Sherab Chamma Ling, "Buddhist centre offers teaching retreat," Comox Valley Record, 10/11/11

In this Canadian news article, Ling discusses a Buddhist retreat being offered at the end of this month in British Columbia. In comparison to many news articles on 'foreign' religions, there is a major difference in not only Ling's knowledgeable perspective, but also the tone with which he discusses the event. It seems to me that much of the Western thought on Buddhism (and other minority religions) is largely based on ignorant assumptions -a stance that has deep roots in the media's projections of the beliefs and practices of those religions. Therefore, this article provides the Western public with a unique opportunity for education on the topic. Without the undertones of judgement or criticism, Ling provides meaningful and accurate descriptions of meditative practices. By defining the methods of meditation (mantra, visualization and contemplation) he strips the ignorant Westernized projections of meditation and provides a groundwork for the appreciation of the practices. The end of the article, as he takes on a role of an advocator for the retreat (asking for $130 from those interested), gives evidence that Ling is Buddhist himself -or at least somehow involved in the planning of this retreat. The possibility that Ling might be a Buddhist should not take away from the effectiveness of this article. He is able to describe the aims of these meditations in a way that allows people from all backgrounds to connect. Instead of making the goals seem primitive, he makes the process seem appealing to a typical Western world view (while still remaining accurate). Although this article is fairly short, focused on one small event, and targets a comparatively small reader audience, I feel it becomes a very powerful article. If only the majority of Western journalists could emulate Ling's approach, then religion in the media might take on a more educative role.