Buddhism for Young Professionals

Basics

The transition from university to the workplace can be a challenging time for many young people. It is at this time that young people start to question the applicability of Buddhist teachings in their new working environment, and the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings to our daily lives.

This interactive workshop will address the benefits of engaging Buddhist philosophy and practices in the workplace, and will discuss practical ways of integrating and applying them in the “real world”.

When: Sat 2nd May 2009
Time: 10:00am-2.30pm
Location: Buddhist Council of NSW Office - Level 1, 441 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest
Bring: Please bring your own lunch
RSVP: As places are limited, please RSVP to events@mitra.org.au by the 29th of April

Topics include:

- Key Messages of the Buddha
- True Nature of Mind and Life Experiences
- Working with the Trained Mind
- Facing Challenges in the Workplace
- Cultivating Strong Workplace Relationships
- Finding Work and Spiritual Life Balance

Biographies of Presenters:

Tuong-Vi Phan

Being an avid reader, Vi began reading dharma books as a teenager, just for fun. She grew up in a Vietnamese Buddhist family and although she went to temple and had an altar at home, she did not come into touch with the dharma until she joined Unibodhi, University of Sydney's Buddhist Society. She served on the Executive committee in various roles throughout University. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Pharmacy, she has helped MITRA Youth Buddhist Network in various capacities and is currently serving as the President.

Jim Teoh

Jim has been a Buddhist teacher for over fifteen years and was one of the initiators of the earliest structured Buddhist programs presented at the Buddhist Library. He has taught numerous courses in Buddhism to various organizations in Sydney such as the Buddhist Council of NSW, Buddhist Library and Meditation Centre, Indonesian Buddhist Society of NSW and Bodhikusuma Buddhist and Meditation Centre. Jim is also a regular speaker at University Buddhist organisations such as Unibuds and Unibodhi, as well as facilitating meditation workshops for Unibuds. He is also trained as a Hospital Buddhist Chaplain.

Jonathan Shearman

Jonathan's journey with Dharma goes back to a visit to Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, as a child in the 1960's. An encounter with Buddhist Bikkhus left a strong impression. At University he studied Philosophy, Anthropology, Comparitive Religion and Sanskrit, and discovered Vipassana Meditation. He attended several retreats at Wat Buddha Dhamma with Phra Khantipalo, and has continued to study and practise ever since, formally taking refuge at the Nan Tien Temple in July 2007 and going on his first 10-day Vipassana Retreat in early 2008. In years past he has given courses in Buddhism at Warringah and Mosman Evening College. Jonathan works as a technical writer and instructional designer for a professional services company on the North Shore.

Kok Hong Lau

Kok Hong holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Sydney. He is a registered Architect currently practising in private sector. His journey with Buddhism began during his time as a university student through his active involvement in the university Buddhist organisation. After leaving university, he has developed interest in personal practice and the practical application of Dharma in an increasingly commercialised & commodified environment.

Chien Hoong Gooi

Chien Hoong is a registered Psychologist who is currently involved in clinical research applying Buddhist mindfulness practices in the treatment of anxiety disorders as part of ongoing training to complete his postgraduate in Doctor of Clinical Psychology. He was the previous Buddhist Chaplain at the University of New South Wales and has led workshops and given talks at the Buddhist Library, Buddhist Council of NSW and to the Buddhist youth community.

Registration