Click to Share this Article Program Summary Page Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation Practies Unifying Buddhist Philosophical Views Teaching Dhamma in New Land Buddhist Psychotherapy Buddhist Texts and Commentaries in Traditional and Contemporary Context (UCBT PERSONNEL)

Teaching Dhamma in New Land 01 June 2012 - 2nd Day: Full Day Academic Session Papers were to focus on ways in which the Dharma is integrating into the societies and cultures of predominantly Christian nation and in an Islamic nations. The papers addressed sociological and cultural issues and not merely ritualistic and practice based aspects of Buddhist traditions. For example, studies pertaining towards: gender, family, ethnic discrimination and other relevant issues, and Dhamma dissemination; intra-Buddhist relations; Buddhism and Secularism; Buddhist relationships with the host-country's social, political and religious culture; and Buddhism and the media. Additionally, papers on teaching Buddhism were welcomed, topics discuss: new ways of teaching Buddhism, and how can the Dhamma be taught and employed for the welfare of society. Panel Leader: Jamie Cresswell For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Zaenal Ekoputro Name : Zaenal Ekoputro Email Address : zabiep@gmail.com Current Position : Researcher and executive director for Centre of Asian Studies (CENAS), Jakarta Education : BA Philosophy Department Gadjah Mada University, MA Sociology Department, University of Indonesia Buddhist Projects/Experiences : In 2006, he attended the Buddhist and Muslim dialogue, which was organized by International Network for Engage Buddhism (INEB) of Thailand in it collaboration with JUST of Malaysia. In 2009, he began to doing research about Buddhist community in Indonesia particularly in relation with Muslim community. This research was supported by Hivos of the Netherland and the research result has published with the title; Berpeluh Berselaras; Buddhis-Muslim Meniti Harmoni or Aspiring to Harmony; Buddhist Muslim Seeks Harmony. The English version with it shortening monograph published with the title The Hinterland Harmony. Buddhist and Muslim Relations in Indonesian' Rural Area and presented at the ICUNDV conference in 2011 which was held at the MCU Ayutthaya of Thailand. His most current research is about the existence of Chinese Buddhism vihara in Pamulang, Indonesia. Zaenal Ekoputro Centre of Asian Studies (CENAS), Jakarta Title:Maintaining the Vihara Inside a Muslim Society: A Study on the Vihara Kwan In Thang in Pamulang, Banten Province, Indonesia For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Edi Ramawijaya Putra Email Address : mendo_leiben@yahoo.com Current Position : Lecturer and Head of Dharmacarya Department Sriwijaya State Buddhist Colleg Education : Magister on Education Buddhist Projects/Experiences : •  Research Theravada Tradition in Lombok Scociety •  International Students Assembelyon Religious Issues and Contemporer Edi Ramawijaya Putra Title:Buddhism in Indonesia: The Current Issues of Development of Buddhism and Modern Muslim For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Ms. Yulianti To be annnounce Ms. Yulianti Title: The Social Role of Chanting Tradition in Indonesia Buddhist Society For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Kustiani Name : Kustiani Email Address : kalis_sambikala@yahoo.com Current Position : Sri Lanka Education : Ph.D student of Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Buddhist Projects/Experiences : a. Panelist for the 12th Sakyadhita Conference with the topic "Buddhist Women and the Universal Monarch Concept" and also for the 16th IABS Conference with the topic "Buddhist Minority in Muslim Country: Balancing Doctrinal and Political Challenges". b. Contributor of the Nã?appabhã (recently published in Singapore) with the topic "Psychological Basis of Buddhist Ethics" and also contributor of the Ashgate Research Companion in Sexuality and Religion, U.K. with the topic "Menstruation, Sexuality and Spirituality in Buddhism". c. Currently doing research on "Examining the Date of Mahãpajãpati's Ordination". Kustiani PhD Candidate, University of Kelaniya Title:Buddhist Women and Polygamy Issue in Indonesia For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Wilis Rengganiasih Endah Ekowati Name : Wilis Rengganiasih Endah Ekowati Email Address : wilis.ree@gmail.com Current Position : - Lecturer at Gadjah Mada University's Graduate School, Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Lecturer at Syailendra Buddhist College, Semarang, Indonesia Education : - BA in Dance, 2001, Indonesia Institute of the Arts, Surakarta, Indonesia - MA in Religious & Cross-cultural Studies, 2006, CRCS-UGM (Center for Religious & Cross-cultural Studies, Gadjah Mada University), Yogyakarta - MA in Religious Studies, 2007, Florida International University, Miami, Florida - 3rd year PhD Program in South & Southeast Asian Studies, 2009 – now, UC Berkeley Buddhist Projects/Experiences : - Women in Buddhism : MA Thesis "The Controversy of Bhikkhuni Ordination within Theravada Buddhism in Indonesia" - Buddhist Art : script writer of the Mahahamsa Jataka (the Golden Swan) Dance and Music Concert, Jakarta, July 2010 - Contemporary Buddhism in Indonesia Wilis Rengganiasih Endah Ekowati University of California, Berkeley, USA Title: Bhikkhu Ashin Jinarakkhita's Interpreting and Translating Buddhism in Indonesian Cultural and Political Contexts For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Ven. Bhikkhu Buddharakkhita Name : Venerable Bhikkhu Buddharakkhita Email Address : bbuddharakkhita@gmail.com Current Position : • Abbot and President of the Uganda Buddhist Centre in Uganda, Africa Education : Monastic Buddhist Projects/Experiences : • He is the founder and Abbot of the Uganda Buddhist Center in Uganda, Africa. • He is the spiritual advisor of Flowering Lotus Meditation Center in Magnolia, Mississippi, USA • He is a spiritual adviser of Global Buddhist Relief, New Jersey, and U.S. A • He is a representative of Uganda at the World Buddhist Summit, Kobe City, Japan. • He is the meditation instructor of Buddhist counseling psychology, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy, Kandy, Sri Lanka. • He is the president of the World Buddhist Sangha Youth, Uganda chapter. • He has been teaching meditation in Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, Brazil, and the U.S. A Ven. Bhikkhu Buddharakkhita Title: Trials and Tribulations of Teaching Dhamma in Uganda For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Blaze Marpet Name : Blaze Marpet Email Address : brmarpet@eckerd.edu Current Position : Ford Apprentice Scholar in Residence at Eckerd College Education : Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Eckerd College (2013) Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Scholarship recipient from the South Asia Summer Language Institute at University of Wisconsin–Madison to study ancient Buddhist and Indian Sanskrit texts; participant in the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Kathmandu University–Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Kathmandu, Nepal; director of study for an experiential learning trip to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah, California; author of a work in progress about Buddhist philosophy and modernity for the Ford Apprentice Scholars Program at Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida. Blaze Marpet Eckerd College Title:The Beatnik Buddhist: The Monk of American Pop-Culture For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Bhante Chao Chu Name : Bhante Chao Chu Email Address : labuddhistu@earthlink.net Current Position : president of the Los Angeles Buddhist Union Education : BA in Philosophy, MA in Buddhist Studies, PhD in Buddhist Studies Buddhist Projects/Experiences : I have been working with Buddhist groups and other religious groups in the United States since 1981. I have also founded the Bosath Children's Educational Foundation to provide underprivileged children in Sri Lanka with free education. I give lectures on Buddhist-related topics, such as social work. Bhante Chao Chu Title: Teaching Dharma in the United States For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. John M. Scorsine Name : Rev. John M. Scorsine Email Address : johnscorsine@elpasotel.net Current Position : Associate Chaplain, Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility; Partner, Lynch and Robbins; General Counsel, TTCC, Inc. Education : B.S. in Criminal Justice, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1980 Juris Doctorate, University of Wyoming College of Law, 1984 Masters of Art, University of Sunderland, 2009 Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Associate Chaplain for the Colorado Department of Corrections Delegate for 2011 UN International Day of Vesak. Founder of Kanthaka Dharma Center and Large Animal Rescue which is under development. Ordained Minister, International Association of Buddhist Ministers Dr. John M. Scorsine Title: Buddhist Practice: Within an Environment of Concrete and Steel For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Jonathan H. X. Lee, Ph.D. Name : Jonathan H. X. Lee, Ph.D. Email Address : jlee@sfsu.edu Current Position : Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies San Francisco State University Department of Asian American Studies 1600 Holloway Ave, EP 103 San Francisco, CA 94132 Office: 415-338-2279 Fax: 415-338-7593 Education : Ph.D. Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Specialist on Asian American Buddhism, with focus on Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Sino-Southeast Asian Buddhism. Jonathan H. X. Lee, Ph.D. San Francisco State University Department of Asian American Studies Title:Acting Out: Thai American Buddhists Encounters with White Privilege and White Supremacy For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Ven. Rujing Mao Name : Rujing Mao Email Address : maolujin@163.com Current Position : Student Education : 1998-2003: Buddhist Studies in Minnan Buddhist Academy, P.R. China. 2004-2006: Master's of Chinese Philosophy in Xiamen University, P.R. C. 2008-present: Ph.D. Candidate (plan 1.1), MCU Buddhist Projects/Experiences : 2000 Received full ordination as a bhiksuni 2003- 2007: Worked as Director of Female Buddhist Class Minnan Buddhist Academy Ven. Rujing Mao PhD Candidate Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Title: The Most Outstanding Bhiksunï Contribution to Education in Contemporary China For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Phramaha Somboon Vuddhikaro To be annnounce Phramaha Somboon Vuddhikaro B.A., M.A., PhD. (Buddhist Studies) Deputy Dean of Graduate School Mahachulongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand Title: Buddhist Tolerance for Peaceful Co-Existence of Asian Nations For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Leena Seneheweera Name: Leena Seneheweera Email address: lkuma2001@yahoo.com Current Position: Senior Lecturer at the Department of Fine Arts Buddhist Projects/ Experience: Teaching Sri Lankan, Chinese and Indian Buddhist Music and Buddhist Art in the postgraduate programs. As well as involved research relating to Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist art. Dr. Leena Seneheweera Department of Fine Arts, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Title: Bridging society and Buddhism through a woman's role of teaching the Dhamma as depicted in selected visual art works from Sri Lanka For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Jennifer Savage To be annnounce Jennifer Savage Santa Clara University Title: Dharma in Action: The Gift of Western Female Dharma Teachers For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Saw Yee Mon Name : Ms. Saw Yee Mon Education : B.A (Hons.) in English from University of Yangon and her B.Sc. in Accounting & Finance from London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), UK. Again she obtained Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Yangon Institute of Economics. Experience : She is a lecturer in Economics at Regent Business Academy. She also joined the Law Chambers as part-time Research Analyst for its International Business Section. She has been a volunteer translator for Buddhist monks and scholars since 2005. Her first publication is the translated version of "Buddhism & Vegetarianism" by Ashin Nandam?l?bhiva?sa. She is an independent researcher and reader in Buddhism. Currently, she is living with her parents in her home town and is providing trainings and workshops about Buddhism to the young people. Saw Yee Mon Reader in Buddhism Title: Exporting Dhamma to New Lands: Empirical Approaches of Teaching Dhamma in Predominantly Non-Buddhist States For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Winston Velazco Name : Winston Velazco Email Address : Winston@iebh.org Current Position : President of Instituto de Estudios Buddhistas Hispano (IEBH) Education : Mechanical Engineering 1994, Universidad Metropolitana – Caracas, Venezuela MBA 1997, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign – Urbana Champaign, USA Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Experiences: • Started practicing Zen Buddhism in Venezuela on February 2000 under instructions of Master Zengaku Nansen Carouget (1926-2010), disciple of Master Taisen Deshimaru Roshi. • Started Abhidhamma studies and Vipassana meditation on 2008 under instructions of Venerable Bhikkhu Nandisena (Abbot of The Dhamma Vihara Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Mexico). Projects: • To establish and develop The Hispanic Buddhist Studies Institute (IEBH, in Spanish) for Spanish speaking communities. Winston Velazco Title: Buddhism in New Lands For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Alina Morales Troncoso Name : María Alina Morales Troncoso Email Address : moralina@gmail.com Current Position : Member of Board of Directors Buddhismo Theravada México, A.R. Education : Degree in Psychology Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Work supporting the Dhamma Vihara Centro Mexicano del Buddhismo Theravada A. C. (CMBT) 2000-2008 Secretary of Board of Directors CMBT 2002-2004 President of Board of Directors CMBT 2007-2008 Member of Board of Directors Buddhismo Theravada México A.R. 2008-2012 Alina Morales Troncoso Title: The Dhamma in Spanish-Speaking Countries For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Ricardo Guerrero Name : Ricardo Guerrero Email Address : ricardo@aebtheravada.org; rcrd.guerrero@gmail.com Current Position : Vice-president of the Spanish Association of Theravada Buddhism Education : Degree in Audiovisual Communication at "Universidad Complutense de Madrid". Degree in Business Studies at "Universitat Oberta de Catalunya" Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Translator into Spanish of several books on buddhist themes. Editor of paperback edition of Bikkhu Nandisena's Spanish translation of "Dhammapada". Promoter of the future first centre of Theravada Buddhism in Spain. Ricardo Guerrero Title: Towards opening the first Theravada Center in Spain For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Réjane Serra Name : Réjane Serra Email Address : rejaneserra@yahoo.fr Current Position : Sociologist in the Solidarity and Health Office of the City Council of Strasbourg (France) Education : Master Degree in Sociology from the U.D.S. of Strasbourg Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Member of the commission Buddhism and Society in the EBU (European Buddhist Union) since 2009, General Secretary of Sakya Tsechen Ling, European Institute of Tibetan Buddhism since 1989, Buddhist teacher and translator of Buddhist texts into French, Member of the Executive Board of Sakyadhita France since 2006. Réjane Serra European Buddhist Union Title: Societal Relevance and Place of Buddhism in France For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. J. Abraham Vélez de Cea Name : Dr. J. Abraham Vélez de Cea Email Address : abraham.velez@eku.edu Current Position : Associate Professor, Eastern Kentucky University, Department of Philosophy and Religion Education : After studying Buddhism in England, India, and Sri Lanka, I finished my Ph.D. with a dissertation about the Buddha's doctrine of non-self in 2001 (Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain). In 2002 I received a post-doctoral fellowship from Georgetown University and the Spanish Government. I spent four years at Georgetown University (2002-2006), the last two as visiting assistant professor, until I got a tenure-track position at Eastern Kentucky University. I received tenure at Eastern Kentucky University in the spring of 2011. Buddhist Projects/Experiences : My research interests lie in the areas of early Buddhism, Buddhist Ethics, and Buddhist-Christian Studies. My main goal as scholar-practitioner of Buddhism is to provide the most accurate and charitable interpretation of the Buddha of the Pãli Nikãyas, and to explore how the Buddha's thought may help address current ethical, philosophical, and theological problems. I am extremely interested in fostering intra-Buddhist dialogue and Buddhist-Christian dialogue. In order to achieve the aforementioned goals, I find it useful to adopt a comparative perspective. For instance, in my book Buddha and the Problem of Pluralism (under review by Routledge), I compare the Buddha's approach to philosophical and religious diversity to the approaches of John Hick and Mark Heim. At present I am writing a book entitled Buddha and the Problem of God, which discusses diverse interpretations of the Buddha and develops the concept of Buddhist transtheism. Dr. J. Abraham Vélez de Cea Eastern Kentucky University Title: Buddha and the New Atheists: On the Art of Teaching the Dhamma in the Bible Belt For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Cynthia Drake Name : Cynthia Drake Email Address : cynthia.drake@colorado.edu Current Position : University Instructor; Doctoral Candidate Education : BA, University of California at Berkeley, 1984 MAT, Oregon State University, 1992 MA, Georgetown University, 1999 Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Member of Shambhala Buddhist community since 1985. Meditation Instructor since 2001. Teach Buddhist and secular/non-sectarian meditation classes and programs since 2005. Teach seminar on contemplative learning (to first-year undergraduate students) at Naropa University. Dean of Beginning to Meditate program at Boulder (Colorado) Shambhala Center. Currently conducting research on Buddhist influences on early twentieth-century British literature. Cynthia Drake Naropa University Title: American Habits and Fresh Baked Bread For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Joan Buchanan Name : Ms Joan Buchanan Email Address : joanbuchanan@ihug.co.nz Current Position : Executive Director Spirit of Rangatahi Charitable Trust Education: Joan Buchanan has been a Buddhist for over 15 years and is a senior student of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin and Lama Choedak Rinpoche. Buddhist Projects/Experiences : She is a founding member of the New Zealand Buddhist Council and served on the Executive for 3 years. Her professional career spans over 25 years working with community organisations as a fundraiser and project manager. She is currently the Executive Director of the Spirit of Rangatahi (Youth) which runs programmes to facilitate young people's understanding of world religious communities in their neighbourhood. Short Bio: Joan Buchanan has been a Buddhist for over 15 years and is a senior student of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin and Lama Choedak Rinpoche. She is a founding member of the New Zealand Buddhist Council and served on the Executive for 3 years. Her professional career spans over 25 years working with community organisations as a fundraiser and project manager. She is currently the Executive Director of the Spirit of Rangatahi (Youth) which runs programmes to facilitate young people's understanding of world religious communities in their neighbourhood. Joan Buchanan Executive Director of the Spirit of Rangatahi (Youth), New Zealand Title: Dharma in the West: How are our Youth Learning? For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Susmita Barua Name : Ms. Susmita Barua Email Address : smita61@gmail.com Current Position : Mindful Living Teacher Practitioner Education : M.Sc., M.A. Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Susmita Barua grew up in Kolkata in a Buddhist family, descendants of Karmayogi Kripasaran Mahathero. She came to USA in 1985 as a graduate student. After quitting her job as a socio-economic planner for the city in 1993, she devoted herself fully to a life of contemplation and spiritual practice. Her personal website www.seek2know.net developed in 2001 came out of her vision of enlightened society. She began teaching Deliberate Mindful Living in her community since 2004. Her passion for social action led her to organize anti-war protests and peace marches, develop online networks for activists engaged in alternatives to oppressive systems and volunteer for local Hospice and Women's Prison. She is the founding Board member of SUSA, the USA branch of Sakyadhita International. Her current interest is Dharma Economics and Mindful System Change. She has presented papers and led creative workshops in diverse local, national and international forums. She is a member of The National Council of Independent Scholars, Buddhist Peace Fellowship and Lexington Shambhala. Susmita Barua Title: Bridging Science and Spirituality through Buddha's Middle Way to Knowledge For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Suryo W. Prawiroatmodjo Name: Suryo W. Prawiroatmodjo, veterinarian Email Address: suryowp@sby.dnet.net.id Current Position: Lecturer at Ciputra University, Surabaya – Indonesia. Founder of the first Indonesian environmental education centre PPLH Seloliman Founder – program coordinator of Pring Woeloeng environmental education institution Founder – advisory member of the Caretakers of the Environment International Indonesia Chapter – Pandu Pertiwi Member of Ashoka Fellow – Indonesia Member of Caretakers of the Environment International Guest lecturer at Kertarajasa Buddhist College Lecturer of Social Entrepreneurship at Ciputra University, Surabaya, Speaker at the International Conferences of the United Nations Day of Vesak – IABU (International Association of Buddhist Universities), at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Ayutthaya & Bangkok, Thailand 2009, 2010, 2011 on the topics: integration of Buddhist teachings with environmental education methodology Education: -   graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University in Surabaya, Indonesia 1982 -   Wildlife conservation management, Smithsonian Institution - University of West Virginia, at the Conservation and Research centre, Front Royal, Shenandoah, U.S. - 1986 -   Environmental education management, International Centre for Conservation Education, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, U.K. 1987 Buddhist Projects/Experiences: Environmental education for schools and the public with specific titles: on Buddhist ethics concerning to religion understanding,, law, the economics, bio-diversity, education methodology, introduction to environmental impact assessments, Suryo W. Prawiroatmodjo Title: Teaching Buddhism by Understanding the Phenomena of Nature: Integrating Dhamma Teaching Methodology into Environment Education Program - A New Approach to Comprehend Buddhist-Environmental Teaching Practice For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Malcolm Voyce Name : Dr. Malcolm Voyce Email Address : Malcolm.voyce@gmail.com Current Position :Associate Professor Education :LLB, MA, PhD, PhD Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Solicitor, Law Lecturer, and Buddhist Practitioner Dr. Malcolm Voyce Macquarie University, Sydney Title: The Role of Rules in Personal Development and Interpretations of the Vinaya in Western Countries For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    José A. Rodríguez Díaz, Dr., PhD José A. Rodríguez Díaz, Dr., PhD Professor of Sociology Faculty of Economics and Business University of Barcelona, SPAIN Professor Rodrìguez Dìaz received a Doctorate in Economics in Spain and later completed a PhD in Sociology at Yale University (USA) with Fulbright and Social Science Research Council fellowships. He is a Full Professor and has been Chairman in Sociology and Director of the Doctoral Program at the University of Barcelona where he currently does research and teaches. He has been Visiting Professor at the Center for European Studies of Harvard University, at Yale University and at the University of California Santa Barbara. He has done extensive research and written numerous papers and books on Sociology of Health and Health Care, Professions, and Organizations. In the process, he has collaborated with the World Health Organization, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, the European Commission through the program COST, and national Spanish institutions. His present research and publications focus is on the role of Social Networks in organizations and societies, Future studies, and the social dimensions of Happiness. These lines of research converge in the study of the processes of transformation of Buddhism in modern society. José A. Rodríguez Díaz, Dr., PhD Department of Sociology and Organizational Analysis Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Barcelona Title: Being Buddhist in New Lands: Mapping Buddhist Social-Cultural Identities For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Geoffrey Michael Bamfordd Name : Geoffrey Michael Bamford Email Address : geoffrey.bamford@ocbs.org Current Position : Vice-Chair, Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies Vice-Chair, Society for the Wider Understanding of the Buddhist Tradition Education : MA Buddhist Projects/Experiences : I co-founded significant Buddhist charities based in Oxford — the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies (OCBS) and the Society for the Wider Understanding of the Buddhist Tradition (So-Wide) — and continue to be involved in running them. I also co-founded the Oxford Mindfulness Centre (OMC), for which I have now relinquished responsibility. Geoffrey Michael Bamford Oxford Title: Reform Buddhism & Clinical Mindfulness: A Study in Cultural Adaptation For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Maya Joshi Name : Maya Joshi Email Address : joshi.maya@gmail.com Current Position : Associate Professor, Department of English, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi; Editor, Tibet House Bulletin, Tibet House, New Delhi Education : M. Phil. English Literature, University of Delhi Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Though born 'Brahmin, I was also born Buddhist, since my father, the Late Prof. Lal Mani Joshi had taken refuge in the course of his own intense academic engagement with Buddha Dharma. Having grown up in an atmosphere that exposed me to diverse Buddhist traditions, I have been fortunate to continue to nurture this inherited interest in Buddha Dharma by working closely with Tibet House, New Delhi, for over a decade. Besides organizing several national and international conferences for Tibet House and editing their Bulletin, I have also edited My Life My Times: The Autobiography of Kushok Bakula ( 2008) and co-edited, with Lama Doboom Tulku, Pramana: Dharmakirti and the Indian Philosophical Debate (2010). I have also published "Rahula Sankrityayan's Journeys of the Self: Nation, Culture, Identity" in Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, 2009. Dr. Maya Joshi Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi Title: Buddhisms in India Today: Problems and Possibilities of a Pluralistic Paradigm For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr Yaghoob Foroutan To be annnounce Dr Yaghoob Foroutan The University of Waikato, New Zealand Title: Multiculturalism and Challenges of Religion: The Place of Buddhism from a Comparative Perspective For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Helen J. Rosen, PhD Name : Helen J. Rosen, PhD Email Address : helenrosen11@gmail.com Current Position : Associate Professor, The Won Institute of Graduate Studies Education : PhD, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA, 1980 Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Graduate of Integrated Study and Practice Program at Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, Barre, MA.; Leads meditation at the Philadelphia Meditation Center in Havertown, PA.; Published author: "The Integration of Meditative Techniques into a Traditional Psychotherapy Practice" (among other non-Buddhist writings); Teaches Buddhist Psychology, The Satipatthana Sutta, and Application of Meditation to the Individual and Society at the Won Institute; frequent workshop presenter in the Delaware Valley. Helen J. Rosen, PhD MSW, Ph.D. Won Institute of Graduate Studies, PA, USA Title: Bringing Meditation to the Community: The Applied Meditation Studies Program at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, Glenside, PA., USA