Open Heart Conversations

For nearly 2,500 years, the world has heard about a man called the Buddha, a prince who gave up his kingdom to become a monk and is said to have awakened to a new and transformed human consciousness. Today it is believed that more than 535 million people practice Buddhism worldwide. We will explore the meaning of these extraordinary teachings with Robert Thurman, Ph.D., one of America’s foremost scholars of Buddhism. Thurman is the founder of Tibet House US, professor emeritus at Columbia University, and writer of numerous books on Buddhism and Tibetan culture.

Spiritualism is the science, philosophy, and religion of continuous life, based on the demonstrated communication with those who live in the spirit world, by means of mediumship. Join Bishop Heather Shea, Rev. Dr. José M. Román, and Rev. Renee Rossi from the United Palace of Spiritual Arts to explore spiritualism with Rev. Stephen Robinson, a certified psychic-medium, intuitive consultant, and ordained spiritualist minister.

Originating in Pakistan in 1936, the Brahma Kumaris, or Daughters of Brahma, is a movement that emphasizes transcending labels of race, religion, gender, and body in an effort to establish an inclusive global culture. Please join Bishop Heather Shea and Rev. Dr. José M. Román from the United Palace of Spiritual Arts and their special guest Sister Dr. Jenna. Sister Jenna is an acclaimed, trusted spiritual mentor who has impacted lives around the globe.

United in their belief that the light of God lives in everyone, Quakers are members of the Religious Society of Friends, a community whose origins date back to mid-17th century England. Join Rev. Rob Way and Rev. Dr. José M. Román from the United Palace of Spiritual Arts in their exploration of Quakers with author Rene Lape.

Having played a prominent role in the development of Western civilization, Catholicism remains one of the world’s oldest and largest continuously functioning international institutions. Explore Catholicism with Zen teacher and former Carthusian monk Father Michael K. Holleran, Rev. Rob Way, and Rev. Dr. José Román from the United Palace of Spiritual Arts.

Explore the wisdom of the Hindu faith as expressed by the Ramakrishna Order with special guest Swami Shantatmananda, senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order. Experience these powerful teachings with host Rev. Dr. José M. Román in this Open Heart Conversation on Hinduism.

Sometimes referred to as “love for love’s sake,” bhakti is one of the four yogic paths to enlightenment and the essence of spiritual perfection. Join hosts Rev. Dr. José Román and Bishop Heather Shea to discover the beauty behind one of the oldest, most well-known, and often misunderstood spiritual traditions from his holiness and New York Times best-selling author Radhanath Swami.

If we are in alignment with not merely nature but the very source of nature, we experience healing, good health, and profound peace and joy. Please join our host Rev. Dr. Jose as he explores Taoism, one of the world’s most ancient spiritual traditions, with our special guest, Taoist healer Rev. Diane Rooney.

This Open Heart Conversation, hosted by Rev. Dr. Jose Roman, welcomes Bishop Kent Larsen of the New York Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (LDS). Bishop Larsen will focus on understanding the revelations given to the prophet and church founder Joseph Smith. These revelations were translated by Smith to produce The Book of Mormon, one of the LDS church’s most sacred texts.

Awaken to the beauty of the ancient Yoruba-Ifa wisdom tradition with initiated priestess and interfaith minister Iyanifa Rev. DeShannon Barnes-Bowens. Explore the history, philosophy, and cosmology of African spirituality and learn why many people are rediscovering it in this Open Heart Conversation hosted by Rev. Arda Itez.