Shirfu Samanta
Born in the USA and a Canadian, Shirfu Samanta has been training in Buddhism for 40 years. He has trained under more than 35 Tibetan Lamas including some of the most distinguished masters in the 20th century. He has also studied with masters of the Newar tradition, Vipashyana tradition, Tien Tai tradition, Chan/Zen tradition and Pure Land schools.
Shirfu has received many initiations, ordinations, and transmissions from Tibetan, Zen, Tendai and Pure Land masters. He was ordained as a Buddhist priest in Japan (Kyoto). He holds a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies and has authored articles published in academic journals and written books on Buddhism. Shirfu has lived in India, Nepal, Japan, Taiwan, and extensively traveled in other parts of Asia. He has completed many retreats from the Himalayas to the Sierras.
Noted for his ability to connect Buddhism to life in the 21st century, Shirfu has taught various types of meditation for 30 years. His teachings strongly emphasize non-sectarianism and has assisted others to understand the dharma and how to a live life as a Buddhist.
Shirfu David
Shirfu David has practiced meditation and studied Buddhism since the late 1970s. After almost twenty years of practice together, Shirfu Samanta formally authorized him to teach in the non-sectarian Vimalacarya (Pure Coursing) tradition.
Shirfu David has also practiced in the Theravada and Pure Land traditions. His intention is to be a good friend, in the Buddhist sense, and companion for others on the path.
Kurt
Kurt has been training with Shirfu Samanta for almost 20 years. During this time, he has practiced and taught many forms of meditation.
Kurt is a dedicated teacher and practitioner, always available to answer questions and assist others. He is especially known for applying his technical orientation to explaining the dharma, providing a unique perspective on Buddhist practice.
Stephanie
Stephanie joined CBM in 2015 and promptly took over all things “web”. She is now working on the rest.
Stephanie feels that the Buddha figured out 2500 years ago what modern psychology knows today. She endeavours to show people how Buddhist principles and meditation can improve their day-to-day lives in practical ways. In more advanced classes she may go over levitation, teleportation, and general psychic abilities.
Sensei Ken
Sensei Ken was ordained in Kyoto and joins us after teaching for over a decade at a local Buddhist Temple. He is the University of Calgary Buddhist Chaplain and actively works for Interfaith harmony
He created and has run ‘The Circle’ sangha: their mindful practices of ‘emotional intelligence’ align with Calgary Buddhist Meditation. His approach is non-sectarian and practical, and he is delighted when Buddhist understanding aligns with science.
Oh! and this life can be joyful and fun and kind when we allow our difficulties to drift away!