The Way of the Foo Ling Master: Initiation Into Laughter

Steve Bhaerman is an internationally known author, humorist, and workshop leader. For the past 22 years, he has written and performed as Swami Beyondananda, the "Cosmic Comic." Swami's comedy has been described both as "comedy disguised as wisdom" and "wisdom disguised as comedy."

As Swami, Steve has written four books, including Swami for Precedent: A 7-Step Plan to Heal the Body Politic and Cure Electile Dysfunction.

In his "past life" (before Swami), Steve started an alternative high school in Washington, D.C., taught history to autoworkers at Wayne State University, and co-founded Pathways Magazine in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

His latest book, written with cellular biologist Bruce H. Lipton, PhD is Spontaneous Evolution: Our Positive Future and a Way to Get There From Here (Hay House, 2009). Steve is active in transpartisan politics and the practical application of Spontaneous Evolution. He can be found online at http://www.wakeuplaughing.com/

Spirituality 2.0

Maurizio Benazzo Maurizio Benazzo grew up in Genova, Italy, where he spent the early part of his adult life working in an endless list of jobs . In 1985 Maurizio set out to cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach the United States on a 98 years old Lateen sailboat. The journey landed Maurizio in New York City where he remained for 17 years, pursuing a career in television and motion picture production both in front of and behind the camera.

In 2001 he directed and produced, with Nick Day, the documentary Short Cut to Nirvana, a movie about the Maha Kumbha Mela, the biggest gathering in the history of humanity. The film was released theatrically in the USA and Germany receiving high praises and awards.

In 2004 he founded Neti Neti Media producing several DVDs mostly on Nisargadatta Maharaj (the author of the book "I Am That") and in 2009 he started, with his companion Zaya, the groundbreaking conference Science And Nonduality.

Let's meet beyond the I, beyond ideas, beyond our perceived truth. In that space beyond agreement and disagreement, In that space where there is " .....". - M. Benazzo

Strengthening Interpersonal Relationships Through Interfaith Dialogue

Meditation Center Michael G. Pappas was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He graduated from Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA) in 1983, after which he successively worked as a lobbyist, Regional Field Director for a presidential campaign and investment banker for the oldest municipal bond firm in New Jersey.

In 1987, he left the world of politics & finance and enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, attaining an M.Div. with honors in the class of 1992. An ordained priest of the Greek Orthodox Church, Michael served parishes in Palos Hills, IL, Stockton, CA and San Francisco, CA.

During his sixteen-year ministry, he was a prolific writer, contributing articles to numerous religious and secular periodicals. As well, he devoted energy to work with the homeless and furthering ecumenical/interfaith relationships. After stepping down from parish ministry in 2007, he was selected by the San Francisco Interfaith Council to the newly created administrative position of Executive Director.

Michael is the father of two sons, George and Paul, and one daughter, Julia.