Program Schedule

Part 1: Awareness and Consciousness  
An Introduction to Spiritual Ecology and Consciousness Development 

Sunday March 9, 9 – 11 and 11.15 – 13.15 a.m. 

Introduction and Expectation:  

Spiritual Ecology : Definitions and Dharma Master Hsin Tao’s vision (Michael von Brück,  Anastasia Zabaniotou) 

Structure, Method and Expectations of the Online School of ULP. Education for Transformation in Global Context (Alexander Benz) 

Aspects of Spiritual Ecology 

1. Who are We? Consciousness of the ‘Self”: Awareness of our position on the planet and universe and role, co-existence, oneness, interconnectedness, for changing our relation to earth and universe. The world-soul is no longer part of our collective consciousness. Ecological consciousness is the key to the relationships between people and new technologies with the ecosystems and moreover can be referred to as the experience of ‘Self’ (Awareness) (Michael von Brück) 

1. Systemic View of Life: Developing a Connect between Spiritual Ecology and Sustainability   

Anthropogenic-induced environmental change and the domination of the Earth’s ecosystems have reached the overuse of resources endangering the integrity of the fragile ecologies of Planet Earth and its climate. Moving from the Anthropocentric to an Eco-centric civilization and practice means leaving behind unsustainable production technology and consumption patterns while cultivating an eco-centric ethos that allows living organisms to be in co-existence and symbiosis with their non-living environment. Sustainability through the consciousness of spiritual ecology is related to systemic health and resilience and requires a broader view of the importance of various capitals, their co-existence and mutual symbiosis. Technological progress without sustainability increases the disturbances of ecological systems and the ecological consciousness of people.  Reinforcing the significance of a symbiotic relationship between humans and their environment, through responsible ecological behavior is needed. A transformative thinking and action require inner exploration and visualization of desirable future for catalyzing transition to sustainable, equitable, ethical, and resilient societies (awareness lecture) (Anastasia Zabaniotou) 
 

Part 2: Healing the Planet 
Fundamentals, Concepts and models for a sustainable economic and social life-style 

Saturday March 29, 9 – 11.00 and 11.15 – 13.15 a.m.: Basis 

Introduction (MvB) 10 Min 

Meditation (Shifu) 15 Min 

Lecture 1 Prof. Dr. Michael Rosenberger (Catholic University, Linz): Opportunities for Spiritual Ecology in Pope Francis’ Laudato si 30 Min + 15 Min Discussion 
 
 

Lecture 2 Prof. Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker (Yale Univerrsity):  Ecological Civilization and Confucian Spirituality  

30 Min + 15 Min Discussion  

Break 

Panel 11.15 – 11.50 

Prof. Dr. Dorothea Greiling (Johannes-Kepler-University, Linz), Prof. Dr. Josef Wieland (Zeppelin University Friedrichshafen):  Relational Economics:  Shared Value Creation and Environmental Responsibility. 

Debate in Groups (random) 50 Min 

Debate in Plenary 30 Min: Reports from Groups 

Sunday, March 30, 9 -11.00 and 11.15 – 13.00 a.m. 

Meditation (Shifu) 15 Min. 

Lecture 3 Prof. Dr. Markus Vogt (LMU Munich), Spiritual Ecology and Justice – a Perspective of Christian Social Ethics 30 Min + 15 Min Discussion 

Part 3: Examples of Science and Technology in Action 
Applying Spiritual Ecology and Perma-Culture to mitigate challenges and foster transformation 
(Including group projects to create action)  

Lecture 4 Prof. Dr. Azizan Baharuddin (Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Ecology & Justice: A Model from the Al-Mizan-Covenant for the Earth (Document endorsed by the UN Environmental Program 2024)  

30 Min + 15 Min. Discussion 

Break 

Developing Project Themes (Plenary) 60 Min 

First Meetings of Projects Groups 60 Min 

(During the time between the two units of WS the students will work on their projects guided by their supervisors online.) 

Saturday, April 12, 9 – 11.00 and 11.15 – 13.30 a.m.: Method 

Meditation (Shifu) 15 Min 

Lecture 5 Prof. Dr. John Grim (Yale University), Indigenous Cosmovision and Spiritual Ecology 30 Min + 15 Min. Discussion  

Lecture 6 Markus Bogner (Bad Wiessee, Germany): PERMA Economy in Southern Germany in Worldwide Interconnection. Focus on Integrated Project) 30 Min + 15 Min. Discussion  

Discussion in groups 20 Min 

Break 

Panel 11.20 – 11.50  

Prof. Dr. Werner Gamerith (Univ. of Passau), Prof. Dr. Erika Wagner (Johannes- Kepler-University, Linz):  

Local and Global : Ecological Transformation – Constraints and Opportunities by Geological and Legal Conditions. 

Presentation of Project Proposals 60 Min. (3 groups) 

Panel: Response to Projects 20 Min. 

Sunday, April 13, 9 – 11.00 and 11.15 – 13.30 a.m.  

Meditation (Shifu) 15 Min. 

Lecture 7 Prof. Dr. Dr. Ernst Pöppel (LMU Munich), Spirituality of Perception : Aisthesis and Motivation for Action  

30 Min. + 15 Min Discussion 

Effect 

Presentation of Projects 60 Min. (3 groups) 

Break 

Presentation of Projects 40 Min. (2 groups) 

Panel: Response to Projects 60 Min. 

Final Summary and Challenges (MvB) 10 Min 

Farewell and Closing Remarks (Shifu) 15 Min. 

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Saturday May 10, 9 – 11.30 a.m. and 12 – 14  

Final presentation of Projects (6 groups: 30 Min each group) 

5 groups (5-7 students in each group). The groups will be guided by 

Alexander Benz 

Michael von Brück 

Peter Edwards 

Ernst Pöppel 

Anastasia Zabaniotou