會議地點：越南胡志明市；時間：2009.12.18 - 2010.01.03；大會主題：傑出的女性修行者與典範=Eminent Buddhist Women
關鍵詞
佛學教育
摘要
In April 2003, nearing the completion of my teaching degree, I introduced myself to Nga, an elder at Van Hahn Temple in Santee, California, and offered my services as an English teacher. The temple’s new monk, Tinman had only been in the country for 3 months and did not speak English. Nga and I scheduled a weekly training regimen for the monk. Within a short time, temple members invited me to ceremonies and special events. Although treated with a great deal of respect, I found that I was not above reproach if I did not follow proper protocol with the monks. There were no nuns and I was the only female teacher at the temple. I discovered that it was not culturally acceptable to hug or be behind closed doors with a monk. Being an American did not trump being female.
Wonderful things have happened at Van Hahn Temple over the last 6 years. At first, there was only one monk to teach; now there are five. Once there were only a few people at temple events; now there are so many participants that many of the ceremonies must be held outside in the parking lot. I found it significant that a woman (Dr. Karma Lekshe Tsomo) was invited to be the guest speaker at at one such ceremony, conducted in both Vietnamese and English. The first American style wedding took place two years ago. Not only was the ceremony conducted in English, but the newly wedded couple were allowed to kiss. This spring, Tinman received his Masters Degree from San Diego State University.
In my experience, skillful communication is the key to spreading the teachings of the Buddha in the United States. Americans are ready and willing to learn about Buddhist philosophy and culture, but most prefer to learn in English. Teaching English is therefore one way to encourage cultural understanding and promote peace. The more human beings know about each other, the more we will be able to share our heritages and ideas and, in the process, learn to respect our differences and similarities.
