Dish-Houston

The last time Zen Master Miao Tsan was in town we had the opportunity to hear him speak and were absolutely mezmorised. He is a delightful speaker and spirit to be around. His book was pretty great as well and now he has another one out! He will have a weeks worth ov events here in Houston but a few of them are FREE!!! Please treat yourself to the FREE (DISH'S favorite price) event and pick up the new book while you are there!

Zen Master Launches New Book in Contemporary Zen Studies Series

September 17 - 23 in Houston

Zen Master Miao Tsan, Abbot of Vairocana Zen Monastery and international lecturer and author, returns to Houston September 17 - 23 to launch his latest book, Intrinsic Awakened Nature, which explores how many Western and Eastern religions share common principles despite the distinct ways in which they spread their teachings.  He will present with such preeminent Western lecturers and educators as Episcopal priest and Jungian analyst J. Pittman McGehee D.D., and give public dialogues, dharma talks, workshops and programs at The Jung Center of Houston, Rothko Chapel, Memorial Hermann Hospital and C.T. Bauer College of Business University of Houston, among other Houston-area venues.

Venerable Master Miao Tsan’s multidisciplinary programs, free and open to the public, will include signings of Intrinsic Awakened Nature.  His book provides important perspectives on the similarities in Western and Eastern pursuit of eternity, happiness and the ability to understand the meaning of life. In this new volume in a series of contemporary Zen studies, Master Miao Tsan shows readers a clear path to understanding the most important aspect of any spiritual teaching: At the source of any sound religion or ideology lies the one and only Universal Truth.  While the superficial differences between religions have perplexed thinkers for centuries and left many modern people conflicted about which religion or ideology most deserves their loyalty, beneath their religious, linguistic and cultural differences lies a shared core value.  

Venerable Master Miao Tsan will reunite with the Very Reverend J. Pittman McGehee on Wednesday, September 19, 6:30 p.m., for the first time since their standing-room-only “East Meets West” Dialog in Fall 2010.  They will discuss the “Paradox of Love,” how personal attachment brings suffering and the realization of our true essence can transform it into happiness and a universal and unconditional caring for all beings.  Q&A and book signings will follow at downtown’s Christ Church Cathedral – Great Hall, 1117 Texas Avenue.  McGehee’s most recent book of essays, The Paradox of Love addresses the healing and wounding nature of love, the greatest of contradictions. The human longing for love is fraught with what Jung called the "incalculable paradoxes of love." McGehee studies the interpersonal and the intrapsychic dynamics of love, as well as its light and dark sides.

In his first-ever programs at Rothko Chapel, and the The Jung Center of Houston, Venerable Master Miao Tsan will present “Just Oneness,” a joint lecture and workshop to explain the Truth of Oneness Friday, September 21, 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. (Rothko) and Saturday, September 22, 9 a.m. - Noon (Jung Center). Ignorance of this fundamental Truth of Oneness leads humanity to the world of duality, which is the root cause of all forms of conflicts and sufferings that arise in our life, such as illness, economic trouble and relationship challenges. Master Miao Tsan will explore the fundamental nature of Oneness and how material attachments prevent our awareness of it.  He will show us how to re-establish joy, inner harmony, and peace in our life through lecture, meditation practice, and Q&A. 

Master Miao Tsan will offer two public presentations in the Texas Medical Center.  In “Master Your Living and Dying,” Monday, September 17, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at University of Texas Health Science Center, he will start with the concept of impermanence, central to Buddhist philosophy and practice: we know with certainty that we will die.  From that understanding, we can accept that death is not defeat, but part of life, and this will allow us to live more peacefully.  Buddha explains suffering through the four stages of life: birth, old age, sickness and death and the ways we can connect suffering to love, kindness and compassion.  This perspective allows us to open our heart to patients and families in ways that can enhance the practitioner/patient relationship.  On Friday, September 21, Noon – 1 p.m., Master Miao Tsan will discuss “Finding Peace and Focus in a Hectic Environment” in a program sponsored by The Institute for Spirituality and Health and Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center. He will share ways that healthcare professionals can deal with stress in their daily work.  Attendees will learn techniques to manage the effects of stress generated by encounters with patients and co-workers instead of carrying those stresses home.  This practical session will benefit physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians and hospital support staff.   

His session on “Zen and the Art of Leadership” will focus on the use of Zen principles for business management and effective leadership. Thursday, September 20, 6:30 p.m. at the C.T. Bauer College of Business University of Houston – Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion - MD Anderson Library.  Venerable Master Miao Tsan will explore the synergy between Zen and the common characteristics of leadership: self-discipline, responsibility, calmness in the face of challenge, and the ability to look at reality as it is. From Siddhartha to Steve Jobs, Zen training has fostered a profound degree of personal transformation that can shape an individual into a natural leader and lead to success in business.

Zen Master Miao Tsan will conclude his Houston visit with a book signing Saturday, September 22, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 3003 Holcombe Boulevard and with a talk Sunday, September 23, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. when he speaks to Bill Kerley’s Sunday morning “Ordinary Life” class about “Happiness.”  The class is held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church.

Master Miao Tsan’s core belief and the goal of his dharma teaching are to help people transcend the limits of individual perspective and experience to directly experience universally applicable truth.  He has conducted hundreds of meditation courses as well as several Zen-Seven and Zen-Three retreats in the United States, Mexico and Taiwan. He lectures extensively and has given meditation courses and interviews at universities and medical centers around the world.  His previous books in the series are:  Just Use This Mind and The Origin Is Pure. 

For additional information or to RSVP to any of the programs, please contact Jennifer Farmer, (281) 589-0810 or jfarmer@masterword.com.

Zen Master Miao Tsan  - Calendar of Events/Houston

September 17 – 23, 2012

Monday, September 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

(Space is limited and complimentary lunch will be provided if RSVP is received by Thursday, September 13^th to jfarmer@masterword.com)

Where:           University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St.,

                        Rm. JJL 400 - Houston 77030

Program:        “Master Your Living and Dying” – Lecture by Venerable Master Miao Tsan 

Host:  Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the Integrative Medicine Program in the Department of General Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Associate faculty at the McGovern Center for the Humanities and Ethics.  Lunch will be available for the first 100 in attendance. 

Although hospitals focus on healing, health care professionals are often called to serve patients facing death. Venerable Master Miao Tsan explains and illustrates how utilizing the Buddhist concept of impermanence can enable medical personnel to acknowledge that death is not a failure, but rather, the inevitable end of the physical body and the suffering inherent in each stage of life. Acceptance of this point of view opens the door for real compassion and loving kindness and provides deeper connection between patients and the medical community, greater peace for the dying, and a path to assuage the grief of patients’ families and loved ones.

* * *

When:         Wednesday, September 19,  6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where:        Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Great Hall (Downtown)

Program:        Zen Master Miao Tsan and J. Pittman McGehee, D.D., a noted Episcopal priest, Jungian analyst, author and lecturer will give their thoughts and definitions of the “Paradox of Love”. Is the Buddhist concept of compassion the same as the Western definition of love? What is the role of detachment? Is it a higher form of love than the more possessive Western romantic tradition? Does personal attachment bring suffering and can realization of our true essence transform it into happiness and  universal and unconditional caring for all beings? Enlightening listeners with the wisdom of many traditions, these two masters will provide new insights on the most complex emotion.

Q&A and book signings of Intrinsic Awakened Nature (Venerable Master

Miao Tsan) and The Paradox of Love (The Very Reverend J. Pittman McGehee) to follow.

***

When:            Thursday, September 20, 6:30 p.m.

(Space is limited and complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided if RSVP is received by Tuesday, September 18^th to jfarmer@masterword.com)

Where:           C.T. Bauer College of Business University of Houston – Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion - MD Anderson Library, 2nd floor, University Drive entrance off Calhoun Road.

Program:        “Zen and the Art of Leadership” – Lecture by Venerable Master Miao Tsan 

Venerable Master Miao Tsan explores the synergy between Zen and the common characteristics of successful leadership: self-discipline, responsibility, calmness in the face of challenge, and the ability to look at reality as it is. From Siddhartha to Steve Jobs, Zen principles have brought about a profound degree of personal transformation that can shape an individual into a natural leader, and Zen principles have led entrepreneurs and insightful corporate business people to greater success. Ten horses should pull in one direction: When leaders learn how to leave egocentric management style behind, teams can become productive and employees can reach their full potential.

* * *

When:                        Friday, September 21, Noon - 1 p.m.

Where:           Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center, 6411 Fannin St.

Hermann Conference Center, Ground Floor of the Atrium

Program:        “Finding Peace and Focus in a Hectic Environment” – Lecture by Venerable Master Miao Tsan

Venerable Master Miao Tsan will share ways that healthcare professionals can deal  with stress in their daily work. Attendees will learn techniques to manage the effects of stress encountered when dealing with patients and co-workers, rather than bringing those problems home to family and friends. This practical session applicable is to all involved in healthcare--physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, and hospital support staff.

* * *

When:                        Friday, September 21, 7p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where:                       Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross Street

Program:         “Just Oneness”  - Lecture by Zen Master Miao Tsan

(Two-part program to be continued at Saturday, September 22 workshop)

*** 

When:                        Saturday, September 22, 9 a.m. - Noon

Where:                       The Jung Center Houston, 5200 Montrose Boulevard

Program:         Zen Master Miao Tsan workshop “Just Oneness,” explaining the Truth of Oneness

(Second of Two-part program)

In this special lecture and workshop program presented in conjunction with the Rothko Chapel and The Jung Center Houston, Zen Master Miao Tsan will explain the truth of Oneness.  Ignorance of this fundamental truth of Oneness leads humanity to the world of duality, which is the root cause of all forms of conflicts and sufferings. Master Miao Tsan will explore the fundamental nature of Oneness and the way material attachments prevent our awareness of it. 

* * *

When:                        Saturday, September 22, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Where:                       Barnes & Noble, 3003 Holcombe Boulevard (Vanderbilt Square)

Program:         Zen Master Miao Tsan Book Signing, Intrinsic Awakened Nature

* * *

When:                        Sunday, September 23, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Where:           St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 5501 South Main, Fondren Hall (2^nd Floor – Jones Building

Program:         Zen Master Miao Tsan lectures to Bill Kerley’s weekly “Ordinary Life” class on the topic of “Happiness”

For further event information or to purchase the book, go to www.miaotsan.com.  For large quantity book orders, please call Bright Sky Press, 713-533-9300.         

This year marks the 4th annual Fashion's Night out. Fashion's Night Out - aka: FNO is a global initiative, sponsored by Vogue and the CFDA. The first event began in 2009 in New York as a means to encourage consumers to shop and support the fashion industry during the tough economic climate. In 2010 the event will be held in Australia, Brazil, China, London, Paris, Berlin, Greece, India, Milan, Portugal, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey.

But of course we are in Houston so here is a list of amazing events that you are invited to attend the evening of September 6th!

Rice Village: 

Most people know Robert Boudwin by his job. He is Clutch, the Houston Rockets Mascot. He is in the Mascot Hall of Fame and has won national awards being the silly, happy, fun bear that everyone loves but there is a serious side to the man behind the mask. DISH sat with Robert to talk about how he chose to spend his 38th birthday. 

DISH: Robert, tell me about how you ended up connecting with the Life Gift?

RB:      My Dad had been suffering from a degenerative and terminal non life style related lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) that has no known cure or treatment. He had been battling it for 4 years when things started to get worse the summer of 2011 and started to rapidly degenerate from that point on. The only thing that could be done to help was a lung transplant. It is not easy to qualify as organs are in high demand and short supply. Patients need to be sick enough to significantly benefit from a transplant, but not so sick that the transplant won't make a big enough difference if there are other problems. Doctors want to ensure that organs go to those who can benefit most. After the first of the year, my Dad got really bad when the disease started to take hold even more so and he was placed on 24 hour oxygen and pretty much confined to his home. IPF many times includes a slow degeneration and then a rapid fall off in just a few months or even weeks. That is what was happening to my father. Doctors at Methodist hospital began the process of evaluating whether he was a lung transplant candidate in mid January and had further test scheduled for February 13th, 2012 to make a final determination as to whether he could be on the transplant list and just where his need/rank would be on that list. Unfortunately and fortunately he did not get to do those tests on February 13th. On February 2 I brought my twin boys Jack and Luke to visit my parents for the day and as soon as I entered the house realized things were critical. My Dad could barely get out of bed with oxygen turned up all the way and assistance. He could not get through an entire sentence when speaking. We would come to find out later that the disease had significantly taken hold deteriorating what little was left of his lungs and was compounded by a severe case of pneumonia. After some discussion, I convinced my father to let me call his doctors and speak to them about the current situation. His blood oxygen levels would drop to critical levels when he would do anything other than lay in bed. I quickly learned form the doctors that oxygen levels like that are critical and everything from heart attack to stroke to other organ failure is an immanent risk. I needed to rush him to the ER immediately. He could not even make it to the car with assistance and oxygen without having to stop to sit in a chair just 15 feet from the car door. After spending some time in the ER my father was admitted to the IMU (just one level below the ICU) where he spent a week receiving high doses of steroids and antibiotics as well as other medications while bed ridden. He was also on 16 liters of oxygen the maximum that can be applied (only 6 liters can be administered at home).  The Doctors saved his life that day. They said that if he hadn't come in then, there was a good chance he could have died that day or night. After the pneumonia cleared, he was out of immediate danger, but they told me without a lung transplant he only had a couple of months to live. The doctors at Methodist were amazing! They were both highly skilled experts as well as compassionate human beings. Within 7 days my father was on the transplant list in the second position. A week after that on February 15th, 2012 my Dad received a successful double lung transplant that saved his life, God willing with continued recovery allow him to see his grandchildren grow up and continue to dance to the Beach Boys with their Pop-Pop:).  My father Paul would be dead right now if it weren't for the amazing gift of life that a generous organ donor made and decided in advance. Through one tragedy that my family greatly mourned and still mourns, a wonderful miracle was made possible and my father lives. He became friends with a family next to us in the hospital waiting room.  Their family member, Reggie, received a heart transplant from the same donor.  Reggie's life was saved as well!  My father was in the hospital recovering and his body learning to accept his new lungs for almost 3 months.  I visited him almost every day along with my young brother Paul and Mother as well as Aunts from the East Coast who made multiple trips to see Dad and support us.  One day I came across the Life Gift table set up in the concourse celebrating Donate Life month set for April.  I was immediately drawn to this cause and this specific organization for obvious reasons.  I wanted to do anything I could to help them in their vision of getting everyone to say YES to organ, eye, and tissue donation.  I learned that 18 people die everyday who could have otherwise been saved if there were available organs.  I also learned that there are 114,000 people in our country currently waiting on the transplant list for their second chance.  I made a financial donation and also asked if I could help spread their message as a spokesperson whose life was so greatly touched by an organ donor.  They said yes and were happy to have me on board.  We have just started our relationship with me as a spokesperson for them this summer.

DISH:  What are you doing to help them raise awareness and money?

RB:      So far I have recorded a 2 minute PSA on video for them.  It was just completed and so far they have used it on their web site and social media sites.  They will also be using it to show live at presentations.  I had my first live speaking engagement and presentation on July, 31st for the entire Houston Rockets organization at their monthly All-Team Members meeting.  I will begin speaking for the organization at other various events they coordinate after a press release is done in August.  In addition to awareness I hosted a fundraising event for my 38th birthday and asked guest to bring donations for Life Gift in instead of gifts for the birthday boy/bear;)  We raised $7,500.

DISH:      Why this particular transplant/organ donation charity?

RB:          I came in contact with them at Methodist Hospital where my Dad received his double lung transplant and was being treated in recovery.  It is the organization in this area responsible for organ, eye, and tissue donation awareness and also coordinates organs with their recipients at the actual hospital.

Here is the Video Robert shot for Life Gift! Please CLICK HERE to donate!

DISHIES! This is one of the best events of the year! Every year it is a COMPLETE BLAST!! Last year the entire zoo rocked out to the B52's and this year's big musical treat is Blues Traveler! You can be among the first to reserve your spot for the hottest entertainment event of the year.  Ticket sales begin September 4 for the Houston Zoo’s seventh annual Feast with the Beasts! Save the date:  November 2, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.. 

            “Houston is passionate about its international food and nonprofits,” said Rafael Bustillo, who heads up commercial banking at BBVA Compass. “As a member of the Houston Zoo board, I am proud to have BBVA Compass present this exciting event that will benefit the Zoo’s animals and its wildlife conservation efforts worldwide. Through our charitable arm of BBVA Compass Foundation, we promote conservation including educational programs for children."

Feast with the Beasts is the most anticipated musical and animal entertainment event but it is THE culinary event of the year.  Enjoy exotic culinary fare from more than 60 of Houston’s hottest restaurants and special animal presentations all set against the Zoo’s naturally wild backdrop. 

Last year’s event was a sellout success and folks were clammoring at the gates trying to get in! Feast tickets are $95 for Zoo members and $105 for non-members.  Purchase before September 17 and receive $10 off.  VIP tickets are available for $150. You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.  Valid form of identification is required for admission.  All ticket purchases are non-refundable.  Feast with the Beasts will happen rain or shine.  For more details CLICK HERE.

About Blues Traveler

            It’s not every band that is still staking out new musical territory and embracing fresh challenges more than 20 years into their career, but that’s the case with Blues Traveler.  Having long ago graduated from the jam-band underground to mainstream stardom, the iconoclastic combo has consistently stuck to its guns and played by its own rules.  Blues Traveler’s large and widely loved body of work includes eight studio albums and four live discs, six of them certified Gold or Platinum, with combined worldwide sales of more than ten million units.

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually.  Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species.  Visitors can experience the wonders of Africa at The African Forest, the new 6.5 acre, $40 million addition featuring chimps, rhinos, and giraffes.  Travel to Africa.  No Passport Required. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or CLICK HERE

Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information visit www.aza.org.

How is this for a great family outing idea for the weekend?? Take a walk through the downtown theatre district while popping into the different theatres FOR FREE!! (You know that is DISH'S favorite price!) Have brunch at one of the amazing downtown restaurants (BirraPoretti'sis a DISH Favorite) this Sunday then stroll around! Maybe even end the day with a movie at The Sundance Theater!

From the Alley Theatre to the Hobby Center and all points in between you will be treated to lite bites, refreshing drinks and FREE THEATRE! All of the theatres will be showcasing the shows they have coming up in the new season.

Guests at the Hobby Center’s Theater District Open House this Sunday, from noon – 4 p.m., can enjoy a sneak peek of Broadway at the Hobby Center’s highly anticipated 2012 – 2013 season and take advantage of exclusive offers. Music Box Theater will be on hand, starting at 1 p.m., to perform a season revue including the classic hits, newest numbers and popular tunes which comprise the series’ 10^th anniversary season.

NOTE!!!! Sunday will also be an opportunity for the public to purchase tickets for the 25^thanniversary production of LES MISÉRABLES. The first 50 individuals to purchase tickets in person at the Hobby Center box office (open at 11 a.m.) will receive a LES MISÉRABLES t-shirt. Individuals who purchase a season subscription at Open House will receive some of the hottest music from Broadway with a complimentary iTunes Broadway Music collection download card. So great culture AND Free music! YES PLEASE!

The 2012 – 2013 Gexa Energy Broadway at the Hobby Center season includes:

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
September 25 – 30, 2012 
 

LES MISÉRABLES
November 6 – 11, 2012
 

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Houston Premiere)
February 5 – 10, 2013
 

JERSEY BOYS
March 13 – 30, 2013
 

SISTER ACT (Houston Premiere)
May 28 – June 2, 2013
 

WICKED
July 10 – August 11, 2013

Season tickets for the 2012-2013 Broadway at the Hobby Center series are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (800) 952-6560, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or online at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Prices start at $114 for a five-show package and $158 for a six-show package. Individual tickets will be available six to eight weeks prior to each scheduled performance. For groups of 10 or more (20 or more for WICKED), please call (888) 451-5986 or e-mail houston.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.