Maui Time Weekly
Living Buddha

Thursday, Aug. 17 through Friday, Aug. 25, 2006 Island-wide

[SPIRITUALITY] All over Maui we are reminded of the costs of greed and exploitation. Monolithic hotels dominate what were once sacred and beautiful lands. Traffic congests our roads and businesses, causing impatience and resentment towards our neighbors. The few natives that remain fight to keep alive the memory of their culture and heritage, while those most responsible for their exploitation drive shiny new Benzes, Beemers and Hummers, blissfully ignorant of the damages done. In this culture of increasing frustration, it gives hope that a man such as Master Yu Tian Jian still exists. Called a “living Buddha,” Master Jian is the only living master of the ancient Chinese Hanmi school of Esoteric Buddhism. Jian has dedicated his life to relieving the suffering of others despite experiencing tremendous suffering himself. As a youth, he was shot twice (once through the head) and stabbed 27 times. He overcame his violent past and became a leader of industry in Communist China before finding his true path. Now an enlightened being, he is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and has authored a book on Hanmi Buddhism. Master Jian will be offering a series of free and paid public teachings and healings from August 17th through the 24th, with emphasis on utilizing Buddhist meditations and movements to calm the body and mind. Bettering one’s environment is a selfless act that is impossible without first bettering oneself. Master Yu Tian Jian is here to teach us to do just that. Free public teachings: Thursday, Aug. 17, 6:30-9 p.m. at Haynes Meeting Room, MACC; Friday, Aug. 18, 6:30-9 p.m. at Keokea Episcopal Church; Saturday, Aug. 19, 6:30-9 p.m. at Maui Land & Pineapple Scout Hall in Haliimaile; Sunday (with Crazy Fingers), Aug. 20, 4-9 p.m. at Maui Media Labs in Paia. For more information, including workshops schedule and rates, visit www.LightAwakeningTemple.com, or call 385-5829, 281-7955 or 573-8231. [COREY NIELSEN]