Everyone seems to be talking about the $300 $400 Buddhist Geeks Conference, but the conference that I’d really like to attend is the Techno Buddha Conference 2011 (“The Journey”). The conference is being held March 4–6 at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, California. Here’s the description from their Facebook page:
TechnoBuddha was the theme of the first year’s conference for people who are “grown but not necessarily grown-up” and are interested in Buddhism. We targeted the age range of 21–39 with flexibility on the upper limit (but unfortunately not on the lower limit, since the weekend involved a happy hour).
The theme was TechnoBuddha because we wanted to focus in on how our generation’s experience with technology may affect our experience with Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Expect to get involved in workshops on tai-chi/hip hop, personal finance and buying a home, communication and interpersonal relationships, local involvement and—of course—what in the world it means to practice Jodo Shinshu in 2011! The keynote speaker is Rev. Bob Oshita, rinban for North America’s largest Jodo Shinshu congregation. If you’re curious about how to raise kids in a temple community, he’s a great person to talk to.
I know these topics have nothing to do with Buddhism in the West, but I figured some readers might be interested. I unfortunately have a drop-dead project deadline the following week, so I’m still on the fence over whether or not to make the trip up north.
Thanks to an anonymous follower for the tip!
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NathanFebruary 1, 2011 at 7:19 AM
I wish this kind of stuff happened in Minnesota. Up until recently, most of the convert sanghas barely talk to each other, beyond bringing in a guest teacher once in a while. And other than a few gatherings several years ago, there has been even less talk between convert sanghas and those attended predominately by Asian Americans and recent immigrants/refugees. Even though there’s still a lot of crap to deal with, you all have it good out in California.
crowtalesFebruary 10, 2011 at 4:31 PM
I don’t know that I agree that these things have nothing to do with Buddhism in the West. Any place that western cultures intersect to Buddhism is likely a place for possible work on the overall shape of both.
Anyway, just thought I’d throw that out there. 🙂