About the UBA:

The USC Buddhist Association (UBA) was founded in 1998 by a USC student Thomas Meier in association with Dr. Shing Chang from the USC Counseling Center.

Venerable Jongmae Park, Ph.D. arrived as the first USC Buddhist Director in the Fall Semester of 2000.

Every once or twice a week, we gather to listen to the teaching of Buddhist philosophy and practice meditation. We also organize Buddhist related trips and special events each semester. Everyone, Buddhist and non-Buddhist are welcome!!!

Please click here for a PDF file of the constitution.

University of Southern California
Buddhist Association
Constitution

We the members of the USC Buddhist Association are dedicated to explore, understand, and practice the multi-disciplinary philosophies of Buddhism and its context. We include in our exploration the three major branches of Buddhism such as: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

To Welcome

USC Buddhist Association accepts anyone into membership indiscriminately upon one's religion or beliefs. Anyone is welcome to explore the philosophy without the obligation of becoming a member. This statement is based on Buddha's words explaining that Buddhism is not for everyone, meaning that it may not appeal to everyone, and it is acceptable. However, everyone is welcome to taste it. Anyone is welcome to leave anytime if the group causes any dissatisfaction, however the person must state the reason for the purpose to better our group.

To Spread Compassion

The knowing and feeling other's suffering or the ability to emulate other's feelings will mean to develop action towards reducing or ending suffering. UBA group members should be sensitive to other's suffering therefore refrain from actions that will hurt others. As a manifestation of compassion, UBA members must commit to serve the community and surroundings to all living things from suffering.

To Promote Sharing of knowledge and understanding about Buddhism and historical context
(Encouragements of reflection and debates while avoiding extreme beliefs)

The UBA group must avoid fundamentalism however respect those who have such beliefs. The group be open to new concepts, and question them in intellectual debates. The interest of this group can be propagandized, however the group must refrain from the use of force against one's will, or such as death treats, insults to spread the word.

To Encourage mutuality with other groups on campus

In the past Buddhism had existed peacefully in parallel with other religions. UBA can also achieve a mutuality relationship with other groups on campus. UBA be encouraged to work together with other groups to better the lives of the community, may this be to relieve suffering.