How can music help turn the Wheel of Dharma in the modern West?
Join Brad for Abhidharma & Life Seminar 70: Turning the Wheel of Dharma with Music, an inspiring exploration of how music can become a powerful vehicle for Buddhist practice, community building, and Dharma outreach in contemporary Western society.
As Western Buddhism continues to evolve from liturgy, to community, to outreach, music offers unique possibilities for connecting timeless teachings with modern hearts. While traditional chants and instruments carry profound beauty and meaning, contemporary musical styles may provide new pathways for sharing the Dharma in ways that are accessible, relatable, and transformative.
Drawing on the vision of Humanistic Buddhism and the ideals of Fo Guang Shan, Brad will explore how lay practitioners can actively participate in turning the Wheel of Dharma through the opportunities that arise in everyday life. Rather than seeing Dharma propagation as the responsibility of monastics alone, this seminar highlights how each person can contribute to creating a Pure Land in this world through simple acts of kindness, care, and connection.
Through practical examples—from taking an interest in children who visit the temple, to recognizing small opportunities to ease another person’s suffering in daily life—we will consider how seemingly ordinary moments can become meaningful expressions of the Dharma. These opportunities often arise naturally before us; the challenge is learning to recognize and respond to them with wisdom, compassion, and creativity.
Whether through music, service, friendship, or everyday acts of care, discover how each of us can help bring the Dharma to life and share it with the world.
Speaker: Brad Jacobson Vice President of Austin BLIA
Saturday, June 6, 2026 6:00-7:30 am (Los Angeles) 9:00-10:30 am (NYC/Boston) 9:00-10:30 pm (Beijing)
