Living Buddhism Conference 2008

Call for Workshop Contributions

1^st to 4^th May 2008: 5^th LIVING BUDDHISM CONFERENCE

BREAKING THE MOULD: BUDDHISM COMES WEST & GETS ENGAGED

In Narborough, Leicestershire, UK

Call for Workshop contributions

We invite workshop contributions at the main conference.

These will be 90 minutes sessions on the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th of May. We envisage some 5 parallel sessions from which participants will be able to choose.

The conference will bring together the personal and the social, the spiritual and the practical dimensions of the Dharma and invite reflection on the path ahead.

This topic can embrace a multitude of perspectives:
Spirituality + Arts + Social Action + Dharma practice + Chaplaincy + Buddhist Psychology + Healing + Writing + Aid + Peacework + Dharma study + Groupwork + Research + Volunteering + Religious vocation + Mutual aid + New technology + Interfaith

We will need:

1. A workshop title.
2. Your name and any title and affiliation you would like to have on the programme.
3. A short summary of your workshop, its topic and perhaps something about its form (experiential, discussion, etc) – up to 100 words.
4. Any limitations on your availability that are important when scheduling workshops.
5. Any specific requirements that might influence which room the workshop is scheduled in (space to move around etc).
6. Any audio visual aids required (we can provide a flip chart but not PowerPoint).

If you wish to offer a workshop or would like further information
please contact Bhaktika (Mike Fitter) at mikefitter@blueyonder.co.uk or phone +44(0)114 272 4290

Welcome

The 5th Living Buddhism Conference

"Breaking the Mould: Does Buddhism Need to Change?

Narborough, Leicestershire in April-May 2008

BOOKING FORM (.pdf)

• 26-27 April: Pre-Conference Gathering: Practice, Discussions, Gatherings
• 28-30 April: Pre-Conference Events: Monday Outing; Tuesday & Wednesday Mini-conferences "Buddhism & Arts", "Amida Around the World", "Buddhism in a Multi-Faith World", "Buddhist Education".
• 1-4 May: Conference Proper: Keynote Speakers, Plenary Sessions, Presentations, Workshops, Exhibitions, Bookshop, Entertainment.
• 2 May Friday Evening Open Session: Arts & Spirituality

The next Living Buddhism Conference takes as its theme "Breaking the Mould". Buddhism is entering the Western world and as in each of its previous cultural transitions, it has to change and adapt. At the same time, Buddhism aims to break the mould of the society that it enters. Where there has been greed, Buddhism teaches generosity; where there has been hatred, love; where there has been pride, selflessness; and where there has been fear, faith. In the west Buddhism is so far primarily known as a quietistic practice for cultivating personal calm. Surely it has more to offer. This conference will bring together the personal and the social, the spiritual and the practical dimensions of the Dharma and invite reflection on the path ahead and ask: Does Buddhism need to change?.

This topic can embrace a multitude of perspectives:
Spirituality + Arts + Social Action + Dharma practice + Chaplaincy + Buddhist Psychology + Healing + Writing + Aid + Peacework + Dharma study + Groupwork + Research + Volunteering + Religious vocation + Mutual aid + New technology + Interfaith
.... and all the richness of the Amida-shu / Amida-kai universe.

Cost:     Fullboard - Twin £185 - Dorm £155 - Non Residential £145 - Cost per day £55

Key Speakers include... Mary Midgley, philosopher and author, Jim Pym Leading figure in the Pure Land Buddhist Fellowship Wendy Dossett University of Wales Kazuo Yamashita Japan, Shin-shu Counselling David Dharmavidya Brazier Head of Amida Order, Author, Innovator Caroline Prasada Brazier Author, Buddhist Priest, Psychotherapist Alan Oliver USA, Ashoka Network, Buddhist Economics, formerly World Buddhist university Dennis Oliver Christian Buddhist Parami McMillan Western Buddhist Order

Enquiries: Please contect Sundari