My classes teach students about life, how to be kind and how to take a spiritual path. Buddhism helps people develop the skills to see there is always hope, that things are always changing and that there is always room to create your own destiny.
Rather than being a negative, the concept of impermanence brings us hope – because it means we are able to create the courses and conditions in our lives to create our own reality.
I think Buddhism helps university students feel empowered once they learn that they are the masters of their own reality and experiences. For example, if your exam results are not as good as you wanted them to be, it’s not the end, it is just one event in this moment in time. Change can happen if you put in the effort for the next time. We study for knowledge and skills, not marks. We always say regardless of your results, if you try to be positive, then you will be successful in life.
Meditation can help students calm themselves and put aside anxious thoughts to reduce stress. The class is an important weekly opportunity to unwind and help students become more open in their scope of thinking.
If we can be calmer in ourselves, then it’s easier for all of us to face challenges with a more positive mindset. I can see that our classes help students to be more patient.
I wear a robe every day in my life as a symbol of having been ordained as a Buddhist nun. It is a tradition also that when someone is ordained, we shave our heads as a sign of determination and sacrifice. It is a symbol of being able to let go of attachments to ourselves, and instead focus on what benefit we can bring to others.
Meditation and Buddhism Class run by the MQ Buddhist Chaplaincy
When: Every Tuesday during session 3-4pm
Where: 17 Wally's Walk, Meeting Room 119
