Contact
Sakyadhita USA
The USA Branch of Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women
+1 (760) 308-2452
susa@sakyadhitausa.org
Diversity in the Dharma: Buddhist Women Engage Race and Exclusionary Politics in America
Saturday, April 1, 2017
A One-Day Conference in Rosemead, California
Sakyadhita USA 2017 Conference at University of the West
Join lay and monastic dharma practitioners from diverse communities to explore how the politics of race and exclusion can be understood and addressed through a lens of the Buddha's teachings. Learn how several dharma communities are turning exclusion into inclusion. Formulate an Action Plan for yourself or for your community toward a broader outreach inspired and undergirded by a deeper practice.
Keynote Speakers
Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin
Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin, is the first and current resident priest of Myoken Temple in Houston. Shonin translates as "religious leader/teacher." It is a term unique to Japanese Buddhism, similar to the term Sensei (teacher) or Roshi (Zen master). On June 30, 2007, she became the first American woman to complete Shingyo Dojo, at the training monastery of Nichiren Shu. She was also the first woman of African-Japanese descent to be ordained as a priest in the Nichiren Shu Order. She currently serves as resident priest of Myoken-ji Temple in Houston. She has long been involved in Buddhist Outreach work in the Texas Prison System (TDCJ) spreading the dharma to incarcerated individuals. Myokei’s ordination is the culmination of a lifetime of Buddhist practice. More importantly, it is another step along the path, the birth of a vision conceived long ago when she was just a girl growing up in a military family in El Paso. Read her longer biography at this link.
Pamela Ayo Yetunde
Pamela Ayo Yetunde, J.D., M.A., Th.D., was the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation Visiting Scholar-in-Residence at University of the West, Fall, 2016. Ayo earned her Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. She earned her M.A. in Culture and Spirituality from Holy Names University in Oakland, CA and her law degree from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington. Ayo is a pastoral counselor in private practice, and has also worked in spiritual care in hospital, hospice, and mental health care settings. She is a Community Dharma Leader certified by Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA.
Program
San Francisco Zen Center
Against the Stream, Los Angeles, CA
East Bay Meditation Center, Oakland, CA
Buddhist Peace Fellowship
Funie Hsu
University of the West Conference Venue
1409 N. Walnut Grove Ave., Rosemead, CA
University of the West, the generous co-sponsor of this conference, is a private, nonprofit, non-sectarian, co-educational university offering undergraduate, graduate, certificate and continuing education programs consistent with the educational mission of California higher education degree-granting institutions.
The mission of University of the West is to:
- Provide a ‘whole person’ education in a context informed by Buddhist wisdom and values; and to
- Facilitate cultural understanding and appreciation between East and West.
The intimate size of the campus will offer participants a warm and welcoming experience where we can exchange ideas and make new friends. This conference will be held in the main auditorium, with registration, an art display and book table in the adjacent foyer.
The the conference will be held in Ken Locke Hall and its foyer which are ADA compliant with wheelchair access. Restrooms have wheel chair access but are not gender-neutral; however, there are several one-person bathrooms on campus that will be open and identified on a campus map provided in conference materials. There is ample free parking.
Book Table and Buddhist-Inspired Art Show
The Photography of Milla Cochran Agai and other artists.
Schedule
8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Registration
8:45 - 9:00 a.m. Welcome, Introductions & Meditation
9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Keynote Address by Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Dharma Group Presentations (& one short break)
11:00 - 12:30 p.m. Vegetarian Luncheon, Book Sales Table (provide by local bookstore), Dharma-inspired art display
12:30 - 12:45 p.m. Welcome Back & Meditation
12:45 - 1:15 p.m. Keynote Address by Pamela Ayo Yetunde
1:15 - 3:30 p.m. Dharma Group Presentations (& one break)
3:30 - 4:10 p.m. Action Plan Development & Sharing
4:10 - 4:30 p.m. Close, Dedication of Merit
6:00 p.m. Post-conference Dinner at a Bodhi Veggie Cuisine
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Early Registration (ended January 15)
Laypersons $30 | Monastics/Students/Unemployed $10
Regular Registration January 16 - March 24
Laypersons $40 | Monastics/Students/Unemployed $20
Late Registration (after March 24) or at the door
Laypersons $50, Monastics/Students/Unemployed $20
Lay and Monastic Scholarships
Request an application, email susa@sakyadhitausa.org
Saturday, April 1, 2017, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
University of the West, 1409 N. Walnut Grove Ave.,
Rosemead, CA (about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles)
LODGING FOR OUT-OF-TOWN PARTICIPANTS
Free Shared Lodging for Monastics
Free lodging in the UWEST dorms may still be available for monastics after January 15, 2017. Request monastic lodging on your registration form, and you will be notified if it's still available.
Conference Hotel
The conference hotel is Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott, 705 San Gabriel Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770, for about $150 per night (+10% tax) . Special rates may be available for Rewards members, Auto Club or AARP members. Payment is made to the hotel at check-in. See cancelation policies when you make your reservation.
Reserve your room at the Conference Hotel
Amenities included are: Complimentary breakfast, free parking, free wireless high-speed Internet access, fitness center, outdoor pool and hottub.
The hotel is located walking distance (less than 1 mile) from the conference venue. Rides will be organized for transfer to the conference site. There is free parking at University of the West.
There are many other lodging options near University of the West in the City of Rosemead or nearby cities.
After making hotel reservations, be sure to return to this page to Register for the SUSA Conference!!