(April 13, 2010)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073

Religious Studies Seminar Showcases Local Buddhism April 24

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service)—The Religious Studies Department of Centenary College will sponsor an adult education seminar on Buddhism in the Shreveport-Bossier area, Saturday, April 24, from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Kilpatrick Auditorium, located in the Smith Building. The seminar is free and open to the public.

"The Dharma in Dixie" will showcase local expressions of the Buddhist religion and feature multi-media presentations, films, panel discussions, meditation exercise, and opportunities for interfaith dialogue.

The Dharma in Dixie

Dr. Peter Huff, T. L. James associate professor of Religious Studies, calls the seminar "an extraordinary opportunity to learn about one of the newest additions to America's diverse religious scene." An expert on Buddhist-Christian relations, Dr. Huff will present a lecture at the event on "The Christian Encounter with Buddhism."

The Buddhist tradition began in India 2,500 years ago with the experience of Siddhartha Gautama, known to history as the Buddha or "enlightened one." A thousand years later, Buddhist civilization stretched from Afghanistan to Japan. Buddhism was the world's first multi-cultural religion. Today its European and American adherents number in the millions.

Speakers at the seminar will include local Buddhist leaders Larry Androes, Buddy Landry, Yoshi Odaka, and Ben Riggs. Co-sponsors include the Buddhist Meditation Group at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Centenary Meditation Group, Falang Corner Bhavana Group, Refuge Meditation Group, and Soka Gakkai International.

Lunch will be provided for attendees. RSVP by April 20 to Rachel Stevens at email. For more information, contact Dr. Huff at 318-869-5049 or email.


About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in the Shreveport and Bossier City communities.