The 2010 Programme was held on Saturday 19th of June 2010 between 9.30 and 16.30. The Fo Guang Shan temple 540 Stretford Road, Manchester M16 9AF in Trafford http://www.fgsman.org.uk/en/index2.htm very kindly offered to host the event and provide lunch for everyone (free of charge). You can see photos of the event as provided by the Kendal Buddhist Group here: - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6822&id=100001333926977&l=72bde24538 And more photos here: - http://www.flickr.com/photos/38755281@N08/sets/72157624198612585/  Since the FGS temple are providing food for the event it will be necessary to book a place just out of courtesy so that they know how many people to cater for. Therefore please take a look at the 'how to apply' page of this website - http://sites.google.com/site/manchesterbuddhistconference/Home/how-to-apply
Things to note Please remove shoes before entering the shrine rooms. We have tried to put an appropriate number of cushions in each room but if necessary please take cushions or chairs from the main shrine hall. The Fo Guang Shan temple have been very generous with their time and efforts in hosting the conference and have provided food for no charge but please feel free to make a donation if you wish. There is a collection box in the main entrance. When it comes to the simultaneous meditation classes and talks please just go to whichever one you want to. If the room is too full we’ll have to go on a first-come-first-served basis. If you have any mobility issues please tell one of the organisers at reception. Unfortunately the building does not have any lifts and most events take place on the first floor.
1. Introductory Chanting The hosting group, the Fo Guang Shan temple will perform their traditional chanting ceremony. There will also be an offering of candles for the altar. An usher will collect lit candles from all attendees. 2. Welcome Speech By Venerable Miao Shiunn from Fo Guang Shan
3. Keynote Speech British Buddhism Today By Munisha from the Network of Buddhist Organisations. What does British Buddhism look like today? What's our place in society? As the Network of Buddhist Organisations restructures itself, we take a look at some current Buddhist issues and how the UK Buddhist community might respond.
4. Lunch Before we leave the main hall a gong will be sounded to let everyone know lunch is being served. Ordained members from certain traditions are required to eat before mid day so venerables and Senior lay members will be served in the library by the main entrance. All other guests will be served in the dining room in basement. Please wait for nuns to chant blessing before starting eating.
5. Marketplace All groups are welcome to bring Buddhist related goods to sell. Stalls will be provided.
6. Sri Lanka/Therevada Meditation Class Led by Venerable Piyyatissa from the Ketumati Vihara, Oldham who is the most senior ordained member in Manchester. http://www.btinternet.com/~asankawebdesigns/srilankanetuk/ketumati_buddhist_vihara.htm
7. Metta Bhavana meditation class Led by Shakyajata of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order - FWBO
8. Samatha meditation introductory class By Grevel Lindop from the Samatha centre in Chorlton.
9. The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma A talk By Robin Jackson from the Kagyu Ling tradition. http://www.dechen.org/centres/northwest/manchester.html
10. Fo Guang Shan meditation class By By Venerable Miao Shiunn from Fo Guang Shan
11. Meditation taster session by Kagyu Ling By Robin Jackson from Kagyu Ling http://www.dechen.org/centres/northwest/manchester.html
12. Kadampa meditation workshop Led by Jeffrey Simm, Vairochana centre, Chorlton.
13. Dhamma talk & discussion subject TBA By Jill Brennan and Rob Hannay from Soka Gakkai International
14. Zen Meditation class Led by Alan Smith from the Manchester Zen dojo
15. SGI Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism background and chanting demonstration By Jill Brennan and Rob Hannay from Soka Gakkai International
16. Samatha or NKT meditation re-run if required Since the Ksitigarbha room is quite small – only seating about 20 people, there will be an optional third session of either the Samatha or NKT meditation classes in case people could not fit into the room first time around.
17. Chan Comes West By Simon Child, Western Chan Fellowship.
18. Teabreak Tea coffee and biscuits will be served in the library by the main entrance on the ground floor but people will stand in the main reception area opposite.
19. Questions and answers for monks, nuns, and senior practitioners Chaired by Venerable Piyatissa. Please feel free to ask questions of our panel. These can be questions on any topic you like relating to life and Buddhism. Examples from previous conferences are: - What is the meaning of life? Should we have children, since all we give them is life that is suffering with death at its end? Why do some Buddhists eat meat? Start thinking about questions you might like to ask or just sit and listen to the discussions.
20. Closing speech By Alan Smith - one of the longest-serving ordained members in Manchester
21. Chanting The Aditta Sutta Led by Mark Rowlands from the Samatha Group. The text will be available for those who wish to join in. Or you can just listen.
22. Notices about next year’s conference By Andy Taylor (MUBS) |