Rothko Chapel

SriNithya Muktiroopananda, Hindu Meditation Wednesday November 2, 2016 Suggested donation $10, click here to make a donation ahead of time Join us for Nithya Dhyaan, a meditation from the Hindu tradition designed to cleanse the mind of negative energy and energize the body. Nithya Dhyaan involves breathing, humming, and building chakra awareness to balance the body, spirit, and mind. Jayaraman Thiaga (rajan), known as SriNithya Muktiroopananda (Muktiroopa) was born and raised in India and currently lives in Sugarland, Texas. He is the city lead of the Nithyananda Aadheenam of Houston, part of a worldwide organization of Hindu temples established by the Avatar, Swami Nithyananda. Once opened, the temple will offer Puja, Yoga, and meditation workshops to contribute to the raising of consciousness and prosperity of all Houstonians. The series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center of Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Rothko Chapel.

Music from and inspired by sacred music traditions. Bethany Baxter, a soprano and young artist with Da Camera, presented a concert of chants from many faith traditions as well as classical chamber pieces inspired by sacred practices. This program included an Islamic call to prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, classical songs composed on medieval Christian texts, a solo bass piece inspired by Indian meditative instruments, songs from the Santeria faith, and Jewish sacred songs. It is an opportunity for music lovers and the community at large to express openness and welcome to people of all traditions and beliefs.

Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation in conversation with Sarah Lewis, Harvard professor and best selling author 2016 Frances Tarlton “Sissy” Farenthold Endowed Lecture in Peace, Social Justice in Human Rights presented in partnership with the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at UT’s School of Law Darren Walker examines the intersection of the arts and human rights, and the need for artists and non-artists alike to engage more fully with the power of artistic expression in the instigation of social change. Darren Walker is the President of the Ford Foundation, the nation’s second largest philanthropy, and for two decades has been a leader in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Prior to joining Ford, he was Vice President at the Rockefeller Foundation where he managed the rebuild New Orleans initiative after Hurricane Katrina. He had a decade long career in international law and finance at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton and UBS. Educated exclusively in public schools, Darren received t

Wednesday, September 21, 2016 6:00 PM Father Tullio Proserpio, Christian Tradition Suggested donation $10, click here to make a donation ahead of time Join a contemplative practice of music, readings, and silent reflection to commemorate International Day of Peace. Ordained in 1996, Father Tullio Proserpio has served since 2003 as Chaplain at the National Cancer Institute in Milan, Italy, and is currently doing research at the Methodist Research Institute on hope in cancer patients. He has authored scientific articles on the topics of hope and bioethics. Joining Father Proserpio is harpist Pat Flores. Pat has performed publicly as a harpist for over four years. She is a member of the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Harp Society, Gulf Coast Harpers, and Houston's Orchestra On Call. A reception follows the program.

Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss, Jewish Tradition Wednesday September 7, 2016 Change is one of the most ubiquitous calls of our time, but rarely are its concomitant requirements: presence, patience and love. Join Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss in a guided, silent, and reflective meditation on learning to love where we are now in order to love ourselves into the place we wish to be. Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss is the Spiritual Leader of Congregation Shma Koleinu. He served as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Emanu El, Houston, from 2009 to 2011. Rabbi Scott was ordained from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and received Masters Degrees in Hebrew Letters and Jewish Education. The series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center of Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Rothko Chapel.

Interview with 2015 Óscar Romero Awardee Berta Cáceres, with translation by Ana Paula Hernandez. Cáceres shares her involvement in Consejo Civil de Organizaciones Populares e Indígenas de Honduras, activism for campesino and indigenous Lenca descendant FPO communities of western Honduras. The 2015 Awardee discusses government corruption & economic investments (mining, energy, tourism, etc) that threaten Indigenous people; and how the US, Israel, & Honduras military were involved in the 2009 coup, among other examples of corruption. Cáceres explores the relationship between Honduras Indigenous activism and international solidarity with other human rights movements, and their complex relationship with the Catholic Church.

Interview with 2015 Óscar Romero Awardee Miriam Miranda, with translation by Ana Paula Hernandez. Miranda discusses her involvement with the Organización Fraternal Negra Hondureña: a group that protects the land, civil, and cultural rights of 47 indigenous Garifuna communities. The 2015 Awardee shares the history of Indigenous people in Honduras and their relationship to the environment & natural resources, as well as how Honduras’ political turbulence & structural violence have impacted Indigenous communities.

Discussion with Michelle Ashton, ACLU-TX Executive Director Terri Burke and Rev. Lisa Hunt of St. Stephens Episcopal Church about HERO(Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. Speakers discuss the proposed ordinance and its opposition, in relationship to the current state of civil rights law, including those not protected under Texas law (veterans, LGBTQ people). Burke & Hunt discuss the relation between faith and human rights, and the future of HERO & human rights in Texas

Michelle Ashton (Rothko Chapel Programs Director 2012-2016) talks with Kerry Kennedy talk about the relationship between spirituality & social justice, & how Catholicism impacted Kennedy’s activism. Kennedy shares her connection to Óscar Romero & El Salvador, and discusses the impact of the Óscar Romero Award.

Michelle Ashton (Rothko Chapel Programs Director 2012-2016) & Frances "Sissy" Farenthold (Rothko Chapel Honorary Director) talk about their trip to see the Beatification of Archbishop Óscar Romero in San Salvador. Sissy Farenthold discusses the origins of the Rothko Chapel Óscar Romero Award and past recipients.