Here is a release that is perfect for the stressed out Houston media types - remember to take a minute and relax/breathe:
Zen Master Miao Tsan, Abbot of Vairocana Zen Monastery and international lecturer and author, returns to Houston September 17 - 23 to launch his latest book, Intrinsic Awakened Nature (Bright Sky Press, Sept. 2012), which explores how many Western and Eastern religions share common principles despite the distinct ways in which they spread their teachings. He will present with such preeminent Western lecturers and educators as Episcopal priest and Jungian analyst J. Pittman McGehee D.D., and give public dialogues, dharma talks, workshops and programs at the Jung Center of Houston, Rothko Chapel, Memorial Hermann Hospital and C.T. Bauer College of Business University of Houston, among other Houston-area venues.
Venerable Master Miao Tsan’s multidisciplinary programs, free and open to the public, will include signings of Intrinsic Awakened Nature. His book provides important perspectives on the similarities in Western and Eastern pursuit of eternity, happiness and the ability to understand the meaning of life. In this new volume in a series of contemporary Zen studies, Master Miao Tsan shows readers a clear path to understanding the most important aspect of any spiritual teaching: At the source of any sound religion or ideology lies the one and only Universal Truth. While the superficial differences between religions have perplexed thinkers for centuries and left many modern people conflicted about which religion or ideology most deserves their loyalty, beneath their religious, linguistic and cultural differences lies a shared core value.
For additional information or to RSVP to any of the programs, please contact Jennifer Farmer, (281) 589-0810 or jfarmer@masterword.com.
* Full Calendar of Events/Houston Below
Zen Master Miao Tsan - Calendar of Events/Houston
September 17 – 23, 2012
When: Monday, September 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St.,
Rm. JJL 400 - Houston 77030
Program: "Master Your Living and Dying” - Lecture by Venerable Master Miao Tsan
Host: Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the Integrative Medicine Program in the Department of General Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Associate faculty at the McGovern Center for the Humanities and Ethics. Lunch will be available for the first 100 in attendance.
Although hospitals focus on healing, health care professionals are often called to serve patients facing death. Venerable Master Miao Tsan explains and illustrates how utilizing the Buddhist concept of impermanence can enable medical personnel to acknowledge that death is not a failure, but rather, the inevitable end of the physical body and the suffering inherent in each stage of life. Acceptance of this point of view opens the door for real compassion and loving kindness and provides deeper connection between patients and the medical community, greater peace for the dying, and a path to assuage the grief of patients’ families and loved ones.
When: Wednesday, September 19, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Great Hall (Downtown)
Program: Zen Master Miao Tsan and J. Pittman McGehee, D.D., a noted Episcopal priest, Jungian analyst, author and lecturer will give their thoughts and definitions of the “Paradox of Love”. Is the Buddhist concept of compassion the same as the Western definition of love? What is the role of detachment? Is it a higher form of love than the more possessive Western romantic tradition? Does personal attachment bring suffering and can realization of our true essence transform it into happiness and universal and unconditional caring for all beings? Enlightening listeners with the wisdom of many traditions, these two masters will provide new insights on the most complex emotion.
Q&A and book signings of Intrinsic Awakened Nature (Venerable Master Miao Tsan) and The Paradox of Love (The Very Reverend J. Pittman McGehee) to follow.
When: Thursday, September 20, 6:30 p.m.
Where: C.T. Bauer College of Business University of Houston – Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion - MD Anderson Library, 2nd floor, University Drive entrance off Calhoun Road.
Program: “Zen and the Art of Leadership”
Lecture by Venerable Master Miao Tsan
Venerable Master Miao Tsan explores the synergy between Zen and the common characteristics of successful leadership: self-discipline, responsibility, calmness in the face of challenge, and the ability to look at reality as it is. From Siddhartha to Steve Jobs, Zen principles have brought about a profound degree of personal transformation that can shape an individual into a natural leader, and Zen principles have led entrepreneurs and insightful corporate business people to greater success. Ten horses should pull in one direction: When leaders learn how to leave egocentric management style behind, teams can become productive and employees can reach their full potential.
When: Friday, September 21, Noon - 1 p.m.
Where: Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center, 6411 Fannin St.
Hermann Conference Center, Ground Floor of the Atrium
Program: “Finding Peace and Focus in a Hectic Environment”
Lecture by Venerable Master Miao Tsan
Venerable Master Miao Tsan will share ways that healthcare professionals can deal with stress in their daily work. Attendees will learn techniques to manage the effects of stress encountered when dealing with patients and co-workers, rather than bringing those problems home to family and friends. This practical session applicable is to all involved in healthcare--physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, and hospital support staff.
When: Friday, September 21, 7p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross Street
Program: “Just Oneness” - Lecture by Zen Master Miao Tsan
(Two-part program to be continued at Saturday, September 22 workshop)
When: Saturday, September 22, 9 a.m. - Noon
Where: Jung Center Houston, 5200 Montrose Boulevard
Program: Zen Master Miao Tsan workshop “Just Oneness,” explaining the Truth of Oneness
In this special lecture and workshop program presented in conjunction with The Rothko Chapel and the Jung Center Houston, Zen Master Miao Tsan will explain the truth of Oneness. Ignorance of this fundamental truth of Oneness leads humanity to the world of duality, which is the root cause of all forms of conflicts and sufferings. Master Miao Tsan will explore the fundamental nature of Oneness and the way material attachments prevent our awareness of it.
When: Saturday, September 22, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 3003 Holcombe Boulevard (Vanderbilt Square)
Program: Zen Master Miao Tsan Book Signing, Intrinsic Awakened Nature
When: Sunday, September 23, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 5501 South Main, Fondren Hall (2nd Floor – Jones Building
Program: Zen Master Miao Tsan lectures to Bill Kerley’s weekly “Ordinary Life” class on the topic of “Happiness”
For further event information or to purchase the book, go to www.miaotsan.com. For large quantity book orders, please call Bright Sky Press, 713-533-9300.
