On October 18, 2008, a capacity crowd gathered at the BRC to hear Dr. Yoichi Kawada (w/ mic) and Dr. Mary Catherine Bateson (left) speak about the topic "Enjoying the Rhythm of Birth and Death." Dr. Kawada's opening lecture elucidated Mahayana Buddhist principles that enable one to greet death with a sense of security and even joy. In her commentary, Dr. Bateson focused on two aspects of the lecture -- interdependence and caring for others -- as being especially resonant with the Western tradition of Christian love. ( Also shown above: Interpreter Andrew Gebert and BRC Executive Director Virginia Benson.)

Read a feature story and view a photo essay on the October event!

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The Winter 2008 edition of Tricycle Magazine features an extensive interview with BRC founder and Soka Gakkai International president Daisaku Ikeda. Conducted by contributing editor Clark Strand, this is Ikeda's first interview in an American magazine. In it, Ikeda makes the case for the "inherently revolutionary" nature of Buddhism. "I can't think of anything more radical than enlightenment," he says. "It is both a return to our most natural state and a dramatic change."

Read the Daisaku Ikeda Interview!