Omega Institute for Holistic Studies: Difference between revisions
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'''Omega Institute for Holistic Studies''' is a nonprofit educational retreat center located in [[Rhinebeck, New York]]. Its stated mission is to "provide educational experiences that awaken the best in the human spirit". Omega’s workshops, conferences, and retreats |
'''Omega Institute for Holistic Studies''' is a nonprofit educational retreat center located in [[Rhinebeck, New York]]. Its stated mission is to "provide hope and healing for individuals and society through innovative educational experiences that awaken the best in the human spirit". Omega’s workshops, conferences, and retreats aim to create dialogues on the integration of modern medicine and natural healing; connect science, spirituality, and creativity; and build the groundwork for new traditions and lifestyles. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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In 1977, cofounders Stephan Rechtschaffen, author of ''Timeshifting,'' and Elizabeth Lesser, author of ''The Seeker’s Guide'', say they were inspired to create the Omega Institute by |
In 1977, cofounders Stephan Rechtschaffen, author of ''Timeshifting,'' and Elizabeth Lesser, author of ''The Seeker’s Guide'' and ''New York Times'' best-selling ''Broken Open'', say they were inspired to create the Omega Institute by scholar and Eastern meditation teacher, [[Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan]]. <ref>Stephan Rechtschaffen, MD, ''Timeshifting: Creating More Time to Enjoy Your Life'' (New York: Main Street Books, 1997)</ref><ref name="seeker"> Elizabeth Lesser. ''The Seeker's Guide: Making Your Life a Spiritual Adventure'' (New York: Villard, 1999). </ref><ref>''New York Times,'' “Bestsellers: Paperback Advice,” ''New York Times Sunday Book Review'' (January 23, 2009). [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/books/bestseller/bestpaperadvice.html?scp=5&sq=%22broken%20open%22%20elizabeth%20lesser&st=cse] |
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</ref><ref>Elizabeth Lesser. ''Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow'' (New York: Villard, 2005).</ref>. The name “Omega” came from the teachings of [[Pierre Teilhard de Chardin]], a 20th-century philosopher who used the term “[[Omega Point]]” to describe the peak of unity and integration toward which all life is evolving<ref> Peter Applebome, “Our Towns; The Fringe, Now Embraced By Main Street,” ''New York Times''(February 28, 2007). |
</ref><ref>Elizabeth Lesser. ''Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow'' (New York: Villard, 2005).</ref>. The name “Omega” came from the teachings of [[Pierre Teilhard de Chardin]], a 20th-century philosopher who used the term “[[Omega Point]]” to describe the peak of unity and integration toward which all life is evolving<ref> Peter Applebome, “Our Towns; The Fringe, Now Embraced By Main Street,” ''New York Times''(February 28, 2007). |
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[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503EEDD1F3EF93BA15751C0A9619C8B63&scp=1&sq=applebome%20Omega&st=cse]</ref>. |
[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503EEDD1F3EF93BA15751C0A9619C8B63&scp=1&sq=applebome%20Omega&st=cse]</ref>. |
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Omega Institute began its programming with several workshops, and now |
Omega Institute began its programming with several workshops, and now holds more than 300 workshops in Rhinebeck, [[New York City]], [[Costa Rica]], and California<ref name="rising">Andrea Birnbaum. “Omega Rising,” ''Hudson Valley Chronogram'' (September 2007), 34–36.</ref>. |
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== Rhinebeck, New York Campus == |
== Rhinebeck, New York Campus == |
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In 1982, Omega expanded from rented facilities in New York and |
In 1982, Omega expanded from rented facilities in New York and Vermont to its current location on the former grounds of Camp Boiberik, a Yiddish camp, in Rhinebeck, New York<ref>BBC Radio. "...Jane Little also visits the oldest new-age institute in the US," ''Americana'' (Episode 11, August 9, 2009). </ref>. There are more than 100 buildings on the 195-acre campus, including a dining hall, café, and bookstore. Its buildings also include the [[Ram Dass]] Library, named for author Ram Dass who "has been a trusted guide to Omega". In honor of Dass' life’s work, the organization commissioned the library, which is designed in an eight petal lotus blossom shape to symbolize the unfolding of divine energy intended to represent Ram Dass’ service to public health, advancing social justice, and supporting spiritual development throughout the world<ref name="seeker"> Elizabeth Lesser. ''The Seeker's Guide: Making Your Life a Spiritual Adventure'' (New York: Villard, 1999).</ref> <ref name="rising">Andrea Birnbaum. “Omega Rising,” ''Hudson Valley Chronogram'' (September 2007), 34–36</ref>. |
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The campus also includes the Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL), which is an |
The campus also includes the Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL), which is an education center and water reclamation facility. |
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== Programs & Faculty == |
== Programs & Faculty == |
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Omega’s educational programs include workshops, retreats, conferences, and a teen camp |
Omega’s educational programs include workshops, professional trainings, retreats, conferences, and a teen camp. Workshops are organized into six categories: body, mind, and spirit; health and healing; creativity and play; relationships and family; leadership and community; and sustainable living. |
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New York City events have included speakers such as [[Al Gore]], [[Christopher Reeve]], and |
New York City events have included speakers such as [[Al Gore]], [[Christopher Reeve]], and |
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Other Omega speakers and teachers have included [[Thich Nhat Hanh]], [[Maya Angelou]], [[Deepak Chopra]], [[Pema Chödrön]], [[Jane Goodall]], [[Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan]], |
Other Omega speakers and teachers have included [[Thich Nhat Hanh]], [[Maya Angelou]], [[Deepak Chopra]], [[Pema Chödrön]], [[Jane Goodall]], [[Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan]], |
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[[Ram Dass]], [[Thich Nhat Hanh]], [[Allen Ginsberg]], [[Gloria Steinem]] |
[[Ram Dass]], [[Thich Nhat Hanh]], [[Allen Ginsberg]], [[Gloria Steinem]], [[Pete Seeger]], |
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[[Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.]], [[Philip Glass]], [[Betty Williams]], and others. |
[[Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.]], [[Philip Glass]], [[Betty Williams]], and others. |
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Revision as of 21:54, 2 November 2009
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Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is a nonprofit educational retreat center located in Rhinebeck, New York. Its stated mission is to "provide hope and healing for individuals and society through innovative educational experiences that awaken the best in the human spirit". Omega’s workshops, conferences, and retreats aim to create dialogues on the integration of modern medicine and natural healing; connect science, spirituality, and creativity; and build the groundwork for new traditions and lifestyles.
History
In 1977, cofounders Stephan Rechtschaffen, author of Timeshifting, and Elizabeth Lesser, author of The Seeker’s Guide and New York Times best-selling Broken Open, say they were inspired to create the Omega Institute by scholar and Eastern meditation teacher, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan. [1][2][3][4]. The name “Omega” came from the teachings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a 20th-century philosopher who used the term “Omega Point” to describe the peak of unity and integration toward which all life is evolving[5].
Omega Institute began its programming with several workshops, and now holds more than 300 workshops in Rhinebeck, New York City, Costa Rica, and California[6].
Rhinebeck, New York Campus
In 1982, Omega expanded from rented facilities in New York and Vermont to its current location on the former grounds of Camp Boiberik, a Yiddish camp, in Rhinebeck, New York[7]. There are more than 100 buildings on the 195-acre campus, including a dining hall, café, and bookstore. Its buildings also include the Ram Dass Library, named for author Ram Dass who "has been a trusted guide to Omega". In honor of Dass' life’s work, the organization commissioned the library, which is designed in an eight petal lotus blossom shape to symbolize the unfolding of divine energy intended to represent Ram Dass’ service to public health, advancing social justice, and supporting spiritual development throughout the world[2] [6].
The campus also includes the Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL), which is an education center and water reclamation facility.
Programs & Faculty
Omega’s educational programs include workshops, professional trainings, retreats, conferences, and a teen camp. Workshops are organized into six categories: body, mind, and spirit; health and healing; creativity and play; relationships and family; leadership and community; and sustainable living.
New York City events have included speakers such as Al Gore, Christopher Reeve, and Eckhart Tolle. Annually, Omega hosts a yoga conference, and the Women’s Institute at Omega offers a conference that has included speakers such as Eve Ensler, Isabel Allende, and Sally Field[8][9]. Omega offers scholarships to a variety of its workshops, trainings, conferences, and retreats.
Other Omega speakers and teachers have included Thich Nhat Hanh, Maya Angelou, Deepak Chopra, Pema Chödrön, Jane Goodall, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, Allen Ginsberg, Gloria Steinem, Pete Seeger, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Philip Glass, Betty Williams, and others.
Staff
Omega has a core staff of 85 and a seasonal staff of more than 250[10]. The core staff plan and develop the curriculum, marketing, and production for the season’s programs, and its seasonal staff manage and staff campus departments. Inspired by Ram Dass, Omega created a curriculm for Omega’s staff that includes classes designed to encourage self-development, mindfulness, and community service[6].
References
- ^ Stephan Rechtschaffen, MD, Timeshifting: Creating More Time to Enjoy Your Life (New York: Main Street Books, 1997)
- ^ a b Elizabeth Lesser. The Seeker's Guide: Making Your Life a Spiritual Adventure (New York: Villard, 1999). Cite error: The named reference "seeker" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ New York Times, “Bestsellers: Paperback Advice,” New York Times Sunday Book Review (January 23, 2009). [1]
- ^ Elizabeth Lesser. Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow (New York: Villard, 2005).
- ^ Peter Applebome, “Our Towns; The Fringe, Now Embraced By Main Street,” New York Times(February 28, 2007). [2]
- ^ a b c Andrea Birnbaum. “Omega Rising,” Hudson Valley Chronogram (September 2007), 34–36. Cite error: The named reference "rising" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ BBC Radio. "...Jane Little also visits the oldest new-age institute in the US," Americana (Episode 11, August 9, 2009).
- ^ Philip Weiss. “Ram Dass Revival: Frail but Vibrant, He Gets a Library,” The New York Observer (October 6, 2002). [3]
- ^ Stephanie Elizondo Griest. 100 Places Every Woman Should Go (Palo Alto: Solas House, 2007), 149.
- ^ Lynn Behrendt. “Omega, All Grown Up,” About Town (Fall 2007), 1,16.
External Links
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