Nature & Providence
balancing the elements of a transitioning age
BALI
Baha'i Conference & Nature Retreat
July 30 ~ Aug 12, 2027
Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator.
Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes,
and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment.
Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world.
It is a dispensation of Providence
ordained by the Ordainer,
the All-Wise.
~ Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh
Lawh-i-Hikmat
This international gathering is free for both Baha'i's and friends of the Baha'i Faith.
Although food, lodging, and travel expenses are not covered, you will find them to be very nominal.
Look at the world and ponder a while upon it.
It unveileth the book of its own self before thine eyes
and revealeth that which the Pen of the Lord,
the Fashioner, the All-Informed, hath inscribed therein.
It will acquaint thee with that which is within it and upon it
and will give thee such clear explanations
as to make thee independent of every eloquent expounder.
~ Baha'u'llah, Tablet of Wisdom
Nature is an infinite manifestation of miracles! It embodies principles for healing itself while also modeling processes that can heal and bring harmony to humankind. Indeed, what we do to heal the planet may go even further towards healing our humanity. However, if mankind is to administer nature's remedies it must first be educated in nature's ways. Fortunately, as Providence would have it, nature exhibits a vast classroom that is ever-ready for us to study.
Nature's Curriculum
Bali is one of those very rare places in the world where you can easily find humans and nature complementing one another. Here, rather than destroying nature in order to build and grow materially, getting back to nature is where true edification is discovered. Thus, people come to Bali from all over the world to enjoy themselves in nature. They forget about their smartphones and opt instead for majestic waterfalls, emerald rice terraces, tall volcanoes, and secret beaches. However, nature's call to Bali doesn't stand alone. Bali adorns nature with arts, culture, endless learning experiences and amazing hospitality, and nature does this in return. Each brings out the beauty of the other. In other words, it's hard to imagine a better classroom than Bali to study and experience how to live and learn in harmony with nature.
Please click upon the topics below for a detailed description of each session.
Scroll further down for a better idea of the overall nature retreat experience.
Presented by Orin Hardy
Presented by William Brashear
The Art of Spiritual Companioning
Presented by Donald Nicely
Know Thyself: Observing the "Law of Nature" Within
Presented by Will
Introducing: FarmSchool Zambia
Presented by Badi Yaganagi
Presented by Badi & Will
Connecting with Movement, Art and Service to Find Oneself
Presented by Amita Yaganagi
Presented by Will
Virtues, Meridians & Magnetic Fields
Presented by Jade DelRosario, William Brashear, and Manly Hall
If Yoga Was A Religion / Teaching The Faith To Yoga Enthusiasts
Presented by Will
William Brashear & Badi Yaganagi
To Be Announced - once confirmed
Location
Bali is not only an ideal place to explore the above topics, but to also experience them. If we were to pinpoint the single most magical aspect about Bali it would have to be its ability to touch one's soul with its lush, verdant and naturally artistic landscapes.
Although Bali is a rather tiny island, it seems rather large, just like its influence on anyone who visits. It is also like a magnet to nature loving people around the world. In fact, in 2022, on the sidelines of the G20 Bali Summit, the G7 summit was also held in Bali. The G7 is an annual meeting of leaders from the world's 7 largest economies, where they discussed and coordinated on a wide range of global issues, including economics, security, and climate change.
Furthermore, Indonesia in general has a keen eye upon bringing people together. Indeed, the national motto is "Unity in Diversity" or "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", as written in Old Javanese, reflecting the country's diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Albeit, Bali is primarily a Hindu Island, surrounded by thousands of other Indonesian islands that are 87% Muslim. But, given the country's motto and the beauty and magic of Bali, there has never been any consequential attempts to convert or change it. Instead, many other islands often try to emulate it. In fact, this is true of many islands and tropical areas outside of Indonesia as well, from the Philippines to Costa Rica. Even along some coastal areas of India, such as Goa, bringing in the "Balinese style" is a coveted goall!
However, don't be mistaken. Our purpose for this event is not just to give Baha'i's, and friends of the Faith, some luxurious retreat on an exotic island. We are holding it in Bali because we truly believe it to be a powerful and unique atmosphere to address the important topics listed above. Furthermore, Bali has a way of leaving an impression on its visitors to be present with nature, to love and respect it, and to nurture it rather than overcome it. Thus, even if (hypothetically) the presentations at this conference left little impression, we are certain that simply experiencing Bali in itself would still be profoundly significant.
The Feel & Experience of Bali
Whether on foot, bike, taxi or scooter, there is endless magic to be explored throughout the island! Or even if you just stick around our retreat campus in Ubud -the art and cultural center of Bali- you will encounter limitless enriching experiences.
The Medicine of Ubud
Ubud means "place of healing". It is named after its plentiful medicinal plants known as Ubad, as well as the fact that it has attracted many healers from far and wide to live in the area. But the healing doesn't stop with its many healers and naturopaths; from nature walks along emerald green rice fields or hikes through the lush forests, multiple massage therapy techniques, health food stores, restaurants, and cooking classes, a surprising number of centers for a sound bath, or even a frangipani~flower~aromatherapy~detox~bath. And, of course, Ubud is a veritable Mecca when it comes to yoga or any sort of mind-body-spirit development.
Acu Thai
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage
This is the work of Jade & Will, the hosts and coordinators of this event. They actually hold trainings in Ubud for this powerful healing bodywork technique. And for you, they will be offering this therapy nearly every morning for free (...right after the free morning yoga class :).
Adventurous Excursions
Waterfall & Jungle Hikes, Volcanoes, Snorkeling, Beach Excursions, Ancient Monkey Forest, Jungle Elephant Reserve, Sound Healing Pyramids, Balinese Dance & Cultural Events, and so much More!
Our lodging options are between $9 and $25 per night. They are very comfortable and located in the heart of Ubud, the art and cultural heart of Bali. We are adjacent to a peaceful rice field and on clear mornings you can see Mt Batur in the distance. Also, if you walk just 100m up the "green alley" you'll find yourself in a foodies paradise; or take a 7 min walk and find yourself at the amazing Saraswati Water Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in all of Bali.
READY?
LET'S DO THIS!