Buddhism

Buddhism is a spiritual tradition and philosophy emphasizing the understanding and alleviation of suffering through practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and compassion.

  • The teachings emphasize the Four Noble Truths – acknowledging suffering, understanding its origins, realizing its cessation, and following the Noble Eightfold Path to achieve liberation from suffering.
  • Central to Buddhist teachings are concepts like impermanence (Anicca), non-self (Anatta), and dependent origination (Paticca-samuppada), all aimed at transcending the cycle of rebirth (Samsara) and attaining enlightenment (Nirvana).
  • Meditation, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of wisdom are fundamental aspects of Buddhist practice across its various schools and traditions.

Buddhist Chaplain: Nandini Karunamuni

Nandini Karunamuni

1. Religious Affiliation

I am affiliated with the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Insight Meditation (AIM) Centre in Edmonton. This centre represents the Theravada Buddhist tradition, which scholars generally agree contains the earliest record of the Buddha's teachings.

2. Educational History
  • Qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher [University of Massachusetts Medical School].
  • Master of Science Degree in Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, Edmonton.
  • Bachelor of Science Degree, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
3. Joined the U of A

Joined as a Chaplain in Fall 2019.

5. Why I am a Chaplain at the U of A

Although my background is in science, I have always felt that spirituality represents a very different but an equally important way of “knowing” or understanding our experiences in the world, which also involves the cultivation of self-knowledge and wisdom. Being a Chaplain enables me to communicate this to anyone who is interested.

6. Other Passions and Interests

I am an affiliate member of the Centre for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. I currently have a passion to write and publish articles that relate to Buddhist accounts of the mind and consciousness, because I feel this endeavor can advance our prevailing perspectives of these concepts. I also volunteer and teach at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Insight Meditation Centre.

7. Contact Information

182B HUB Multi-Faith Prayer and Meditation Space
nandini@ualberta.ca