Hi guys,
Today Puay Kim, Shiongwei, Hidayat and I met up at National Library to mull over a whole series of Dharma Circle topics for next 2 semesters. We took into account Meifei, Angita and Tionghan's suggested topics.
So the next 4 DC topics aimed at incoming freshmen and returning members are:
1) Transitions in Life
Specifically dealing with the transition to University Life. Though not overtly harping on Buddhism as the panacea, the speaker will share on her own experiences on life's transitions, the mindset changes involved, and how to she helped herself with Dharma.
Suggested speaker: Cindy
2) What is Buddhism?
Specifically pitched at an audience with zero knowledge of Buddhism. The ideal end point is to clarify Buddhism in a modern way that is relevant to the audience so that they can come and find out more.
Suggested speaker: Kwek
3) Fact or Fiction: Tales of the Buddha
Introducing the life of the Buddha as a continuation from the previous topic. Different snapshots of various scenes from traditional stories of the Buddha will be brought up for discussion. With pictures of pilgrimages to present historical evidence to contrast against seemingly mythical accounts, the speaker will explore deeper meanings behind these stories.
Suggested speaker: Shiongwei
4) Calmness amidst the Stress
Mindfulness and living in the present moment is one of the top selling products of Buddhism. The speaker will share on the calmness factor in Buddhism: how it can help to keep the student in balance and equanimity amidst the building stress ahead of the first mid-term tests and looming projects.
Suggested speaker: Wee Heng
Those are NOT the actual titles, just the theme of the topic. More sexy titles are welcome as long as they fit the description.
These are the suggested next 12 DCs, no speakers are suggested. They take into account movie screening and/or alternative modes of presentation to break the monotony.
Sem 1, after term break:
5) "Movie"-screening: documentaries about Buddhism, albeit from secular productions. E.g. that National Geographic documentary on Tibetan Buddhism (available on googlepages), etc. followed by facilitated sharing.
6) Finding happiness in life: Introducing the First and Second Noble Truths, applied to modern life, it involves analysing the obstructions that prevent us from being happy.
7) The causes of happiness. The Second Noble Truth is presented in terms of Aversion and Clinging, and hence the antidote is presented in terms of two aspects of Right Action: developing kindness by not harming others, and developing generosity as a counter to coveting what is not given.
8) Buddhism and Science: explores the popular claim nowadays that Buddhism is scientific. Presents parallel ideas between Buddhism and Science in terms of modern Physics and Biology, and explores the pitfalls of latest trend in this direction.
Sem 2, before term break:
9) Kamma: the Buddhist view
10) Living for a good death
11) Right effort
12) [Empty. Suggestions? We can do something about the Buddhist model of psychology or mind and matter here, but needs to be engaging and not dry]
Sem 2, after term break:
13) Documentary sharing: Meditation
14) Good communication habits, good relationships: Right Speech
15) Career choices and pains: Right livelihood
16) Buddhist travel sites (idea is to have sharing by Darryl)
We've also tried to put together a list of speakers. The criteria is for dynamic, engaging speakers that are really good and make people come back for more. We have a limited list so we'd welcome any suggestions.
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