Old Friendship, New Names, and New Faces:
California State Polytechnic University,
Humboldt Annual Student Visit to CTTB Weekend Workshop, October 3-5, 2025
A friendship began in 1989, when Father John Rogers brought a group of students from Humboldt State University (HSU) to visit the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB). It marked the start of a deep, spiritual, and enduring bond—one that has lasted for more than 30 years. Students who came with Father Rogers were seeking to deepen their spiritual awareness and explore their personal paths. At CTTB, they were able to witness Buddhism in actual practice, not merely as academic theory. For many, it was a life-changing experience. After Father Rogers, Dr. William Herbrechtsmeier, Dr. Steve Jenkins, and Dr. Sara Hart continued this tradition by bringing students to CTTB annually.
In 2022, Humboldt State University changed its name to California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, commonly known as Cal Poly Humboldt, after being designated California’s third polytechnic university to help meet the state’s growing demand for skilled STEM professionals. This transition brought significant curricular changes, shifting the university’s academic focus away from the humanities, arts, religious studies, and social sciences. Most notably, the Religious Studies major will be discontinued in Fall 2025, although its courses will be incorporated into the History Department. Yet even as the university’s identity continues to evolve and each year brings new students, new names, and new faces, the long-standing bond between Cal Poly Humboldt and CTTB remains unchanged.
Professor Stephanie Corigliano now organizes and leads the annual visit, which is open to all students and sponsored by the Cal Poly Humboldt Religious Studies Department. This year’s visit took place from October 3rd to 5th, with 13 male and 13 female students participating in the workshop under Professor Corigliano’s guidance. The schedule offered students an immersive introduction to the daily monastic routine. Activities included morning and evening ceremonies, meditation instruction, introductory classes on Buddhism, a Guan Yin recitation session, Q&A discussions, Tai Chi exercises, a campus tour, and an evening panel with various speakers. The rigorous schedule left little room for leisure—intentionally so, in order to give students an authentic monastic experience. After all, CTTB is home to over a hundred monks and nuns who diligently uphold their cultivation.
The male students were guided by DM Shun and DM Jin Yong, while the female students were led by different nuns in each session. This year’s meditation sessions were taught by DM Jin Rou, DM Jin Tyan, DM Jin Xiang, and DM Jin Zheng. The Guan Yin recitation session was led by DM Heng Yi and DM Jin Ye, the introduction to Buddhism by DM Jin Jian, and the Q&A session by DM Heng Ching and DM Jin Syang.
The theme of the evening panel discussion was “Loving-kindness as a Tool for Emotional Resilience: How Students Can Use This Practice to Transform Anger, Anxiety, and Isolation.” The speakers—DM Heng Shun, DM Jin Yong, DM Jin Rou, David Blatte, and Sarah Babcock—each shared how they apply loving-kindness to face hardships and challenges. Several offered personal stories that resonated deeply with the students. The evening concluded with a dedication of merit, a Buddhist practice of sharing goodness with all beings in the Dharma Realm, expanding one’s heart and mind.
Time passed quickly, and with the full schedule, many students were surprised to find that Sunday morning had already arrived. They packed their clothes, sleeping bags, and bare necessities to head home—leaving, however, with something far more valuable: a sense of clarity, peace, and appreciation. Coming from the stress and fast pace of college life, they stepped briefly into a community still practicing a tradition that dates back over 2,000 years to the time of the Buddha. Though intensive and physically demanding, the weekend proved mentally and spiritually transformative. Many expressed a newfound respect for the monastic daily routine.
Overall, students described the workshop as a meaningful and enriching experience that exceeded their expectations. They enjoyed the activities, ceremonies, discussions, natural environment, and the delicious vegetarian meals. The following are a few of the feedback that students shared.
One student majoring in elementary education commented, “The experience went beyond my expectations. The ceremonies were beautiful and the discussions and seminars changed my life and my views on life in the best way. While this culture is so different from mine, I felt so welcomed and not judged. What changed my life most was when I heard about Guan Yin Bodhisattva with the long white dress and who is neither male or female. It helped me to reflect on past mistakes and traumas, while providing peace of mind! So did learning about karma, so interesting! Also the open and curious Q&A from the different nuns. My mindset changed completely and I think this retreat could benefit many.”
A student majoring in marine biology wrote, “The ceremonies were beautiful. I love hearing the melodies and seeing the tradition. I found this to be my favorite part. I’m so grateful for all the hospitality. This experience was amazing. I didn’t mind waking up early because my experience felt authentic. I liked getting such a personal insight of how you all lived and I feel very lucky to get this experience and meet such kind souls.”
A wildlife major wrote, “Going to the ceremonies definitely left the greatest impression. Before this trip, I didn’t know much about Buddhism and the worships. Now I know. The meditation in the morning had an impact on me too. I want to practice those more. I also enjoyed talking about karma because I know it differently.”
