Neil Douglas-Klotz: The Aramaic Jesus and His Spirituality

An interactive lecture with meditations (19:00 - 21:30) exploring the spiritual practice and contemplative prayer of Jesus through the lens of his native Aramaic language.

Neil Douglas-Klotz, a linguist and spirituality researcher, will examine short sayings and words of Jesus (Yeshua) from various gospels in Aramaic and show how they can become the foundation for contemplative prayer and meditation. The evening will include meditations, chanting of mantras, and body prayer. Longer phrases can also be experienced through more active practice - walking meditation and circle dancing with singing in the form of Dances of Universal Peace. Neil Douglas-Klotz is the author of books including The Aramaic Lord's Prayer, The Hidden Gospel, and Meditations on Genesis, published in Czech by DharmaGaia. In the Czech Republic he is also known through the international network of Dances of Universal Peace; his teachings have been transmitted here for nearly thirty years by his student Ludmila Chrášťanská.

Most of the programme will take place seated on chairs; some parts may include simple movement, walking meditation, or circle dancing with singing. The gathering is suitable for experienced practitioners and those new to the topic of Aramaic Jesus, meditation, and contemplative prayer - no prior experience is necessary.