Video Recordings of Conference (on YouTube):
October 14, 2016 (Friday):
Panel A: Future Directions for the Integration of Buddhist Psychology and Psychotherapy
Many psychologies have either denied the existence of consciousness or have diminished its influence in our lives: modern neuroscience research, for example, has reduced consciousness to brain activity that may have not have any causal agency. Yet, consciousness is precisely the focus of Buddhist psychology. While the Buddha was not a psychiatrist or psychologist in the formal sense of the word, the vast majority of his recorded teachings are explicitly concerned with the sources of emotional suffering and their amelioration. The panel will focus on the future direction of further incorporating the knowledge of Buddhist psychology into psychotherapy, so as to benefit those who seek to deepen their self-knowledge and happiness.
Speakers:
Dr. Tony Toneatto
Dr. Lynette Monteiro
Ms. Clara Ho
Moderator: Dr. Kenneth Fung, MD FRCPC MSc, Clinical Director, Asian Initiative in Mental Health, Toronto Western Hospital and Associate Professor, Equity, Gender, and Populations, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Panel B: Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy in Canada
The demand for Buddhist chaplains in Canadian correctional system has grown in the last few decades. This is well demonstrated when recent cuts to multi-faith chaplaincy programs in federal prisons have been severely criticized and led to lawsuits. This panel aims at helping us understand more about the unique nature of serving in Canada’s prison system, the components of a Buddhist rehabilitation program, and ways to apply Buddhist beliefs and practices in the correctional facilities.
Speakers:
Dr. Cuilan Liu
Ms. Charmaine Mak
Ms. Kara Braun
Moderator: Dr. Daniel Clarkson Fisher, former Associate Professor and Chair of the Buddhist Chaplaincy Department at University of the West, California, USA
October 15, 2016 (Saturday):
Panel C: Buddhist Education: From Past to Present, East to West
The panel will explore the traditional approach of Buddhist education in Asian countries in the past, and the scope of Buddhist studies conducted at present in North American universities. The contrast of the two not only illustrates how Buddhist education has evolved as the religion took its root in North America, but may also help us envision the future direction of Buddhist education in Canada.
Speakers:
Dr. Lewis Lancaster
Dr. Phil Stanley
Dr. Henry Shiu
Moderator: Dr. John Makransky
Panel D: End-of-life Care
While in many Asian countries like Taiwan, Buddhist hospice services and senior care are well developed and have been seen as a way to apply the practice of Buddhist wisdom and compassion, such forms of Buddhist services are still in great need in Canada. We hope to draw the experience and insights from the speakers who have first-hand experience in hospices or home visits to provide palliative and end-of-life care for Buddhists, to help us understand how the Buddha’s teachings on death and dying can benefit the patients with serious illnesses, and the state of development of such forms of service in Canada.
Speakers:
Mr. Sean Hillman PhD(c)
Ven. Bhiksuni Yin Kit
Ven. Thomas Kilts
Moderator: Dr. Renita Wong, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, School of Social Work, York University
(If you are interested in viewing this video, please e-mail wisdom.tor@rogers.com. This is due to someone on the video has declined permission for publishing on YouTube.)
Panel E: Globalization of the Buddhist Sangha (僧伽邁向全球化)
This panel of ordained members of the Buddhist sangha will speak on how the sangha has responded to globalization, and share with us their visions of the future of the Buddhist communities, ways to adapt to global changes while remaining authentic to the Buddha’s prescription for his followers. Offered in Chinese, this panel will be open to the public with simultaneous English interpretation available to conference registrants upon request in advance.
Speakers:
Venerable Uttaro, United Nations World Buddhist Sangha Youth Secretary General
http://fo.ifeng.com/special/quanqiubaisenghedanian/baisenghedanian/detail_2014_01/22/33255765_0.shtml
Venerable FaTzang, http://baike.baidu.com/view/4310836.htm
Venerable Dr. Changhwa. Director, Chan Meditation Center, New York
Moderator: Venerable Jian Zong, Abbot, Ching Kwok Buddhist Temple of Toronto
Panel F: Humanistic Buddhism from the perspectives of temple leadership (人間佛教)
Abbots from various Buddhist temples dedicated to the ideal of Humanistic Buddhism are invited to speak on the application of such an ideal from the perspective of their leadership. Offered in Chinese, this panel will be open to the public with simultaneous English interpretation available to conference registrants upon request in advance.
Speakers:
Venerable Dr. Jing Yin, Abbot of Po Lin Monastery (Hong Kong) and Former Director/Professor, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong
Venerable Yung Ku, Abbess, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto
Venerable Zhao Xu, Abbot, Buddhist Prajna Temple of Toronto
Moderator: Venerable Jian Zong, Abbot, Ching Kwok Buddhist Temple of Toronto