I am Speaking at this conference!

DRBY Spring Conference 2008

Insight and Happiness on the Buddhist Path

Saturday
Time	Venue 1	Venue 2
8:00 – 8:30am	Registration
8:30 – 9:00	Orientation
9:00 – 9:45	Keynote Talk by Rev. Sure on "Wisdom & Blessings"
9:45 – 10:30	Meditation (with instruction) led by Sramanera Chin He in the Main Hall
10:30 – 11:00	Meal Offering Ceremony in the Main Hall
11:00 – 12:30pm	Lunch
12:30 – 1:00	Break
1:00 – 2:30	WORKSHOP A: Introduction to the Sutras with Dr. Verhoeven in the Main Hall	WORKSHOP B: Shining the Light: The Dharma of Relating to People with Doug Powers in the Dining Hall
2:30 – 3:00	Break
3:00 – 4:30	WORKSHOP A: When Were You Last Happy? with Rev. Sure in the Main Hall	WORKSHOP B: Perfecting the Wisdom Within with Dr. Epstein in the Dining Hall
4:45 – 5:15	Meditation Instruction & Yoga with Sramanera Chin He in the Main Hall
5:15 – 5:45	Meditation
6:00 – 6:30	Tea Time (served by me) & Introduction to DRBY (Optional) in the Dining Hall
6:45 – 7:45	Dinner
7:45 – 9:30	Evening Program with Rev. Sure: Talk on "Emerging Buddhist Culture in the West" followed by storytelling & music
Sunday
Time	Venue 1	Venue 2
8:00 – 9:00am	Registration
9:00 – 10:30	WORKSHOP A: Cultivating Freedom: Buddhism as More Than Just Meditation with Sramanera Chin He in the Main Hall	WORKSHOP B: Dedicated to the Dharma: Why I Became a Nun with Dharma Master Yin and Priscilla Yeh in the Dining Hall
10:30 – 11:00	Meal Offering Ceremony
11:00 – 12:30pm	Lunch
12:30 – 1:00	Break
1:00 – 2:30	CLOSING PANEL: Spiritual Friendship in the Main Hall
2:30 – 3:00	Break
3:00 – 4:30	Tea Time (served by me) & DRBY Opportunities (optional) in the Dining Hall

DRBY Conference Workshops

Shining the Light: The Dharma of Relating to People
(Doug Powers)

How do we better relate with people? Why can’t people just get along? In what ways can Buddhism contribute to healthier and more harmonious communities? In this workshop, we will explore teachings that promote peace and happiness within families, friendships, communities, and beyond.

A Treasury of Wisdom: An Introduction to the Sutras
(Dr. Martin Verhoeven)

For someone new to Buddhism, approaching the Buddhist canon can be as daunting as hacking through an impenetrable jungle. Yet learning and understanding the Sutras can deeply benefit one’s practice. So how does one begin to approach them? This workshop will offer guidance and tips for navigating through the vast and rich treasury of wisdom contained in the canonical texts of Buddhism.

When Were You Last Happy?
(Rev. Heng Sure)

Happiness – everyone is talking about it. For many people, the pursuit of happiness is the ultimate goal in life. We’re all seeking it and striving for it. What is happiness? How do we “get it” and keep it?” Why does it seem as though we constantly chased after it only to end up with its exact opposite: unhappiness. Rev. Heng Sure will shed light on our understanding of happiness and offer practices to help us realize it.

Cultivating Freedom: Buddhism as More Than Just Meditation
(Sramanera Chin He)

Buddhism may be synonymous to meditation and mental training in the eyes of many Westerners, but developing a strong practice that requires more than just sitting in meditation. In this workshop, we will take a broader and more comprehensive look at practice and will highlight the important roles that ethics, mindfulness, lifestyle, diet, and fitness play in helping us to live fuller and more meaningful lives.

Perfecting the Wisdom Within
(Dr. Ron Epstein)

Buddhists often speak of the importance of developing “wisdom.” But what exactly does wisdom, or prajna, mean in the context of the Buddhist teachings? What do Buddhists mean when they say that someone is “wise?” We will hear from Dr. Ron Epstein on the vital role that wisdom plays in treading a spiritual path and the tools we can use to become wiser.

Dedicated to the Dharma: Why I Became a Nun
(Dharma Master Yin & Priscilla Yeh)

For those of us who want to dedicate our lives to the spiritual path, monastic life is one option. So why become a Buddhist monastic? In this workshop, a Buddhist nun and her mother will share with us their experiences, challenges, and joys of treading the Buddhist path.

Kalyanamitra: The Benefits & Blessings of Spiritual Friendship
(Closing Panel: Various DRBY speakers)----I am on this panel.

In contrast to the enduring image of a solitary monk meditating in a cave, spiritual friendship and community have always been a respected and central part of the Buddhist tradition. Having good honest friends who are able to lend support, give timely advice, and gently guide each other when the need arises is extremely important to lead a balanced spiritual life. In this panel, young adults will speak from their own experiences about the benefits and blessings of practicing Buddhism with a community of friends, guides, and teachers.