International Buddhist Meditation Center – Los Angeles Lives On!!!

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International Buddhist Meditation Center – Los Angeles

  1. Raining in LA today… Found this fingernail sized snail climbing a huge tree by the bell tower… And thought, “The longest journey begins with”… The Buddhist path, seems like the longest journey sometimes. ~ Kusala
    Photo: Raining in LA today... Found this fingernail sized snail climbing a huge tree by the bell tower... And thought, "The longest journey begins with"... The Buddhist path, seems like the longest journey sometimes. ~ Kusala
  2. The I.B.M.C. Zendo… Meditation with Kusala on Wed., Fri. and Sun. from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm… All are welcome. ~ Kusala
    Photo: The I.B.M.C. Zendo... Meditation with Kusala on Wed., Fri. and Sun. from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm... All are welcome. ~ Kusala
  3. Photos of the IBMC cats by Kusala
    Photo: 'Deva' the cat.
    Photo: 'Little Leo' the cat.
    Photo: 'Princess' the cat.
    Photo: 'Momma Cat'
  4. Words I try to live by… Thanks to Beam-Me-Up for this one. ~ Kusala
    Photo: Words I try to live by... Thanks to Beam-Me-Up for this one. ~ Kusala
    Ven. Havanpola Shanti was born in Sri Lanka and entered the monastery when he was 13 years old. He was ordained as a bhikkhu at the age of 20. He is the Abbot of IBMC and oversees the running and religious activities of IBMC. He also gives…See More
  5. Photo: Ven. Havanpola Shanti was born in Sri Lanka and entered the monastery when he was 13 years old. He was ordained as a bhikkhu at the age of 20. He is the Abbot of IBMC and oversees the running and religious activities of IBMC. He also gives dharma talks, works with students and is involved in InterBuddhist and InterReligious activities. After attending the University of Kelanaya, where he received his B.A. in Buddhist Studies, Ven. Shanti returned to his home temple and finished his studies to be a teacher. Along with eleven other teachers, he trained 150 young men and eventually took the position of vice-principal. Later he became the principal at a dharma school and held that position for six years. After spending a year at a temple in Korea, Rev. Shanti came to Los Angeles and the IBMC. When asked whether he preferred Los Angeles or Sri Lanka, he replied, "Both places have good and bad, but it is very peaceful in the village where I grew up and very rushed here in the city." Ven. Shanti became Abbot after many years as Vice-Abbot on 11/11/12.
    Sunday Service at IBMC 11-11-12.
  6. Photo: Sunday Service at IBMC 11-11-12.
    Ven. Karuna Dharma walks with daughter Chrys to her going away party at IBMC.
  7. Photo: Ven. Karuna Dharma walks with daughter Chrys to her going away party at IBMC.
    Ven. Karuna Dharma at Sunday Service today (11-11-12) as she reflects on her 32 years of service.
  8. Photo: Ven. Karuna Dharma at Sunday Service today (11-11-12) as she reflects on her 32 years of service.
    Ven. H. Shanti became the new Abbot of IBMC today after many years as Vice-Abbot… He was given the Abbot’s Staff and a certificate of authority at the going away party for Ven. Karuna Dharma. Ven. Shanti looks forward to expanding on the work and teachings of Ven. Karuna in the years to come. He is only the third Abbot to lead IBMC since its founding in 1970.
  9. Photo: Ven. H. Shanti became the new Abbot of IBMC today after many years as Vice-Abbot... He was given the Abbot's Staff and a certificate of authority at the going away party for Ven. Karuna Dharma. Ven. Shanti looks forward to expanding on the work and teachings of Ven. Karuna in the years to come. He is only the third Abbot to lead IBMC since its founding in 1970.
    Ven. Karuna Dharma stepped down today after 32 years as Abbess of IBMC. We had a going away party for her with Sri Laken food, cake and her many friends and students… A good time was had by all… We wish her well.
  10. Photo: Ven. Karuna Dharma stepped down today after 32 years as Abbess of IBMC. We had a going away party for her with Sri Laken food, cake and her many friends and students... A good time was had by all... We wish her well.
    Ven. Karuna Dharma retires as Abbess of IBMC / 11-11-2012
  11. Photo: IBMC Buddha
    Photo: Ven. Vajra Karuna thanking Ven. Karuna Dharma
    Photo: Ven. H. Shanti the new Abbott of IBMC

  12. Dharma Forest: California Governor Jerry Brown Vows Disciplined Budget, Buddhist-style
    paramita.typepad.com
    The LA Times reports that California Governor Jerry Brown, in a speech in Sacramento yesterday cited his experience in a Japanese Zen Buddhist monastery as the inspiration for fiscal responsibility in the California legislature. “I think the real lesson here…
  13. The times they are a changing.

    Shambhala SunSpace » Mazie Hirono is the first Buddhist U.S. senator
    shambhalasun.com
    Amid all the election excitement of last night, here’s one result that you may have missed:the U.S. has elected its first Buddhist senator. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat, beat Republican challenger Linda Lingle to become a senator for Hawaii.
     

    October 30

    Ven. Karuna Dharma the Abbess of IBMC is stepping down as Abbess and moving to Northern California to be closer to her family. To honor her and her work we are having a party for her on Nov. 11th at 12:00 noon in Ananda Hall… For more information please call our center office at 213-384-0850.

  1. October 14

    ‘Monks in the West’ – 2012… The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas hosted this “MIW” conference on ‘The Formation of a Monk’ from Oct. 8th to the 11th… Fifteen monks, Catholic and Buddhist came together to share their life and work. This is the third ‘Monks in the West’ Kusala Bhikshu has attended.

  2. Photo: 'Monks in the West' – 2012... The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas hosted this "MIW" conference on ‘The Formation of a Monk’ from Oct. 8th to the 11th... Fifteen monks, Catholic and Buddhist came together to share their life and work. This is the third 'Monks in the West' Kusala Bhikshu has attended.
    September 30

    Getting to know the staff… Rev. Ksanti Karuna (Left) Rev. Sraddha Karuna (Right) the Dharma Teachers:Rev. Ksanti Karuna (Left) He received his B.S. degree in Drama from Syracuse University. He is a marketing director for non-profits. He…See More

  3. Photo: Getting to know the staff... Rev. Ksanti Karuna (Left) Rev. Sraddha Karuna (Right) the Dharma Teachers: Rev. Ksanti Karuna (Left) He received his B.S. degree in Drama from Syracuse University. He is a marketing director for non-profits. He has worked for the LA Philharmonic and the NY Philharmonic. He is an active participant in IBMC’s Prison correspondence program. He received his Novice Dharma Teacher ordination in August of 2002, and full I.B.M.C. Dharma teacher vows in 2004. Rev. Sraddha Karuna (Right) He is a graduate of Bennington College, receiving an M.A. in Theatre. He is an award winning playwright, receiving the Ingram Merrill award for play writing. Among his plays are East Utica, Adam and the Experts, Niagara Falls, What are Tuesdays Like, and Show. He has also written for television including episodes for NYPD Blue and HBO’s Spawn, Relativity and a number of Movies of the Week. He also co-produced the Three Dollar Bill Theatre in New York.He was founder and board member of the Robert Chesley Foundation, and was a team leader for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York Today he is an active member of IBMC’s prisoner correspondence program. He received his Novice Dharma Teacher ordination in August of 2002, and full I.B.M.C. Dharma teacher vows in 2004.
    September 30

    Getting to know the staff… Ven. Kusala Bhikshu the head monk:

  4. Ven. Kusala Bhikshu is the head monk at IBMC. His interest in meditation brought him to the IBMC in 1979. In 1994 he took his novice monk vows and in 1996 he received full ord…See More
    Photo: Getting to know the staff... Ven. Kusala Bhikshu the head monk: Ven. Kusala Bhikshu is the head monk at IBMC. His interest in meditation brought him to the IBMC in 1979. In 1994 he took his novice monk vows and in 1996 he received full ordination as a Bhikshu (Monk) from IBMC. Ven. Kusala helps Ven. Shanti around the center, feeds the cats and fish… Leads meditation three times a week and speaks on the first Sunday of the month at IBMC. He is part of the Los Angeles inter-faith community and speaks to high schools and colleges on Buddhism. On the weekends you can find him speaking at churches, religious centers and organizations on meditation and Buddhism.
  5. Getting to know the staff… Ven. Karuna Dharma the Abbess:

    Ven. Dr. Karuna Dharma took full ordination in 1976 as a bhikkuni (Nun). She met her teacher, Thich Thien-An, and began her studies of Buddhism in 1969. She was one of the foundin…See More

    Photo: Getting to know the staff... Ven. Karuna Dharma the Abbess: Ven. Dr. Karuna Dharma took full ordination in 1976 as a bhikkuni (Nun). She met her teacher, Thich Thien-An, and began her studies of Buddhism in 1969. She was one of the founding members of the International Buddhist Meditation Center. Ven. Karuna has been the Abbess of IBMC since Ven. Thien-An died in 1980. She oversees the running of the Center, performs ceremonies, teaches, and is involved in Interfaith work and Inter-Buddhist work. She was a founding president of Sakyadhita, the International Association of Buddhist Women.
  6. Getting to know the Staff… Doug Solomon the Residential Manager:

    Doug Solomon (Br. Abhaya Singa) has lived at the IBMC for over ten years, and the last few years has worked in the IBMC office as the Residential Manager.

    IBMC is unique a…See More

    Photo: Getting to know the Staff... Doug Solomon the Residential Manager: Doug Solomon (Br. Abhaya Singa) has lived at the IBMC for over ten years, and the last few years has worked in the IBMC office as the Residential Manager. IBMC is unique among spiritual communities because all residents do not follow the same spiritual path. Rather, our residents reflect the diversity of the city, the diversity of our world. Although most are American-born, they represent many different heritages, subcultures and ethnic groups.
  7. Getting to know the IBMC Staff… Ven. H. Shanti the Vice Abbot:

    Ven. Havanpola Shanti was born in Sri Lanka and entered the monastery when he was 13 years old. He was ordained as a bhikkhu at the age of 20. He is the Vice-Abbot of IBMC an…See More

    Photo: Getting to know the IBMC Staff... Ven. H. Shanti the Vice Abbot: Ven. Havanpola Shanti was born in Sri Lanka and entered the monastery when he was 13 years old. He was ordained as a bhikkhu at the age of 20. He is the Vice-Abbot of IBMC and oversees the facilities. He also gives dharma talks, works with students and is involved in InterBuddhist and InterReligious activities. After attending the University of Kelanaya, where he received his B.A. in Buddhist Studies, Ven. Shanti returned to his home temple and finished his studies to be a teacher. Along with eleven other teachers, he trained 150 young men and eventually took the position of vice-principal. Later he became the principal at a dharma school and held that position for six years. After spending a year at a temple in Korea, Rev. Shanti came to Los Angeles and the IBMC. When asked whether he preferred Los Angeles or Sri Lanka, he replied, "Both places have good and bad, but it is very peaceful in the village where I grew up and very rushed here in the city."
  8. Rev. Kusala leads meditation every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm… Three 20 min. meditations with a 5 min. break in between… Open and free to all.
  9. Leonard Cohen was born Sept. 21… A big “Happy Birthday.”
    Love Itself

    The light came through the window now
    straight from the sun above,
    and so inside my little room
    there plunged the rays of Love.
    …See More

    Photo: Love Itself The light came through the window now straight from the sun above, and so inside my little room there plunged the rays of Love. In streams of light I clearly saw the dust you seldom see, the dust the Nameless makes to speak a Name for one like me. And all mixed up with sunlight now the flecks did float and dance and I was tumbled up with them in formless circumstance. I’ll try to say a little more: this Love went on and on until it reached an open door - Then Love itself was gone. The self-same moment words were seen from every window frame, but there was nothing left between the Nameless and the Name. —Leonard Cohen, born today, September 21st, 1934
  10. An important Buddhist book is about to published by Wisdom Publications… “The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Complete Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya”… Translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi

    You may want to put this on your list of ‘books to buy’… Bhikkhu Bodhi is an American born Buddhist monk and well known for his authoritative translations.

    The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Complete Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya (Teachings of
    The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Complete Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha)
  11. A talk Rev. Kusala gave in Ventura on Sunday the 16th of September… A special thank you to Rev. Bonnie Rose Sr. minister for the invitation to speak.

    Compassion: Where Does It Come From?
    A talk on ‘Compassion’ given at ‘The Center for Spiritual Living in Ventura, CA / Rev. Bonnie Rose Sr. Minister. This talk was given on Sept. 16, 2012
    US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton placing lotus flowers on a Buddha statue at Ho Phrakeo. She is now in Laos, the first visit by an American secretary of state here in 57 years.
  12. Photo: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton placing lotus flowers on a Buddha statue at Ho Phrakeo. She is now in Laos, the first visit by an American secretary of state here in 57 years.
    Rev. Kusala had an invitation to sit in with the “Walter Trout Blues Band” at the ‘Irvine Lake Blues Fest’ (6-30-2012) and play his harmonica… “Sharing the Dharma 12 bars at a time.”
  13. Photo: Rev. Kusala had an invitation to sit in with the "Walter Trout Blues Band" at the 'Irvine Lake Blues Fest' (6-30-2012) and play his harmonica... "Sharing the Dharma 12 bars at a time."
  14. Food for Thought… 🙂

    Bob Thurman And Karen Armstrong Speak About Compassion On Global Spirit
    We call Global Spirit the first “internal travel” series, because the topics and the discussions so often lead to a kind of inner exploration. Unlike programming on Animal Planet or National Geographic, Global Spirit is not about discovering anything that is outside of yourself.
  15. Interfaith Council of Garden Grove, Stanton and Westminster June, 2012 – Left to Right – Kusala Bhikshu, Ann Nguyen, Lissa Coffey and Joyce McFadden
    Photo: Interfaith Council of Garden Grove, Stanton and Westminster June, 2012 - Left to Right - Kusala Bhikshu, Ann Nguyen, Lissa Coffey and Joyce McFadden
  17. The interfaith panel at Bishop Montgomery High School – March 7th & 8th 2012.
    Photo: The interfaith panel at Bishop Montgomery High School - March 7th & 8th 2012.
  18. Rev. Kusala from the IBMC speaking to Bishop Montgomery High School Students. A variety of religious leaders gathered for two days and spoke to a 1000 students on various topics.
    Photo: Rev. Kusala from the IBMC speaking to Bishop Montgomery High School Students. A variety of religious leaders gathered for two days and spoke to a 1000 students on various topics.

  20. We had our monthly Buddhist/Catholic Dialog at Hsi Lai Temple today… Good food and friendship made it a special day for us… Much thanks goes to Hsi Lai Temple for the hospitality.
  21. Buddhist’s and Catholic’s gather on 2-9-2013 at Hsi Lai Temple for their monthly dialog. — at Hsi Lai Temple.
    Photo: Los Angeles - Buddhist Catholic Dialog / 2-9-2012
    Photo: Los Angeles - Buddhist Catholic Dialog / 2-9-2012
    Photo: Los Angeles - Buddhist Catholic Dialog / 2-9-2012
    Photo: Los Angeles - Buddhist Catholic Dialog / 2-9-2012
  22. Thanks to everyone who made our 2012 Chinese New Years celebration on Sunday a success… Good food and good folks… Happy New Year 🙂
    3Like ·  · Share
  23. 2012 Chinese New Year — Well, I got everything right but the date… The 2012 Chinese New Year’s celebration will happen this Sunday the 29th at IBMC… 11:00 am for meditation and Dharma talk and at noon, food for everyone… If you were here yesterday looking for food and Dharma, please come back again… this Sunday the 29th. 😉
  24. This Sunday (1/22) at IBMC we are having a special Sunday Service… It starts at 11:00 am with meditation and dharma talk… After the service (12:00) a free lunch for everyone in celebration of Asian New Years… Join us if you can.
  27. Ven. Karuna Dharma at the IBMC
    Photo: Ven. Karuna Dharma at the IBMC
  28. Ven. Karuna Dharma at “Nun’s in the West”
    Photo: Ven. Karuna Dharma at "Nun's in the West"
  29. Ruth Denison and Ven. Karuna Dharma
    Photo: Ruth Denison and Ven. Karuna Dharma
  30. 1-14-2012 / IBMC Update

    First off, thanks to all those who sent donations, because of your kindness we have been able to catch up on some of our overdue maintenance. Today we are installing a combo shower and bath in Qwan Yin house, a much…See More

    Zhan zhuang (站桩) day 1
    A step-by-step method of exercising by standing still, in poses which burn fat and tone muscles without strenuous exercise. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhan…

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