DRBY Spring Conference 2010 Workshop Topics

Keynote Talk: "Grounding yourself in a Daily Practice"
Rev. Heng Sure

Without a doubt, our lives are seemingly more complex and chaotic with each passing day. When we’re constantly drowning in all of the tasks we have in a day, it feels like such a luxury just to come up for air, let alone dedicate some time to anchoring ourselves in some sort of positive spiritual practice. However, if we could simply develop a habit for daily practice, it would, at the very least, provide a strong foundation from which to interact with the world. So how can we go about creating such positive habits?

Workshop 1a: "Stress: In the Way; In the World"
Martin Verhoeven

Stress seems unavoidable; equanimity always just out of reach. Buddhism is all about stress-reduction, right? Wrong. Mental tension and emotional anxiety (called 'twisting') far from being obstacles to enlightenment, seem to be indispensable for it. How can this be? These and related issues will be the focus of this workshop/discussion. 

Workshop 1b "Ethics and Karma: How to make the right decisions that will lead to more favorable outcomes"
Snjezana Akpinar

We all strive to make the right decisions, but sometimes the right thing to do isn't always that clear to us.  In fact, it can be downright difficult and scary considering the alternatives.  How can Buddhist ethics and principles, such as causes and effects and karma, be applied practically and harmoniously?  What teachings can we learn and practice to be on the morally correct and right path?  After all, who wants to endure pain in this current life and future lives when a favorable outcome seems possible? 

Workshop 2a "Everyday Practice as a Buddhist Nun"
Bhikshuni Heng Yin, Bhikshuni Heng Chan, and Bhikshuni Jin Jing

Monasticism is often depicted in Western culture as an idyllic and simple life, off in the mountains and forests, and far removed from concerns of modern life. Although true in some aspects, the monastic life contains a great deal more than what popular culture presents. The Buddhist monastic tradition, probably the most ancient organization in the world, is a community of renunciants and practitioners who have devoted their life to the spiritual path as taught by the Buddha. What really is it like? What are the challenges? What are the opportunities? And what wisdom does this lifestyle offer modern society?

Workshop 2b "Social Engagement"
Ron Epstein

A common stereotype of a practicing Buddhist is one who is secluded from the rest of "normal" society, unaware of everyday concerns and problems.  Yet, the dharma can inform us about many social and moral issues, such as cloning, vegetarianism, environmental protection, and the conservation of natural resources.  How do we actively and wisely apply Buddhism and begin to increase our social roles and consciousness regarding pressing topics that matter to all of us?   

Panel discussion: "Livelihood"

Buddhism does provide general guidelines on ‘right livelihood’, but in our modern society, the list of “acceptable” careers is virtually limitless. On the other hand, many seemingly harmless jobs can be a detriment to our own spiritual development, family harmony, and even our larger environment. Since our job will occupy most of our waking hours, choosing a proper career will strongly influence our ultimate happiness in our lives.  So what criteria do we use to determine if we made the right choice – money, power, happiness, purpose?  How can we use our careers as a source of cultivation and as a means of making a positive impact on the world?