"Turning the Mind into an Ally," contemplative meditation class; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sept. 29; Buddhist Study Center, 1436 University Ave.; $40 ($20 students); 342-6298.

Open-book discussion, "Spiritual Wisdom on Health and Healing" by Harold Klemp, spiritual leader of Eckankar; 10-11:30 a.m.; Sept. 29; Eckankar Center, 1056 12th Ave. Room 201; free; 735-7719.

Animal-blessing ceremony, celebration of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi; following 9:30 a.m. service; Sept. 30; St. James' Episcopal Church, Waimea, Big Island; 808-895-3853.

"How Safe are Our Nation's Freedoms?" Interfaith Alliance Hawai'i's annual celebration dinner with keynote speaker Rep. Mazie Hirono; 6 p.m., registration begins at 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 7, RSVP by Sept. 30; Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin; $15 ($10 students, free for children 12 and younger); 779-3606 or samcox@hawaii.rr.com.

Animal-blessing ceremony; 1 p.m.; Oct. 4; Our Lady of Kea'au, Wai'anae; 696-7255.

Animal-blessing ceremony; 5:306 p.m.; Oct. 5; St. Andrew's Cathedral; 524-2822, ext. 217.

Dignity Honolulu video night, screening of "Saint of 9/11"; 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 5; Aloha Pride Center, 614 South St. No.105; 352-7558, dignity_honolulu@catholic.org.

Introduction to Zen meditation; 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Oct. 6; Palolo Zen Center, 2747 Wai'oma'o Road; free; 735-1347.

Jewish Community Services annual volunteer dinner, with keynote speaker Gov. Linda Lingle; 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 7; Hale Koa Hotel; $50; 595-7521, ext. 206.

"Alpha Course: Exploring the Meaning of Life and Faith," 10-class series on spiritual issues; 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; Saturdays; Central Union Church; free; information and registration: 440-3007.