Resident Scholar: Sensei Ken Madden
Calgary Buddhist Temple, Jodo Shinshu (Japanese tradition)
Calgary Buddhist Temple, Jodo Shinshu (Japanese tradition)
The members of Beth Tzedec begin the fourth year of the Lil Faider Interfaith Scholar-in-Residence program with eager anticipation to expand our religious literacy as we focus on another major world religion, Buddhism. The study of this Eastern based religion follows our exploration of Sikhism, Native Spirituality, and Islam. Our goal is to learn about the beliefs and practices of Buddhism along with an understanding of its history, culture, and its application to modern living.
Sensei Ken was born and raised in beautiful British Columbia where as a kid in the 70’s he rode his bike past the Steveston Temple with some curiosity. I first came to the Calgary Buddhist Temple after encountering Shin Buddhism online, then attended an Introduction to Buddhism class, met Ikuta and Martin Senseis and stayed to make tea a few times. Making tea was a direct path to wanting to know and serve more. I joined the Temple Board in 2007, traveled to Japan with James Martin Sensei in 2009, completed the Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course in 2010, and undertook the Minister Assistants Program at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley California in 2010 and 2011. I joined Minister Assistants from the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) and from across Canada (JSBTC) and Europe in studying and completing Tokudo Ordination in September 2012 at the Head Temple of Nishi Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto Japan. I now assist James Sensei in service: trying to mindfully chant well and I still make tea. I am always the large person in the back in all the photos.
Now married to Teri & Dad to 2 grown daughters that I am exceptionally proud of, I make my living in corporate IT.
It is our honour and pleasure to engage Tokudo Assistant Sensei Ken Madden as our primary scholar and coordinator of the 2017 Lil Faider Interfaith Scholar-in-Residence program. Beth Tzedec Congregation is honoured to include Sensei Ken Madden on the synagogue’s professional staff.