Dharma Realm Buddhist Young Adults

Keynote Talk: Fearlessness (Rev. Heng Sure)

Courage is resistance to fear and the mastery of fear – not that absence of it – but how do we fully eliminate that fear? Fear is a means of oppression and a way to imprison the mind. The quality of fearlessness is a true degree of freedom. On the path to wisdom and clarity, how do we leave fear behind? Where does fear arise from, and how do we cease it before it even occurs? Amidst ambiguity, the key to change is to let go of fear.

Workshop 1

A Way of Life – Daily Practice (Heng Jen Shr)

At a monastery like CTTB, it is easy to start or maintain a daily practice, the schedule is set up in a way that cultivation is part of the schedule. In addition, the environment is conducive to a daily practice. For most of us, we don't live in a monastery, the environment around us does not encourage us to practice. It has the opposite effect; so how can we start a daily practice in our daily life. It seems like we're always busy with everything else e.g. work, school, family, etc... and next thing you know, our cultivation is our last priority. We can't even fit it into our daily schedule. In this workshop, we'll hear advice from a monastic on how to start a daily practice and if you already have a daily practice, how to find the strength to maintain it our busy life.

Leadership during Difficult Times (Dr. Raymond Yeh and Mrs. Priscilla Yeh)

During peaceful and good economic times, it is easy to provide leadership and motivation. Success is easily achieved and success brings about more success. However during chaotic times and economic instability, providing leadership is a formidable task. Why are leadership skills important and even more crucial during these times? What qualities and skills are needed to be a respected and good leader? How can good leadership inspire everyone to be the best even in the face of difficult or on the verge of defeat? How to apply these good leadership skills to our social and personal lives as well as our career?

Workshop 2

Looking within for Strength and Clarity (Heng Yin Shr and Heng Je Shr)

A verse by Ven. Master Hua said:

"Whatever is in our minds will also exist outside.
If there are no wars in our minds, there will be no wars outside.
Everything is made from the mind alone."

"Everything is made from the mind alone" What does that mean? Why is the mind so powerful? How do we harness the mind's power to cope with all the fear and the uncertainties that are going on right now in the world? In this workshop, we'll explore the power of the mind and learn ways to stay positive when everything around us is so chaotic and tumultuous.

Yummy Yummy in the Tummy (BBM Cooks)

An every day essential hat may be overlooked when you’re too busy or too stressed: a food. Delicious recipes are meant to be an enjoyable leisure for you and to share with others. Learn how to cook a scrumptious vegetarian dish, and experience the joy of food.

Workshop 3

Stressing-In, Stressing-Out: Walking the Way in Hard Times (Dr. Martin Verhoeven)

Stress seems unavoidable; equanimity always just out of reach. Why? How can I hold down a job, fulfill family duties, ‘be all I can be,’ and still cultivate the Way? Are the Buddha’s teachings other-worldly, or do they have something insightful and practical to say about how to live in the world? The great Chan Master, the 6th Patriarch, said:

“Enlightenment is found right here in the world; not outside of it/ Seeking Bodhi apart from this world is like looking for a rabbit with antlers.”

How can that be right? These and related issues will be the focus of this workshop/discussion.

Our Global Crisis: a Rare Opportunity for Spiritual Growth  (Dr. Ron Epstein)

When things fall apart all around us, how can we use the Buddha’s teachings to both understand and weather the storm? Can the global crisis provide new opportunities for integrating our own self-cultivation with our responsibilities to family, friends, and community?  In crisis can it actually be easier to stay focused on the light of compassion, both inside our own minds and as it shines throughout the world? This workshop will be an opportunity for the participants to expand their horizons and overcome their personal fears.When things fall apart all around us, how can we use the Buddha’s teachings to both understand and weather the storm? Can the global crisis provide new opportunities for integrating our own self-cultivation with our responsibilities to family, friends, and community?  In crisis can it actually be easier to stay focused on the light of compassion, both inside our own minds and as it shines throughout the world? This workshop will be an opportunity for the participants to expand their horizons and overcome their personal fears.

Closing Panel: “Buddhism Simplified and Applied”

We’ve heard how our teachers explain Buddhism, but how can we relate it to our every day life? How do we apply Buddhist principles to daily situations? What is your practice?