What is Beloved?
In truth everything and everyone
Is a shadow of the Beloved,
And our seeking is His seeking
And our words are His words...
We search for Him here and there,
while looking right at Him.
Sitting by His side, we ask:
"O Beloved, where is the Beloved?"
-Rumi
Through the ages, we have called upon the One for Whom we yearn in countless ways, through myriad names. The term "The Beloved" embraces all of these names and forms of the Divine, affirming their Unity.
Beloved is also a 4 day camping, art, and music festival on the Oregon Coast. We intend to present sacred music to help eradicate the illusion of separation from each other, from the earth and from The Beloved.
WHY SACRED MUSIC?
We believe that the presentation of diverse expressions of sacred music at a single venue demonstrates their common Origin and our shared relationship as a global community of contemporary devotees.
Through spiritual practices, we listen to the Divine communicate in the language of the Divine; through art and music, we express to humanity in the language of humanity. Each tradition communicates the Mystery and Love of the Divine in the language of a people, place and time. The current emergence of electronic dance music is for millions the language of their people, place and time.
Through spiritual practices, we listen to the Divine communicate in the language of the Divine; through art and music, we express to humanity in the language of humanity. Each tradition communicates the Mystery and Love of the Divine in the language of a people, place and time. The current emergence of electronic dance music is for millions the language of their people, place and time.
WHY ONE STAGE?
We wish to treat the main stage as a mandala, concentrating and holding the energy of the festival throughout its duration, rather than dispersing the attention in too many directions. This allows for the carefully chosen sequence of artists to tell a continuous story of the Inner Journey, to perform an Alchemy of the Heart.
What the musicians share on stage inspires us to deeper engagement with the spiritual practices that we bring with us or that we discover in the many workshop offerings. These practices then allow us to soar higher into the bliss and meaning of what is shared on stage.
What the musicians share on stage inspires us to deeper engagement with the spiritual practices that we bring with us or that we discover in the many workshop offerings. These practices then allow us to soar higher into the bliss and meaning of what is shared on stage.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS ONSITE?
All the little details express our vision with authenticity, integrity and polish. The festival hosts the following main areas, all of which help to enunciate our vision:
A single stage hosting musical, educational, performative and ceremonial content; the programming on the stage will strive to serve as a narrative describing the true unity of all people, the planet, spirit and matter;
A “Temple Meadow,” which will be designed as a place for individual and group prayer and will also host workshops in Yoga, Qigong, etc. designed to give non-denominational guidance in prayer and meditation;
A health and well-being area, including a sauna, showers, massage and bodywork offerings;
A village featuring a carefully curated selection of merchants selling thematic goods, whole foods, treats, beverages and tonics, an information booth to assist patrons in their navigation of the festival, and a first aid booth to provide assistance to patrons with their physical, mental, and/or psychic health.
WHAT ABOUT ME?
We encourage all participants to prepare for the event by working on their own practices and by cultivating an awareness that everyone they meet is a reflection of the beloved. At the same time as we request clarity from participants regarding their objectives for participating, we will work hard to ensure that the festival will avoid taking itself too seriously. Beloved’s ability to be a party at the same time as it is a teaching platform serves as an example to both organizers and to participants.
