Karmapa in America '08

On Saturday, May 17, 2008 I was greatly blessed to attend together with my family the discourse of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, head of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Here is the report on this day, that appears on the website of His Holiness:

Today, American Buddhism saw yet another historic occasion revealed, as His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Drodul Trinley Dorje, gave his first ever public dharma teaching on American soil. Speaking from the stage of the Hammerstein Ballroom, at which he gave one morning and one afternoon talk, His Holiness provided a lively, humorous, and down-to-earth description of “Awakening the Heart of Enlightenment,” discussing topics such as developing a stable practice even while leading a busy lifestyle, realizing the inseparability of oneself and others, and working gently and playfully with our own minds.

His Holiness’s second talk was preceded by a musical tribute from the American rock ‘n’ roll legend Lou Reed, who began his brief set with an acoustic rendition of his hit, “Perfect Day.” For the thousands of members of the sold-out audience at the Hammerstein who received the historic nectar of His Holiness’s first U.S. teachings, the day was perfect, indeed.

In the evening, His Holiness was the guest of honor at a dinner offered by the local Tibetan Association, which was led in hosting His Holiness by Kalon Tashi Wangdi, Representative to the Americas of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Afterward, at Hunter College in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, His Holiness kindly bestowed the empowerment of the deity Hayagriva upon an assembly of the local Tibetan community.

To understand a bit more about the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and learn, for example what is the relationship of this young man to the better known His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, please read this brief and helpful exposition.

Congress of Religions, Charleston, SC

The conference in Charleston went well. I spoke on conflict resolution, Tim Pye spoke on a business plan for the support of interfaith activity, and W.D. Mohammad also spoke on the relationship between upliftment through business in conjunction with spiritual devotion. W.D. Mohammad also spoke on the Qu'ran's guidance on the ideal of interfaith harmony and cooperation.

Here are a couple of pictures from the event:

A number of people requested my slide show. So I post it here. (It can be downloaded from the Scribd site):

Read this doc on Scribd: Charleston Congres of Religions

Conflict Resolution - Speaking engagement at College of Charleston Religious Studies

This weekend I will be on a program together with long time colleague, W. Dean Mohammad, in Charleston, South Carolina.

I will write up my experience after my return.

Modest success at the AAR

As reported just below, and here, New World Encyclopedia was presented during the reception of the Inter Religious Federation for World Peace (IRFWP) at the annual conference of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) . Frank Kaufmann, moderated the session in which Arts and Literature editor, David Burgess, and History and Biography Editor, Clinton Bennett offered presentations (accompanied by power point) to explain issues surrounding fact and value as pertains to their respective areas of editorial responsibility.

We wished for a better turn out in the "voluntary" environment of convention receptions, but we are grateful indeed for the strong and sincere interest plainly shown by those in attendance. Professors and students included those from Yale, Calvin, Fuller, and others. For this we are grateful.

The catering and banquet services from the Manchester Grand Hyatt, for the reception following the panel presentation, were exceptional. We extend our thanks and happily make mention here of their fine support for our event.

On the morning following our reception, editors present taped interviews for films that are now in production to accompany the forthcoming release of the New World Encyclopedia. Hard Rock Hotel, whom we also wish sincerely to thank, generously provided free space for filming.

Here are a few images of our time together.

IRFWP reception at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion, 2007

The Inter Religious Federation for World Peace (IRFWP) and its predecessors hold a reception at the annual conference of the American Academy of Religion (AAR), and have done so every year since 1981.

Below is the announcement and information for our reception this year. If you are in San Diego, please be sure to visit. We would love to see you.

clipped from www.aarweb.org

Follow this link to see the list of program units from this year's conference

Here is the announcement for the IRFWP meeting this year.

M16-119 - Annual Reception: Interreligious Federation for World Peace (IRFWP) and New World Encyclopedia

Friday (November 16), 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

This year the Interreligious Federation for World Peace (IRFWP) and the Religion Office of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) continues with the second in the series of receptions introducing to the Academy the pending launch and ongoing progress of the New World Encyclopedia (a full, general knowledge encyclopedia based in universal values).

SURV Meeting at SUNY Purchase

On Wednesday evening, November 7, 2007, I had the pleasure to work with Theo Wilson, Kimiyake Miyahira, and the leadership of Students United in Realizing the Vision (SURV) at SUNY Purchase to speak at their meeting devoted to Family and Identity. My presentation was on The Relationship between family and the pursuit of peace.

Ms. Sophia Kirkley presented on two youth movements, namely Service for Peace (SFP), and College Association for the Research of Principles (CARP). Also included in the program were informal and personal meeting activities as well as small group discussion sessions.

These are an inspired and inspiring young people who hold promise for positive leadership now and in the future.

Here are a few pictures from the event:

Conference on the Convergence of Science and Spirituality

My day at the Conference on the Convergence of Science and Spirituality proved edifying and delightful at every turn.

The conference transpired in honor of Professor T.D. Singh, International Director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute

Larry Goldberg assembled a sterling line up of speakers and presenters, every one worthy of mention, including creation theologian Matthew Fox and Iliff president David Trickett to name just two.

I personally found every talk genuinely educational and transformative, and learned a great deal from each one. The morning tended to have the papers with spirit as the starting point, and the afternoon tended to have papers with science as the starting point.

An unexpected and enriching addition to the conference was Errol and Rochelle Strider founders of Innertainment

Here is a little slide show with some images from the conference and related gatherings and events:



Many thanks and much praise for the organizers, presenters, participants, and generous patrons of this lovely and important occasion.