TESTIMONIALS ABOUT BRIAN RUHE

July 15, 2010

Hi Brian;
You ask how your course has helped me. I believe it is quite simply the practice of loving kindness which you introduced me to at the vipassana meditation class.

The metta meditation resonated with me and my practice began to touch all aspects of my life. This new awareness together with my yoga practice has led me on a most amazing journey within. I am so grateful for this awareness.

I look forward to continuing this conversation with you sometime.
I trust this feedback is helpful.
Much metta.

Jennifer Henderson

West End Community Centre

Vancouver, May 31, 2010

Hello Brian, 

A brief note to thank you very much for an interesting and informative workshop on Vipassana Meditation you delivered on Saturday at the West End Community Centre.  It helped me refocus what I have, in essence, been doing for most of my life. Your wit and your comments emphasized certain aspects that pushed me to think differently about the meditation process.  

I look forward to our next intersection at the West End Community Centre mid-June.  Till then and beyond, be well. 

Alin Senecal-Harkin

Thank you for the excellent work you do in sharing the Dhamma, Brian. If it wasn't for your teaching, it is possible that I would have never entered this spiritual path that I now consciously strive to live.  Buddhism changed my life and my conduit to the Dhamma was you.

Thomas Esakin 2010, met 2002

Vipassana Meditation course - May 2008

What I liked best:  The practice of meditation and the chance for questions and feedback.  Very informative.  The teacher had a wonderful sense of humour.  Teacher was very informative.  Lots of free form information, not too structured.

Additional comments:  Great! Instructor was  very personable and entertaining. Wonderful to have taken home materials included in the course fee.

Death and Dying and Living Life Fully - April 2008

What I liked best:  Instructor is personable.  Thought provoking, very interesting.  Good discussion, lots of time for questions, answers and meditation.  Instructor’s sense of humour and approach to topic in addition to practical tips for the dying.

Vipassana Meditation - Feb 2008

Liked best:  The practice of meditation.  Discussions.  Discussion and loving kindness meditation.  Encouraging and relaxing instruction.  Brian is very approachable.  Relaxed atmosphere.  Feeling that all students are equal regardless of age for first experience with meditation.

Additional comments:  Good class.  Interesting course.  Friendly and calm.

Vipassana Meditation:  The Power of Now - Oct 2007

Liked best:  The time to meditate (especially guided meditation).  The instructor was very experienced in the topic.  He has an engaging style and gave very helpful information and meditation strategies.  Focus on “actively” doing meditation not just theory.  The course introduced me to a whole new way of coping with the stress of life.  The meditations - walking, loving kindness.  It was something new I was wanting to try and I found the techniques taught interesting.  Walking meditation.  Good instructor.  Used effective teaching methods.  Practice, questions and answers.  Learning about loving kindness meditation.  How to work with distracting thoughts.

Additional Comments:  Thorough and excellent teacher.  Would recommend this course.  I’ll be back for another course with Mr Ruhe.

Vipassana Meditation - Oct 2007

Liked Best:  Both the theory and practical aspects of the course were well balanced with each other.  Teacher’s enthusiasm and experience.  The combination of theoretical information and ample opportunities to practice. Good blend of teaching and practice. Very informative knowledge not often taught.  Practical exercise.  Lecture.  It filled my expectations.  Meditation practice.

Additional Comments:  Very much appreciated the open and friendly atmosphere that Brian created, enabling participants to ask questions and speak freely together.  Excellent course.

Stress Reduction Through Meditation - Mar 2007

Liked best:  The variety of techniques offered  during the course.  Brian is a great instructor, obviously teaching what he should be. Brian’s stories, personality and skill in teaching meditation

Vipassana Meditation: The Power of Now - Feb 2007

Liked Best:  Excellent Intro.  Walking Meditation.  Very practical, felt as though much was accomplished.  Practical.  Instructor was clear with the techniques, with simple easy to understand language.  Brian made his introduction to meditation very interesting, practical, accessible.

Additional Comments:  Great way to spend the day. Hope to take additional courses from Brian.  Great course.  Great course and nice to have a listing of other sessions.  Great class and great lunch.  Appreciated excellent handouts, list of references books, CD.

Buddhism and Mindfulness Meditation:  The Power of Now - January 2007

Impressed by:  Meditation techniques. Being able to buy books and CD.  Brian is a very interesting teacher, with a wealth of knowledge.  Thanks Brian!  Love the jokes!  Different types of Buddhist meditation.  Knowledge and humour of instructor and practical experience.  I was impressed with the meditation activities, the thorough answering of questions, the knowledge of the instructor and his sense of humour.

Buddhism and Vipassana Meditation:  The Power of Now - Nov 2006

Impressed by:  Combination of lecture and meditation practice.  Actually doing the meditation and not just lecturing.  Was a great introduction into Buddhism and meditation.  Knowledge of instructor.  Good information.

Stress Reduction with Mindfulness, Professional Development day for VSB teachers- October 2006

Brian is very precise and his sense of humour is much appreciated.  Meditation and the awareness that comes with it can only bring positivity to the individual, to our students, and our communities.  If we all knew ourselves on a deeper level, our society would inevitably shift for the better.

I did feel a very sincere presence and leaned more about being mindful.  This workshop has motivated me to continue with my practice.

Excellent overview and very practical material.  Brian was clear, well paced, grounded.  This type of workshop is so valuable to the inner mind.

Brian was well prepared and very knowledgeable.  The workshop’s focus on inner peace is very useful in the teaching profession.

I will use this on my very next teaching day!  I have personalized the information already.

Vipassana Meditation:  The Power of Now - Oct 2006

What I liked best:  Group meditation and information/knowledge given.  Good balance.  Instructions very clear and easy to follow.  Meditation itself.

Additional comments:  Instructor extremely knowledgeable.

What I liked best:  Instructor.  I liked the breadth of this course.  I thought Brian covered a lot in a very even pace.  He answered questions easily.  Learned new techniques.  The instructor’s rapport with students.  Change of focus.  The different techniques to meditation.  Experiential.  Guided meditation.  Good introduction to meditation and Buddhism.  Good starting point for me.  Question and answer period.  Gave me tools to use after the class.

Additional comments:  I liked Brian’s ease and use of humour.  I would take another course offered by him.

Buddhism and Vipassana Meditation - Nov 2005

Liked Best:  Well organized.  Flexible to all sorts of questions.  Learning about Buddhist philosophy.  Instructor presented materials to us in a serious manner.  Didn’t hold anything back from us.  Loving kindness mediation practise and listening to talks by various monks.  Discussions amongst class members.  The content texts of this course is wonderful for meditation.  Very interesting overview of types and history of Buddhism.

Additional comments - Excellent instructor.  Very interesting material.  Informative.  I enjoyed this course very much.  Brian is a great teacher.

Buddhism in a Day - Nov 2005

Liked best:  Mix of meditation techniques, history, analysis and humour.  History of Buddhism.  Explaining different kinds of Buddhism.  It inspired me to do some more reading.  Book looks very helpful.  An excellent and enlightening synopsis.

Summary of Evaluations at the University-College of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford - March 2001

What did you like best about the course?

“Brian's style is very sincere. It is clear that he enjoys his students and sharing his knowledge. A great course.”

“What a great gift this class is - Kudos to the VSB for offering this class.”

“The instructor's manner is most agreeable! I liked best the different meditation practices and techniques. Good mix of lecture plus discussion. Good overview. Engaging instructor.”

“Brian's style is funny and very helpful, approachable and sincere. I found the course informative. I took Brian's class last fall and I am very pleased that this term has offered new information and expanded what he taught previously. I liked best the open discussion, time to ask questions - instructor answered them well. Instructor is very clear. The book "Freeing the Buddha" is extremely helpful. Best course material I have ever had. I think his next level should be at a Buddhist centre. Brian's willingness to involve students outside of class and his devotion to the subject is admirable. Brian gave excellent meditation instruction, knowledgeable presentation of Buddhism. Best was the open atmosphere, simple explanations - understandable. The best part was information relating to mine and other's well-being.”

What did you like best about the course?

“The wonderful awakening of the soul and awareness. Brian has a great sense of humour and he's exceptionally knowledgeable and welcoming. Brian was very informative and he provides future follow up. I loved the variety of exercises. The teacher's humour and friendliness. Well presented, varied, easy to understand. I learned a different approach to meditation and understand karma better.”

“Great instructor - humorous and well informed. Lots of variation in structure; I liked the pre-arranged luncheon - nice touch! Instructor was engaging, respectful and personable. The relaxing meditation and informative explanations. The introduction into the thought process into Buddhism (what it is) and good intro's into meditation. The teacher's way of presenting. The workshop was excellent. Thanks.”

“Brian Ruhe taught meditation at some of our branches and his workshops were a great experience for our staff as many discovered meditation for the first time. Brian was clear and easy to understand and his sense of humour made it fun.”
- Naslishah Alizada Thony - VanCity, Employee Well-Being Specialist, Corporate Spirit

“Brian’s superb communication skills at the International Buddhist Society, Buddhist temple in Richmond were very helpful in making us understand contemporary Mahayana Buddhist beliefs and practices.”
- Professor Jurgen Schönwetter, Columbia Bible College, Clearbrook, B.C.

“Ruhe helped me to meditate properly, I learned how to “just sit.” I had no idea how to work with my mind until I sat with him. Also, Ruhe’s great sense of humour and cutting wit helped me to remember his teachings and take them to heart!”
- Balbir Singh Jutla, President Sikh temple, Canadian Ramghria Society, Burnaby, B.C.

“I think Ruhe is on to something! Ruhe’s writing and workshops are very original, creative and seminal. I support him in making his work accessible to more influential people. Nowadays, it seems that his kind of humorous and provocative style is not only hip, but needed, given the dangerously sleepy state of affairs on our planet.”
- Teertha Mistlberger, Founder and Director of Shamballa Trainings, West Vancouver, B.C.

“Brian’s course proved to be one of the most interesting experiences that I have had in a long time! In short, it is a real eye-opener! Brian is very respectful of his students and I highly recommend his course to those who are looking for a very positive experience that they will not soon forget!”
- Gladys Symons, Ph.D., Professor of Epistemology, University of Quebec

“Brian, I've learned much from your perspective. The lessons have enabled me to open up my heart and my mind to a deeper understanding of myself in relation to the world and those people around me. Thank you, Brian, for sharing your knowledge and your experiences.”
- Teri Ip, Coquitlam, B.C.

“Brian is able to explain complex concepts in direct and simple language which enables people to understand things which seemed mystifying before.”
- Judith Kocher, Executive Director of the Community Services of Bangkok, Thailand

“Brian is truly gifted at teaching Buddhism! Spiritual ideas have always been something very difficult for me, but Brian makes Buddhism easily accessible and non threatening.”
- Wendy Wall, Bangkok, Thailand

“Ruhe is inspirational, whimsical and amusing by turns. But his main value as a teacher is that he sheds new light on our daily meditation practice. He gives renewed purpose to the practice of the moral precepts. He exposes us to different styles. The most surprising benefit of his teaching is a vision of how to incorporate contemplative practices into a busy life.”
- Brian Hurst, Vancouver, B.C.

“At Douglas College Brian was clear, articulate, easy to understand with good use of examples, friendly, open to questions, inviting experiences of class members, gentle with reactive questioners, orderly presentations but also able to change directions depending on questions. Questioners felt validated.”
- Dick Stewart, North Vancouver, B.C.

As a student in Brian Ruhe’s Buddhism and Insight Meditation class at the West End Community Centre in Vancouver, I wish to testify to his superb teaching ability, his easy humour, and his deep life commitment to spreading the Buddha’s message.

As a university instructor, I know how difficult it sometimes is to teach adults, who often hold entrenched preconceived notions and resist direction. Brian’s absolute openness and respect for his students is entirely disarming; he takes every question, comment, and challenge seriously, using them to present fresh information and insight into the tenets of Buddhism. His lectures are filled with self-deprecating humour, amusing anecdotes, and everyday examples, making accessible what could be rather heavy material. At the same time, I never doubted the sincerity of his spirituality, which comes across without any tinge of New Age hucksterism. In other words, he is the perfect instructor for both neophytes and experienced practitioners.

I learned a great deal from his class and enjoyed attending it every week. His walking and breathing meditation instruction is direct and easy to follow, and I found the guided meditations to be powerful spiritual experiences that brought me deeper insights into the nature of Buddhism.

I recommend Brian Ruhe wholeheartedly as instructor who can open the door to Buddhism and meditation to every kind of audience and classroom.

Sincerely,

Karen Ferguson, Ph.D.

16 November 2000

Mr. Brian Rhue,
217- 1450 Chestnut St.,
Vancouver, BC
V6J 3K3

Dear Brian,

A note of appreciation for your inspirational and humorous presentation to The Burnaby Lake Rotary Club at 7 a.m. 16 November 2000.

Our club has a wonderful feeling of joy and harmony and your comments as to how the Buddhic approach ease the stresses and strains in Business Life was most applicable and valuable.

On behalf of our members, I thank you for your presentation and recommend you to any Group who wishes to maximize their energy quotient and gain a more relaxed and profitable experience of life.

Sincerely,

Jon George C.L.U ChFc
Speaker Chair

To whom it may concern:

“Our Dharma School Teachers from our branches on the west coast and the interior of B.C. came to hear Brian Ruhe when he was our keynote speaker for a one day workshop here on June 3, 2000. The teachers were very interested in the methods that Brian shared about how to present Buddha-dharma to Westerners. Brian has a gift for combining East and West and translating our Buddhist tradition into today’s language.

Brian’s discourse on Awakened Heart was an inspiration and many were touched by his guided meditation on compassion. It was during the question and answer period that Brian’s spontaneity and humour shone the brightest! Everyone felt involved in the seminar and we appreciated his ability to draw out our own wisdom. I highly recommend Brian for other groups who want to hear an uplifting message.”

Sincerely,

Orai Fujikawa
Resident Minister (Japanese temple)
Vancouver Buddhist Church
220 Jackson Street
Vancouver BC V6A 3B3
Tel. (604) 253-7033

To whom it may concern:

“Since January, 1997, Mr. Ruhe has been giving weekly courses on Buddhism and Meditation at the Tung Lin Kok Yuen Temple. The Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society, which manages the Temple, promotes multiculturism and welcomes all peoples to visit the Temple. To this end, the Temple actively organizes sermons and courses on Buddhism in English as well as Chinese language. It is rare to find people with a command of English and a knowledge of Buddhism to carry a class of adults searching for answers. Mr. Ruhe is such a rare person and he has a pleasant teaching style. The Temple is pleased that he has conducted courses here at the Temple. He has a pleasant teaching style and attracted classes of 20 to 30 students. From feedback, it would appear that the classes have helped students in their lives.”

Rudy K.K. Khoo, Honorary Secretary
April 27, 1997
2495 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, BC
Tel. (604) 255-6337

Brian Ruhe has taught Buddhism and Meditation courses at Douglas College since February 1997 as part of the Natural Health and Healing Program in the Faculty of Health Science. Brian has willingly volunteered to Open House events and free public information sessions to promote his courses and the Natural Health and Healing Program.

Brian’s student evaluations were positive in nature. Students described his teaching as fun, informative and humorous. Students also found Brian to be very approachable and helpful as they were learning about Buddhism and meditation.

Brian Ruhe’s classes will no longer be held at Douglas College due to organizational changes and adjustments to educational planning in Continuing Education. I wish Brian success in future endeavours and will refer inquiries for his courses directly to him.

Sincerely,

Geraldine Street
Community and Contract Services Programmer
Natural Health and Healing Program
Faculty of Health Sciences
Phone (604) 527-5046
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I met Brian Ruhe and regularly attended his classes when he worked full time from May to December, 1997 as the Public Relations official at the International Buddhist Society temple at 9160 Steveston Hwy. Richmond, B.C. Brian performed many duties and he showed true devotion to the Buddhist path. He took the initiative to start regular classes on Buddhism and meditation at the temple. Buddhism classes in the English language were something new to the temple and I was impressed with Brian's ability to communicate and also his ability to speak about the various schools of Buddhist teachings. After a slow start to our classes, Brian turned it into a success with a regular attendance of over twenty-five people, which we were all very grateful for.

Brian conducted classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons and they still have the regular Saturday morning class going today. Brian gave talks to many tour groups, school groups and Christian groups who came to the temple to get a better understanding of Mahayana Buddhist practices - literally thousands of people, as the I.B.S. is the largest and most visited Buddhist temple in Canada. I attended several of Brian's tours and he provided true communication between East and West as he could immediately go into depth in answering people's questions rather than giving a superficial talk. In a time when the West has become more fascinated with Buddhist beliefs, Brian became an important link between Buddhism and those wanting to learn more.

Brian is a true teacher in every sense of the word. His presence enhanced the reputation of the temple amongst the school groups and there was a growing interest in their books and activities. Brian would also lead the meditation sessions, and his lucid explanations made the practice of meditation more easily understood by the uninitiated.

I was sad to see Brian resign from the temple when he embarked on a six month project to write a book. He has successfully published his book "Freeing the Buddha" and now his Buddhism courses are attracting larger classes than ever. Brian served like a minister to myself and others and I certainly recommend him for those who want an excellent communicator with a sincere heart who is devoted to the Buddhist cause.

Ian Mukaida
Vancouver, BC
(604) 737-2948

September 25, 1996

To Whom It May Concern,

This is a letter of reference for Mr. Brian Ruhe from Vancouver, Canada who taught a course on Buddhism and Meditation at the Community Services of Bangkok. Brian taught nine classes from July to September 1996 which were all well-attended. Each class lasted 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The people who attended the classes reported that they found the course very interesting and especially enjoyed the group discussions. Vipassana insight meditation was practiced in each class.

Brian covered a lot of information in his course. He taught the four noble truths, the eightfold path, meditation, the Buddha’s life story, the five aspects of non-self, the six realms of existence, Buddhist cosmology, compassion, discipline, working with emotions, national and personal karma, Theravadin, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Brian is able to explain complex concepts in direct and simple language which enable people to understand things which seemed mystifying before. I highly recommend Brian for those who want know more about the practice and study of Buddhism and Buddhist meditation.

I am happy to provide additional information or further references for Brian. We at CSB are all sorry to see him leave and we wish him much success in his future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Judith Kocher
Executive Director