1/31/10 - From Skirmishes to Jihads - Discover the Buddhist way to resolve conflict. What is the approach that Buddhist takes to warfare? How do we wage inner and outer warfare? Is there such a thing as a just cause to war? Can a Buddhist become a soldier? Explore the realms of applied Buddhist ethics. Excerpt readings from Buddhist Ethics by Damian Keown and Ocean by Kenneth Tanaka. Presented by Daikan.

12/06/09 - What Do You Want to Know About Buddhism? - Do you have a lingering question about a specific teaching of or practice in Shin or general Buddhism? Once again, we offer this popular and interactive format of Q & A lead by Abhaya and assisted by the BFF of CT’s teachers and community.

11/15/09 - Abortion - What is the approach that Buddhist takes to this controversial issue? Is it ever ethical to have an abortion? Is it a "sin"? How can women deal with abortion? Explore the realms of applied Buddhist ethics. Excerpt readings from Buddhist Ethics by Damian Keown and Ocean by Kenneth Tanaka. Presented by Daikan.

11/08/09 - I Met the Buddha and He Winked At Me - An insightful, fun and spontaneous talk and discussion on how the Buddha touches and transforms our lives, and to explore if people in general are ready to encounter this transformational experience. Sachi relates her often amusing personal experience to initiate the conversation. Presented by Sachi.

10/18/09 - A New Earth - According to Eckhart Tolle, there is hope for the dire state of humanity. A new state of consciousness is emerging in the world. This talk and discussion will cover our erroneous identification with the ego-self, the storylines it creates, and the path that leads to a new state of consciousness so that we can experience who we really are. the Talk is based on the book by Eckhart Tolle. Presented by Myo-on.

10/11/09 - Craving, Consumption and the Challenge of Living Mindfully - In this discussion we will explore the variety of ways that human beings attempt to avoid pain and seek pleasure, from overindulgence in food or entertainment to life threatening drug addiction. We will focus on mindfulness practice as a spiritual method of recovery from these issues, as it is described in the text of Mindful Recovery by Thomas and Beverly Bien. Presented by Jinshu.

9/27/09 - Inner Togetherness - Shin Buddhism emphasizes our deep inter-connectedness and the elimination of barriers between people. It also has an assured faith that no one is left out of salvation. How is this so? This illuminating discussion will explore the true nature of all sentient beings and its realization in everyday life through shinjin, the trusting heart. Excerpts read from the Buddhism of the Heart by Jeff Wilson. Presented by Senpai

9/20/09 - How to Practice - A down-to-earth look into the basis of Shin Buddhist practice. What do Shin take refuge in? What is deep hearing (monpo) and how do people get confused on its application? How is it that the Incense Offering (oshoko) can be the heart of Buddhist practice? Presented by Senpai

7/19/09 - Hitler's Buddha Nature - Are some people beyond any hope of redemption? According to Shin Buddhism, who is "saved" and who is "condemned"? Excerpts from the book Buddhism of the Heart by Jeff Wilson. Presented by Juliane Dean

6/21/09 - Sacred Journey: Why I believe - (re)Discover the Buddha and his teachings, and the meaning of faith. Amla, our BFF of CT's friend, will discuss, in a multi-media presentation, her spiritual journey, what lead her to Bodh Gaya, India (where the historical Buddha realized enlightenment) and what inspired her to Buddhism. Presented by Amla. Also, come and honor the Summer Solstice and Father’s Day.

5/24/09 - The Power of Now - We are not our mind; we can find our way out of psychological pain; authentic human power is found by surrendering to the Now. In the present moment, problems do not exist, we are able to find joy and embrace our true selves and find ourselves perfect and complete. Short readings from the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Presented by Juliane Dean

5/17/09 - Does Art Imitate Life or Life Imitate Art? - Does Buddhism recognize any distinction between the two? Join us as we explore Buddhism's perspective on the creative process. We will focus on poetry as well as shodo (Japanese) calligraphy, an example of which if featured on our nembutsu scroll. Also, we will pause to recognize and celebrate Gotan-e, Shinran Shonin's (founder of Shin Buddhism) birthday. Presented by Pamela Mulready

4/26/09 - Attitudes of Gratitude: How To Give And Receive Joy Every Day Of Your Life - Gratitude for small things enriches us beyond measure. It helps us focus on the positive in our lives and what we focus on multiplies and a regular practice of gratitude can help make us happier. From various short vignettes by M.J. Ryan which are correlated with basic Shin teachings. Presented by Juliane Dean

3/08/09 - Is There a God in Buddhism? - Learn about what Shin Buddhism says about ultimate reality and the Western idea of God. Is there a God who watches all, judges and saves? What is the purpose of Shin practice? Who is Amida Buddha? Based on a reading, Is there a God? The Buddhist Answer, written by Taitetsu Unno. Presented by Senpai

2/22/09 - Mappo: Are These The Times In Which We Live? - A talk and discussion on the Latter Days of the Dharma, one of the three ages of buddhism, in which practice becomes difficult due to self-centeredness, distractions, confusion and inter-personal conflict. Is there a solution? Pure Land Buddhist say yes; it's the nembutsu! Presented by Jeff Zyjeski

2/08/09 - Our Limitations Within Boundlessness - What are the limits of human understanding? This discussion explores the inconceivable reality that exist behind our human experience. Sources include: Zen master Dogen, Goethe and Isaac Newton to help illustrate the true meaning of shinjin, which Dr. Haneda calls "...the most important human experience taught in Shin Buddhism. A reading titled The Tip of the Iceberg from the book Dharma Breeze written by the famous Shin teacher Nobuo Haneda. Presented by Joe Hoydilla

2/1/09 - The First Step in Entering the Path - How can I learn about Buddhism? An insightful look into the essential nature of the Buddhist path and how to live a life of a true seeker with one’s entire being. An essay written by the famous Shin teacher Haya Akegarasu. Presented by Senpai

1/25/09 - Ecology, Sexuality, Divorce, Abortion and Warfare - Explore the realms of applied Buddhist ethics. What is the approach that Buddhist takes to these topics? Excerpt readings from Buddhist Ethics by Damian Keown and Ocean by Kenneth Tanaka. Presented by Robert Orsi

12/14/08 - Following Sound into Silence - Learn how in our lives of chaos and distraction the practice of chanting, both alone and with others, can quiet and stabilize our mind, expand our heart, elevate our emotion, and reduce our self-centeredness. From the book Chanting Your Way Beyond Ego into Bliss by Kailash. Presented by Juliane Dean