The third annual DRBY Conference took place at the City of the Dharma Realm in Sacramento, California over Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27). Over 80 people attended the conference, with the majority of them students and young working adults. The program began each morning with a meditation session, stretching exercise and proceeded to workshops with topics including "A Buddhist's Way of Reducing Family Stress and Conflict", "Discovering Buddhism for Second Generation Buddhists", "Interfaith Peace", and "Science and Buddhism". Participants also enjoyed an evening of Buddhist storytelling and acoustic guitar music.
The two-day conference drew students, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist, from many cultural, ethnic, and religions backgrounds. One Catholic college student from Kenya said, "I learned that Buddhism and Catholicism have many similarities." Another non-Buddhist said, "I thought I would be attacked for my views, but instead I was heard and respected." Another student remarked, "I've been to many church retreats where young people just hang around, and I really appreciate the rich experience offered by the numerous workshops and the well-organized daily schedule."
The conference was filled with memorable moments. There were humorous moments such as when Helen Woo told of her transformation from a wild party girl into devoted Buddhist and her struggle to becoming a vegetarian; heated moments when discussion over science and Buddhism became intense; and touching moments such as when a young man shared his experience of trying the practice of bowing to his father everyday gradually opened up his father and changed their relationship.
Through the insightful teachings, collective sharing, and intense discussions, Take Flight 2001 provided many a new outlook into the pursuit of wisdom and marked a new beginning in the search for liberation and freedom.
DRBY would like to thank the sincerity of all of the speakers, storytellers, presenters, as well as the support of the residents of the City of Dharma Realm and, last but not least, volunteers for the conference, in preparation for lodging and nutritious vegetarian meals.
