Week 7: New Website

Hi UBA friends,

We hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend! Just a quick reminder: we continue our regular meetings this Tuesday, January 20th from 5:30-7 pm at the UCC (633 Gayley Avenue, across from the UCLA campus). Our meetings are facilitated by Reverend Kusala, who leads us in a dharma discussion followed by a chance to ask questions and a meditation. Previous dharma discussions are available in podcast form at Rev. Kusala's website: www.dharmatalks.info.

Also, the new UBA website is up and running. You can access it through the same URL: www.theuba.org. Please check it out and tell us what you think!

And as always, if you have any questions, comments, or ideas for events you'd like to see us put together, email us at uba.ucla.online@gmail.com. Have a great week!

The Passing of Ven. Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen

Venerable Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen
Founder and Spritual Director of Thubten Dhargye Ling

"Dear Friends,

We have very sad news. Our great and dear teacher Ven. Geshe Gyeltsen passed from our world today, Friday February 13th at around 12:20 p.m. Ven. Geshela died peacefully, surrounded by monks from Gaden Shartse Monastery and family members.

All prayers and necessary rituals were performed by the monks. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other lamas called and spoke to Ven. Geshela earlier this week.

Please pray for Geshela's swift return to continue his teachings for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Students are encouraged to include the King of Prayers into their daily practice, wishing Geshela to return quickly to continue to teach us.

Thubten Dhargye Ling / Center for the Study of Buddhism and Tibetan Culture"

Learn more about Venerable Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsten.

Photo from UrbanDharma

A Conversation on Science, Ethics, and Religion

Thanks to Ven. Kusala from UrbanDharma for sending information about this event.


Esteemed American Buddhist scholar and activist Robert Thurman will be appearing at the Skirball in mid-February, speaking on the topic of science, ethics, and religion with renowned inventor and engineer Danny Hillis. Presented in celebration of Charles Darwin's 200th birthday, the conversation between Dr. Thurman and Dr. Hillis should make for a compelling evening. Details are below.

A CONVERSATION ON SCIENCE, ETHICS, AND RELIGION

Robert Thurman and Danny Hillis

Thursday, February 12, 8:00 p.m.

$15 General; $12 Skirball Members; $10 Full-Time Students

Advance tickets: Available on site at the Skirball, online at www.skirball.org, or by phone at (877) SCC-4TIX or (877) 722-4849

Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049

Preeminent figures in the fields of religion and technology, Dr. Robert Thurman and Dr. Danny Hillis engage in a thought-provoking conversation on scientific progress and its impact on society. Robert Thurman has cultivated a worldwide awareness of Tibet through his academic and popular writing, translation of important Buddhist texts, and commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the China-Tibet conflict. Danny Hillis is a respected figure in the technology community. He is an inventor, scientist, author, and engineer. He holds more than eighty U.S. patents and is the designer of the 10,000-year mechanical clock. Presented by the Skirball in celebration of the bicentennial of Charles Darwin.

Urban Dharma Newsletter 12-16-08

From the Urban Dharma website, here's the latest newsletter posted by Venerable Kusala:

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The Urban Dharma Newsletter - December 16, 2008
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In This Issue: Dana in Buddhism
1. Dana - From Wikipedia
2. The Offering of Dana
3. Dana - Portland Buddhist Priory
4. Buddhist Way of Life (Dãna) Written by Dr. Chuen 5. DANA / HINDU AND BUDDHIST IDEAL OF SHARING
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"HI,

This newsletter deals with the idea of generosity in Buddhism, Dana.

On a personal note, I must say I have been touched over the years by the kindness and genrosity of many people, making it possible for me to share the Dharma.

Just this year I have receive small donations from kind and interested people wanting to support the Dharma and my work... Donations of $5, $10 and $20 help me keep UrbanDharma.org up and running without advertisements of any kind... Donations help me update hardware and software, post audio and Video, help me share my practice and teachings with folks around the world.

A special thanks to International Buddhist Meditation Center for supporting me, my work and the animals I take care of... I couldn’t have done it without you.

To all of you who supported me in 2008 with time, money, advice, cat food and human food... A Big Thank You.

May 2009 be your best year ever, may you find peace, joy and happiness in the present moment experience of your life.

Peace... Kusala"

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Urban Dharma Newsletter 11-28-08

In This Issue: Buddhism and Bhikkhu Bodhi

HI,

It's been awhile since the last newsletter, life is really full...
This newsletter is focused on Bhikkhu Bodhi... I hope you find it useful and interesting.

-Kusala-

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2009 Buddhist Calender

Hi everyone,

Thanksgiving is only a few days away and yet, stores are already featuring their Christmas products and setting up Christmas decorations - it seems like the year just passes by so fast. But as we look forward to all the wonderful things winter has to bring, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas break, it's always important to be mindful of the present moment.

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." -- Words of the Buddha --

In light of those words, to help everyone keep in the present moment, here is the link to a 2009 Buddhist calendar posted on the Urban Dharma website: http://www.urbandharma.org/pdf/2009_calendar.pdf.

While it may seem contradictory to offer a calender for the coming year while suggesting to stay in the present moment, I find that one of the best ways to stay in the present moment is to know where the present moment lies relative to the past and present. In other words, do not dwell upon the upcoming year or what has happened in this past year, but merely be aware of the past and present that has been and is to come, and you will be much more conscious of the present.

With hopes of thanks and giving for everyone,
Eric

Week 6: Dharma Talk & Beach Clean-Up

Hi UBA friends,

Here we are in 6th week - my, how the quarter flies by! Just a quick note reminding you that we hold our weekly meditation meeting this Tuesday, November 4th (election day!) from 5:30-7 pm at the University Catholic Center (633 Gayley Ave). Our meetings are facilitated byReverend Kusala, who leads us in a dharma discussion followed by a chance to ask questions and a meditation. Previous dharma discussions are available in podcast form at Rev. Kusala's website: www.dharmatalks.info.

As for another upcoming event, we are planning a beach clean-up community service day for Saturday, November 15th, from approximately 10 am to 2 pm. More details will be available closer to that weekend, but if you're at all interested in coming along to help us, send us an email at ucla.uba.online@gmail.com.

Also, we will NOT be holding our regular meditation meeting next Tuesday (November 11th) due to the Veteran's Day holiday.

Thanks everyone! Have a great week.

Week 5: Dharma Talk and Upcoming Retreat

Hello UBA friends,

A few things to announce this week...

As usual, we continue our regular meetings this Tuesday, October 28th from 5:30-7 pm at the UCC (633 Gayley Avenue, across from the UCLA campus). Our meetings are facilitated by Reverend Kusala, who leads us in a dharma discussion followed by a chance to ask questions and a meditation. Previous dharma discussions are available in podcast format Rev. Kusala's website: www.dharmatalks.info.

Also, the weekend after next we will be traveling to Escondido, CA (San Diego area) for the annual Deer Park Monastery weekend retreat for college students, Nov. 7-9th. We plan to leave by 1 pm Friday and return by 4 or 5 pm Sunday, depending on traffic. The retreat is a great chance to experience a taste of life in a Buddhist monastery and we generally participate in activities such as meditation, dharma discussions, hiking, and enjoying delicious vegetarian meals. More info can be found at http://www.deerparkmonastery.org/events/retreats/college-retreat.ics.

The retreat will cost $40 for students for the weekend, which includes room and board in dormitory-style housing and all meals.

If you are interested and have not already done so, please RSVP as soon as you can so that we can get a head count - we will try to provide rides but we are extremely limited on car space, so let us know if you would like to go and if you are able to drive, how many people will fit in your car besides yourself. It will be very much appreciated!! After we get an idea of who is interested in coming, we will send more information on how to register.

Please email us at ucla.uba.online@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks and happy 5th week - best of luck on those midterms! Don't forget to take a relaxing and centering breath beforehand to remain focused...

Urban Dharma Newsletter 9-14-08

In This Issue: Buddhism and Ordained Women

HI,

This newsletter is focused on the Bhikkhuni (Bhiksuni) Sangha, the nun’s of Buddhism... I hope you find it useful and interesting.

-Kusala-

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Dharma Tube

Yes, there is a Dharma Tube! It is run by the same venerable that runs the Urban Dharma website, Venerable Kusala Bhikshu. Dharma Tube includes various videos not only on Buddhism, but also topics relating to how the world works.

"DharmaTube.org --- is home to a variety of Dharma (Truth) recorded on video and audio for free online viewing and listening (Flash Video/Audio). Kusala and friends share the Dharma in a simple non-technical way to support the Buddhist ideal of ending suffering through clarity and kindness."

So far, I've watched three videos - "The Fly", "Stroke of Insight", and "The Story of Stuff". I especially recommend the last one. It's a quick-paced, fun, and informative video about where all our "stuff" is from and where it goes.

And don't forget, Venerable Kusala also uploads personal podcasts of his dharma talks at various schools, churchs, conferences, and so forth. Enjoy!

Buddhist song book launched

"The first ever Malaysian-produced Buddhist song book, which comes with music notation for piano as well as lyrics and guitar chords, has been published.

Produced by Buddhist music enthusiasts from Setenang Buddhist Society, Dharma Tunes Volume 1 is aimed at promoting and popularising Buddhist music that is inspired by Buddha’s teachings, and making Buddhist singing part of the culture of every Buddhist community."

I have always been attracted to (and even a bit jealous of) the songs Chrisitian sing as part of their practice. Many fellowships targeting the youth use a combination of modern tunes (guitar, piano, drums, etc.) and combine them with Christian-based lyrics. It's a great way to spread the teachings to the younger generation. I'm so glad Buddhism is also using modern music to spread the teachings of the Buddha. This is not the first or only Buddhist music out there. The Urban Dharma website also features free mp3 downloads of "Music in the Dharma". Enjoy!

Urban Dharma Newsletter

In This Issue: Monastic Buddhism in America

1. How Will the Sangha Fare in North American Buddhism? - Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi

HI, This is a special Urban Dharma Newsletter... It is a paper by the Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi on why the monastic sangha in important in America... I hope you find it interesting and useful.

Peace... Kusala

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