About 
Sharif Abdullah
Scheduling, Fees and Honoraria
seven themes for a new world
In these inspirational talks, Sharif Abdullah helps us make sense of an increasingly complex and turbulent world.

Mr. Abdullah outlines how we can move from depression and despair, to a "Global Dream" that works for all.
SHARIF ABDULLAH

ON

GLOBALIZATION, INCLUSIVITY AND A WORLD THAT WORKS 
FOR ALL
 
Theme # 1:
CREATING A WORLD 
THAT WORKS FOR ALL
Theme # 2:
FEEDING OUR HUNGER FOR THE SACRED
Theme # 3:
ENVISIONING A COMMON SOCIETY
Theme # 4:
THE ZEN OF GLOBALIZATION

 

Theme # 5:
OUR WAR WITH "THE OTHER"
Theme # 6:
CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND  TERRORISM
Theme # 7: 
POWER, LEADERSHIP AND VALUES
My work is my spiritual calling.  These seven themes reveal seven different aspects of that one calling...
 		 I invite you to explore with me the challenges, the vision, the spirit and the work of building a new society, one that is in line with our deepest values.- Sharif Abdullah
Theme # 1:
CREATING A WORLD THAT WORKS 
FOR ALL
We are in deep trouble.  We live in a world that works for only a few. Through the practice of exclusivity, we have created a soul-starved society.  Sharif Abdullah provides a compelling picture of our present overwhelming and interlocking crises -- social, cultural, political, ecological and spiritual.

Sharif's presentation is not just a litany of gloom and doom.  He presents a unique way out of our world dilemma: by changing our consciousness, how we THINK, we can change our communities, our nation and our world. 

Our world is shaped by our beliefs: change the underlying beliefs and the world will be changed.  Right now, with the resources currently available to us, we can create a world that works for all beings.  Our turbulent times challenge us to think differently, and to act on this new consciousness to create a new society.

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Theme # 2:
FEEDING OUR HUNGER FOR THE SACRED
There is an emptiness within each of us and within our society. Despite attempts to fill it with consumer goods, television or drugs, the emptiness is still there. The Hunger persists despite centuries of religion, decades of psychotherapy and years of New Age modalities.  Our social and personal problems are connected to our loss of the Sacred.

Practicing a sacred life means seeing everything as alive, and all life as Divine.  The practice of the Sacred is a necessity for the survival of humans on this planet.

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Theme # 3: 
ENVISIONING A COMMON SOCIETY
If we are to survive as a society, we must find new ways of resolving our conflicts and healing the deep divisions within our society. 

This lecture explores the conceptual, practical and spiritual basis for an inclusive global society, examines current transformative activities from the United States and the world, and provides participants with concrete actions to develop transformative politics and economics on the local,  regional and global levels.  The session introduces materials used in developing community among reluctant and hostile “participants”.

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Theme # 4:
THE ZEN OF GLOBALIZATION 
If globalization is such a good idea, why are so many people around the world fighting it?  And fighting each other?

Do we want globalization just for transnational corporations?  Globalization for “Hollywood” culture?  Or globalization for the good of all?  To get globalization on a human track, we all need a profound change of consciousness.  This session explores the fundamental elements of the transformation to a humanistic, spiritually-based globalization.

Sharif Abdullah shares his world experiences with globalization, from Skinheads in Eastern Europe to AIDS victims in Uganda --  from Zapatista demonstrators in Mexico to Tamil Tiger guerrillas in Sri Lanka. 

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Theme # 5:
OUR WAR WITH “THE OTHER”
In the post September 11th world, “terrorism” is a word on the lips of almost everyone on the planet.  But, what does it mean?  Who is a terrorist?  What is the difference between Osama bin Laden, Timothy McVeigh and the youthful shooters at Columbine High School?  We know individuals and organizations can be terrorists.  Can a nation?  Can a child?

In a provocative lecture, Sharif maintains that the ONLY way to prevent future terrorist attacks from occurring in the future is to  remove the ROOT CAUSES that drive the suicide attacker – the anger and powerlessness that is the root of violence. 

Sharif draws upon his extensive experiences in some of the world's hot spots (domestic and foreign) to articulate lessons we all must learn if we intend to live our lives free of the fear of all forms of violence. 

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Theme # 6: 
CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TERRORISM
Is it possible to stop the violence of terrorism with the violence of military actions?  All indicators say “no”.  Is it possible to stop the violence of terrorism with nonviolence?  From Sharif’s experiences in Sri Lanka, the answer is “yes”. 

Sharif lives in both worlds.  For half of his year, he lives in America, far from civil war and suicide bombers.  The other half of the year, he lives in steamy, tropical Sri Lanka, the teardrop hanging off the tip of India.  Sharif helped stop the two decades of debilitating war that was sapping the vitality and civility of an otherwise beautiful island. 

Sharif shares his observations on the nature of conflict in that war-torn land, and draws parallels to America’s “War on Terrorism”.  We can avoid decades of escalating violence and terrorism – but only through a shift in our consciousness.

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Theme # 7:
POWER, LEADERSHIP AND VALUES
The world is an increasingly hostile place.  And it’s the only world we've got.  The answer isn't for us to stick our collective heads into crowded sands, or to militarize our society.  The answer is for us to become the leaders we want.

We need awareness of the specific values and activities that will catalyze a society free from violence, exploitation and fear of "the Other".  We need to train the leaders of a new society.  We need more Martin Luther Kings, more Nelson Mandelas.  We can either wait for them to emerge, or we can awaken that kind of leadership that lies within each of us.

This lecture is designed to inspire and catalyze authentic leadership, an appropriate response to 21st Century realities.

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