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Poetry of the Killing Fields

| arun

Contra Costa Times writes about Buddhist monk Ly Van, who left behind two works of poetry noted for their stunning “lyricism, poignancy and richness” which have since been formatted for broad distribution.

In an immaculate Khmer calligraphy, the 90-year-old monk transcribed two long narrative poems he had written, one called “The Khmer Rouge Regime: A Personal Nightmare” and the other titled “The Unfortunate Love of Sophoan Chea,” a tragic tale also set in the time of the Khmer Rouge.

Feeling the Khmer-language poetry deserved a larger audience, educator Samkhann Khoeun meticulously translated the work and created a book and a Khmer-language CD titled “O! Maha Mount Dangrek: Poetry of Cambodian Refugee Experiences.” The title refers to the treacherous mountain many Cambodians had to traverse to escape their homeland and cross the border into Thailand and the refugee camps.

A national tour is giving public readings, and they’re now in Southern California. Check out the presentation tomorrow at the Mark Twain Library in Long Beach.

Religions Separate and Different

| arun

This morning I read Stephen Porthero’s Boston Globe piece on why it’s important not to think all religions are intrinsically the same—that they are substantively different. His argument is well articulated. All religions accept that there is some intrinsic problem with the world as-is—but they diagnose this problem differently and prescribe very different treatments aiming at sometimes diametrically opposed outcomes. (Medical analogy may not be the most appropriate here, but it’s early in the morning for me.)

When it comes to international conflicts where religion is involved, he argues, it’s important to take these differences into account. I can accept this—up to a point. I am very weary of assuming that humanity’s religious differences are at the forefront of today’s so-called “Clash of Civilizations.” These differences are, in my view, merely contributing factors to larger political and socio-economic conflicts, which use religion and culture as the playing field on which to wage battle.

I’m quite happy with Prothero’s argument that religions are actually different. This is in fact what I believe about Buddhism. At the same time, I’m not sure if I buy into the political implications he extends—but my uncertainty may simply be rooted in that I don’t understand his argument well enough yet.

Buddhist America in the Press

| arun

Here’s a summary of what the press has been noticing about Buddhist America during the “week” from April 6–12.

You can check out previous summaries here, here and here. More updates to come.

Monkish Nomenclature

| arun

Jundo Cohen addresses some confusion over the use of the term “monk” in Zen settings and its often tacit association with an ascetic and solitary lifestyle—especially when the term is pointed at him.

In the West, more and more, Zen clergy have come to resemble Protestant Christian Ministers, married with family and, very often, with outside jobs to pay the bills, yet leading a congregation.

That’s why calling many of us “Zen Monks” is kinda funny, excepting those periods of months or years when Zen clergy live and train in a monastery, usually in a celibate situation. (Then, the name “Zen monk” is appropriate). After that, most live in temples, with their families — wife and kids. So, maybe “Zen Priest” is a better term, or “Zen Minister”… or perhaps just “Zen Teacher”or “Zen Clergy”…

An old friend of mine is the son of a Shin Buddhist minister, and he used to routinely refer to his father as a monk. Other Buddhists gave my friend quite a bit of flak over his terminology. In contrast, Cohen is willing to bow to convention and accept the ascetic sense of the word monk, rather than trying to stake a flag in it. He could certainly provide justification to do so, but alternative titles are proposed instead. I find that admirable.

Hanamatsuri Greetings!

| arun

Tomorrow marks the celebration of Lord Buddha’s birthday, by modern Japanese reckoning. You may also hear this holiday referred to as Hanamatsuri (花祭) or “Flower Festival.” Here’s a nice Hanamatsuri postfrom a Seattle blogger. Not knowing the typical greetings for this holiday, I’ve invented my own below.

If you happen to know of a customary Hanamatsuri greeting—or if you have a fun alternative—I’d love to hear from you. You can learn a little more about the holiday here.

Buddhist America in the Press

| arun

My news feed was particularly clogged by Tiger Woods and The Amazing Race. Missed those? See below…

Previous lists here and here. I’m inclined to feel the Long Beach Buddhists were misquoted in the press, but even so, stay tuned for a post on meditation and Buddhism in Long Beach! (Sometime in the distant future.)

Why Are Thai Monks Protesting?

| arun

According to Phra Cittasamvaro, it’s because Thai monks are, after all, mere mortals.

In fact monks are like any other Thai – they have opinions too. The reason Thailand keeps them away from politics is to stop popular teaching monks using their ‘moral credentials’ to sway voters for one party or another. It is probably a good idea.

[…]

Monks feel that even if they should not be involved in party politics, they are quite free to take a moral stance, which is why so many have joined the Red Shirt rally over the last few weeks. Naturally, where the line is drawn between politics and morality is very flexible…

I encourage you to read his thoughts in full. For the perspective of a couple academics on this issue, check out Danny Fisher’s interview on Shambhala SunSpace.

Hanamatsuri in Downtown LA

| arun

Here’s some Downtown Los Angeles Buddhist community news straight from the Rafu Shimpo via Little Tokyo UnBlogged.

Already, Hanamatsuri, the celebration of the Buddha’s birthday is right around the corner. This year’s Los Angeles Buddhist Church Federation’s Hanamatsuri will be held on Sunday, April 11 from 1 p.m. at the Jodoshu North America Buddhist Missions at 442 East Third Street in Little Tokyo. The theme of this year’s celebration is Buddhism and Compassion.

The celebration will begin at 1 p.m. with a special performance of by Kinnara Gagaku of Senshin Buddhist Temple. The visually stunning Bugaku, the classical dance that accompanies Gagaku music will be the featured part of this year’s performance.

The Hanamatsuri Service conducted by over ten priests of the federation temples will begin at 1:20 p.m. The traditional chanting of the priests will be enhanced by the music of Gagaku. An awards presentation for the winners of this year’s Children’s Art and Photography contests will take place immediately after the service.

This year’s highlight will be the commemorative lecture on Buddhism and Compassion delivered by Dr. Glenn Webb, Professor Emeritus of Pepperdine University and one of our country’s leading Buddhist scholars.

In addition to the celebration on April 11, the annual Hanamatsuri Golf Tournament was held on Friday, March 26 at California Country Club. The funds raised at this event will go towards maintaining the annual LABCC Buddhist Summer Camp program.

The Hanamatsuri Children’s Art and Photo exhibition will be on display at the Jodoshu North America Buddhist Missions from April 11 through April 19.

For more information, please contact (213) 626-4200 or info@hhbt-la.org.

Buddhist America in the Press

| arun

Who knew there’d be so much going on in Buddhist America? Below are some news pieces from the past three days.

  • Socho Koshin Ogui heads to Gardena Buddhist Church on April 10–11 to participate in services and lead a “Meditation in Jodo Shinshu” seminar. [Gardena Buddhist Church]
  • Vanderbilt University celebrates Magha Puja along with Passover and Easter. [Vanderbilt Hustler]
  • The Dalai Lama will be in Atlanta at Emory University in October talking about interfaith dialogue, science, meditation and spirituality. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]
  • More discussion of Tiger Wood’s moral journey with a brief mention of his Buddhist faith. [New York Times]
  • The Korean Jogye Order advertises a Templestay program for overseas tourists to “relax, reflect and revitalize” at Korean Buddhist temples. [Toronto Sun]
  • What’s the story behind Bodhi Hawn Hudson’s name? [Us Magazine]
  • I would never have guessed that recently deceased Robert Mander was (spiritually?) Buddhist. [CBC News]
  • A profile of Kevin Trainor, professor and chair of religion at the University of Vermont, spotlights his research which “might discomfit some 21st century American converts.” [UVM University Communications]
  • Sir Edmund Hillary’s remaining ashes are to be taken from a Buddhist monastery in Nepal to the summit of Mount Everest. [AFP]
  • San Francisco’s Franklin Square Park might soon get an Ikeda Peace Gate, donated by Soka Gakkai International. [San Francisco Examiner]
  • Vajrapani Buddhist Center in Orlando, Florida hosts a special Buddha’s Enlightenment Day class on April 15. [Orlando Sentinel]
  • I can’t think of a single Buddhist blogger who hasn’t heard about the upcoming PBS program, “The Buddha.” [The Oklahoman]
  • Hanamatsuri and Easter are being celebrated all throughout Southern California this coming weekend. [Rafu Shimpo]
  • Gelek Rinpoche is in Seattle April 2 and 3 teaching the “Fearless Compassion” workshop. [Examiner.com]
  • Wat Buddharangsi in Miami-Dade will be hosting both a Jade Buddha exhibition and also its yearly Songkran festival. [Sun Sentinel]

Check out the previous list here.

Update: I just realized that a few of these pieces have nothing to do with “Buddhist America”—or at least the “America” part. I’ll try better next time.