These Meditation and Buddhism courses focus on the cultivation of meditative concentration and the understanding of the biography of the Buddha. We focus on learning more on the foundation of meditation and the life of the Buddha, the historical background and development of Indian Buddhism and the realization of the Buddha. This is a communal practice where we all come together to learn and practice as a sangha.
Time: Saturdays
Class Format:
2:00 pm Welcome/Orientation →Check-ins
2:10 pm Section 1–Meditation Class
2:50 pm Break
3:00 pm Section 2–Biography of the Buddha & Buddhism discussion class
3:50 pm Class ends for book study
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.
Guiding Teachers:
Venerable Miaozang, fully ordained Buddhist nun of Fo Guang Shan, who has been practicing for almost 20 years. Her practices mainly focusing on the daily application of the Buddha's Teachings on clear awareness, meditative concentration, and the dependent origination in daily life. The venerable is currently the superintendent of Hsi Fang Temple and the president of San Diego Buddhist Association.
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, first unit at PIH-Good Samaritan Hospital, and the second at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Rev. Angélica has been accepted to serve as a Hospital Resident Chaplain for the 2024-2025 CPE Residency program at San Diego Veterans Affairs (VA). Her spiritual background includes being raised with a Catholic faith while growing up 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; attended trainings and events; lead and co-lead Buddhism and meditation classes; and has collaborated in both the planning and facilitation of some of the FGS North America Dharma Teachers’ training retreats held between 2018-2023. She currently is serving as
a temple volunteer, Dharma teacher, and leading meditation. 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.
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.
