Annual Buddhist Forum 2006

[sabaijai]

Stop Chasing, Look Within

MAIN TOPICS

Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Age

(Day 1, Session 1) by Venerable Ajahn Brahmavamso

Does Western Society need Buddhism?

Doorways to a Buddhist Life

(Day 1, Session 2) by Venerable Sujato & Patrick Kearney

Finding a Path without Beliefs.

Just Do It!

(Day 1, Session 3) by Sister Pema Chodron & Venerable Miao You

What is Buddhist Practice? Why meditate?

Socially Engaged Buddhism

(Day 2, Session 4) by Venerable Phuoc Tan

Can I Ever Give Enough?

Clarity in the Midst of Agony

(Day 2, Session 5) by Venerable Thubten Dondrup

How to deal with intense suffering.

Roadmap to Worldly Success

(Day 2, Session 6) by Venerable Tiradhammo

Developing qualities for the journey ahead.

MULTI-TIERING TOPICS

Meditation Sessions

Meditation techniques, the sitting posture and walking meditation.

Social and historical facets of Buddhism

Discussion on cultural influence, rituals and prayers in different traditions including their benefits and limitations.

What is the Middle Path?

Why follow the 5 precepts and to what extent? Can we take only what we want out of it? Is Buddhism pessimistic?

Does Karma determine our fate?

Can you ever get away with harmful behaviour and is being good always a good thing?

What is Nirvana? State of mind or Place?

Understanding and exploring the ultimate goal of Buddhism.

Interconnectedness of the Universe

What is it that binds us all together in this Universe? Was there a start, and is there an end? Session may include sutta (textual) studies on dependent origination.

Our Aim...

The focus of this year’s Forum is to explore the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s society. With a high emphasis on materialism in today’s world of chasing and grasping to external objects, we thought the forum would be timely reminder of the wisdom within the Dharma (the Buddha’s teachings).

This year’s theme - Stop Chasing ... Look Within - encourages us to examine the greater awareness within ourselves ... a source of wisdom we often overlook as we get caught up in our striving for day-to-day goals. Participants will also be introduced to the practice of meditation.

Location

The Women's College - 15 Carillon Ave, Newtown, Sydney, NSW

[thaibebop]

Interesting how many of these forums take place in Western locations.