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Evaluations from Vancouver School Board Students
Summary of Evaluations at the University-College of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford - March 2001 Vancouver School Board Adult Education Evaluations, 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.” Burnaby School Board Adult Education Evaluations, January 2000:
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 is a well-known Buddhist teacher in Greater Vancouver.” - Douglas Todd, Religion writer, The Vancouver Sun, May 17, 2000
“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.” “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.” “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!” “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.” “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!” “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.” “Brian is able to explain complex concepts in direct and simple language which enables people to understand things which seemed mystifying before.” “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.” “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.” “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.” Simon Fraser University - Department of History August 24, 2000
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. Burnaby Deer Lake Rotary Club Eight Rinks Centre 6501 Sprott St., Burnaby, BC
16 November 2000 Mr. Brian Rhue, 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 Vancouver Buddhist Church
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 Tung Lin Kok Yuen Canada Society
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 Douglas College Continuing Education July 4, 2000
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 To whom it may concern
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 Community Services of Bangkok An Association Committed to Making a Difference
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
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