Sumeru News — Buddhist community

Sumeru is pleased to announce the upcoming publication of   GEMS AN INTRODUCTION TO CANADIAN BUDDHISM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE YOUNG AT HEART   The author is Ken Tanaka. Several years ago he wrote a similar book for the US market, which was published by BDK America, the U.S. branch of Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, the Society for the Promotion of Buddhism, an international organization with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Late last year he approached me about doing a Canadian version and sent me the manuscript. The original obviously needed all the US references stripped out and Canadian ones put in....

At the Buddhist Literary Festival of Canada 2021, I received an "pioneer recognition in gratitude" award as an early Buddhist community leader and publisher.  

Moving from good intentions and well-conceived mission statements to an effective organization is not easy. I recently had the opportunity to learn more about one of America’s most successful engaged Buddhist organizations, the Earth Holder Community (EHC), in several conversations to find out how they have thrived in that challenge. I spoke with John Bell, one of the founders. He has over 40 years of experience in the youth field as a teacher, counselor, community organizer, program developer, leadership trainer, director, and parent. He is also an ordained Dharma teacher in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Our conversation...

Here's a video of my talk at the New Paths in Teaching Buddhist Studies conference at the R.N. Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto. The event was held in February 2020, just before the pandemic was announced. Ironically, my talk begins with a bit about how bad we are about predicting the future! The Centre's YouTube channel also has videos from 11 other speakers from the event.

Happily beginning editing and design on Rev. Monica Sanford's new book,  KALYANAMITRA: A Model for Buddhist Spiritual Care, which will be the 2nd book in our Chaplaincy Training series, along with A THOUSAND HANDS: A Guide to Caring For Your Buddhist Community. Aiming for publication in Autumn 2020.