Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form

If you have been coming to our weekly dharma talk meetings, this will sound familiar to you. We have been going over the heart sutra during the last few weeks and this is one of the core concepts: "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form". Though I don't like the title of this article (because I don't necessarily think it's a paradox), here's a brief summary of what "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form" could possibly mean from The Times of India.

"By way of explanation, we are asked to observe a cup or any other container. Is the cup empty when it does not contain any liquid or solid in it? We say yes, it’s empty. But is it really empty? No, it’s not. It is full of air. Even when the glass is in a state of vacuum, it is not empty. It still contains space, radiation and maybe light.

Therefore the Buddhist point of view differs from convention. The cup is always full of something or the other. To describe it philosophically, the cup is devoid of its inherent existence. It has come into existence because of many other conditions coming into play."

Read full article.

Week 9: Memorial Day Monday

Hello UBA friends,

First off, it was great to see so many of you come out this past weekend to celebrate Vesak with us! A very special thanks to everyone that made it possible - not just staff members but Reverend Kusala as well as everyone that came to support the event - we couldn't have done it without all of you!

Next, just a reminder as the quarter winds down that we continue our weekly meditation meetings this week at the UCC (633 Gayley Avenue) from 5:30-7 pm on Tuesday, May 26th. Our meetings are facilitated by Reverend Kusala, who leads us in a dharma discussion followed by a chance to ask questions and meditate. Previous dharma discussions are available in podcast form at Rev. Kusala's website: www.dharmatalks.info. We hope to see many of you there as this is one of our last two meetings this year!

Finally, we hope you are enjoying the Memorial Day weekend whether it is spent among friends and family or simply as a chance to relax and reflect on the meaning of the day. Wishing you a great rest of the week and we hope to see many of you on Tuesday.

Week 8: Vesak Day!

Hello UBA friends,

First, a quick note to remind you about our weekly meditation meeting this Tuesday, May 19th from 5:30-7 pm at the UCC (633 Gayley). As always, 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, we would like to formally invite each and every one of you to our special annual Vesak event presented in conjunction with SCUBA, the Southern California University Buddhist Association, held this year at UCLA. Here are some details on the event:

Who: Southern California University Buddhist Association (SCUBA)

What: Vesak Day (or Buddha Day) celebrates the birth, the enlightenment, and the passing away of the Buddha. It is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world as a remembrance of the Buddha and his universal message of peace to humankind.

Come out and learn more about Buddhism with the University Buddhist Association! Everyone is welcome - Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. The event is FREE and will consist of cultural performances, speakers, a brief Bathing of the Buddha ceremony, a Q&A session, and lunch!

Performances by: Chinese Cultural Dance Club and BOCA Youth Group Choir

Speakers: Don Farber, a renowned photographer of the Dalai Lama and Buddhist Life; Venerable Miao Shi, of Hsi Lai Temple; Venerable Pannaloka of Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara

Ceremony Led by: Ven. Huei Hsuen of Dharma Seal Temple

When: Saturday, May 23, 2009 11:00am - 2:00pm (doors open at 10:30 am)

Where: Charles E Young Grand Salon in Kerckhoff Hall, UCLA 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Why: To watch amazing performances, listen to great speakers, learn something about Buddhism, and eat delicious and free food.

Please join our facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=76892984253

For more info, contact us at ucla.uba.online@gmail.com.

Week 7: Back to the UCC

Hello UBA friends,

Just a quick note to remind you that our weekly meditation meetings continue this week, back at the regular location at the University Catholic Center, from 5:30-7 pm on Tuesday, May 12th. 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.

We would also like to remind you that UBA t-shirts are available for purchase for $15 dollars. To check out the designs and for contact info, visit our blog at http://www.theuba.blogspot.com/.

We are also still recruiting staff for next year! All types and levels of experience are welcome. Come talk to one of the staff members, or reply to this email, if you're interested or if you have more questions about what positions are available (or can be created just for you!)

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!

Week 6: Meeting Location Moved, This Week Only!

Hi UBA friends,

The big news this week, as mentioned last week, is that we will be temporarily moving our regular meeting location from the UCC on Gayley Avenue to the University Religious Conference building, located at 900 Hilgard Avenue, on the opposite side of campus from the UCC, where we meet normally. A link to a map can be found here.

The format of the meeting will be largely the same, with a dharma talk facilitated by Reverend Kusala, who will lead us in a discussion followed by a chance to ask questions and a chance to practice meditation. We hope to see many of you there, even if it is on the other side of campus from our normal meeting place!

Also, many of you may be interested in an event taking place this upcoming weekend. The information is attached below:

------------------------------------
Book signing and Talk,
in honor of Paul Discoe and his new book,
ZEN ARCHITECTURE: The Building Process as Practice

Saturday, May 9, 2009
2-3 pm
Beginner's Mind Zen Center:
9325 Lasaine Ave., Northridge, CA 91325

Paul Discoe is a visionary designer and Zen Buddhist priest who helped transform a rustic hot spring resort into Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. Ordained by Suzuki Roshi, he traveled to Japan to apprentice with traditional temple builders. Since then Discoe has designed and built Zen temples, residential projects, grand estates and modular structures. His team at Joinery Structures recently created a modular cardboard zendo for the Burning Man Festival. Currently he is working on Sonoma Mandala, a new Zen temple complex for the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center.

Discoe has increasingly focused on evolving more sustainable design and building practices. His commitment to the environment (and a deep respect for wood itself) led him to open an urban lumber mill that salvages and recycles trees cut down by the City of Oakland. Paul Discoe's newest enterprise, Live Edge, will use those recycled materials to create low-cost prefabricated housing systems and furniture.

View & print flyer at: http://pijay-wa.com/discoe3.jpg

Week 5: Half-way through the Quarter!

Hi UBA friends,

As usual, we continue our regular meetings this Tuesday, April 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 form at Rev. Kusala's website: www.dharmatalks.info.

Also, just as a heads-up: next week we will be moving the location of our meeting just for that day, the 5th of May (which, incidentally, we will be celebrating with cinco de mayo-themed snacks, for those interested!) This special-edition UBA meeting will be held at the University Religious Conference (URC) building, which is located at 900 Hilgard Avenue, on the opposite side of campus from the UCC, where we meet normally. A link to a map can be found here:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=900+Hilgard+Ave+Los+Angeles+Ca&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=28.667509,56.601563&ie=UTF8&ll=34.06633,-118.440793&spn=0.007306,0.013819&z=16&iwloc=r9

We hope to see many of you at the UCC this week and the URC next week!
Have a great one.

Week 4: A Concert for Burma!

Hi UBA friends,

As usual, we will be holding our weekly meditation meeting this Tuesday, April 21st 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.

We would also like to announce a special on-campus event we think many of you would be interested in attending.

The Mighty Mic concert, an annual tradition, will be held this Tuesday in support of various human rights organizations working to bring peace to Burma. It starts during our regular meeting on Tuesday, but many of us will be heading over to Ackerman Grand Ballroom right after to check out the concert, if anybody's interested in joining us. Here's some information from the event's Facebook page:

***

The 3rd ANNUAL MIGHTY MIC HUMAN RIGHTS AWARENESS CONCERT

Benefit for Burma
April 21, 2009, Ackerman Grand Ballroom
6-10pm
doors open at 5:45

Los Angeles, CA (April 6, 2009) - On Tuesday, April 21, thousands of students and community members will come together to make history at the 3rd Annual Mighty Mic Human Rights Awareness Concert at UCLA, Benefit for Burma. This student-run non-profit concert attracts about 2,000 attendees annually and is fast becoming a beloved UCLA tradition. Last year, Mighty Mic raised over $20,000 for the refugees of Darfur.

This year, Mighty Mic will highlight the struggle for human rights in Burma, a country that has been under the rule of an all-oppressive military junta for 43 years, making it the 4th least free country in the world. Learn more about the human rights violations, including the abuse of ethnic minorities, mass rape of women, forced labor, mandatory relocations, and child soldiers.

Benefit For Burma 2009's multi-media showcase will feature an eclectic mix of artists from many genres such as rock, indie, and hip-hop, as well as relevant educational content in the form of speakers and videos which will entertain, inform, and inspire attendees.

For information on the lineup of artists and guest speakers: www.mightymic.org

Although the concert is free, donations are highly encouraged as all proceeds will go towards Doctors Without Borders, USA, and US Campaign for Burma.

***

If you have any questions or comments for us, as always, feel free to
send us an email at ucla.uba.online@gmail.com. Have a great week and a
happy Earth Day!

For more information, ticketing, press passes, vendor and sponsorship
opportunities visit www.mightymic.org.

Week 3: Dharma Talk and Buddhist Resources

Hi UBA friends,

Just a quick reminder that we continue our weekly meditation meetings this Tuesday, April 14th from 5:30-7pm at the University Catholic Center (UCC, 633 Gayley Avenue). As always, 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, for those interested, here are a few links to resources that have been mentioned in past meetings this quarter:

The Debate of King Milinda (e-book): http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/milinda.pdf

Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society (an alternative look at the Buddha's teachings and home of the "Dharma Punx"): http://www.againstthestream.org/

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!

Week 2: Dharma Talk, T-shirts, and more!

Hi UBA friends,

Just a quick note to let you know that we continue our weekly meditation meetings this Tuesday, April 7th from 5:30-7pm at the University Catholic Center (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.

We would also like to remind you that UBA t-shirts are available for purchase for $15 dollars. Show your UBA pride! To check out the designs and for contact info, visit our blog at http://www.theuba.blogspot.com/ .

We are also still recruiting staff for next year! All types and levels of experience are welcome. Come talk to one of the staff members, or reply to this email, if you're interested or if you have more questions about what positions are available (or can be created just for you!)

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!

Week 1: New Start for a New Quarter!

Hello UBA friends,

It's a brand new quarter for the UBA and we'll be starting again with our regular meditation meetings with Reverend Kusala this Tuesday (that's tomorrow!) March 31st, from 5:30-7 pm at the UCC (633 Gayley). We'd love to see you all there!

For any newcomers out there, our meetings are a great way to get to know many different levels and aspects of Buddhism and to meet others with the same interests. Rev. Kusala, whose podcasts can be found on his website at www.dharmatalks.info, leads us in a dharma discussion, followed by a chance to ask questions and the opportunity to meditate.
We also have a website at www.theUBA.org, which offers a few other links that act as a jumping-off point to learn more about Buddhism.

Also, we are starting to work with the new staff members that will help run the UBA next year. We are always looking for more help! All talents and skills are welcome; you do not need any prior experience. Ask any of the staffers or send us an email at ucla.uba.online@gmail.com if you are interested or have any further questions.

And as always, if you have a more general question or comment, please feel free to drop us a line at ucla.uba.online@gmail.com.

Week 9: Guest Speaker Ven. Huei Hsuen

Man, it's been quite a while since I've posted, but I'm back. Stop by our meeting tomorrow; we have a guest speaker, Venerable Huei Hsuen. Hope to see you there!

------

Hello UBA friends,

To begin with, apologies for the lateness of the weekly update; hopefully many of you can still make it to this week's meditation because we are mixing it up a little with a guest speaker! Venerable Huei Hsuen, a Buddhist monastic in the Chinese tradition, will be coming to lead a discussion and meditation. Come ready with questions!

We will be meeting at the usual time and place, from 5:30-7 pm on Tuesday, March 3rd at the University Catholic Center.

In the meantime, we wish Rev. Kusala a speedy recovery after his surgery this week! We hope to see many of you this Tuesday evening as our winter quarter starts to wrap up and, as always, any questions or comments can be directed to ucla.uba.online@gmail.com.

Thank you and have a great week!

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!

Week 6: Picture Day & Staff Recruitment

Hello UBA friends,

A few things to announce this week...

As usual, we continue our regular meetings this Tuesday, February 10th 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.

A special note about our meeting this week is that we are planning to take b of the UBA to replace the rather outdated one on our website. Come be a part of this historic event and feel free to wear your UBA t-shirt if you have one! (Don't have a UBA t-shirt yet?
A situation that can certainly be remedied! Visit our other blog at theuba.blogspot.com for more information.)

Another special and very important note: we are recruiting new staff members for the UBA for the upcoming year! Being on staff is a great opportunity to help bring Buddhism to the wider UCLA community and offers great leadership experience, so give it some thought! No prior experience is necessary and all talents and skills are appreciated and needed. We will have a sign-up sheet available at the next meeting for anyone who is interested.

Thanks everyone! Have a great week and we hope to see you Tuesday.

Week 5: Midterm Stress!

Hi UBA friends,

Wow, it's the middle of the quarter already! If you're finding yourself caught in the midst of midterms stress (or even if you're not!) why not try a nice evening of dharma discussion and meditation with the UBA?

We continue our regular meetings this Tuesday, February 3rd 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.

It is likely that we will be in the downstairs room at the UCC again this week; so just keep that in mind and see if we're around in the room downstairs before coming up the stairs if you don't catch us when we meet at 5:30.

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!

Week 4: Dumpling Night Success!

Hello UBA friends!

First off, last Friday's dumpling night was stuffed full of great food, great company, and great fun! It was so good to see many of you there, and a special thanks to Keith for hosting.

As usual, we continue our regular meetings this Tuesday, January 27th 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.

UBA T-shirts are still available for purchase! For sample pics and price info, check out the right-hand sidebar.

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!

Week 3 - Dumpling Night

Hello UBA friends!

As usual, 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.

We would also like to announce our first event of the quarter - we will be having a dumpling-making and movie night this Friday, January 23rd from 5-9PM at UBA member Keith's apartment. If you are interested, please RSVP to ucla.uba.online@gmail.com by Wednesday January 21st so we know how much food to buy. We will email those who RSVP the address. Hope to see you all there!

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!

Week 2 - Welcome back!

Hello UBA friends,

It was so great to see so many of you this past week! Just a quick note to remind you that we continue our weekly meditation meetings this Tuesday, January 13 from 5:30-7 pm at the University Catholic Center (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.

This week's meeting may be taking place in another room of the UCC, due to another event in our usual meeting place in the chapel, but just take a look around for us on the first floor and you should be able to find us.

Also, we would like to remind everyone that we are still selling UBA t- shirts! To see a sample, visit http://theuba.blogspot.com/ and take a look at the right sidebar of the page. If you would like one, bring $15 to one of our meetings, or contact Eric Ku at eriku@ucla.edu.

Hope to see many of you there on Tuesday - have a great week!

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for events, we would love to hear them. Just send us a message at ucla.uba.online@gmail.com .

Week 1: Welcome to the New Year

Hello UBA friends, 

Here we are in 2009! Please join us for our first meditation meeting of winter quarter this Tuesday, January 6th from 5:30 to 7 pm. We meet at the University Catholic Center (UCC), which is located at 633 Gayley Avenue (across the street from the UCLA campus, between Strathmore and Le Conte, near the fraternity houses). Our meetings are led 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. 

As a non-denominational Buddhist group, our meetings are great for followers of all forms of Buddhism as well as those new to the practice who are looking to learn more. Throughout the quarter we will also continue to offer various events such as talks, field trips, socials, community service days, and retreats. Keep checking our website (www.theUBA.org) for more info on these and other events. 

We will be offering a variety of events outside of our regular meetings as well, so stay tuned for that. We are also looking for some new staff members - if you'd like to get involved, let us know! We are looking for all kinds of skills, whether or not you have prior leadership experience. 

To wrap things up, if you're a returning member, we look forward to seeing you again, and if you're new, welcome! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask, and if you have suggestions for events, feel free to share them with us. 

A happy and peaceful new year to everyone!

Huffington Post: The Power of Group Meditation

Here's an interesting article from The Huffington Post about rituals (religious and secular) and the experience of practicing meditation or contemplative sitting in a group versus doing it alone. She describes the group experience as "a syncing of individual transformative experiences".

From the brief meditation sittings we do during the University Buddhist Association meetings, I can understand and relate to the power for practicing in a group. It's sometimes very difficult to consistently practice when you do it alone. Being part of a larger group provides motivation, support, and encouragement.

Read full article.

Week 10: Last meeting of the Quarter

Hello UBA friends,

As we munch on the remains of our turkey or tofurky, we invite you to our last meditation of Fall Quarter, and of the 2008 year! As usual, we will be gathering from 5:30-7 pm this Tuesday, December 2nd at the University Catholic Center (UCC) at 633 Gayley Avenue. 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.

We hope to see everyone there! It will be a great chance to take a break from our hectic schedules of finals and papers and come back to the present moment.

Feel free to email us at uba.ucla.online@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or ideas for events you would like to see next quarter. Best wishes for a peaceful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all again when we come back in January!