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Get your transcendental swerve on

South Oval event promises good food, good karma

By Caitlin Coyle

Fast food, televised religion, and the notion that good music can be manufactured. The beauty of American culture right? For anyone interested in expanding themselves and their views on cultural beauty, there comes a great opportunity to take in a few tips from the east side and modify our western ways.

The Multi-Cultural Center, along with other campus organizations such as The Indian Students Association, Student Wellness Center and the Yoga Circle are hosting the first Ohio State University Festival of Transcendence. On May 17 the south oval will be transformed into a diverse meeting of resources pertaining to eastern cultures and alternative lifestyles.

“The event promotes alternative thinking on individual and collective health, such as vegetarian diet, ecological awareness, cross-cultural curiosity, and a role for spirituality and ethics in public life,” said Carl Clemens who is involved in the organization of the event. Although similar festivals have been going on at other universities since 1979, this will be the first Festival of Transcendence at OSU.

There will be workshops and exhibits regarding Yoga, meditation, karma, and reincarnation. Vedic philosophy (“Vedic” comes from the Sanskrit word meaning knowledge) will be another important component of the festival. Books on all related topics will be available as well.

Professors from the departments of comparative studies, philosophy, folklore studies, and linguistics will be on hand to answer questions and lead discussions. Students are also encouraged to bring their instruments and share in the music of East Indian culture.

Recipes for Indian cuisine will be available as well as a vegetarian feast. “We hope to contribute to the increasing trend of celebrating diversity, inter-cultural interaction and even interfaith dialogue,” said Clemens.

With hopes of making the festival an annual event as well as a part of the International Buckeye World Tour project, there will be observers from the student wellness center and RPAC in attendance.

“I would be delighted to see students line up for a plate of vegetarian cuisine, or pick up a book, or appreciate the music or any of the workshops. If we can draw any amount of appreciation for the event, our goal is achieved,” Clemens said.

OSU Festival of Transcendence

May 17, 2006 @ 10:00a.m.-8:00 p.m.

South Oval

http://krishna.org.ohio-state.edu/Transcendence06.htm

Originally Published: May 10, 2006

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