We recently had an interview with the founder of the Jefferson City MO, Vipassana Buddhist Church. The church was founded in Jefferson City, September 2001 by Rev. Wm. Edwards. In this audio interview, the reverend talks about Buddhism, its origins, about the Buddha, mudras, Christ in Asia and his Buddhist church. It is an interesting interview.
The Mission:
The Vipassana Buddhist School spreads the original teachings of the Buddha throughout mid-Missouri. This mission includes discussion classes, meditation training retreats, observances and Sunday morning services.
Our Experience at the Buddhist Church:
When we went to the local church, we discovered the warming inviting sensation that many people who visit notice. It was a very welcoming experience, and we felt like we were wanted there. After our discussion session, we stayed around for several meditation sessions. It was a very peaceful and relaxing experience and we highly recommend anyone in the central Missouri area to attend these meditation sessions. Talking with Rev. Edwards was an enlightening experience all its own, he comes from an experienced past and speaks with great knowledge of the subject.
About Rev. Edwards
Rev. Edwards grew up with diversity spanning several faiths (as he will discuss in the interview). He is a disciple of Ven. Chao Chu (President of the Los Angeles Buddhist Monastery) in California. Rev. Edwards was ordained by Ven. Chao Chu and Ven. Havanpola Ratnasara Nayaka in January 1997. Coming from being personal Secretary to Ven. Chao Chu, he was editor of the Los Angeles Buddhist magazine “Common Sense”, Directed the planning and organization of Symposiums from 1998 to 2000 as well as working for Fa Kwang Buddhist temple as an English teacher and Sunday school teacher. He then moved from California to Missouri to open up the Vipassana Buddhist Church / Center for Buddhist Development.
Vipassanna Images
Audio Interview
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Links
The Vipassana Buddhist Church Website: http://www.vipassanabuddhistchurch.org/
