Registered participants have the option of joining any part or all of the Saturday scheduled program. It is not required to stay for the full program when attending.
Rev. Angélica Barrera-Ng, MDiv., completed her Buddhist Chaplaincy master’s degree at the University of the West, in May of 2023. As well as completing two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in 2022 at PIH-Good Samaritan Hospital and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Her spiritual background includes being raised with a Catholic faith in Mexico. In May of 2013, Chaplain Angélica officially joined Hsi Fang Temple when taking Triple Gem Refuge under the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Buddhist order. Since then, she has participated in various FGS short- and long-term retreats; served as a temple volunteer; attended trainings and events; lead and co-lead Buddhism and meditation classes; and has collaborated/facilitated some of the FGS North America Dharma Teachers’ training retreats held between 2018-2023. Reverend Angélica became a lay ordained clergy (Buddhist Minister) under the Bodhiyana Buddhist Chaplain Fellowship (BBCF) in May, 2023.
Mr. Dennis Braun, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota. While at Minnesota State University for 33 years, he taught Marriage and Family, Population Dynamics, Research Methods, Social Statistics, and Social Stratification. Upon retiring in 2002 and moving to San Diego, he joined Hsi Fang Temple and underwent his first Triple Gem Ceremony in 2011. He took his Five Precept vows at Hsi Lai Temple of Los Angeles in 2019. His past talks given to our sangha include “Dealing with Suicide and Depression” on April 26, 2019 and “Embracing the Golden Years: Challenges and Self-Empowerment” with Venerable Miaozang on June 23, 2023 for Thank Buddha Its Friday (TBIF). During the past several years, he has also been assisting Venerable Miaozang in teaching Buddhism to recruits at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) here in San Diego.
Dr. Carl Ewig has been a devotee of Hsi Fang Temple for several years. In lay life he has been a college professor, administrator, and scientific researcher and, although now semi-retired, still teaches college science courses part-time at local colleges. Carl has always felt an affinity Chan (Zen) Buddhism. While in college he began to study English translations of Buddhist sutras related to Chan, such as the Lankavatara Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and Platform Sutra. In 1991 Carl came to San Diego and, the next year, while looking for English versions of the Mahayana sutras, discovered the Hsi Fang bookstore and temple. Shortly thereafter Carl took the Triple Gem Refuge and then the Five Precepts vows at Hsi Lai Temple, led by Ven. Master Hsing Yun. Carl was given the Dharma name An Yin. Also, for the past several years, Carl has occasionally helped with the Buddhism and meditation lessons for English-speaking students. In addition, Carl is periodically asked to help host visits to Hsi Fang Temple by visitors and students from local schools.
Ms. Saiba Varma, Ph.D.,
teaches anthropology and global health at the University of California, San Diego. She received a PhD from Cornell University. She has been studying Buddhism since 2017, practicing under Venerable Miaozang at Hsi Fang temple in San Diego.
Mr. David Sims is always felt drawn to the calmness and peace of Buddhism. A little over 20 years ago, he began reading books written by Buddhist teachers. With each book, he would learn of another Sutra or Buddhist teaching and read about that. Because of where he was living at the time, the only thing missing was a Sangha to be a part of. So when conditions allowed him to move back to my hometown of San Diego, he was eager to find other Buddhists to learn with and he was happy to find Hsi Fang Temple. He then began attending events, taking classes and volunteering and have made many new Dharma friends.
Ms. Lesley Sanders began studying Buddhism in college but did not affiliate with a temple until Hsi Fang Temple in San Diego. She took the Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony in 2011 at the temple. She has attended classes and study groups in person and on-line for several years. She especially appreciates the approach of Humanistic Buddhism. Her career in adult education has included instruction in several areas, most recently in teaching English as a Second Language. She has been a volunteer at the temple for several years.
Important Details:
Venue:
These courses will be held at Hsi Fang Temple Tearoom, located at 4538 Park Blvd. San Diego CA 92116.
Cost: (FREE)
These Meditation and Buddhism Courses are free to everyone and donations are welcomed.
Your generosity has the power to create a ripple effect, touching the lives of many. We sincerely hope you will consider continuing your support and joining us in the endeavor to make these invaluable teachings accessible to all who wish to embark on this profound journey. Thank you for your support.
Should you have any questions, feel free to email us sd.edu@ibps.org. Thank you.
***All information will be kept confidential.***These Meditation and Buddhism courses focus on the cultivation of meditative concentration and the understanding of the practice of the Buddha’s Teachings. We focus on learning more on the foundation of meditation and the Core Teachings. This is a communal practice where we all come together to learn and practice as a sangha.
