Buddhism

Buddhism is an eastern religion and philosophy with many different sects, which discourages blind beliefs but presents that:

  • All beings are going through a continuous cycle of births and deaths until they attain final liberation.
  • The ultimate goal of existence is to attain Nirvana, a state of liberation and freedom from suffering.
  • Cultivation of Virtue, concentration and discernment as outlined in the "Eightfold Path" are necessary for attaining self-actualization and Nirvana.
  • Suffering is a part of life, and can be alleviated through experientially understanding the "Four Noble Truths."

Buddhist Chaplain: 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

169D HUB Chaplains' Centre 
nandini@ualberta.ca