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2025 FMW CONFERENCE

April 02, 2025  /  Leave a Comment  /  Trackback  /  Posted in News

2025 FRANKLIN MERRELL-WOLFF CONFERENCE

Perspectives on Death and Dying

Great Space Center, Lone Pine, CA

June 12-15, 2025

Thomas McFarlane, MA; MSc (Keynote Speaker)—Realizing Impermanence

Just as our individual body was born, so to it must die. Resistance to this truth of impermanence is a profound source of suffering. Realizing this truth not only can relieve this suffering, but it can also reveal the non-dual truth that transcends birth and death completely. In this presentation, we will explore these teachings and investigate practices to realizing them.

Ron Leonard, PhD—The Effects of Beliefs About Death

Death is uniquely personal and quite unavoidable. Our beliefs about death—even if unreflective or inarticulate—inevitably influence how we live and how we die. We shall consider some salient examples before discussing our personal understanding of death and how it has affected our own lives.

Doroethy Leonard, MA; M.Ed.—Do You Know Where Your Shadow Is?

Where is your personal shadow? How would you recognize it? Do you know? How do you know? Do you participate in a collective shadow? Let’s explore this. Will treat this exploration gently. If you have a journal or notebook, please bring it to our session.

Special Features—Thursday evening we shall gather in the Main House at 7:30 to become (re)acquainted and share…& get the precise schedule for the presentations, other events and meal support.

Friday morning will begin with a dream circle and Saturday morning a tarot reading, having both personal and collective significance. Bring a dream—preferably recent—that you feel is spiritually significant to you, or to the group—especially one that C.G. Jung would call a Big Dream. Non-dreamers are also welcome.

Both mornings, after a break for breakfast, be prepared to discuss with the group a quotation, concept,  notion or experience that you have found particularly personally meaningful. Please also bring your copy of Experience and Philosophy.

On Saturday evening—a Special Program (TBA), followed by a Candlelight Ceremony.

The traditional Sunday morning meeting follows the format that Franklin and Sherifa used for many years. (Many dress more formally.) The theme will be Death and Dying, followed by discussion. After the Closing Ceremony (Baiba Strads), we shall share a noon potluck and group photo.

As usual, we expect to enjoy communal meals and stimulating “round table” discussions. With the support of Jennifer, James & Jessica, Doroethy will arrange to provide breakfast, lunch & dinner on Friday & Saturday during our program. Sunday lunch is potluck.

Cost: $195 (still trying to hold the line, despite inflation), includes room and board. $100 discount for first-time attendees. There is a $25 reduction for camping here in the Great Space, with outdoor propane shower available (Works!), or for staying elsewhere. Some scholarships are available upon request.

Please register ASAP: Doroethy@cox.net or 602-663-2322; alternatively, email Ron (pleroma9@cox.net) or phone 480-395-5023. After you register, a $50 deposit confirms your space. Doroethy will let you know where to send the check. Map & directions available upon registration. We will help to coordinate transportation, if possible.