My Life at the Sagely City of Ten Thousand Buddhas

Summer Time

2008-06-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while again since I have posted. Lots of new things happening in my life I can barely keep my head on straight. I just moved out of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and into a mountain hermitage about 10 minutes away. It is an amazing little place in the woods, such cheap rent too, well I guess with no electricity and little running water they cant charge much. But that is exactly what I want. No frills. Well a couple frills, but not too many :-) I also have a new car, 1999 Honda CRV. Its really nice being able to go where I need to. But gas is ridiculous.

Its funny too because this summer i wont even be able to live in the cabin. I moved in but I am off to Phoenix for a summer apprenticeship with a translator and Tai Ji Quan master. Really amazing opportunity, I am very excited about. Then I start school in late august here in Mendocino Community College, and next semester is also my last at Dharma Realm Buddhist University. Lots of things are changing for me, I am moving into a whole new phase of my life. Hopefully it will be as interesting as my last 3 years in the temple have been.

Take care. In everything you do.

Peace.

~Happenings~

2008-04-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

So I just returned from the conference...Really sick. Everyone at CTTB was getting this really bad viral infection and I managed to fight it off for a long time until now. Good reminder for me that this body is impermanent and even though I may be young and strong...I am still susceptible to sickness (that was tough for me to admit).

Onto the Conference-

I can start by saying even though I was getting more and more sick as time went on, I was also becoming more and more happy. All the people around me had come to this conference to help themselves answer some of the difficult questions in life...Who am I, what is life's purpose? How can I be happy?...etc. Lots of good open hearts are contagious and uplifting. I dont get to partake in too many activities like this so it was a real blessing for me to volunteer and take part.

Doug powers spoke on "The Dharma of Relating to People".

Amazing. Why? To paraphrase.

When was the last time you really listened to someone else? How do you relate to other people? These were the questions he posed to us. He said that most of the time we are not genuinely listening to anyone else. We just project out our own wants and desires on the people we are close to (and everyone else), and when they dont meet our expectations and desires there is conflict. The problem is also in that we cant see them for unique individual universes in of themselves, completely different with their own background and understanding, their own wants and desires. If we can first genuinely stop projecting, and start genuinely listening to people, right there is where genuine communication is.

He then continued by making a very important statement. That listening, is practice, is genuine cultivation from the very start, to very advanced levels. Dont think that sitting quietly is when you are practicing (even though it can also be). But cultivation first starts with how we deal with our relationships. The marker, or the meter of how much actual skill we have is directly related to how we react and deal with our relationships, not how long we can sit still (although, dont doubt that it helps!). Interesting huh...

Another key point. We need to accept the fact that who we are is exactly what we have chosen to one degree or another. There are no victims. This can be tough to take. But the idea is that we dont make good decisions. Those dysfunctional decisions lead to our suffering. What we think will make us happy ends up being the opposite because we just follow our desires instead of stopping and contemplating, thinking everything over. This teaching really spoke to me in a big way.

--I also went to Dr. Epstein's talk on "Perfecting the Wisdom Within", and to Dharma Master Jin He's talk about "The 10 signs of a mature spiritual life".

Onto the panel I was invited to speak on--

I greatly enjoyed this experience (test). Even though I was really sick, the sight of all the bright smiling faces in front of me filled me with joy, and nervousness which increased blood circulation which allowed me to actually speak.

Here are the Questions I and three others on the panel were asked-
1. Whats your personal story in regards to coming into Buddhism?
--I spoke about the Kungfu school I came from and the temple I volunteered at in Niagara Falls.

2. What is your personal practice?
--I spoke a little about my personal practice being sitting meditation and mantra recitation. But then brought it back to really my practice is in trying to become a more filial person and responsible in my daily life.

3. What do you think the role of community is relationship to spiritual practice?
--I reiterated a quote from the Buddha mentioned earlier in the panel saying "It is mentioned in Samyutta Nikaya that once Ven. Ananda approached the Buddha and remarked that "half of the spiritual life is based on friendship, companionship and association with the good." to which the Buddha replied " Ven. Ananda, do not say so. Not half, but man's entire spiritual life is established on friendship, companionship and association with the good."
--I thought this was a very important quote so I talked about how, from my own experience this is 100% truth. I then talked a little about how conversely if you disassociated yourself with your good friends and spiritual community through doubt and immaturity then you can really cause harm to yourself and others. As I have come to realize that, based on what I have personally done in the past.

I have matured.

The whole conference was taped. I dont know if it will be made available online but if it is i will post a link. Goto www.dharmaradio.org for lectures.

Also there is a new forum up for Dharma Talk-- goto http://www.berkeleymonastery.org/phpbb3/

please ask any questions you might have. I am on there. My name is Kenny.

Alot of other things are happening...I will post later on my new school pursuits and future endeavors. So many possibilities...life is what you make it. Make it wise and kind. :-)

-Take care-
kenny

I am Speaking at this conference!

2008-03-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-02-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

XIN NIAN KUAI LE

I wish all of you a new year full of happiness.

For all of those who would like to know, here is my class schedule for this spring 08' semester.

Intermediate Classical Chinese- This is my second year of classical Chinese. Its kind of funny I am actually better at classical Chinese than I am at regular spoken Chinese. I can recognize a lot of characters and have gotten better at deciphering the meaning from very terse texts. Right now we are going through the Meng Zi. Pretty tough.

Public Speaking 2- I am taking this class for Developing Inherent Wisdom credit. So it will be more challenging because i will have to speak regularly to new audiences. I might be speaking at this year's DRBY conference in Berkeley, and when Humboldt State University comes to CTTB.

Dhyana Paramita- This is my third year in this amazing class on what Dhyana meditation is, and how it is practiced. Continues to amaze me...

Bodhsattva Precepts- I took this class for a year, and it turns out I need more credits in the Vinaya category (Buddhist regulations). Interesting, there are precepts in which you have to act, instead of abstaining from action.

Chinese Music Appreciation- This is the second semester of the class. We are concentrating now on various types of Chinese music, and musical instruments. Lots of listening.

Buddhist Ethics- Professor Martin Verhoeven is teaching this class on Buddhist ethics. Very interesting, I expect to post on what we will cover in this class. Some of the topics we will cover will be how Buddhists approach genetic engineering, abortion, homosexuality, monasticism, and lots more.

Intermediate Chinese- I am taking this class in the Boys high school. I have spoken Chinese now 5 times a week which is really helpful. Fridays are calligraphy day! So much fun.

Enjoy some of the pictures of my new class teaching the little kids who live at CTTB kung fu.

Back at School Spring Semester 08'

2008-02-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

So sorry, kinda forgot about my blog...

After a very interesting break back home in Buffalo for a month and a half, I have returned to CTTB.

The first pic is CTTB with some snow!

The second pic is of my home temple, I will post more of this wonderful place.

The third pic was taken in the memorial hall of the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua inside CTTB's Buddha hall. Look at the bird.

This was my first week back and I have been busy sorting out my new schedule for this semester. I am very excited about the classes I am taking and the subjects I will be studying. The people I meet here continue to amaze me, and help me grow.

The opportunities I have to study and practice so many different methods and ideas are countless. I feel very fortunate to be able to study and practice here.

I'll post my schedule and more pictures soon.

-Kenny

Weekend at the UCBerkley Campus

2007-10-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

These are all pictures from the Berkley Campus... I really enjoyed walking around and getting a feel for what life is like attending this famous University. When the time comes...hopefully...this will probably be the next destination on my journey. Enjoy the pics!

"Text, Translation, and Transmission"

2007-10-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from an academic conference at UCAL Berkley. Here is the Info-

IEAS - Institute of East Asian Studies, UC Berkeley

"Text, Translation, and Transmission"

DATE:	Thursday-Saturday, October 18-20, 2007
PLACE:	Toll Room, Alumni House, UC Berkeley
FORMAT:	Conference
SPONSOR:	Center for Buddhist Studies

Schedule

All panels are free and open to the public.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Opening reception by invitation

Friday, October 19, 2007

9:30 am - 11:45 am

Panel I - Translating Buddhist Doctrine

Dan Arnold, University of Chicago
Understanding and/as the Translation of Buddhist Philosophy

Parimal Patil, Harvard University
A Buddhist Historiography for Buddhist Philosophy

Shoryu Katsura, Ryukoku University
A Shift of Buddhist Logic from Dignāga to Dharmakīrti

Leslie Kawamura, University of Calgary
Translation of Yogācāra Buddhism: Chinese, Tibetan and Sanskrit Texts

Moderator: Alexander von Rospatt, University of California, Berkeley

11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Lunch break

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Panel II - Early Buddhist Literatures

Michael Zimmermann, Hamburg University
The Pierced Foot: The Transformation of an Episode from the Buddha's Life

Phyllis Granoff, Yale University
Birds, Babes, and Bodhisattvas: Truth and Fiction in the Life of the Buddha

Moderator: Richard Payne, Institute of Buddhist Studies

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Coffee break

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Panel III - Beyond Doctrine

Alexander von Rospatt, University of California, Berkeley
The Last Phase of Sanskrit Buddhist Literature: Remarks on the Svayambhūpurāṇa

Richard Payne, Institute of Buddhist Studies
Translating Ritual, Translating Buddhism: Moving Beyond our Obsession with Doctrine

Moderator: Lisa Grumbach, Institute of Buddhist Studies

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Reception/Dinner (for participants and attendees)
Jodo Shinshu Center
2140 Durant Avenue, Berkeley

Saturday, October 20, 2007

9:00 am - 11:15 am

Panel IV - Transmissions in Tibetan Buddhism

Lara Braitstein, McGill University
Re/Writing History: Politics and Religion in the Life of the 10th Zhwa dmar pa

Robert Mayer, University of Oxford
The Dunhuang Thabs kyi zhags pa padma phreng Manuscript: A Source for Understanding the Transmission of Mahāyoga in Tibet

Tadeusz Skorupski, University of London
How and Why New Buddhist Traditions Arise

Peter Verhagen, Leiden University
Latter-day Lo-tsā-bas: Translation Activities in 18th-century Tibet

Moderator: Patricia Berger, University of California, Berkeley

11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch break and photo session

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Panel V - Interpreting Chinese Textual Traditions

James Benn, McMaster University
Hybrid Cosmologies in the Śūramgama Sutra

Natasha Heller, University of California, Los Angeles
Epistolary Chan

Koichi Shinohara, BDK Publication Committee
The Buddhist Culture of the Seventh Century Anthology 'Fayuan zhulin' ('The Jade Forest in the Dharma Garden')

Moderator: Robert Sharf , University of California, Berkeley

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Coffee break

2:15 pm - 3:45 pm

Panel VI - Rethinking Sources

Jamie Hubbard, Smith College
Textual Communities in the Production, Translation, and Transmission of Buddhist Scriptures, Then and Now

Michel Mohr, University of Hawaii
On the Proper Use of Traps and Snares: Reflections on Language and Translation

Moderator: Duncan Williams , University of California, Berkeley

I learned a good deal of information while attending all these lectures. The important understanding that I received was in relationship to the differences and similarities between academic (in the Western Universities) Buddhist studies, and my own studies here at Dharma Realm Buddhist University. I wont go into all of those similarities and differences now, but I will say that they exist.

Overall, it was a good experience for me.

Humboldt State University visits CTTB

2007-10-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

These are some pics from last weekend. Danny teaching Tai Ji to HSU, and demonstrating on me. The monk is Dharma Master Heng Shun 恆順法師. He is the one who answered most questions during the weekend.

Last weekend Humboldt State University came to CTTB for their annual weekend retreat. I had the privilege to take care of them during their stay. At 3:30 AM I went throughout the courtyard hitting the wooden boards to wake them all up for morning ceremony. Most of them actually got up.
I greatly enjoy when these students come because they bring with them a lot of good questions and energy to the discussions and panels we hold. Through their questions and the answers from various Dharma Masters (monks and nuns) I am able to hone my skills at introducing and explaining Buddhism to people from various backgrounds and traditions.
The topic of the Panel on Saturday evening was Buddhism and World Peace. There were eight speakers total who were invited to speak on this very broad topic. The essential principle that they all spoke on was the idea that if we really want to help the world, we have to start by helping ourselves. Helping ourselves just means practicing pacifying our own hearts and minds, before trying to pacify others. We can help externally equivalent to the amount of greed, anger, and ignorance that we have transformed internally. Through this constant grinding away of our own inherent issues, we are better equipped to help others with theirs.

That is the principle and here is its application. There are actually a lot of things people can do to help the world.

1. Educate yourself- What you don't know can kill you. Ignorance is suffering.

2. Pray- The power of Prayer is proven (regardless of religion). Send out goodness to those in
suffering.

3. Follow moral principles- By not engaging in the same things that hurt the world (ie. killing, stealing, lying, raping and cheating, abusing substances etc.) you become a healing force in the world. Try it out and see for yourself.

4. Meditate- take time out of your day to stop everything. Quiet your mind and relax your body. Develop concentration that you can apply to skills in daily life. 5 minutes is not too short to start. Soon it can easily be an hour.

--As far as education goes- Research what goes into your body. What are you feeding yourself and your family? Is it harmful? What are you dependent on? Why? Can you reduce your waste? Learn how to be a smart consumer, and not another Wal-Mart junkie.

--The key is to understand what effect you are having on the world and how you can make it better.

This was what I heard from the panel, and what I have come to understand through living here at CTTB. Take what you think is useful, and please don't hesitate to correct me or criticize me.

Take care and take responsibility for your life and its effect on the world. I'll try to do the same.

-kenny

feelings from the farm...

2007-10-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the low quality pictures, my new digital camera should be coming in very soon. After which i will have many more pictures to post on this blog.

I work on the organic farm here once per week for two hours or so. Today i was picking tomatoes and after a little while i remembered how rewarding getting your hands dirty and working outside in the earth can be.

Fresh, cool, misty morning air weighed down with dew penetrated my whole body refreshing me every time i took a breath. I worked slow in order to be as thorough as possible in getting all the tomatoes...I squatted down into horse stance (I try to train my kung-fu while doing work) and plucked the ripe tomatoes off the vine. After my legs got sore, i stood up straight to relax and breathe deeply. Looking into the distance I could see the mountain emerging out from the swirling mist of morning. Time stood still, thoughts quieted, my body relaxed, and i felt peace.

Of course I didn't waste all my time standing in awe of the magnificent glory that is nature. I managed to fill up three full crates of tomatoes. In between these lovely little breaks from picking I thought how wonderful a chance it is to do work, any work outside really, and how special are those who actually have this a part of their daily life.

Being of suburban blood, i never farmed once as a child. I was actually very freighted by most insects. However after living here for two years I have conquered that fear almost completely. Not only that, i have come to understand the importance of work. By work I mean skills required to survive. Some examples would be farming, cooking, knitting, carpentry, mechanical skill, and cleaning. If I am honest with myself then I will admit I have a mere appreciation for these skills and not the actual possession of them. My skills are very few, and this brings me to my next stream of consciousness I've been living in lately.

What skills do I want, and why do I want them?

I wont go into my personal aspirations here and now, but I think it is a very wonderful question anyone young or old can ask themselves and think about.

An interesting question for myself would be, what would I do without electricity, or running water? How about something as simple as food? I take it for granted I can simply goto a place and buy anything I want to eat. I, unlike my father who has many genuine skills, am skill-less.

I would probably die if left to fend for myself alone in the woods.

I am here to change that.

Well thats all for now! I will post soon with info from some classes. Particularly Philosophy of Education has been very rewarding...But I am quite busy so we will see. Any thoughts, comments, and criticisms are welcome and appreciated.

Go get your hands dirty.

Thoughts today...

2007-09-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today i happened to be walking by a Peace Walk going through our front gates here at CTTB. I took an impromptu video with my cell phone. The quality is not that great but i thought it was nice.

I have been thinking about what i would like to put on this blog and i came to the conclusion that i would write a little about what i learn in my classes. Whether its a personal reflection and introspective idea, or some technical information that i have enjoyed, i will post on this blog to give readers an idea of what its like being a student here.

That being said...Dhyana Paramita Treatise started to today. I forgot how much i enjoyed this class. One of the key things i took away from this class today was in relationship to the Paramita of Giving. For a definition of "Paramita" please goto this link http://www.drba.org/dharma/btts/9xxEntryDetail.asp?wid=181

Giving does not not refer to only material objects. Giving in terms of the Paramita on a deeper level also refers to "giving up". Very importantly, giving up our afflictions. I have come to the understanding that I (and maybe you too) am addicted to my own suffering. I knowingly and unknowingly recreate what causes me pain and suffering time and time again. Therefore (for myself at least) my objective is to come to know myself deeper and deeper and as I do, then practice "giving away" my faults, afflictions, bad habits, and most importantly wrong views. Practice makes perfect, and perfection is the essence of Paramita.

Giving also does refer to material goods, and i think it is a wonderful way to bring happiness upon people. For me, as a resident at CTTB i enjoy serving chinese tea to new volunteers and friends that have been here much longer than myself. I enjoy wonderful enlightening conversations with people from all over the world over a nice hot cup of (really good) chinese tea. I think maybe I receive more than i give on these occasions.

Well thats it for now---Do some good.

-kenny

FALL SEMESTER IS HERE

2007-09-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I arrived back to CTTB safe and sound and have begun my first week of classes for the Fall 2007 semester. The following are a description of the courses i am taking.

Lotus Sutra with Dharma Master Heng Zhuang--this is my third semester in this wonderful class that is going in depth into Great Master Zhi Zhe's method of analyzing and practicing according to this Sutra. The first 30 minutes are devoted to memorization of the chinese text. --2 units--

Public Speaking with Mr. John Chu-- We will be going over the techniques and methods of speaking to varying audiences. This is a great chance to refine my speaking skills. --2 units--

Classical Chinese 3 with Mr. Polson-- One of my favorite classes. Its a lot of work memorizing, however it is very much worth the effort. We are going into classical poetry and Philosophy texts. --2 units--

Survey of Chinese History with Mr. Polson-- I am very excited about this new class offered here. It has a lot of reading to go with it but i enjoy the subject matter very much and i am sure i will love this class. We are covering from Antiquity through the Axial age up to the beginning of the Tang Dynasty. Then next semester we will do from Tang until the Qing Dynasty. -2 units-

India and Its Cultural Traditions with Dr. Akpinar. "This course will outline key developments in the religious traditions of the Indian Subcontinent. Core themes to be explored include: Indo-Iranian mythology, Vedism, Indian philosophy, epic literature, and modern Hinduism. These topics, as well as general misconceptions, will be addressed in lecture and through readings of original texts." Sounds interesting huh. --1 unit--

Chinese Orchestra with Mr. Gan-- This is my 5th semester of the Gu Zheng (a long string instrument). I have made considerable progress and am really starting to enjoy playing Classical Chinese music, even if its only once per week. --1 unit--

Intro To Chinese Music Appreciation also with Mr. Gan-- This class was very fun and i think i will enjoy deepening my appreciation for Chinese music. --3 units--

Philosophy of Education with Dr. Verhoeven-- "This seminar will focus on readings from a wide and diverse sampling of authors East and West whose ideas and methods have shaped the contours of education, learning theory, and child development both within and outside the classroom. We will examine each from a Buddhist perspective, and also from within the day-to-day context of the classroom with all of its challenges, opportunities, and snarls."-1unit-

Dhyana Paramita Treatise with Dharma Master Heng Zhuang-- This is my 3rd semester in this class as well. This class is focused on the monumental work by Great Master Zhi Zhe concerning Dhyana (Chan or Zen). I love this class. --2 units--

Intermediate Chinese 3-Speaking/Writing/Reading with Dharma Master Heng Jiao-- This is my 5th semester of Chinese language...im ok at speaking. People say my tones are very good, i just need a larger vocabulary and more experience listening. I will become fluent, sooner or later. --1.5 units--

Thats 17.5 credit hours if you werent keeping track...It will keep me a little busy. Oh wait, add 20 hours community service, daily ceremonies and study time...thats like 2 full time jobs...

For work study i hope i am able to get in as the night post at the gate so i can study and do some work...that would be ideal. I also teach in the boys school twice a week. I help Mr. Antalek teach Physical Education to the Juniors and Seniors. We have a fully functional weight and fitness room now for the boys and its working out well.

Besides that, all is well and i am very happy to be in such a wonderful place of study, practice and self reflection. I have a lot of work ahead of me.

I hope to post here often with events that take place here, and also post some of my experiences living here this semester. I will be pretty busy but as a Nun told me "Work makes life meaningful"... which means that by my extension-- her answer to the age old question "What is the meaning of life?" --she would answer "Work." --And work they do.

Take care and be sure to check out www.drbu.org for more details.

--Kenny--

enjoy the pics-

I am not posting when i am not at CTTB

2007-08-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just to check in with whoever checks this page. I dont post here when i am not at CTTB because this blog is supposed to be about my experiences during school there. I am at home enjoying my summer vacation in Buffalo NY. I learn a lot from the two very different atmospheres. Visiting home is a chance to practice what i have learned, and learn more from friends and family. Its been very interesting so far...I start school in september.

PEACE-

Kenny

--A QUESTIONABLE ARTICLE--

2007-05-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

After 300 years, Shaolin Temple resumes a ritual

By Li Fangchao, China Daily, May 26, 2007

Beijing, China -- For the first time in 300 years, the renowned Shaolin Temple held a ritual on Thursday to initiate 600 believers into monkhood. So in 300 years Shaolin has not ordained a single Bhikshu (monk)? I can name at least one in our generation, Hai Deng Fa Shi- Dharma Master Hai Deng (Ocean Lamp). And up until the current Abbot took over, he was living example of a persecuted tradition. Now they dont persecute Buddhists because they CONTROL THEM.

On that same day, millions of monks and believers nationwide observed the Buddha bath festival which usually includes the washing of all statues of the Buddha. Or just one statue, as a remembrance to purify our own hearts.

The ceremony used to be considered an official ritual to recognize a believer into true monkhood. No its not. Its a ceremony for honoring our teacher, Sakyamuni Buddha.

Shi Yongxin, leader of Shaolin Temple and vice- president of the Buddhist Association of China, said that Buddhism in China has embarked on a "golden era" of development with a rapidly increasing number of believers. Just because people SAY they believe doesnt mean that they believe or practice, and more people does not signify a "golden era"; true practitioners, 1 or 1 million signify that the real teaching is flourishing.

According to Shi, China has about 100 million registered religious believers, most of whom are Buddhists and Taoists. "They form an indispensable force to construct a harmonious society," he said. Maybe the more money they give the more harmonious it will be.

Shi said the ritual was suspended for 300 years because the altar where the ritual was held was destroyed. The 26-meter-high three-storey alter was restored last year at the temple, located in Dengfeng, Central China's Henan Province. You dont need a special altar...you just need sincere intentions. Buddhism isnt concerned with outward appearances, its concerned with transforming your faults and bad habits.

The 600 Buddhists were selected out of 1,000 pious Buddhists nationwide. So the Buddhists were picked, like winning a lottery?

Shi said that only Buddhists who have passed a long-term inspection and are believed to have a "pre-destined lot" with Buddhism will be allowed to take the ritual and admitted by the temple. This ceremony is for everybody.

"Only Buddhists who practice Buddhism to a high level can be tonsured and allowed to take the ritual," Shi said. What level? 1st Dwelling? Srotaapanna maybe? (that will be funny to Buddhists)

The ritual will last 28 days during which time the 600 monks will listen to doctrines, learn Buddhism rituals and manners in the temple. 28 days to become a monk?...What kind of monk? Maybe a fake lottery monk.

Both Buddhism and Taoism seem to be attractting more believers. I wonder how much the government spends on advertising?

An international forum on the "Daode Jing", a classic of Taoism, was held last month and lured 300 Taoists from around the world who wanted to explore the true essence of the classic text. Yea, the more people the more clearer it will be...

I saw this article and i just wanted to add my 2cents, maybe you care maybe you dont. No big deal.

kenny-

Computer broke...with all my work...

2007-05-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Yea... another lesson to BACK UP YOUR WORK!

So...i have had problems with my laptop for the past year or more. And it broke in a big way for the second time...and my school work for the end of the semester was on it, and guess what? I didnt back it up. I was not happy...but it serves as a great lesson to have patience and BACKUP ALL YOUR WORK! I would just like to remind everyone at home...please save yourself the suffering.

LUCKILY... My friend sold me his laptop with perfect timing for me to redo some homework...

I WIN...kinda.

It made me think about how much i personally, and i think a large portion of our society today relies on machinery... I think computers can be great tools IF used properly, but it should never be a crutch. Everything is impermanent, we cant rely on anything external for our happiness and security, can we?... So ask yourself (as i ask myself) if your machines are inhibiting your creativity, brilliance, health, your spelling skills, your writing skills, or more importantly...your imagination.

when i was in high school i was thinking of quotes for my senior picture...and i made my own.
"Our imaginations lead to our aspirations, which in turn lead to our accomplishments. So...imagine what you could accomplish."---Its an ok quote i guess. But the point i think i was trying to make when i wrote that in 12th grade was; remember when we were little and we KNEW we could do ANYTHING, and we would imagine all day different ideas (i know i did). I dont think we should lose touch with that part of or nature. The part of our nature which is UNSELFISH, not greedy for money, happy, creative, pure, open, just like a young child. I think when our motivation is focused on ourselves, then we lose touch with our humanity, and life becomes more and more empty as the years slowly fade away. And i think the way to not let that happen is to find what you love that is good for yourself AND society (hard to do today), and GO for it, WITHOUT caring whether or no you'll be RICH or POWERFUL. My uncle just told me today...He could have been a millionare, but the time spent with his new daughter and wife is worth more than any amount of money, and had he gotten that money he would not have what he has now, so he is thankful he didnt get the millions of dollars. That sounds like a millionaire to me. What do you think?

just some random thoughts...

-kenny

Some Peacock pics

2007-05-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone who checks this page,

The semester is winding down and i have tons of fun work to do before summer break. I hope you all enjoy the peacocks!

Until next time,

kenny

Buddhism 101-- for those interested

2007-05-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

Announcing Buddhism 101

Buddhism 101
A four-week introduction to the teachings and practice of Buddhism
Note: class is available online! (link)

Tuesdays 7:30 pm-9:30 pm
May 8, 15, 22, 29
Berkeley Buddhist Monastery
2304 McKinley Ave
Berkeley, CA 94703
The class is free but in-person attendees should register. Click here for registration.

When you see words like Dharma, Zen, Nirvana, Karma or Enlightenment plastered on billboards pitching the latest products, you know that Buddhism is hip in town. With commercials, television shows, nightspots, drinks, and food products, references to Buddhism are everywhere, as if some mystical power or wisdom comes bottled with the product. But looking beyond the marketing veneer, how much do we really know Buddhism?

Continue reading "Announcing Buddhism 101" »

My Life at the Sagely City of Ten Thousand Buddhas

Summer Time

~Happenings~

I am Speaking at this conference!

DRBY Spring Conference 2008

Insight and Happiness on the Buddhist Path

DRBY Conference Workshops

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

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

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

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

Perfecting the Wisdom Within (Dr. Ron Epstein)

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

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

Happy Chinese New Year!

Back at School Spring Semester 08'

Weekend at the UCBerkley Campus

"Text, Translation, and Transmission"

"Text, Translation, and Transmission"

Schedule

Panel I - Translating Buddhist Doctrine

Panel II - Early Buddhist Literatures

Panel III - Beyond Doctrine

Panel IV - Transmissions in Tibetan Buddhism

Panel V - Interpreting Chinese Textual Traditions

Panel VI - Rethinking Sources

Humboldt State University visits CTTB

feelings from the farm...

Thoughts today...

FALL SEMESTER IS HERE

I am not posting when i am not at CTTB

--A QUESTIONABLE ARTICLE--

After 300 years, Shaolin Temple resumes a ritual

By Li Fangchao, China Daily, May 26, 2007

Computer broke...with all my work...

Some Peacock pics

Buddhism 101-- for those interested

Announcing Buddhism 101

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

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

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

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

Perfecting the Wisdom Within
(Dr. Ron Epstein)

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

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