Xiaomeng Tian & Priscilla
October 20, 2023

On October 8th, Nan Tien Institute (NTI) in Australia celebrated the remarkable occasion of its third anniversary, marking the 150th Communities of Practice (CoP) Sunday Check-in Session. Led by Venerable Juewei, the head of NTI Humanistic Buddhism Centre and the founder of CoP, the session served as a platform for collective contemplation and a sharing of profound insights into the concept of "Committed Service." Over 30 members from across the globe, including Dr. Jonathan Page, lecturer at NTI and medical practitioner, and Meg Hart, a psychologist specialising in cross-cultural leadership, gathered online to exchange their experiences and insights.

Adapting to the unique demands posed by the pandemic, NTI transitioned its CoP activities to an online format in October 2020. This transition, aimed at fostering the exchange of experiences and the practical application of Buddhist principles in daily life, was met with resounding enthusiasm. Today, due to the collective efforts of its members, CoP has grown into a sanctuary for the human soul where strangers become friends，and a profound connections are established.

CoP members took the opportunity to express their viewpoints. photo／Xiaomeng Tian

At the beginning of the session, Chris Zaslawski, a committee advisor for the Health and Social Wellbeing Program at NTI captivated the community with his original song. In the lyrics, Chris incorporated his observations and sentiments from a serene morning at the Wudang Mountain in Hubei, China, metaphorically illuminating the inner sanctum of everyone's hearts. Subsequently, Venerable Juewei invited CoP friends to reflect upon vows and commitments made in the past and encouraged introspection on how to keep these commitments steadfastly.

Members took the opportunity to express their viewpoints on this topic. Emeritus Professor Stephen Hill, NTI Humanistic Buddhism Centre consultant and the former UNESCO Director for Southeast Asia, explained that "grand vows are built upon small promises." The ultimate commitment in life evolves through the daily fulfilment of smaller promises. The true realisation of one's character is rooted in the ability to listen, communicate appropriately, and forge connections. Dr. Jonathan Page shared his insights that "a vow= intentionally listening". It involves hearing the needs of all living beings, living in the present moment, and feeling the lives of others at that very moment, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. Yoga instructor Nissa encouraged everyone not to cease making vows out of fear. She urged everyone to trust in their own strength, highlighting that even a simple smile or a brief exchange of eye contact can imbue others' lives with a unique significance.

Venerable Juewei concluded the session by sharing her personal experience of embracing and conversing with a towering tree, asserting that nature, too, harbours emotions. She encouraged CoP members to listen to the sounds of nature and through their connection with the natural world, find peace, joy, self-compassion, and enduring hope. Drawing on the power of vows, she advocated the continuous pursuit of self-improvement. Venerable Juewei concluded by expressing her gratitude for the support that members have extended over the past three years, acknowledging that their many unspoken commitments have fostered this loving community which week after week deliver extraordinary and thought-provoking moments.