Friends of Amida - Spiritual Networking -
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Steve Berkoff
- Male
- Kamuela, Hawaii
- United States
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- Blog Posts (3)
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- Events (1)
- Groups (7)
- Photos (16)
- Photo Albums (1)
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Steve Berkoff's Groups
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Buddhist counselling a...
64 members
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Amida Kitchen
52 members
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Running Tide
60 members
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OJO Retreat 2009: Elem...
63 members
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Amida Hawaii
16 members
Steve Berkoff's Page
Latest Activity
Thank you Rick for your contributions. The furniture really helped!
We recently finished painting and decorating our center here in Hawaii. It is a very relaxing and peaceful place for us to practice, study, and just meet. All are welcome and invited to stop by.
I just noticed your posting Steve...thank-you so much for your kind words. There really was something tangible in the air that night (presumably it was Amida's Light!)...a special evening for me as well. Looking forward to the next one!
Aloha & Na...
This is very good news. Thank you for keeping us posted about what is happening on the other side of the planet. Namo Amida Bu.
I just want to thank Franco for doing an amazing job last night at the Buddhist seminar we held here in Kamuela. We had a great turn-out (25+) and Franco's presentation was well received. I saw many people leaning forward in their chairs to hear h...
Profile Information
- About Me:
- I’m Steve Berkoff, and I live in Kamuela, one of the most beautiful places here in Hawaii. I am 54 years old, and have returned to school after a 32-year “sabbatical for life.” I am married and have two grown children. My wife and I have a nice home on the top of Puu Nani hill in Kamuela that we share with our four dogs. I have worked in many cities around the world, but Hawaii has now become my favorite local. Although I’ve lived on O’ahu and Maui, I can truly say that Kamuela is the best place in the world for me.
I was born in New York City in 1954; the oldest and only son of two immigrants from the Old World. My mother, Marguerite, was from Leige, Belguim, and my father, Harry was from Longford, Ireland. Harry left this planet in 1997 due to lung cancer, and I lost my mother in 2005 to a stroke. I have three sisters who all live on the mainland, but I am closest to my grandmother who is 97 and still leads an active lifestyle. She has always been an inspiration to me, and I have learned much from her about patience and forgiveness.
My decision to return to school came about as a result of a serious accident I suffered in 2005 that left me disabled with a spinal cord injury. I was struck by a car in a crosswalk and spent two years in a wheel chair. In September of 2007, I underwent another in a string of surgeries at Queen’s hospital and I am now able to walk with a cane.
Prior to my injury, I had led a very successful life in technology start-ups both here in Hawaii, and around the world. For almost 30 years I traveled the world, met many wonderful people, and helped a number of companies get their start in communications I truly enjoyed my career, but my injuries prevent me from continuing in my profession, so I had to look for something new to do, hence the desire to return to school and a chance at a new career for the second part of my life.
Having lived the first part of my life for the benefit of my family and myself, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is time to start helping others, so I’ve decided to go into counseling. I would like to work with seniors and focus on the issues of illness, aging and death. Being a devout Buddhist, these are central themes in my faith, and I feel that my years of years of practice and study of Buddhist Dharma can bring a unique insight and perspective to these issues that we all must ultimately face.
- Amida Membership
- Shu Member
- Faith Background & Affiliation
- Buddhist - Hongwanji Mission
- Occupation or Primary Activity
- Retired - Now atteding University of Hawaii at Hilo
- Involvement in Spirituality/Religion
- I am currently a member of the Hongwanji Mission here in Hawaii. We are a Pure Land tradition based upon the teachings of our founder, Shinran Shonin. I came to the practice about 10 years ago and I received my Buddhist name, Myo Kyo (Bright Dharma) from our bishop about four years ago. I have already received a significant amount of instruction in the dharma from various groups in our temple, and from studying Buddhist philosophy at the University of Hawaii.
- What is your interest in Amida Trust
- I was recently confirmed by Dharmavidya as an Amida-Shu member. I also serve on the Board of Directors of Amida USA. I look forward to helping the Amida Trust to grow in America.
- How did you find this web site?
- INvited to join by Dharmavidya
- What country are you living in?
- USA
- What is the nearest town to where you live? If in UK, please give first half of your postcode. Thank you.
- Kamuela
- Are you a member of an Amida group/Congregation
- Hawaii
- Have you visited
- None of these
- What can you offer to other members of this network?
- A place to stay, Guide
- What other interests do you have, eg Arts, Gardening and so on.
- Scuba Diving, Photography, Music, Good Movies!
Steve Berkoff's Photos
Steve Berkoff's Blog
LEADING MY FIRST SERVICE
This past week I had the honor of conducting our weekly Sangha service here at Amida Hawaii. It was my first time to lead the meeting, and I was very nervous before our small group. I spent a lot of time preparing for it, and reverting back to my corporate days, I even prepared a set of cue cards for the presentation! There was a very small turn-out for this service, and that proved to be a mixed blessing. The attendees were good friends of mine, so I felt comfortable with their critique, but at… Continue
Posted on May 1, 2009 at 8:05pm — 4 Comments
Buddhist Psychology Lecture by Reverend Roy Imamura – Hilo Hawaii, March 7, 2009
Buddhist Psychology Lecture by Reverend Roy Imamura
– Hilo Hawaii, March 7, 2009
This past Saturday I was privileged to attend a lecture on Buddhist Psychology given at the Hilo Hongwanji Temple. The talk was presented by Reverend Roy Imamura, who holds a Doctorate in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of San Francisco, and is an instructor in Buddhist Psychology at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. The local ministers from the Hongwanji Missio… Continue
– Hilo Hawaii, March 7, 2009
This past Saturday I was privileged to attend a lecture on Buddhist Psychology given at the Hilo Hongwanji Temple. The talk was presented by Reverend Roy Imamura, who holds a Doctorate in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of San Francisco, and is an instructor in Buddhist Psychology at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. The local ministers from the Hongwanji Missio… Continue
Posted on March 11, 2009 at 10:30am — 2 Comments
Dharmavidya and Prasada Visit The Big Island of Hawai'i
Last week, we were delighted to have Dharmavidya and Prasada come to our island for a series of discussions. I was personally honored to host Dharmavidya at my home for a night. We had a number of interesting discussions, and I’m certain that I talked his poor ears off! My wife and I truly appreciated the opportunity to have him stay at our home, and we hope that both he and Prasada come back very soon.
The evening of his arrival, Dharmavidya gave a very inspirational talk at Tutu’s House, loca… Continue
The evening of his arrival, Dharmavidya gave a very inspirational talk at Tutu’s House, loca… Continue
Posted on January 30, 2009 at 9:30am — 1 Comment
Comment Wall (8 comments)
- At 7:14pm on August 26, 2009,
Keli Acquaro said…
- Thanks for the welcome, Steve! ;-)
- At 9:09am on March 31, 2009,
Sujatin said… - Me too!
- At 9:06am on March 17, 2009,
Alfred Bloom said… - Dear Steve:
Thanks for the invitation and hospitality. Actually we have time share accommodations on the islands, but recently I have not bee traveling because I have arthritis in my spine and even with exercises, walking and going any distance is a real problem. I have never had rock fever and when I look out our windows at the Koolaus and can easily get to the ocean to see that, I just love being here. I guess it is all a function of aging. I have my projects and several obligations so I keep rather busy and do not even get to places here, that I should and like.
I don't suppose you come over here much. As I remember you were quite ill sometime ago and I hope that is all past.
Please take care. By the way do you have skype. I have had great conversations with people in Japan or on the mainland using it and it is really great---and free.
Thanks again,
Gassho
Al
- At 4:44am on March 17, 2009,
Alfred Bloom said…
- Hi Steve:
I am glad to connect again. Sorry I have been so busy that I do not easily participate in these social connection pages. however, I am glad to hear from you and see that you are well. Also I am glad you had opportunity to be a part of Amida-shu and also to hear Rev. Ryo. We are all interconnected. Best wishes,
Gassho
Al
- At 3:39pm on March 3, 2009,
Hussam Al-Nawab said… - Hi Steve - Just to let you know that I've now joined the Friends of Amida site ( my photo's on its' way!) and look forward to some Dharma-related exchanges etc
Hope You're Doing OK,
Namo Amida Bu,
Hussam
- At 11:54am on February 9, 2009,
Susthama said… - Hi Steve,
hope you are well. I've really enjoyed reading your blog post about the Brazier's visit and seeing all the wonderful photos.
Hopefully, one day you'll be able to come over to England or France?
Namo Amida Bu
- At 12:42am on February 1, 2009,
JANSARI DAYARAM HARILAL said…
- good morning. i am from india. how are you.i am a photographer and i want to now religion and institut.
- At 5:59pm on January 30, 2009,
Elise said… - Hello Steve - welcome to Friends of Amida! and congratulations on your membership of Amida-Shu. I love your photographs - those of Dharmavidya and Prasada especially; they're so real - you have a true talent. Thank you. Elise x
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