As part of the overall peace education outreach work of IIPSGP and its members, IIPSGP engages in intensive interfaith theological work for peacemaking and healing. Several of our ongoing research and education projects involve this work.  One of the projects this has resulted in is the work of the Multifaith and Multicultural Mediation Service,  The unique ability of IIPSGP to act as a mediator in disputes involving religions is due largely to a detailed study over many years in religious philosophy and comparative theology undertaken by the IIPSGP Director, Dr. Thomas Clough Daffern, in which he has absorbed the ideas, teachings, insights and wisdom of many different spiritual teachers, traditions, faith and knowledge paths and spiritual development perspectives. IIPPSG is pleased to share here therefore some of the details of this long journey, so as to better inform, educate and enlighten colleagues who may wonder exactly what is the basis on which IPSGP is making its own contribution to peacemaking in today’s complex and sometimes dangerous cultural and religious conflicts. Our vision is that an unashamedly transpersonal approach to wisdom can be developed by mankind as we actualize and realise the higher esoteric teachings contained in all the faith paths, and learn to put aside our differences, and celebrate instead the wonder and oneness that unites us as human beings in an awesome and beautiful universe.  Please contact the IIPSGP office direct for any further information, or concerning availability for lectures, workshops and courses.

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced study of Bahai in Canada 1977-1981
Continued study of Bahai teachings in London (1981-1991) and discovered various schools and lineages within the movement; investigated details origins of Bahaism in Babi movement and currents of Iranian Shiite mysticism and Sufism; as part of History degree, studied history of Ottoman Empire and Persian Empire in Modern times and made special point of researching history of Bahais in relation to the political, diplomatic and intellectual history of the 19th and 20th centuries.

TEACHING:
Teaching classes on Bahaism on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Teaching classes on Bahaism for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on Bahaism for University of Oxford 1997-2000

VISITS:
Visited Bahai Temple in Haifa; visited Bahai Temple in New Delhi; visitor to London Bahai Centre many times;
 
AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE:
Accrued large library of Bahai literature, including core texts, commentaries etc. and notes, pamphlets and T studies of Bahai philosophy and faith

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY
Participant in various “Fireside” meetings of Bahai community in London, Buckinghamshire, Worcestershire; worked alongside Bahai representatives on numerous interfaith committees and action projects

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS:
Inspired by Hugh Adamson, former leader of Bahais in UK; inspired by Shohreh Azarkadeh, a Bahai from Persia and Canada; friend of numerous Bahais worldwide active in interfaith, peace, human  rights and ecological community work.

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced study of Buddhist philosophy whilst an undergraduate philosophy student at Bristol University (1976/7)
Detailed study of Buddhist scriptures, texts, philosophy (all schools) in Canada 1977-1981
Study of Buddhist historiography as part of history degree at University of London 1985-1988
detailed study of Buddhism in Russia and the history of esoteric Buddhism (Theosophy and neo-theosophy) and talks on this subject given at various venues (Theosophical Society); publication of several essays on different aspects of Buddhist studies.

TEACHING: Teaching classes on Buddhism on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Teaching classes on Buddhism for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on Buddhism for University of Oxford 1997-2000

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Includes teaching Buddhist studies in schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, and Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire 2001-2009; participating in a conference at SOAS on Buddhism and Ecology and delivering a paper on Enlightenments: Towards A Comparative Epistemology Of The Enlightenment Experience (March 2005); running Meditation Group at Sherwood Hall School.

VISITS: Regular visitor to Samye Ling, Tibetan Buddhist community in Scotland
Invited speaker to Holy Island, retreat centre of Samye Ling, Isle of Arran, Scotland, 1998
Dharamsala, India, conversing with senior students and colleagues of the Dalai Lama, 1993
Lama Gangchen Sangha, Italy and Devon 1999-2000
Visited Adyar, world headquarters of Theosophical Society, India in 1993
Occasional study visits to: Chithurst Buddhist Monastery (Sussex), Sharpham Buddhist College, Amaravati Buddhist Monastery (Herts.), Wimbledon Thai Buddhist Temple; Battersea Peace Pagoda for Interfaith Peace ceremony; Bradford on Avon Sangha community.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE:
Accrued large library of Buddhist texts, translations, scholarly works, covering all  schools
User of many libraries with Buddhist collections: SOAS, India Office, Theosophical Society, British Library, National Library of Wales, Dharamsala Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, As Trustee, International Sacred Literature Trust, helped publish "Words of My Perfect Teacher"

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY
Took Tibetan Vajrayana Tantric Buddhist Bodhisattva initiation 1976 (aged 20); founder member of Manjushri Institute, Ulverston, Cumbria (aged 20) and lived there for several months in 1977; Member of the Buddhist Society from 1982-
Occasional practitioner of Buddhist meditation (all schools) 1976-present
Member of Buddhist Peace Fellowship (later changed to Network of Engaged Buddhists) and entrusted with their banner  by David Arnott; Invited to help mediate conflict between various wings of Tibetan Buddhism in 1998 – (ongoing); participant and speaker in various conferences organised by neo-Buddhist community of Theosophical Society and Arcane School

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS:
Inspired by personal students of Chogyam Trungpa and  Dalai Lama to take up Buddhist studies; Through Buddhist Society met numerous Buddhist practitioners; invited to serve as Secretary General of WCRP by Buddhist representative on the UK Committee (David Arnott); during participation in World Conference on Religion and Peace Congress in Italy, (1995)  met 200 leading Buddhist peace activists (including head of Buddhist community in Russia, Sulak Sivaraksha from Thailand who founded of Network of Engaged Buddhists etc.); Member and participant in SOAS Centre for Buddhist Studies; Participant in academic network for Buddhist Studies experts; friends with Lama Gangchen and his Sangha and many other Buddhist practitioners and Buddhist scholars worldwide.

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced serious study of Bible (Old and New Testament) in Canada 1977-1981
Learned classical Greek to read New Testament in original in Canada
Intensive private study of Christian theology 1977-present
Formal study of Christian history and theology  at University of London as part of degree
Publication of several essays on different aspects of Christian studies.

TEACHING:
Taught classes on Christianity  on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Taught mediation to pupils of Archbishop Michael Ramsay School, London, 1992-1993
Taught classes on Christianity for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Taught classes on Christianity  for University of Oxford 1997-2000
Taught courses on Peace and Spirituality at Sancta Sophia Seminary, USA (1999/2000)

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Intensive teaching experience of Christian theology, ideas and history at secondary schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001 – 2009); pilgrimage to Bardsey Island 2005; running a prayer and meditation group at Sherwood Hall School; running regular Druid-Christian prayer group meetings in Wales.

VISITS:
Study tour of Holy Land in 1995, visiting Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem
Visits to Grace Cathedral (San Francisco) and Cathedral of St John the Divine (New York);  Assisi (1992) Rome and St Peters (1992 and 1995), Moscow (Kremlin Churches) 1993;  Patmos and Rhodes (1984) Thessalonika and Macedonia (1998/9/2000); visits to numerous churches and Christian religious centres in the UK (Iona, Whithorn, St Davids, St Andrews, Prinknash Abbey, many major Abbeys and Cathedrals including: Canterbury, Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, York, Chester, Westminster, Oxford, Cwm Hir, Strata Florida,  etc.) Study tour of Holy Land revisiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee etc. to launch Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Middle East, August 2008.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE:
Amassed very large ecumenical library of Christian literature: bibles, lexicons, dictionaries, theological texts, Christology, pneumatology, feminist theology, Christian history, mysticism; acquaintance with many Christian theological libraries including: Dr William Library London, Lambeth Palace Library, Catholic Central Library (London), Heythrop College Library, Kings College Library, Friends House Library,  Union Theological Seminary (New York), Catholic Ecumenical Study Centre Library (Venice), National Libraries of Norway, USA (Library of Congress), Italy (Rome), France (Paris), Sorbonne, Cambridge, Oxford etc.

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY
Became attender at Calgary Friends Meeting from 1978-1981
Regular peripatetic attender of Quaker meetings to present day (Toronto, Cambridge MA, Belfast, Westminster, Hampstead, Penn, Worcester, Shrewsbury etc)
Baptised (and confirmed) at Kings College Chapel, University of London, 1987
Contemplated joining Anglican Franciscan community (1983)
Regular participant in services in ecumenical church (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Indian Christian, Coptic, Quaker, mystical/esoteric etc.)
Served as Governing Board Member for Anglican Pacifist Fellowship 1999-2000
Member Fellowship of St Albans and St Sergius (1983-1990)
Member of The Modern Churchman's Union (1981-1986)

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS:
Numerous friends in the Quaker community; and in the wider Church; inspired by Revd Donald Reeves of St James Church, Piccadilly, to a broad view of Church's mission in the contemporary world; by Sancta Sophia Seminary; friends include: Rev. Marcus Braybrooke;  Rev Geraint ap Iorwerth; Rev. Dr Carol Parrish; Rev Dr. Richard Kirby etc.

STUDY AND WRITING: Commenced serious study of Education and educational philosophy when launching Philosophers for Peace in London (1984) used Institute of Education Library; continued with research as part of History degree, including coverage of history of education; on graduating, secured employment at Institute of Education (University of London) examining feasibility of establishing a UK Institute of Peace Studies as part of University of London; undertook comprehensive study of peace education, peace research and peace studies in school sector, and higher education and research institutions worldwide; travelled extensively, interviewing professor , teachers and students of peace studies; initiated and taught on course on Conflict Management in The Classroom and the Wider World as part of PGCE training at the Institute (as part of a team including colleagues from various parts of the Institute of Education); trained as Schools Mediator in California (Community Boards) in 1992; taught in Southwark Secondary School in 1992-4 as first person in UK to introduce peer mediation schemes into the country; undertook detailed study of educational theories and practices in different faith communities and gave course on this subject at Birkbeck College (Knowledge Education and Scholarship in the World’s Religious Traditions; published various academic papers and articles in reference encyclopaedias on peace education, global education.

TEACHING: Teaching classes on History and Philosophy of Education on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000; for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999; for University of Oxford 1997-2000; teaching at Gregynog (University of Wales) course on Cultural and Intellectual History of Wales; Teaching at Shrewsbury Museum and Montgomery Institute  (Cultural and Intellectual History of the Welsh Marches; taught courses on the History of Education at the Muslim College, London;

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Continuing involvement with the philosophy of education serving as Head of Humanities in Sherwood Hall School and contributing to discussions on Educational Theory and Practice for a school in special measures; submitting evidence to the British Government Inquiry into the Crisis into Behaviour in Schools; organizing a special seminar on the Greening of Education Cae Mabon in Snowdonia October 2005; publication of the Muses Journal: an International Journal of Education for Peace and Global Responsibility (Issue No.8, 2006); teaching as Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy at Pole Grammar School and a Teacher of Critical Thinking and Religious Studies at St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire.

VISITS: Teachers College, Columbia University; Ministry of Pedagogy and L'Institut of Educational Research, Paris; Maison des Sciences de L’Homme (Paris); UNESCO Headquarters (Paris); United Nations Headquarters (New York) to address Committee on Role of Universities in Peace Education; invited to address educational conferences in India (Rajasthan, Punjab) in 1995 and 2001; visit to Ireland for Irish Conference on Peace Education (1993) and interview for post of Tutor in Peace Studies, Trinity College, Dublin (2000); invited to address Conference on Peace Education and Education for Nonviolence, Ladnun University, Rajasthan, India (1995); as Coordinator, School of Nonviolence, Gandhi Foundation, visited numerous centres throughout the UK to organise seminars, classes etc. in nonviolence education 1994-1999; visited World Summit for Social development, Copenhagen, 1995, and attended various workshops on role of education in social development and combating poverty, unemployment, conflict etc. Attended International Teachers for Peace Congress,  Paris (UNESCO) 1992.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE: Accrued large library of educational texts, classics and curriculum development and resource materials, plus very large archive of research materials relating to peace education and education in human rights, ecology, comparative philosophy and religious education worldwide; studies in numerous libraries worldwide dealing with education, including: University of London Libraries,  British Library, National Library of Wales, National Institute of Educational Research (Moscow), Institute of Pedagogical Research, Paris; Universities of: Oslo, California (Berkeley), Sussex, Bristol, Paris, Oxford, Cambridge, Delhi, Ladnun (Rajasthan) etc.

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY: Active involvement as an educator and teacher, in informal and formal educational structures,  since 1984 (launching of Philosophers for Peace); served on numerous committees concerned with educational development projects; worked as Research Development Officer, Institute of Education from 1989-1991; involved with innumerable educational projects and initiatives emphasising interfaith education, global citizenship, peace studies etc. Served as member of International Association of University Presidents / United Nations Dept of Arms Control Joint Committee on Peace Studies; served as Executive Committee member and Coordinator of School of Nonviolence  for Gandhi Foundation 1994-1999; invited to serve as Vice Chancellor, New World Academy, 1995 – now;   founded Global Green University in 1999 as informal high educational project dealing with advancing ecological education on a cross-disciplinary basis outside the formal higher education sector; launched Pagan Academic Network in 1998 to focus minds on the profound contributions made by the world’s pagan and primal religious traditions in the past 10 thousand years and more of human history and to provide an educational forum for colleagues to meet and exchange experiences; continuing to serve as Director, International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy as honorary (unpaid) post; organised an co-chaired over 30 meetings in Parliament on Ethics and Global Responsibility issues, including education and educational policy from 1993-2000; attended International Network of Philosophers of Education (INPE) conference at Institute of Education 1991; joined numerous educational bodies dealing with specialist aspects of the curriculum including: International Studies Association, Political Studies Association, Council on Education in World Citizenship, British Society for the History of Education etc. Proposed EDUCATION AID as worldwide funding campaign to raise funds for education worldwide.

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS: Inspired by many mentors, teachers, friends and colleagues over the years: Tony Weaver, peace educator; David Maxwell; Margarita Rendell; Graham Haydon; Prof Norman Graves; Michael Totterdell; Jagdish Gundara, Sir Peter Newsam, Prof G. Hosking, Prof Gavin Flood, Betty Reardon, Prof Elise Boulding, Sanaa Osseiran, Dr Laszlo Peter, Veslemoy Wiese, Johan Galtung, Prof. Hans Kung, Lord Combermere, Rabbi Hugo Gryn, Prof Cedric Smith, Dr Hugh Miall, Dr. Frederico Mayor, Prof Paul Smoker, Sir George Trevelyan, Lord Ennals, Ganadipathi Tulsi, Surur Hoda, Di Stubbs etc.

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced study of Freemasonic tradition and history as part of history degree at University of London 1985-1988; wrote detailed extended essay on “Towards a History of the Inter-relations of Esotericism and Marxism: the Freemasonic Dimension”; made detailed study of history of Freemasonry in the period of the enlightenment in European history and the contributions of enlightened Freemasons to advancement of political liberalism, toleration and human rights (Locke, Voltaire, Jefferson etc.) Discovered work of Nicholas Hans (Prof of Comparative Education at Institute of Education and his paper on “UNESCO of the 18th century: the Lodge of the 9 Sisters”; made detailed study of the history of freemasonry in Early modern Russian and East European intellectual history an the contribution of freemasonry to educational history; explored history of contributions of Freemasonry to American and French revolutions and to the history of Scotland and the Jacobite revolts; detailed studies made of the persecution of Freemasons by Nazi and Fascist regimes (Franco, Mussolini, Hitler in 20th century history); and also the closure of Masonic lodges by the Leninist Bolshevik regimes and by other intolerant theocratic states (Khomeini’s post revolutionary Iran, Taliban run Afghanistan, Iraq after the downfall of the monarchy etc.); detailed study of the contribution of Freemasonry to the history of esoteric religious ideas and religious reform (all traditions); study of the inevitable corruptions which have entered into some Masonic groups and circles and the whole question of “conspiracy theories” (which sometimes tend to have an anti-Masonic thrust) and their study as a pseudo-religious phenomenon; undertaken considerable research into theories of the origins of freemasonry, including: Templar theory, Rosicrucian theory, Gnostic and Cathar theories, theory of origin as continuation of ancient mystery schools of classical antiquity, or theory of Phoenician, Solomonic or Egyptian origin; consider their contribution to religious and intellectual history important
 
TEACHING:
Teaching classes on History of Freemasonry on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Teaching classes on History of Freemasonry for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on History of Freemasonry for University of Oxford 1997-2000
Invited to present paper on “Towards a History of the Inter-relations of Esotericism and Marxism: the Freemasonic Dimension” at the London School of Economics (graduate studies seminar on Religious Studies) under Eileen Barker

VISITS: Visit to Headquarters of Grand Orient Mother Lodge of French Freemasons, Paris (1993)
Several visits to United Grand Lodge of England, Queen Street, London, including the museum and a visit accompanying students from the religious studies graduate course at London School of Economics with Eileen Barker, Dean of Undergraduate Studies (1992-9)
Visited Headquarters of Freemasons of Scotland, Edinburgh including the historical Museum and other sites associated with Scottish freemasonry such as Roslin Chapel, and Dunfermline Abbey.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE: Accrued library of Freemasonic texts and scholarly works, covering all  schools; User of several libraries with Masonic collections including: Theosophical Society, British Library, London Library, United Grand Lodge of England Library; inherited personal library of Masonic works from Father in Law (senior Mason of Scottish origin and Grand Master of University Lodge in Newcastle);

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY: Made deliberate decision NOT to join freemasons so as to retain academic freedom of investigation concerning their history, rituals, and contribution to intellectual life and religious and political work in world affairs

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS; know several friends and colleagues who are freemasons  and have intervened on occasion when subject to abuse, attack or persecution from non freemasons; much inspired by many past freemasons with their contribution to world culture, literature, philosophy, science, education etc.

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced study of Hindu philosophy while student at Bristol University 1975/6
Undertook detailed study of Hindu sacred scriptures and philosophy in Canada 1977-81
Continued with study of Hindu thought in London from 1981, and as part of  degree 1985/8
Detailed study of Indian political and religious thought and reform including: Aurobindo, Gandhi,  Tagore, role of theosophical movement in Indian independence, history of Indian independence movement; history of Gandhian influence on world peace movement and non-violence;  study of Sanskrit (including some formal classes) and compiling Sanskrit section of Dictionary of Global Philosophy (which also includes Tamil, Hindi); study of Indian poetics, literature, art and liturgy; Hindu teachings on architecture (vastu vidya), medicine, astrology, cosmology; history, mythology. Publication of several essays on different aspects of Hindu and Gandhian studies. Studied and practiced yoga at intervals from about 1976-2009

TEACHING:
Taught classes on Hinduism on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Taught classes on Hinduism for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Taught classes on Hinduism for University of Oxford 1997-2000
Organised School of Nonviolence for Gandhi Foundation 1994-1998 (chairing many meetings, lectures, planning courses, programmes, publishing newsletters, writing articles, correspondence etc.)

RECENT EXPERIENCE:
Extensive teaching of Hinduism at secondary schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001 – 2009); pilgrimage to Bardsey Island 2005; running a prayer and meditation group at Sherwood Hall School on all aspects of Hinduism, including Hindu philosophy, practice, rituals, temples, puja, yoga and meta-physics; continuing with practice and teaching of yoga and meditation. Led Seminar on Indian peacemaking traditions at Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, February 2009.

VISITS:
Visited India in 1993: Madras, Delhi, Agra, Bangalore, Tirvunamalai (ashram of Ramana Maharshi); ashram of Sai Baba (Whitefields); Pondicherry (ashram of Aurobindo) and Auroville; travelled by train across India and met many people, many  seekers; went to Nehru Museum; place of Gandhi's assassination; visited many ancient Indian temples in North and South India; Revisited India in 1995: Delhi,. Rajasthan (Jaipur) Punjab, Himalayas; Revisited Indian in 2001:Delhi and Punjab  (to attend academic congress); invited visitor to Bhaktivedanta Temple, Herts - assisted them with their campaign re. road access in Parliament; visited London Hindu Temple in Neasden with students from WEA class in Finchley 1997. Lived in ashram run by Order of Saraswati, founded by Hindu Philosopher Shankaracharya in the 9th century AD, based in Powys, Wales, from 2000-2003. Revisited India to  attend Jain Peace Education Conference in Udaipur and Rajasamand, in December 2007. Revisietd Indian in November 2008 to lea workshop at Jaipur Peace Congress organized by Jains, meeting former President of India and many senior Hindu, Jain, and other Indian educators for peace.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE: accrued large library of Hindu scriptures, texts, commentaries, very wide reading in all aspects of Hindu theology and spirituality and religious practices; familiarity with libraries with large collections on Hinduism including: British Library, SOAS, Theosophical Society, plus frequenter of bookshops throughout India (e.g. Motilal Barnasidas in Delhi)

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY
Began to practice yoga with formal classes in 1976 then continuing with practice of Yoga ever since (all school of Yoga including hatha, jnana, bhakti)
Participated in Bhajan (spiritual service) with Sai Baba community in London several times
Resides in Wales from 2000-2003 in an apartment in complex belonging to Hindu based ashram with resident Swami  (member of  Order of Saraswati, tracing  lineage back to religious Order founded by Shankaracharya, one of the greatest philosophers of Hinduism) - participate in their rituals sometimes; participant in Hindu rituals and puja on many occasions in temples in UK and India.

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS:
Partly inspired to explore philosophy and Hindu thought by long friendships with several scholars of Hinduism; friends with many yogis and yoginis over the years (Indian and Western); met many Hindu spiritual leaders through organising series of seminars in Parliament at House of Lords on Ethics and Peace and Global Responsibility from 1993-2000; invited to speak at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in London conference on Spiritual Education in 1995; likewise met many Hindu practitioners through Commonwealth work for peace and launching Commonwealth Interfaith Network.

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced study of history of interfaith movement in Canada 1977-1981
Continued study of interfaith movement in London 1981-1991
Including work as part of history degree at University of London 1985-1988
Subsequent detailed history of interfaith contributions to the search for peace and world order in international affairs from 1945-2001 as part of PhD for University of London (ongoing) Critical study of impact of interfaith movement. Published  several essays on different aspects of interfaith studies.

TEACHING:
Teaching classes on Interfaith movement on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Teaching classes on Interfaith movement for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on Interfaith movement for University of Oxford 1997-2000

RECENT EXPERIENCE:
Continuing involvement running the multi-faith and Multi-cultural Mediation and Education Service (1996 – 2009). Establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Britain and Ireland (TRCBI) (Aug 2006). Convened the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Holy Lands (August 2008); extensive teaching of the history of Modern Interfaith Educational work in secondary schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset, and Wiltshire.

VISITS:
Visited World Conference on Religion and Peace Seminar on Language and Peace (1989)
World Conference on Religion and Peace Congress in Vienna (1991)
World Conference on Religion and Peace Congress in Venice and Paris (1992)
World Conference on Religion and Peace Congress in Gotland, Sweden (1993)
World Conference on Religion and Peace Congress in Rome and Riva del Garda, Italy (1995)
Attended Global Interfaith Congress in Bangalore, India (1993)
Invited to attend Commonwealth Day Religious Observance, Westminster Abbey, with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2 present (March 1998)
Invited to speak at Conference on Religious Freedom in Berlin, 1999 (as part of MMMS work)
Visited to Korea for launch of World Interfaith Peace Congress (Seoul. 1999, met Ninian Smart and numerous other scholars of world religions, as part of MMMS work)
Ran workhop in Oklahoma at Sancta Sophia Academy training mediators in peace and multifaith mediation, 1998.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE:
Accrued excellent library of interfaith books, pamphlets, newsletters, translations, scholarly works, covering many different  movements, groups, projects etc. User of many libraries with interfaith related works including: SOAS, India Office, Theosophical Society, British Library, New York Public Library, Library of Congress, Venice Library of Ecumenical Study Centre, Union Theological Seminary, New York etc.

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY
Served on Executive Committee of World Congress of Faiths (1990-1993)
Served as Secretary General of World Conference on Religion and Peace for UK and Ireland (1990-1999)
Served on European Executive Committee of World Conference of Religion and Peace (1991-1997)
Served as Trustee for International Sacred Literature Trust (1992-1997)
Participant in work of United Religions Initiative (URI) 1999-
Founder of Multifaith and Multicultural Mediation and Education Service (MMEMS) 1996
Founder of Commonwealth Interfaith Association (1998, Edinburgh, CHOGM)
Founder of Order of Wandering Peace Poets (1998, Macedonia)
Organised innumerable interfaith mediations and meetings for peace (London, Avebury, Bredon Hill, Sussex etc.)

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS, MENTORS:
Inspired by numerous personal friends and colleagues, students and former teachers including: Rabbi Friedlander, Zaki Badawi, Lord Combermere, Prof. Ninian Smart, Prof. Gavin Flood, Prof. Hans Kung, Bawa Jain, Dr William Vendley, Rev Marcus Braybrooke, Lynne Sedgemore, Robert Traer, Bishop Spong, etc.

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced study of Jain philosophy whilst an undergraduate philosophy student at Bristol University (1976/7); detailed study of Jain  scriptures, texts, philosophy (all schools) in Canada 1977-1981; continued dstudiy of contriution of Jain thought to history of global phioloopshy (especially through the transmission of idea of epoche and suspension of judgement to core Western academic tradition via Pyrhho of Elis, Carneades, Cicero etc. Continuing study of Jain philooshy as part of teaching work in religious studies 1993-2001. Published several essays in Jain journals on ahimsa and philosophy.

TEACHING:
Teaching classes on Jainism on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Teaching classes on Jainism for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on Jainism for University of Oxford 1997-2000

RECENT EXPERIENCE:
Contributed paper in absentia to Jain Conference on Ecology and Peace and non-violence in Delhi December 2005 on The Economics of Peace (publication 2006); have taught aspects of Jain philosophy, especially non-violence in secondary schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire.

VISITS:
Visited Jain temples in Rasjasthan and campus of Jain Univertiy of Ladnun , only formally accredited Jain University in the world, where I was invited to address a large int4ernatoinal conference of peace educators in 1995; and subsequently invited to write up the document which became the Conference Manifesto comprising “Ladnun Declaration on a Peaceful World Living in harmony with the environment”; visited Jain Exhibition at Victoria and Albert Museum. Returned to revisit Jain educational centers in Rajasthan in 1998, 2007, 2008.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE:
Accrued library of Jain texts, translations, scholarly works, covering all  schools; User of libraries with Jain collections including  SOAS, India Office, Theosophical Society, British Library etc. As Trustee, International Sacred Literature Trust, helped publish class Jain text, Tattvartha Sutra: That Which Is.

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY
Participated in sevral Jain religious rituals and ceremonies in India and the UK

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS: Numerous colleagues and friends from the Jain community including: especially Acharya Tulsi, Bawa Jain, the monks and nuns (samanis) of Ladnun and the former monk, Satish Kumar; Dr. L Gandhi of Jaipur (serving as Indian coordinator for the Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy)

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced study of Judaism and Jewish philosophy whilst an undergraduate philosophy student at Bristol University (1976/7); Detailed study of Jewish scriptures, texts, philosophy (all schools) in Canada 1977-198; Study of Judaism and history of Israel and Jewish culture and politics as part of international history degree at University of London 1985-1988 including: detailed studies of Judaism in Russia, Poland and Eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire and the history of esoteric Judaism  (Kabbalah ); detailed studies of Christian Kabbalah  and philosemtisim among religious reformers and Christian mystics in Renaissance and early modern European history; role of Jewish thinkers in the enlightenment (Spinoza) and subsequently; detailed studies of anti semitism and the pseudo-religious thinking behind the holocaust and also behind pseudo-Islamic anti-semitism; studied Kabbalah  with Warren Kenton; contributed study on the significance of the Zohar to Symposium on Islamic Jewish, Christian Symbiosis in Al Andalus, Cordoba, 1991 organised by International Peace Research Association and UNESCO (subsequently excluded from project for advocating non-exclusion of Israeli scholars from the board of advisers) publication of several essays on different aspects of Jewish studies.

TEACHING:
Teaching classes on Judaism and the Kabbalah  on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Teaching classes on Judaism and the Kabbalah  for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999; Teaching classes on Judaism and the Kabbalah  for University of Oxford 1997-2000
Taught class in History of Global Philosophy at Jewish vegetarian Society headquarters, Golders Green, London for WEA 1998/9

RECENT EXPERIENCE
Extensive teaching of Jewish thought, history and culture in secondary schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001 – 2009); led special assembly for National Holocaust day (Jan 27 2006); organized visits to Beth Shalom, National Holocaust museum in Nottinghamshire; contributed an essay on Transpersonal Psycho-History and the Search For Peace in the Israeli /Palestine Conflict (publication date 2006).

VISITS:
Visit to Israel in 1995, including: Safed (home of Isaac Luria's school of mysticism), Hebrew University of Jerusalem (including library of Gershom Scholem); Jerusalem (old city), Tel Aviv,  Galilee, Tiberias, Netanya, Haifa, Tel Dan, Baniyas, Masada, Qumran, Sepphoris, Yad Vashem (Museum of Holocaust); visited Auschwitz, Poland in 2000; Synagogues in various places including: Vienna, Venice, London, New York, Israel,  Kibbutz’s and peace centres in Israel including: Neve Shalom, Shorashim etc.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE:
Accrued large library of  core texts of Judaism including selections from the Mishnah, Rabbinic works, Kabbalah, translations, scholarly works, covering all  schools of Judaism;  User of many libraries with important Jewish collections including: SOAS, British Library, London Library, Jews College Library, Weiner Library, University of London Library, Jewish National and Hebrew University Library, Jerusalem (including personal library of Gershom Scholem), Jewish Theological Seminary (New York)

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY
Member of International Order of Kabbalists (1983-) Committed Christian Kabbalist and philosemite (in tradition of John Dee, Gemistus Plethon etc.) Associations with the Israel Interfaith Association and with the International Association of Wisdom Schools (Israel branch); participated in various Sabbath and Seder meals; participated in various synagogue worship services

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS:
Rabbi Hugo Gryn; Rabbi Friedlander (dean of Studies, Leo Baeck College); Warren Kenton (Z'ev ben Shimon Halevi); Prof Julie Peters (Columbia University); various Israeli and Jewish friends came to my Institute’s meetings on Peace and Global Ethics at House of Lords, 1993-2000, Gila Haron of Tel Avviv (IIPSGP representative in Israel) etc.

STUDY AND WRITING: Commenced study of Pagan, Primal and Druid philosophy whilst an undergraduate philosophy student at Bristol University (1976/7); Detailed study of Pagan  texts and philosophy (all schools) in Canada 1977-1981; Continuing study of Pagan historiography as part of history degree at University of London 1985-1988; detailed study of Paganism in Europe and talks on this subject given at various venues (for Pagan Federation in Birmingham, Worcester, Cheltenham); courses undertaken with Wrekin Trust 1983-1990 on some aspects of pagan esotericism; founder of Pagan Academic and Educational Network (PAEN); contributed article on Amerindian Ethics and Spirituality to World Encyclopaedia of Ethics (Academic Press, 1999) and articles on Maori Religion, Central American Primal Religions; Australian Aboriginal Religion to Encyclopaedia of Religions (1997); articles on Hermeticism and pagan traditions in the Renaissance and European History. Publication of several essays on different aspects of Pagan studies.

TEACHING: Teaching classes on Pagan & Primal Religions:  on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000;  at Birkbeck College, Univ. of London 1993-1999;  for University of Oxford 1997-2000

VISITS: Visit to Preseli Mountains 1976 (experienced profound religious insights);  walked to Stonehenge from Bristol 1976; visited American Indian sacred sites in 1977-1981 and in 1999/2000; visit to Fellowship of Isis Headquarters in Ireland 1983; visited Delphi and Eleusis in Greece, 1983, visited Mount Olympus in 2000; visited Tara, Ireland in 1998 for Summer solstice peace rituals; visited Sancta Sophia Seminary in Oklahoma 1999 and participated in Native American sacred peace pipe ceremony; visited Pagan Retreat Centre on West Coast of Ireland (Teach Shanraw) for Lughnasadh Festival 1998. Visited pagan sites in Brittany (2006).

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Considerable teaching experience of all aspects of pagan and primal religious traditions in secondary schools in  Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001 – 2009) including aspects of Druidry, Runic traditions, classical Greek and Roman Paganism, Scandinavian mythology, Australian Aboriginal Creation myths, Maori Religious teachings, American Indian Ethical traditions, Ancient Egyptian theology, and Mesopotamian religious traditions; visited the Pergamon museum in Berlin and viewed their extensive Pagan antiquities including the famous Ishtar gate from Babylon (September 2005); continued to develop the work of the Druid Peace Order; explored links with the Druid University of Avalon in the USA for possible teaching responsibilities; continued with studies for the Order Of Bards, Ovates And Druids; participated in a Druid Camp in May 2005; continued to serve as Peace Officer to the Council of  Druid Orders; interviewed for a radio programme on  Druidry for BBC Radio Shropshire August 2005; convening the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Britain and Ireland (TRCBI) in Anglesey (August 2006) with the participation of various Druid groups from both Ireland and Britain. Holding founding conference of European Pagan Academic and Education Network (EUROPAEN) in July 2009.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE: Accrued large library of pagan and primal religious texts, including translations, scholarly works, covering all  schools and traditions such as: Druidry, Wicca, Amerindian religion, Australian Aboriginal religion, Shamanism, Heretics, Ancient Greek religion, ancient Roman religion, Egyptology and Egyptian religion, Babylonian and Sumerian religion, Chinese and Taoist religions, Shintoism; Goddess traditions and neo-pagan feminist religious traditions; user of many libraries with Pagan collections including SOAS, Theosophical Society, British Library, London Library, University of London Library, Warburg Institute

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY: Invited to become member of Council of British Druid Orders (1998); Co-Founder and Chair of Stonehenge Truth and Reconciliation Commission 1997-2001 (which has organised over 16 meetings in Wiltshire between Police, English Heritage, travellers, neo-pagans, Druids etc. on  all  aspects of the use and management of Stonehenge as a sacred temple); invited to attend Wiccan Summer gathering in Devon and participated in Wiccan sacred rites at Lammas 1997; invited to attend and participate in Wiccan religious rites in Gloucestershire 1998; Chair of Pagan and Druid Rights and Services 1999-; Peace Officer and member, Council of British Druid Orders; Founder and of Order of Peace Poets, Bards and Druids; Organised training for peacemakers at Stonehenge Summer Solstice gatherings 2000 and 2001; participant in various  pagan and Druid rituals around the country at Samhain, Beltane, Lammas, at Avebury, Stonehenge, and other stone circles and sacred sites; recommended inclusion of Pagan spiritual leaders on Interfaith organisations such as the World Conference on Religion and Peace, the Asha Centre; member of Fellowship of Isis (from 1983-).

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS:  Ronald Hutton (Prof of History at Bristol University and expert in paganism); George Firsoff (Secretary, Pagan and Druid Rights and Services), King Arthur Pendragon (sometime Chair, Council of British Druid Orders); Angie Gill Jennings (Wiccan High Priestess and Pagan Federation organiser for Gloucestershire); numerous Pagan and Wiccan and Druid friends including senior members of Pagan Federation; Liz Murray (Liaison Officer, Council of British Druid Orders); Douglas Lyne (Welsh Liaison Officer, Council of British Druid Orders); Michael McGrath (Archdruid  of Ireland); numerous students and colleagues met over the years

STUDY AND WRITING:
Commenced study of philosophy during A level in Ancient History, Brighton (1974/5); Continued with study of philosophy whilst an undergraduate philosophy student at Bristol University (1976/7 but left due to becoming interested in global philosophical and religious traditions and found the curriculum too narrow); conducted comprehensive study of the history of global philosophical and religious traditions in Canada 1977-1981; continued this work in London 1981-1991; as part of degree in Modern History included paper on History of European Political Ideas covering major figures in  European political philosophy; founded philosophy Society at School of Eastern European and Slavonic Studies, University of London 1985-1988; launched Philosophers for Peace (1983) and hosted an chaired many meetings in London examining all aspects of the philosophy of peace, seeking to reconcile religious and secular approaches to peace and social thought (1984-present); launched International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy in 1991 at University of London after writing feasibility study into the creation of an academic center for peace studies in the University of London; recommended that until such times as funding became available for a comprehensive School of Peace Studies at the University of London, the Institute should serve as a specialist body working on the philosophical causes and solutions to conflict in the UK and internationally, including the underlying religious aspects of conflict and violence; organised 35 seminars in the House of Lords from 1993-2000 on Global Ethics and Peace with invited representatives from all different faith communities, nationalities and political traditions (continuing). Publication of many essays on different aspects of philosophical studies. Concluded and presented academic thesis entitled Towards a Transpersonal History of the Search for Peace During the Post World War Two Era 1945-2001, examined and awarded in 2008 from the University of London. 

TEACHING:
Teaching classes on History of Philosophy on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Teaching classes on History of Philosophy for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on History of Philosophy for University of Oxford 1997-2000

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Extensive teaching experience on philosophy in secondary schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001 – 2009) including introduction of Philosophy and Ethics GSCE in Secondary schools in Nottinghamshire and Dorset. and teaching A Level Philosophy in Powys and Nottinghamshire and Dorset.; establishment of Philosophy club in Sherwood Hall School with visiting speakers; participation in conference of International Network on Dignity and Humiliation Studies in Berlin (September 2005) and contribution of a paper on Naming the Ghosts in the Peace Landscape: Recognition, Philiaphobia and Sophiaphobia; contributing an essay for the International PEN symposium in Macedonia on Philosophy and Literature consisting of a paper on memory, literature and philosophy; the mother of all the muses; completing for publication Selected Essays 1985 – 2005 publication date 2006 comprising selected philosophical essays published internationally over a 20 year period; giving a talk to the London group of the Sir Alistair Hardy Religious experience Research Group (2001); continued development of the work of the International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy; organizer of Special Commemorative Symposium to honour the work of Dr John Dee (July 2005). Convener Lord Herbert of Cherbury Symposium September 2006. Teaching Philosophy and Critical Thinking in Wiltshire, 2009.

VISITS:
Attended World Congress of Philosophy, Brighton  1988
Invited to attend World Conference on the Philosophy of Peace, Moscow 1990 and elected International Coordinator of International Network of Philosophers for Peace 1990; met many Russian philosophers; Attended World Congress of Philosophy, 1993, Moscow

KNOWLEDGE OF THE LITERATURE:
Amassed very large library on all aspects of history of philosophy, including ancient thought, European and global schools of philosophy (including religious philosophies detailed elsewhere); detailed knowledge of many libraries with important collections of philosophical works including: SOAS, Theosophical Society, British Library, Dr. Williams Library; Library of Congress, University of London Library, London Library, Arcane School Library, University Libraries in USA, India, Russia, France, Italy, Scandinavia, Israel, Muslim College etc.

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY
Sometime member of numerous professional philosophical societies including: British Society for the History of Philosophy, Hegel Society, British Society for the Philosophy of Science, Royal Institute of Philosophy etc.
Founder, Philosophers for Peace (1983-present day)
International Coordinator, International Philosophers for Peace (Moscow, 1991-1995)
European Coordinator, International Philosophers for Peace (1995-now)
Proposer, Herbert of Chirbury Symposium

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS: Inspired by innumerable teachers, mentors, friends e.g. Prof H.D Lewis, Raimundo Pannikar, Arne Naess, Henryk Skolimowski, S.H. Nasr, Prof Girusov,  Prof John Somerville, Prof. Dzhohadze, Prof Badawi, Prof Hans Kung, Prof Gavin Flood etc.

STUDY AND WRITINGS:
Commenced study of Sikh scriptures in Canada 1977-1981; continued with studies in London and at University of London 1985-1988; continuing to develop knowledge  of Sikhism ever since,  including during 2 visits to Amrita and the Punjab; close student of writings of Kabir, Guru Nanak and the other 9 Gurus; student of modern Sikh movements such as Namdhari Sikhs, Raodha Suami and their various offshoots and linkages; close student of Sikh mysticism and links to Sufism and Hinduism; student of the poetry of Kabir and the Sant movement in Northern India; current study includes detailed investigation (with Sikh colleague) on the contribution of Sikhs in the 19th century to the idea of the “Mahatmas” and the “invisible hierarchy of saints” in Theosophical lore and contribution of Sikhs to the History of the Indian Independence Movement.

TEACHING:
Taught classes on Sikhism on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Taught classes on Sikhism for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Taught classes on Sikhism for University of Oxford 1997-2000

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Extensive teaching experience of all aspects of Sikh history and culture in secondary schools in  Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001 – 2009); participated in Religious festivals in East London at the initiation of the Sikh community (2002); continued development of the work of the Multifaith and Multicultural Mediation Service with the support of various Sikh colleagues and friends.

VISITS:
To Sikh Gurdwaras in Southall and Wimbledon and elsewhere in London as part of interfaith work (1990-present) asked to address audience at Sikh Gurdwaras in Newham in 1999 and 2001; invited to address Conference of Sikh scholars on Peace Education  in the Punjab at Bhani Sahib 1995; invited guest speaker in May 2001 at conference in Punjab on the Role of the Sikhs in the History of the Indian Independence Movement; visited the Golden Temple at Amritsar in 1995 and 2001 and the Museum of Sikh history there; visited Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, May 2001.

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE:
Amassed library of core Sikh texts and commentaries, including many books purchased in the Punjab on two visits there; visited library of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and numerous bookshops in Punjab.

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY:
Received sacred sound initiation from Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh in India 1995; regarded as equivalent to an honorary Sikh by many Sikh friends; participant in various Sikh religious ceremonies in India and UK; on Board of Advisers to Namdhari Sikh Historical Society

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS:
Friends with Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh, worldwide head of Namdhari Sikh Community, with Surjit Singh (head of Namdhari Sikh research centre, London) and with H.S. Hanspal, member of India Raj Sabha (all of whom attended a  meeting I organised on ethics and peace at House of Lords); good friends with many other Sikhs met in India and UK;  met Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India and discussed possible academic collaboration; friend to several Sikh historians, artists and cultural figures and educators for many years.

STUDY AND WRITING:

Commenced study of Zoroastrian philosophy and Persian history for A level in Ancient History, Brighton, 1975; continued studies of Zoroastrian thought whilst in Canada 1977-1981; further study of Persian and Zoroastrian historiography as part of history degree at University of London 1985-1988;  detailed studies of Zoroastrian esotericism and its impact on Greek and Roman religious thought; studies of Zoroastrian impacts on Cathar and Bogomil dualism and the Magical traditions of Western Hermeticism etc. (ongoing) studies of discovery of Zoroastrianism among European Orientalists and savants in Enlightenment era and beyond (Voltaire, Duperron, Ramsay et al) and its impact on history of European philosophy (Nietzsche, Hegel etc.); detailed study of impact of Zoroastrian thought on Sufi and Islamic traditions (Suhrawardi, Henri Corbin, Sayid Husein Nasr etc.) and on origins of Christian thought and angelology (Gershom Scholem etc.) and on the History of Judaism (Neusner etc.); undertook detailed study of images of wisdom in the eschatology of different faiths, including Zoroastrianism; detailed study of Zoroastrian images of time and periodisation of history in relation to the redemptive action of the Saoshyant; detailed study of impact of Zoroastrianism on evolution of Greek philosophy (from pre-Socratics and the Pythagoreans onwards); detailed studies of the Gathas and the language of the ancient Zoroastrian texts and their relationship to Sanskrit; studies of the impact of Zoroastrian ideas on the formation of the Bodhisattva ideals of Mahayana Buddhism etc.

TEACHING:
Teaching classes on Zoroastrianism on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000
Teaching classes on Zoroastrianism for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on Zoroastrianism for University of Oxford 1997-2000

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Considerable teaching experience of the history of Zoroastrian in secondary schools in  Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001 – 2009 especially in the context of the A level philosophy syllabus concerning the historical origins of philosophy out of the matrix of the Greco Persian wars. Proposer of special symposium on Poetry and Peace at Shiraz in Iran to include a study of Sufi poetry and its Zoroastrian antecedents, plus a trip to Persepolis ancient capital of the Persian empire (date to be confirmed).

VISITS:
Visitor to Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Hampstead, London (close to Freud Museum); launched Interfaith Peace Journal (The Muses Journal) at an interfaith meeting there in 1993;

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE:
Accrued good collection of Zoroastrian texts, translations, scholarly works, academic papers covering various schools of Zoroastrianism; User of libraries with Zoroastrian  collections especially  SOAS, Theosophical Society, British Library, London Library

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY:
Participated in Zoroastrian fire worship service at Fire Temple, London; private Zoroastrian rituals with friends.

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS:

Numerous Zoroastrian friends and colleagues including the chief librarian and Zoroastrian House, worked closely with Jehanghir Sarosh (Zoroastrian) in World Conference on Religion and Peace; with Paul Naderi (Zoroastrian from Persia) and with Zerbanoo Gifford (Zoroastrian from India) as special adviser to her Interfaith Centre project.

STUDY AND WRITING: Commenced study of Islam and Islamic philosophy and Sufism whilst an undergraduate philosophy student at Bristol University (1976/7); Continued detailed study of Islam (all schools) in Canada 1977-1981; Study of Islamic history continued  as part of history degree at University of London 1985-1988 with specialist papers on the history of South Eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire (prize awarded); Continuing to explore aspects of Islamic history and philosophy from 1988 - now covering all schools (Sunni, Shiia, Sufi etc.); Published article "What is Sufism" in Macedonian translation in leading Islamic journal of Skopje (1999); Attended numerous academic conferences on Islamic history and philosophy and theology; published article on Eastern Europe, Islam and the Challenge of Peace in Polish Journal of International Affairs (1991);  deep study of Sufism over the years on a theoretical and practical (academic and experiential) basis; knowledge of Sufi poetics and literature; some knowledge of Arabic including formal classes, enough to cover basic theological and philosophical vocabulary; wrote detailed study of Ibn Al Arabi for UNESCO Symposium in Cordoba 1991 (published subsequently); founded Order of Wandering Peace Poets, Macedonia, 1998, including Albanian Sufi poets, working for peace through the inspired word; founded Islamic and Middle Eastern Interfaith Peace Studies Association (IIMEPSA) in 1994 to network with academics in Islamic countries working for peace (ongoing). Published Towards a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Middle East (2008).

TEACHING: Teaching classes on Islam and Sufism on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000; Teaching classes on Islam and Sufism for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on Islam and Sufism for University of Oxford 1997-2000
Guest lecturer at Beshara School of Intensive Esoteric Education, Scotland with talk on "The Heart of Mind & the Quest for Peace & World Order: A Semantic Approach" at a Symposium in memoriam to Dom Sylvester Houedard (1925‑1992); Taught formally at Muslim College in London courses on education, history and philosophy 1992-1994 and met many senior Islamic students from around the world; Organised and Co-Chaired study seminar at House of Lords on the Search for Peace in the Middle East (1994) with representative of various Embassies present

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Extensive teaching experience on all aspects of Islam in secondary schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001-2009); serving as a trustee for the Afghan satellite TV project; convening a symposium on poetry and peace in Shiraz, Iran to celebrate the tradition of Sufi in poetry especially Hafiz; convening the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Holy Lands in Bethlehem (Palestine) and Galilee (Israel) in August 2008/9/10; authored an essay on Transpersonal Psycho History and the Search For Peace in the Israeli /Palestine conflicts.

VISITS: Various Mosques and Islamic study centres in  the UK (Regents Park, Wimbledon, East London) and elsewhere (Vienna, Rome, Paris, Delhi, Bangalore, Jerusalem, Cordoba, Fez); Qadian in India  (headquarter of Ahmadiyya Muslims); Morocco, Palestine (Nablus, Jericho, Ramallah, Jerusalem, Hebron); Andalusia (Cordoba, Granada); Chisolme Institute (Scotland);

AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE: accrued large library over the years covering the Koran and Hadith, Islamic history and philosophy and Islamic contributions to medicine and science; knowledge of various Islamic libraries including the Muslim College in London, and involvement with the Al Furqan trust whose mission is to catalogue all Islamic manuscripts in the various libraries of the Islamic world, sponsored by Sheikh Yamani

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY: Interested in Sufism by direct contact with a Sufi circle in Brighton, 1976-; involvement with Sufi Order of the West (Pir Vilayat Khan); friendship with Afghan Sufi leader Pir Gailani, head of Qadiri Order worldwide from 1993 to present (through students at Muslim College); participant in Zhikr on several occasions; UK Coordinator for Euro-Arab Itinerant University (appointed by Prof. Mohammad Aziza)

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS: Sheikh Rashid; Pir Vilayat Khan; the late Dr Zaki Badawi, Pir Gailani (spiritual leader of moderate Afghans), Sheikh Nazim head of Naqshbandi Sufi Order, plus many Islamic friends and students met over the years; closest friends are Sufis, including Peter Young of Chisolme House and Carla Halford (student of Idries Shah); Dr Ali of Muslim College; Shapur Amini (Afghan student); Prof. Jawid (Former Rector of University of Kabul), Sayid Hussein Nasr (former Dean, Iranian Academy of Philosophy); Dr. Charles Burnett of Warburg Institute; Dr. Hasan Askari (Sufi author) etc.

STUDY AND WRITING: Commenced study of history and philosophy of science at Bristol University 1975-76 (with Prof Stefan Korner); continued research into the history and philosophy of science in Canada 1977-1981;  Detailed study of the history of medicine and neurology in London while working at the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases, Bloomsbury 1982-1984. Study of scientific history and philosophy continued  as part of history degree at University of London 1985-1988 with specialist papers covering history of philosophy in Europe 400 BC to now, including detailed studies of Plato’s ideas on epistemology, Aristotelian philosophy and science; detailed studies of European History from 1500 to now including the scientific renaissance and enlightenment; attended lectures and courses at London School of Economics, Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine;  participated in seminars at Warburg Institute on history of renaissance and mediaeval science; Detailed work and research on the contribution of the scientific tradition to peace and conflict resolution as part of the work as Research Development Officer for Initiative for Peace Studies in the University of London; continuing writing, research and publication on scientific maters, including history, philosophy and future of science; proposer of 400th anniversary project to celebrate the 1624 publication of  the Advancement of Learning by Sir Francis Bacon. Detailed scientific studies on the nature and structure of language, philology and grammar; detailed studies on cosmology, gravity and Newtonian theory; detailed studies on evolutionary theory, Darwin and Wallace relations, and research into the evolution of consciousness and transpersonal psychology.  Organiser of the Wallace Darwin Symposium as part of the Darwin Festival, in February 2005 and founder of Annual Wallace Memorial Lectures, 2007 onwards. Contributor to book published from the  Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, on the History and Future of Science.  Detailed studies in the history and philosophy of the social sciences, including sociology, economics, political theory and the sociology of knowledge; current work involves studies in comparative epistemology, scientific methodology and the transpersonal.

TEACHING: Teaching classes on History of Science and Philosophy on panel of London region WEA from 1992-2000;
Teaching classes on History of Science and Philosophy for Birkbeck College, University of London 1993-1999
Teaching classes on History of Science, Medicine and Philosophy for University of Oxford 1997-2000
Speaker at symposium of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Coventry, 1991 on the history of medical groups and peace campaigning.
Organised and Co-Chaired study seminar at House of Lords on the work of Science and peace policy (1995)
Taught course on Ecology and Scientific Philosophies of Nature for Birkbeck College, University of London 1995-6
Teaching Philosophy A level Philosophy courses including units on epistemology and the philosophy of science.

RECENT EXPERIENCE: Extensive teaching experience on all aspects of science, religion and philosophy in secondary schools in Powys, Shropshire, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. (2001-2009); speaker in India at symposium on peace education with Prof Abdul Kalaam, space scientist; attended Astronomy day at St Mary’s Calne with visiting cosmonaut (Dr Martynov) from Moscow discussing planned manned mission to Mars. Organiser and tutor of occasional seminars for the Global Green University (Wales). Participant in International Dignity and Humiliation Studies Conference in Berlin, 2006.

VISITS:  to numerous scientific museums and research institutes, including in Florence, London, Paris, Israel, Moscow, Greece, Rome, Venice, Berlin, Cambridge, Oxford, Delhi, San Franscisco, Washington DC, Toronto, Montreal, Cordoba, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Ljubljana etc. Attended Royal Society meetings on the public understanding of Science in London. Travelled in 30 countries worldwide visiting scientific and educational institutions and teaching and conducting research on the history of science, philosophy and religions. Visited many sites of special scientific interest, eg. Woolsthorpe Manor (Newton), Down House (Darwin), Broadstone Cemetery (Wallace) etc.
 
AQUAINTANCE WITH THE LITERATURE: accrued large library over the years covering all aspects of the history and philosophy of science, including psychology, medicine, healing, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, ecology, geography, astronomy;  philosophy of science, sociology of science, sociology of knowledge; systems theory, peace sciences, anthropology, conflict theory, history of technology, including information and communications technology. Many happy hours spent in scientific libraries worldwide. Early user of the internet for scientific exchanges (1989 onwards).

COMMUNITY AND FAITH PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITY: Longstanding member of the Conflict Research Society (and former information officer), member of the British Society of the History of Mathematics and the British Society for the History of Science; organized Symposium on Dr John Dee and the development of Elizabethan Science; member of the Wessex Research Network and speaker on Transpersonal Psychohistory and Peace Research Long time member of Scientists for Global Responsibility. Founder of the Global Green University as a research network for the synthesis of scientific, academic and spiritual education and research.   Founder of Annual A.R. Wallace Memorial Lectures 2007 – ongoing. Member of the board of the International Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies Network. Co-convener of the International Peace Research Peace Theories Commission from 2006-2008. Member of the Board of the European Peace Research Association (EUPRA) 2006-2008.

COLLEAGUES, CONTACTS, FRIENDS, INFLUENCES: Prof Cedric Smith, Prof Maurice Wilkins, Prof Tom Kibble, Christopher Meredith and numerous colleagues involved in the work of the Initiative for Peace Studies in the University of London, Prof Girusov, Prof Paul Smoker, Prof Kenneth Boulding, Prof Johan Galtung, Prof Herb Blumberg, George Blaker, Prof Adam Curle, Prof Richard Falk, Institute of Psychohistory, Ken Wilber, Caroline Webb, Prof Sayeed Hussein Nasr, Dr Zaki Badawi, Sir Karl Popper, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Dr Charles Burnett,  Prof H. Skolimowski, Elise Boulding, Dr. Evelin Lindner etc.

For further information please contact:

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR PEACE STUDIES AND GLOBAL PHILOSOPHY
Director, Dr. Thomas Daffern  B.A. (Hons) D.Sc. (Hon) Ph.D
Le Musee de la Paix, 13 Grande Rue, Betete, La Creuse, Limousin, Aquitaine, 23270, France

Telephone: +33 05 8756 5489 - Mobile: +44 07500 238523
Email:  iipsgp@educationaid.net     website: www.educationaid.net        www.lulu.com/iipsgp