Journey of Awakening: Living Essence

Join us for "The Journey of Awakening: Living Essence"—an inspiring event where ancestral wisdom meets global creativity. Experience profound insights and transformative practices as we delve into diverse expressions from around the world.

This year, we’re honoured to feature an exceptional lineup of world-class renown presenters who bring their unique, transformative art forms and teachings under a star-lit dome.

Celebrating the start of a new partnership, H.R. Macmillan Space Centre and the Journey of Awakening Storytelling Series are set to take storytelling to new heights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations that explore the essence of life. Embrace a journey of enlightenment and renewal with us! ⭐

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS:

Chan Master Jianhu Shifu: Embark on a journey to explore the wisdom of Chan with Jianhu Shifu, a Chan master who transitioned from being an artificial neural network scientist to pursuing his spiritual path under the guidance of Grand Master Wei Chueh, the founder of Chung Tai Chan Monastery—one of the largest monasteries in the world. Having founded and served as the abbot of several Chan centres in the United States, Jiahu Shifu has guided dozens of 7-day Chan meditation retreats worldwide. With nearly 30 years dedicated to the spiritual path, his teachings will guide us through the serenity and profound depths of Chan practice, offering insights into the simplicity and complexity of finding inner peace.

Actor and Sound Healer Andrew Francis: Andrew is a versatile Canadian actor. He has been performing since the age of six and fell into voice work at the age of nine. Beyond his prolific acting career, Andrew is the founder of ZENDEN Meditation in Vancouver, an urban spiritual retreat renowned for its variety of services and a strong presence in the local wellness community. Andrew will share with us how he profoundly transformed his life while harmonizing the inner and outer worlds through the power of sound, facilitating healing and awakening.

Indigenous Ki-Shuar Leader and Shaman Ayuy Yu (Flavio Santi): The Yu clan in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador has faced severe hardship due to their resistance to industrial invasion, including military assaults, the destruction of their homes, and the invasion of their traditional hunting grounds. Since the 1990s, Flavio has spearheaded an international effort to reclaim his ancestral territory, helping his clan raise nearly $1 million through NGO partnerships and private relationships. They have successfully recovered 3,700 acres of their ancestral jungle, accounting for 80% of their traditional land. As the founder of Escuela Wayusa, Flavio will share the challenges encountered during the land-buy-back movement and how he empowers both Indigenous youth and the global community by preserving and spreading their spiritual vision.

Photographer and Visual Artist Annie Briard: Annie Briard is a Canadian artist who challenges visual perception through media art, photography, and installations. Her work has been showcased across Canada and internationally in solo and group exhibitions, screenings, and public art projects, with support from the BC Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, and SSHRC. As part of her practice, Annie is also an arts educator and mentor, teaching photography, media art and graduate seminars at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. At this year’s event, Annie will challenge our perceptions and invite us to see the unseen. Her journey into visual storytelling will inspire us to find beauty in the essence of every moment.

Holistic Therapist Heidi Kwok: Heidi is a psychotherapist and registered clinical counsellor. Understanding the complexity of human beings, she combines spirituality and psychotherapy to support individuals on their healing journeys with a holistic approach toward mind, body, and soul. In her work, Heidi helps clients address unresolved emotional pain and unprocessed traumas, working towards healing and rebirth. By encouraging awareness of thoughts and feelings, observing the mind, and fully experiencing life's challenges, she aims to foster profound healing and transformation. This year, she will share with us how she uses the scientific approach to explain the neurobiological mechanisms of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Cultural Programmer April Liu: April Liu is a researcher, writer, and community organizer who has worked with Indigenous communities around the world to raise awareness of traditional and plant-based healing practices through cultural workshops, exhibits, and festivals. She has led fundraising efforts to protect Indigenous land claims in the Ecuadorian Amazon and organized a wide range of cultural initiatives throughout Asia, North America, and South America. She served as a lead organizer for H.H. the Dalai Lama’s visit to Vancouver in 2014 and as an expert consultant for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage section in 2016. In 2022, she received the Cosmic Sister Women of the Psychedelic Renaissance Award. This year, April will weave together the ancestral wisdom of plant-based healing with mindfulness meditation, offering pathways to connect with our inner essence and the natural world.

Guqin Maestro Peng Wang: Peng Wang, a Guqin maestro and master artisan, crafted the Guqin used in the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics, a replica of a 1,000-year-old instrument from the Tang Dynasty. His craftmanship and his music studio Jun Tian Fang (钧天坊) have been formally recognized by the Chinese government as an “asset of China's intangible cultural heritage.” Wang Peng is a virtuoso performer who has played across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. He has authored seven books, contributed to four others, written numerous journal articles, and spoken at several leading universities in China, Europe, and the U.S. This year, Peng will perform at the 2024 Journey of Awakening event, connecting us with the ancient melodies of the Guqin and leading us to uncover the timeless wisdom of Chinese tradition.

⭐ Join us for a night under the stars with global visionaries, igniting a journey of discovery and awakening. Explore deep connections and inspire clarity through the Living Essence. Don’t miss this transformative event! ⭐

About Sageus Collective:

Sageus Collective is a socially conscious enterprise dedicated to fostering transformative wellness and healing experiences on the path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Rooted in sustainability, social impact, and philanthropy, we are pioneers in introducing Conscious Prosperity to the wellness and healing industry.

Sageus Collective is here to guide those in pursuit of spiritual growth, meaningful connections, and authentic transformation in a world craving sustainable well-being.

About H.R. Macmillan Space Centre:

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, also known as the Planetarium, has been British Columbia’s premier space science attraction since its doors opened in 1968. We work hard to bridge arts, culture, and science to bring you unique shows, exhibits, and special events that spark your curiosity and inspire exploration.

Highlights from 2023

Host or Publisher H.R. MacMillan Space Centre