Ubud, Bali—Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati proudly announces the return of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival from 29 October to 2 November to share stories and ideas under the banner of this year’s theme, Aham Brahmasmi - I am the Universe.
For the twenty-second time, Southeast Asia’s leading literary festival will once again bring together writers, poets, and thinkers to Ubud, Bali’s cultural highland, for a 4-day program featuring author talks, panel discussions, live music, spoken word, literary lunches, late-night readings, workshops, and much more.
The Festival will explore Aham Brahmasmi, a Sanskrit concept from ancient Hindu wisdom that originates from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Translated as I am the Universe, it signifies the unity of the human self with the universe or the highest cosmic power and it acknowledges that each individual holds the same creative potential as the universe itself.
The concept of Homo Deus, Human Gods, envisions humans evolving into ‘gods’ through advanced technology, making this theme even more significant. The tools we create can transform our lives and help solve major challenges, but they also have the potential for control and destruction. The awareness of Aham Brahmasmi reminds us that our intelligence, no matter how advanced, must be grounded in consciousness and interconnectedness.
“Marking a little less than eight months until our Festival, we are delighted to announce this year’s theme, Aham Brahmasmi, which invites us to consider the deep connection between the self and the universe. It poses the question, can wisdom and innovation coexist for the greater good or, can it, in fact, lead us toward an age of imbalance, where technological capabilities outpace our moral and spiritual growth,” said Janet DeNeefe, Festival Founder and Director.
