Winter is a time for reflection, a time to sit wrapped in blankets beside the fireplace, or in front of the wall—whatever the locale of your meditation cushion—and calmly reflect within. The arrival of the new year may spur you to make resolutions, leaving behind old habits, or make new plans; but before you fill up your 2006 engagement calendar with meetings, weddings, business trips, and the like, look through this issue of Dharma Mirror and see what the Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth have been up to this past year.

This issue of Dharma Mirror includes reports and reflections from various DRBY events including the 2005 Conference in San Jose and the second annual Conference in Vancouver, Canada. If you are wondering how the Buddha’s experience in 500 B.C.E relates to modern life, be sure to read Dr. Martin Verhoven’s engaging talk, “Buddhism Decoded,” given at the Canada Conference last summer. Just contemplating the meaning in life in general? Check out what Doug Powers said about it at the Olema Retreat. What is the point of all the bowing in Buddhism, you wonder? This issue of Dharma Mirror includes an extensive interview with Reverend Heng Sure who is an expert on the subject. Want to know what other DRBYers are up to? Our special features include an on-location report by a fellow DRBY member on Buddhism in China—how Gao Min Monastery bravely struggles to maintain its revered Chan-only policy—and an interview with scientist-turned teacher-turned practicing Buddhist Anne Sung. After reading, you may wish to glance at the DRBY events scheduled for 2006 and ponder the possibilities of your own future practice.

As always, we hope our readers will respond to the content and quality of our publication. Our compilation process is flexible; we welcome the help of editors and new contributing writers at any time. Contact the editorial staff by emailing editor 'at' dharmamirror.org. In the meantime, reflect within, and enjoy the reflections of young Buddhists within the Dharma Mirror!

Sincerely,
The Editorial Staff

D|M

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