Rothko Chapel

2/6/2019 Twelve Moments: Stewardship Zen Buddhist Tradition with Mary Carol Edwards For the month of February, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation on the topic of "Stewardship" in the Zen Buddhist tradition, led by Mary Carol Edwards.  This program preceded our 2019 Symposium "Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis" taking place February 28 through March 2 at the Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas. To learn more, click here.  About the presenter: Mary Carol is a lay entrusted dharma teacher at the Houston Zen Center. After exploring various faith traditions, she began practicing Zen Buddhism in the Soto lineage in 1998. She also has a calling for environmental restoration, particularly wetlands. She was a stormwater wetland specialist for Texas A&M Extension Service for 8 years, and recently started on a new path as a wetland plant farmer. Mary Carol has deep roots in Texas as a 9th generation native, and loves to see nature and the dharma flourishing in Houston. About the se

2/5/2019 Poetic Reflections by Gerling-Mut Duo Poetic Reflections was performed by Dr. Ingrid Gerling (violin/voice) and Dr. Andreea Mut (piano). Each piece in the program was based on meditation, sacred text, or religiously inspired poetry, written by composers of different religious backgrounds and nationalities. Poetic Reflections aimed to share an experience of universal spirituality that can be deeply felt through music. One of Houston's most notable composers, Paul English, debuted a piece composed for Gerling-Mut Duo, centering around the mission of the Rothko Chapel. Gerling-Mut Duo were joined by guest musicians Gabriel Santiago, guitar, and Cassio Duarte, percussion. About Gerling-Mut Duo: Known for their dynamic performances and creative programming, Dr. Ingrid Gerling and Dr. Andreea Muţ are re-energizing the concept of the violin and piano duo. They began their musical collaboration in 2012, while pursuing their Doctorate of Musical Arts degrees at the University of Houston. Upon graduating in

1/15/2019 Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration In honor of the life and work of the Rev. Dr. King, the Chapel hosted a conversation between civil rights activist and organizer Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. and Former Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao exploring the influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Dr. King, moderated by Melanie Lawson. The program featured opening remarks by Mayor Sylvester Turner and Consul General of India, Dr. Anupam Ray. This program coincided with the Houston-wide Gandhi Sesquicentennial Celebration in partnership with the Mahatma Gandhi Library-Houston. A performance by Indrajit Banerjee (sitar) and Shantilal Shah (tabla) took place from 6:30-7pm during seating for the event. A performance by the Phillip Hall Singers concluded the program.

Rev. Francene Young, Christian Tradition Wednesday, December 5, 2018 For the month of December, the Rothko Chapel presented a contemplative practice on the topic of "Justice," led by Rev. Francene Young of St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church. Rev. Young led participants in reflections on passages related to the theme of justice from three different interpretations of the Bible, while providing prayers for families on the border. About the presenter: The Rev. Francene Young is the current Transition Minister for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and the Vicar at St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church. While working as a Vice President in Human Resources for a global energy company, she attended the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Iona School for Ministry. After successfully completing the three-year program, Francene was ordained a Transitional Deacon in 2011 and a Priest in January 2012. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, she attended the Baptist church until being introduced to the Episcopal Church at age seve

11/29/18 Justicia climática: Este es el momento, este es el lugar con Elizabeth Yeampierre, directora ejecutiva de UPROSE en una conversación con Bryan Parras, co-fundador de Servicios de Fomento de Justicia del Medioambiente de Texas (T.E.J.A.S.) Cátedra Frances Tarlton “Sissy” Farenthold sobre paz, justicia social y derechos humanos Patrocinada en conjunto Bernard y Audre Rapoport para los Derechos Humanos y la Justicia Antena Houston estará en el evento asegurando un espacio bilingüe para hablantes del inglés y el español con interpretación simultánea. Acompáñenos a pasar una tarde con Elizabeth Yeampierre donde explorará cómo comunidades vulnerables experimentan y responden a los efectos desproporcionados del cambio climático. Yeamierre recurrirá al trabajo de activistas de justicia climática en lugares que van desde Brooklyn y Houston a Puerto Rico para ayudarnos a considerar cómo podemos participar localmente en la creación de una sociedad más justa y equitativa. También forma parte de la exploració

11/29/18 "Climate Justice: The Time is Now, The Place is Here" with Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director, UPROSE In conversation with Bryan Parras, co-founder of Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (T.E.J.A.S.) and Dirty Fuels Gulf Organizer with Sierra Club Frances Tarlton “Sissy” Farenthold Endowed Lecture Series in Peace, Social Justice and Human Rights Presented in partnership with the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at UT’s School of Law Antena Houston created a bilingual space for Spanish and English speakers through simultaneous interpretation. Antena Houston crearon un espacio bilingüe para hablantes del inglés y el español con interpretación simultánea. Ver descripción del programa en español. The Rothko Chapel and Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice presented the 4th Annual Frances Tarlton “Sissy” Farenthold Endowed Lecture Series in Peace, Social Justice and Human Rights, which honors Sissy for her relentless pursuit of social justice. We cel

12/1/18 World AIDS Day Observance In commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Rothko Chapel hosted a morning observance to show support and solidarity with the millions of people living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS. This program was offered in partnership with The oH Project: Oral Histories of HIV/AIDS in Houston, Harris County, and Southeast Texas. The morning program included live music, personal testimonials, and guided reflection. Gregory Hamilton, a community educator and advocate working at ASP Cares Pharmacy shared information on the state of the battle against HIV in Houston and Texas. Isis Torrente, member of the Latino HIV Task Force, Greater Houston chapter of the Positive Women's Network, and Ryan White Planning Council spoke on her experience within the HIV community in Houston. Andrew Edmonson, board member of The oH Project, shared information about the oral histories they have been collecting since 2016. Moments of reflection were led by Reverend Diane McGehee, Senior Pastor of Bering Memorial

11/15/2018 34th Annual Houston Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Theme: "Care for Creation" Leading up to the 2019 Rothko Chapel Symposium on Climate Change, the 34th Annual Houston Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will focus on the environment. Leaders and members of nine different faith communities across the city will come together to share prayers, readings, chants and reflections on the theme of “care for creation.” This year's service will include Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Zoroastrian traditions. A reception follows the program. The service started 34 years ago in response to the bombing of a storefront mosque. After helping to raise money to support the mosque's repairs, the Annual Thanksgiving Service co-founders George Atkinson and Garland Pohl wanted to find a way for different faith organizations to come together, as thanksgiving is a common value shared by all the major world religions. Initially, participants represented Judaism, Islam and Christianity, bu

Imam Dr. Wazir Ali, Islamic Tradition Wednesday, November 7, 2018 In a national climate of increasing anger and hate, how does one even begin to consider the concept of reconciliation? In response to the barrage of hate incidents occurring across the country, most recently at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Imam Dr. Wazir Ali (Masjid Warithud-Deen Mohammed and Masjid Al-Qur’an) reflected on forgiveness and reconciliation, and the many difficult questions we ask ourselves on this universal topic.  About the presenter:  Imam Dr. Wazir Ali is the Imam of the historic Masjid Warithud-Deen Mohammed and Masjid Al-Qur’an in Houston, Texas. Imam Dr. Ali completed an eight year mentorship program in Islamic Studies, comparative religion and Masjid administration under the guidance of Imam Qasim Ahmed. Imam Ali is also a student of the preeminent American Muslim scholar, the late Imam Warithud-Deen Mohammed (may G-d have mercy on him). Imam Dr. Ali, an entrepreneur, kinesiologist and registered dietitian n

Rabbi Dan Gordon, Jewish Tradition Wednesday, October 3, 2018 For the month of October, the Rothko Chapel presented contemplative storytelling on the topic of "Difference" in the Jewish tradition, led by Rabbi Dan Gordon of Temple Beth Torah. About the presenter: Rabbi Dan Gordon has been spiritual leader of Temple Beth Torah since 1998. He is involved in many interfaith activities, and has been part of four different interfaith tours overseas (three to Israel and one to Turkey). A chaplain for St. Luke’s Hospital, he teaches Sacred Vocations to hospital employees to help connect healing and spirituality. He is also a volunteer prison chaplain. Rabbi Gordon has an international reputation as a maggid: a sacred storyteller. The Jewish tradition values “reading between the lines,” to find a soul within the story. Rabbi Gordon’s stories and presentational talents help connect with soul. About the series: Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month at 12pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a contempla

9/21/2018 International Day of Peace with members of Silkroad Ensemble In observation of International Day of Peace, the Rothko Chapel presented a performance by members of the Silkroad Ensemble, while in residency at Rice University, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Council. Performing artists included: Shawn Conley, bass; Nicholas Cords, viola; Sandeep Das, tabla; Maeve Gilchrist, harp; Kaoru Watanabe, shinobue flutes, taiko. Set list: Taiko and Shinobue solo by Kaoru Watanabe Vaishanavi by Sandeep Das Harp Solo by Maeve Gilchrist Ostinato 4 ("Yellow Birds") by Maeve Gilchrist In Manus Tuas by Caroline Shaw Bloodlines by Kaoru Watanabe Tarang by Sandeep Das, arr. Silkroad In a Landscape by John Cage Waves of Rush by Aidan O'Rourke, arr. Maeve Gilchrist Together Alone by Kaoru Watanabe The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on the 21st of September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all

The Rothko Chapel presented a contemplative practice and invitation to share stories one year after Hurricane Harvey. Dr. Alejandro Chaoul of Mind Body Spirit Institute at the Jung Center led participants in a meditation, and Leslie Gauna of Houston Playback Theatre led participants in reflective story telling. Participants shared their stories with others who were impacted by the storm. About the presenters: Dr. Alejandro Chaoul, the founding director of The Jung Center's Mind Body Spirit Institute (MBSI), holds a doctoral degree in religious studies from Rice University. He is a faculty member in the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where, since 1999, he has used mind, body, and spirit techniques to facilitate healing in cancer patients and their families and reduce stress and promote work-life balance among support staff. Dr. Chaoul is on the Board and is a meditation and Tibetan yoga teacher of the Ligmincha Texas Institute for the Tibetan Meditative and Healing Arts. He is als

Stephen Findley, Laughter Meditation The Rothko Chapel presented a laughter meditation tailored toward families and children. Led by MD Anderson Chaplain and Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Stephen Findley, this session explored the history and role of laughter and silence in this experiential family-friendly meditation. Together with Findley individuals of all ages used laughter in a joyful meditation--attending to the sound and feel of laughter, and experiencing the letting-go of hang-ups, inhibitions, and worries. Through laughter one experiences pure joy that is silly, open and honest, uplifting to the spirit, and healing for the body and mind. Laughter Meditation has two lovely and simple parts; First, we laugh together, then we sit together in silence and are lead into a guided meditation to deepen our inner world. This meditation doesn’t require sitting in lotus position, or breathing in special ways. All ages and experience levels welcome. About the presenter: Stephen Findley serves as the Primary

7/17/18 The Rothko Chapel and Houston Immigration Legal Services partnered to hold a thoughtful, non-partisan community gathering to educate the Houston community on why families are fleeing central America, the resulting separation of families when they arrive to the U.S border, and the issues around family detention and the criminalization of refugees. Program attendees heard first-hand accounts of what is occurring on the border and in Houston area immigration detention centers and learned about actions they can take on the local, state and national level to address this issue.  Program participants included: Kate Vickery, Executive Director of Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative; Rev. Alejandro Montes, Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo; Anne Chandler, Executive Director of Tahirih Justice Center’s Houston office; Lomi Kriel, Houston Chronicle Reporter; and Dalia Castillo-Granados, American Bar Association Children's Immigration Law Academy (ABA CILA); moderated by Zenobia T. Lai, Legal Director o

The Rothko Chapel presented Mindful Moments for Parents and Families as a part of our summer series of family-friendly program offerings. Led by Simone Woodage from Dawn Mountain, this session offered busy parents some simple, sharable practices to promote mindfulness and full attention in the present moment. From mindful listening to mindful eating, to the gift of a simple, grateful pause, these tools are useful for adults and children alike, and can help add a beautiful new dimension to connections within a family. About the presenter: UK-born Simone Woodage, RN, is a mother of three boys and a sought-after youth and family educator in the Houston area. On a personal mission to spread self-compassion and kindness in the world, since 2011 she has been the Family Educator at Dawn Mountain, leading mindfulness and compassion classes for children, teens, and parents. Simone holds a certificate in mindfulness fundamentals from Mindful Schools in Boston and completed the curriculum training program for educators

Satmitar Khalsa, Sikh Tradition Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Pay What You Can, suggested value $10 For the month of June, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Sikh tradition led by Satmitar Khalsa. We explored Guru Nanak's Mul Mantra, the origin, the root, of all Sikh teachings. When chanted, or preferably sung repeatedly, this mystical mantra provides a practical approach to achieving a stable, elevated Unity consciousness. The presentation included: light history and story telling, brief intellectual review of the mantra, singing/chanting the mantra for personal experience, meditation/contemplation in brief silence and time for questions. About the presenter: Satmitar Khalsa, a native Houstonian, became a certified Kundlini Yoga teacher in Portland, OR in the late 1990’s. By 2001, she began working for Yogi Bhajan in Espanola, NM. For 11 years, she lived in a spiritual community and served in the non-profits established and managed by Yogi Bhajan. Some of her duties included: Director of 3HO’s

6/5/2018 Twilight Moments: World Environment Day Observation with Martha Serpas Pay What You Can, suggested contribution $15 In commemoration of World Environment Day, the Rothko Chapel will hold a Twilight Meditation led by poet Martha Serpas. Join as we unite in support of environmental justice around the world. The paradoxes of water—conceived by death and love—may never have been as obvious as during Hurricane Harvey. Though we live alongside the unpredictable, life-giving, destructive Gulf, last August water was what we sought and what we cursed and wished away. In our meditations, water can be a teacher of receptivity and respect. Through focus on images, sound, walking, and poetry, we can reconnect with the intuitive space that rests amid water’s disparate forms and effects, which are the disparate forms of life itself. -- Martha Serpas Attendees are invited to bring an image of water, open to their interpretation, to place inside the Chapel upon entering for the meditation. Images should be physic

The Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Islamic tradition led by Imam Dr. Wazir Ali of Masjid Warithud-Deen Mohammed and Masjid Al-Qur’an. About the presenter: Imam Dr. Wazir Ali is the Imam of the historic Masjid Warithud-Deen Mohammed and Masjid Al-Qur’an in Houston, Texas. Imam Dr. Ali completed an eight year mentor-ship program in Islamic Studies, comparative religion and Masjid administration under the guidance of Imam Qasim Ahmed. Imam Ali is also a student of the preeminent American Muslim scholar, the late Imam Warithud-Deen Mohammed (may G-d have mercy on him). Imam Dr. Ali, an entrepreneur, kinesiologist and registered dietitian nutritionist owns a private nutrition consulting firm in Houston. Imam Ali holds a Doctorate degree in clinical nutrition from Rutgers University, a Master of Science degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas Pan American, and Bachelor of Science degrees in nutrition and psychology from the University of Houston. About the series: Since September 2005

Gaelyn Godwin Roshi, Zen Buddhist Tradition Wednesday, April 4, 2018 For the month of April, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Zen Buddhist tradition on the 50th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination. Led by Gaelyn Godwin Roshi of Houston Zen Center, this session explored the practice of allowing ourselves to be fully present with the moment and will lift up MLK’s profound impact on equity, peace and justice. We enter Zen practice with awareness of our sensations, our breath, the sounds, the feeling of being a living body. In this simple yet profound meditation practice, the act of just sitting in the present moment can lead us to a sense of ease and release. Zen can be practiced by people of all faiths. It was originally taught by the Buddha as the method to live in awakening. At 1:00pm, after the meditation, we had a moment of silence followed by an audio installation of MLK’s final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” played inside the Chapel and outside on the p

Double Vision: The Unerring Eye of Art World Avatars Dominique and John de Menil Lecture & Book Signing with William Middleton A book signing and reception at the Menil Collection's Byzantine Fresco Chapel followed the program. This program was supported by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the US. Co-presented by the Rothko Chapel and the Menil Collection, this special reading celebrated the launch of William Middleton¹s Double Vision. With exceptional access to family archives, Middleton has written a biography of this couple as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the art world of the twentieth century and the influence of the de Menils. Middleton is a journalist and editor who has written for the New York Times, the New York Times Magazine, Vogue, House & Garden, Esquire, Texas Monthly, Travel & Leisure, Departures, and the International Herald Tribune. He will sign copies of his book following the reading, and a reception for registered guests will be held at the Byzantine Fresco Chapel. A