session looks at how artists visualised the true aftermath of conflict: the raw emotions, the physical scars and the hope for peace. Shedding light on some of the most renowned artists of the 20th century, we will focus heavily on German artists - Gerhard Richter and Georg Baselitz.
Yasuragi is a concept or feeling of inner peace. However, it is also an attitude, a relation which a person can build with the outside world. Join the next Japanese calligraphy session with Azumi Uchitani to enjoy creating this beautiful kanji and find out more about the Yasuragi way of living.
In the last of his talks on the Devil, author and occult historian Gavin Baddeley brings us bang up to date, detailing the part played by the Prince of Darkness in the crises we currently face. From the Second World War to Satanic Panic to September 11th and war in Ukraine - we will explore the role of Devil in 20th century.
In collaboration with Book Club Bunch we are excited to announce our next poetry pop up! Join us as we delve into literary works and enjoy masterpieces read out loud by amazing actors! In celebration of the Earth Day, our April event will focus on Environment and Nature.
Classic Greek tragedy, comedy and epic poetry has so many lessons on psychology, sexual desire, activism and gender equality that resonate powerfully today. This will be a fun session on storytelling, morality and consequence.
Martial Arts and philosophy are extremely interlinked. Martial Arts make an organised system of combat practiced for physical, mental, spiritual development, and self-defence. In this talk you will be introduced to one of the principles, SHU HA RI, the three stages of developing and mastering any techniques and transforming the mind, body and spirit to bring unlimited potential.
