Invitation: Alberta 750 Conference - October 28-31st

I hope this day finds you well and happy!

I am writing you today as Coordinator of the upcoming 'Alberta 750 Conference' of the Calgary Buddhist Temple.

Our Conference this year is a celebration of 750 years of the founder of Jodo Shinshu, Shinran Shonin, in conjunction with the annual Alberta Buddhist Conference (ABC) of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Alberta.

This is a 'Jubilee year' being celebrated by the Hongwanji-wa, in Japan, and all across North America.

This year, in keeping with our theme of 'Engaged Buddhism', we have a number of important events planned: we will combine the Calgary Buddhist Film Festival with the annual ABC Conference.

We plan a visit from our national Socho who will conduct a Sarana Affirmation Ceremony, have outside speakers including a member of Thich Nhat Hanh's 'Order of Interbeing' (Tracey Pickup!) and a session on Ethical Investing by a known financial services author, Rod Burylo. There will also be social events including a banquet, local artist displays, and discounts for the Glenbow Museum

We are planning a big Conference this year!

The Conference weekend is scheduled to take place from Thursday evening, October 28th through Sunday, October 31st, with most events at the John Dutton Theater of the Calgary Public Library (Main branch downtown), who are generously partnering with us in this event. More information is available on our website at http://www.calgary-buddhist.ab.ca/abc.htm and film information at http://www.calgary-buddhist.ab.ca/buddhist_films.htm .

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our Conference, waiving the Conference cost for yourself personally.

Please feel free to invite other people to our Conference; there is a $60 fee to attend all events (that covers the meals and banquet), but the Buddhist Film Festival is free to attend for all.

I have attached a Conference Poster and Film description and Conference schedule for your convenience.

If you would be so kind as to please let me know by reply email if you will plan to attend and if you would like to attend the banquet and/or for the Saturday and Sunday lunches for which we need advance planning.

In Gassho,

Ken Madden

Calgary Buddhist Temple