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 Alberta 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, University of Alberta, 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, University of Alberta. 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 Alberta Insight Meditation Centre.

7. Contact Information

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