Mission Impossible: Recap UH ABS, Fall 2007

One of the most daunting tasks Master Jian Dan took on in 2007 had to be his involvement with a brand new student organization on University of Houston campus, the Association of Buddhist Students. He took on the role as the dharma teacher, as well as the President, while attending UH for the first semester. Looking back, we have to applaud him for his bravery (and may I say, a little craziness as well. Let’s be honest. It takes a crazy person to commit to such a crazy task!). On a more serious note, we also have to applaud him for a job well done. For twelve weeks, Master Jian Dan delivered dharma talks and provided guidance for students, faculty and staff. Here is a short recap of his accomplishment in Fall 2007.

Warm-Up:

1. 06/27/2007 Unofficial business meeting: Master Jian Dan was invited to be the dharma teacher for the association.
2. 08/18/2007 ABS Welcome Party at UH: Master attended the party and met many students interested in Buddhism and meditation.
3. 08/24/2007 UH Cat's back: Master even joined the organization fairs at UH to help promote the association and attract students.

Meditation Classes:

1. 08/29/2007 Class 1 – Introduction to meditation: First class. Introduction of breath counting method.
2. 09/06/2007 Class 2 – Be the master of your mind: Heave and hell is only the state of our mind.
3. 09/13/2007 Class 3 – Living the present moment: Do not attach to nor follow our wondering thoughts.
4. 09/19/2007 Class 4 – Cultivating the mind: Emotions are just series of thoughts. Learn to observe them as they arise and fade away.
5. 09/27/2007 Class 5 – Looking inwards: Our mind is the true creator, not something external.
6. 10/06/2007 Class 6 – Duality: A discriminating mind is the source of sufferings.
7. 10/11/2007 Class 7 – Inner beauty: Each one of us possesses Buddha nature and has the same opportunity to reach enlightenment.
8. 10/18/2007 Class 8 – Dealing with anger: Meditation helps eradicate our negative emotions such as greed, anger, and ignorance by being true to yourself.
9. 10/26/2007 Class 9 – Cultivating compassion: Compassion is selfishless where self-benefit is fully abandoned for the sake of serving all sentient beings.
10. 11/01/2007 Class 10 – Understanding death: Life is impermanent yet it never ends.
11. 11/09/2007 Class 11 – Wants & needs: Needs are our responsibilities while wants are our goals and wishes.
12. 11/15/2007 Class 12 – a day of appreciation: Pay it forward and together we can change the world.
    

Extra:

1. 09/02/2007 Field trip to Bodhi Center: Master brought the students out to Bodhi Center for a day of fun activities.
2. 09/17/2007 Daily Cougar Interview: Master was interviewed by University of Houston campus newspaper.
3. 11/2/2007 Merit dedication: Master held a special merit dedication for a member who passed away suddenly.
4. 12/07/2007 Winter Retreat: Master held a two-day retreat for the association.

Mission accomplished!