In October of 1994, the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association established a Way-place near the University of California, Berkeley. The Venerable Master Hua has named it the Research Institute for the Study of the Methodologies of the World's Religions. The purpose of the Institute is to study the truths of religion in harmony with other religious groups, without rejecting or opposing any religion.

The Venerable Master said, "This will be a public place where we come to deepen our understanding of religion. We will invite other religious individuals in to present their ideas and practices. It's important to look into the ideals, customs, and principles of each religion. If you can reach that level, then people will come spontaneously, by themselves. If you don't investigate principles in this way, then the finest of Buddha images or aesthetic environments won't suffice to bring them in the door."

The capacity of our minds should expand to propagate the spirit of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Therefore, the Venerable Master told Bhikshu Heng Sure, the director of the Religious Studies Program, "The format can combine a meditation period every morning and evening, followed by a forum for the discussion of religion in the evenings. In the classes in which there are more Catholics present, you can study Catholicism; if there are more Jews, you can study Judaism, the same applies to Islam, Confucianism, and so on. Invite well-known religious spokespersons to give their presentations. We are the hosts and facilitators, but not the only ones who teach there. Investigate other religions with a whole-hearted, open spirit of cooperation."

DRBA's Research Institute for the Study of the Methodologies of the World's Religions ("Berkeley Buddhist Monastery") hosted its first multi-cultural spiritual program on Saturday, November 19, 1994. Dr. Narasimha Rao of India taught a class in "Hatha Yoga for Physical Health and Spiritual Well-being." Organized by Ahimsa—a Berkeley-based organization of humanists, scientists, and students—fourteen members gathered at the new monastery and learned the ethical basis for the ancient (third century B.C.) system of Patanjali, the Indian author of the Yoga Sutras. Prof. Rao stressed that the necessary ethical foundation for all yoga practice includes non-harming, truth-telling, non-possessiveness of material goods, celibacy, and avoidance of intoxicants.

Prof. Rao demonstrated fifteen asanas, or yoga postures; taught the fundamentals of prana-yama, or breath control; and then led the group in meditation. The three-hour seminar was well-received, and Prof. P.K. Mehta, chairman of the Ahimsa group, expressed his thanks to DRBA and to the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery for hosting the event.

In 1993, Ahimsa sponsored a conference in Berkeley called "Finding Unity in Diversity—A Dialogue," which involved prominent scientists from the University of California, leaders from the Bay Area's religious communities, and spokespersons from social groups. This September Ahimsa convened a free, multidisciplinary conference entitled "In Search of Consciousness," once again bringing together physicists, religious thinkers, and psychologists to investigate the phenomenon of consciousness. This program was emceed by a long-time member of the DRBA, Mr. Douglas Powers.

DRBA's Research Institute for the Study of the Methodologies of the World's Religions offers an hour of meditation and prayer twice daily and presents programs that foster conversation among religion, the sciences, and the humanities. We welcome cultivators on a spiritual path, religious persons of all faiths, and sincere individuals who wish to investigate principles that bring wisdom and liberation to people, benefit to all beings, and harmony to the world we share.

The Research Institute for the Study of the Methodologies of the World's Religions is located at:

Berkeley Buddhist Monastery
2304 McKinley Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703-1720
Telephone: (510) 848-3440