Ew 13-part Tv Series On Buddhism In Canada

Path to Enlightenment: New 13-part Series on Buddhism in Canada Today

TORONTO, Dec. 12 /CNW/ - Twenty-five centuries after Buddhism was

founded, its ancient principles continue to transform the minds and hearts of

millions worldwide - including a strong following in Canada. In answer to this

widespread popularity and practice, Rogers OMNI Television has put together

Path to Enlightenment, a 13-part weekly series that documents Buddhism in

Canada today.

Ontario-based Rogers OMNI.2 will launch the series this Sunday, December

17th at 11:00 p.m. Rogers OMNI10/BC will premiere Path to Enlightenment in

early 2007.

"Path to Enlightenment looks at the enduring philosophy of Buddhism from

a contemporary perspective, offsetting its documented wisdoms with today's

sensibilities," says Madeline Ziniak, Vice President and Station Manager. "The

series was produced in English for wider accessibility throughout language and

ethnocultural communities, reflecting the shared diversity within Buddhism and

throughout our audience."

Sample stories include: a day in the life of a Korean bhikkhuni ("nun") in

Toronto; ethics for everyday life and the teaching of Buddhism in a Western

context. Studio interviews invite special guests to elaborate on the topic of

the week and expand the viewer's understanding of it, while exploring

underlying questions such as the godlessness of the religion, its position

toward women and the non-violent nature of Buddhist philosophy.

What is so powerful about Buddhist teachings? How does Buddhist

philosophy still shape our lives today? From meditation to art, from family to

business ethics, Path to Enlightenment shows how Buddha's teachings can

provide its practitioners with wisdom, happiness and freedom from suffering.

Alan Ping-Tim Ko, story producer for OMNI's Diversity Production Unit,

produced the series. Dr. Veronique Tomaszewski Ramses, a sociologist currently

conducting research on the spread of Buddhism in the West was assistant

producer and main writer; she also teaches Religion and Society at Glendon

College. Glen Choi, host/reporter for Path to Enlightenment, has a Masters in

Buddhist studies from Dongguk University, in Seoul, Korea; he currently serves

as a registrar at the Nalanda College of Buddhist Studies in Toronto.

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