Buddhism seems to be all around us nowadays, even in the Netherlands. Perhaps you have read a Buddhist text, heard about the psychological benefits of meditation, seen a video about Buddhist cultures, or have a personal interest in Buddhism. All of these encounters might have raised many questions for you, including those about what a Buddhist life is really like. This Q&A session provides a unique opportunity to ask six experienced Buddhist monastics any questions you may have about Buddhism, what a monastic life is like, how to be a Buddhist in the modern world, and so on. How do they spend their time? Do they call their parents? Do they contribute to society in any way? You’re invited to come with curiosity, bringing any questions you have. After the session, the monk, nuns and the accompanying lay-people will have lunch. If you bring your own lunchbox, you’re welcome to join.

Time: 10:00 – 11:00

The Dharma Realm Buddhist Association (DRBA) was established by the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua in 1959 and has established temples worldwide; from the US and Canada to Taiwan and Malaysia. DRBA has also established various educational institutions, such as the Instilling Goodness and Developing Virtue schools in the City of Ten Thousand Buddha’s and the Dharma Realm Buddhist University. The main centre of DRBA is the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB) near Ukiah, California, where Buddhist monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, and others interested in spiritual development live together in harmony.
For more information visit: www.drba.org, www.drba.nl, or www.cttbusa.org.

Reverend Heng Sure is originally from Toledo, Ohio (US) where he was born (1949) and raised. In the seventies he encountered his Buddhist teacher, Master Hsuan Hua, under whose guidance he became a monk in 1976. In his long monastic career he has been a pilgrim, bowing once every three steps for more than 800 miles, a translator of Buddhist texts, a musician bringing Buddhist principles into western music, and a lecturer speaking for audiences over the world. Heng Je is originally from Taiwan. Ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1992, she has a long time experience with Buddhist monasticism. She is a lecturer in Buddhist Study and Practice and Chinese Studies at Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU). Heng Syun is also from Taiwan and was ordained in 1995. She holds a Ba. In Buddhist Studies and Practice from DRBU and has been serving as director and teacher in different temples in the US and Canada. Besides Heng Sure, Heng Je and Heng Syun, also the nuns Jin Yu, Jin Jr and Jin Ji will take part in the panel.