June News Release

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Renowned Buddhist Monk Ajahn Brahm to visit Toronto June 26th
Seminar will include latest research on benefits of “loving-kindness” Meditation

Toronto - Buddhist Monk Ajahn Brahm will bring his humour and insight to Toronto, June 26th, 2008 and unveil his new book and discuss the benefits of meditation.

“There has been some amazing research into meditation and how it physically changes the brain,” says Ajahn Brahm. “Studies have shown that cultivating compassion and kindness through meditation affects brain regions that can indeed make a person more empathetic to other peoples’ mental states.”

Buddhists have long known the benefits of meditation. Western society is now taking an interest in its benefits. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have published a study that was the first to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to indicate that positive emotions such as loving-kindness can be learned.

Recognition that meditation can heal has great potential for children and adults. Children may be helped to stop bullying and adults may be relieved of recurring depression. Richard Davidson, professor of psychiatry and psychology at UW-Madison and associate scientist Antoine Lutz studied a group of Tibetan monks and lay practitioners who have practiced meditation for a minimum of 10,000 hours. Their use of the MRI indicated changes to the brain in mapping bodily responses to emotion.

In April, a movie titled “The Dhamma Brothers” was released in New York to rave reviews. The film is set in an overcrowded maximum-security prison and focuses on primarily, four inmates that are likely to be warehoused until the end of their days. However, during a gruelling 10 days of an intense ancient meditation program, it is clear these men have been changed forever, having experienced “loving-kindness” through meditation, as a result exposing their hardened souls into feeling empathy for others.

“The Dhamma Brothers” is a rather dramatic example of how peace and love for others can be achieved through meditation,” says Ajahn Brahm. “Loving-kindness and compassion are central to Buddhist beliefs and it is exciting to see traditional science coming to accept its benefits.”

Ajahn Brahm is the author of two books on Buddhism. The first book was “Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung: Inspiring Stories for Welcoming Life's Difficulties.” This book became an instant hit among the readers in North America, which was introduced during his last visit to Canada, three years ago.
His latest book is “Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond: A Meditator's Handbook.” Well known Buddhist author Glenn Wallis says that “readers seeking a sure guide to ‘bliss better than sex’ will find it in this wonderful book.”

Ajahn Brahm, born in working-class London in 1951, won a scholarship to study Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University, where he obtained a Masters Degree. He became interested in Buddhism in his teen years, and after obtaining his degree and pursuing teaching, he decided to go to Thailand and deepen his commitment.

Ajahn Brahm was ordained at age 23. He uses his humorous story telling and teaching experience to educate people about Buddhist teachings.

“The idea that you can achieve peace from within, despite the constant deluge of negative thought we are surrounded by today is central to Buddhist philosophy of tolerance and harmony, “says Ajahn Brahm.

Ajahn Brahm will be the guest speaker at Ontario Science Centre in Toronto on June 26th, 2008 at 7pm.