The Buddhist cosmology is intriguingly complicated and vast. According to the Buddhist understanding of the universe, it comprises of heavenly beings dwelling in different levels of heaven, sentient beings such as different human races, various types of beasts and insects from animal kingdoms, hungry ghosts on this very Earth. In addition, our universe also comprises of other types of existence, for example hell realms, which perhaps sound horrific but yet unfortunate to those who were born there. No matter whatever reason these realms are mentioned, it is beyond doubt that the Buddha regards human as the most important one among them. One of the examples can be found in Samyuktagama, the Buddha once asked the monks, there was a blind turtle in an ocean as vast as the surface of Earth. This blind turtle only swam at the surface of the ocean and extended his head above the surface of ocean once in hundred years.What was the odd that its head happened to go through a hole on a rotten wood plank flowing by? The odd was very minimal. Hence the Buddha told Ananda, his attendant that the ignorant beings who wandered in the five realms of existence, the chance of them being born as a human is very rare. From this simile, we have learned that it is certainly hard to be born as a human and our lives slip by quickly. We not only have to cherish this human body but also take the opportunity to comprehend the Buddhist teaching which is beneficial and true. One ought to strive towards a better life.
Today we have such a good opportunity to be born as a human, and also we are lucky to have the chance to meet and learn the Dharma together. It might not be wise to loiter and to live a life without meaning. One should not waste the good opportunity being a human and harm oneself and the others.
July 3, 2013 ~ July 7, 2013
Registration Deadline：June 17.
No registration will be granted after the deadline.
From June 17 to 18, all registrants will be reviewed. A “Letter of Acceptance” will be sent out on June 18 to those who are admitted.
Check-in Time：Juln 3, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Opening ceremony start at 4:00pm.
Group Capacity：Adults – 60 (ages 30 and above)
English – 40 (ages 17 and above)
Teens – 60 (ages 13 to 16)
Family – 60 pairs (any child aged 8 to 12 must have a parent or guardian with them throughout the camp period)
Compassionate Activism— Meditations Adapted From Tibet to Empower Service and Action
Place: Woo Ju Memorial Library
Time: 7/21/2013 (Sunday) 2-4pm
Speaker: John Makransky, Prof. of Buddhism, Boston College.
Prof. Makransky will point out ways that cultivations of loving compassion and wisdom are understood to empower each other in Tibetan meditation theory and practice, and guide a short meditation as example, adapted for people of all backgrounds. He will also discuss current ways such meditations are being applied to empower individual and social healing, social service and action.
John Makransky is Associate Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology at Boston College, senior academic advisor to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s Centre for Buddhist Studies in Nepal, board member of the Society of Buddhist-Christian Studies, guiding meditation teacher of the Foundation for Active Compassion (a socially engaged Buddhist organization), and author of the meditation manual: Awakening through Love. John’s research focuses on Indian and Tibetan Buddhist thought and practice, their adaptation in current contexts, and interfaith learning. He has taught meditations of innate compassion and wisdom in various academic, social service and Dharma settings, including Boston College, Harvard Divinity School, Brown University, Union Theological Seminary, Natural Dharma Fellowship, and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.
Fee: The program is free of charge to the public. ($15.00 donation is suggested.)
Note: “Awakening through Love: unveiling your deepest goodness” is available in the library. If you would like to obtain one copy, please contact library@baus.org or (845) 225 -1819, ext 103.
The viewing and discussion group will be organized and led by Prof. Russell C. Leong, who obtained his MFA in filmmaking from UCLA and author of “Asian Pacific Independent Media Arts”, the first textbook on the subject. Mr. Alex Lamas, Buddhist, received refuge from Ven. Dhammadipa Sak, 20 years of experience in filmmaking business, who will assist in the class. Buddhist perspectives will be provided by Ven. Dhammadipa Sak, Abbot of Chuang Yen Monastery and special guests, when available. Selected reading materials will also be distributed.
Free Admission
Woo Ju Memorial Library at Chuang Yen Monastery
The Buddhist Association of the United States
2020 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512
(845) 225 – 1819, ext 103
library@baus.org
Woo Ju Memorial Library at Chuang Yen MonasteryThe Buddhist Association of the United States2020 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512(845) 225 – 1819, ext 103library@baus.org
