Ivy’s journey into Buddhism began during her master’s studies at the University of Bristol in 2011, where she found support through the Multifaith Chaplaincy. Ivy is a dedicated meditation practitioner, participating in a seven-day retreat at Samye Ling, and completing a four-year foundational course in Tibetan Buddhism. Ivy previously worked as a Student Counsellor and Deputy Administration Officer at a university in China, where she offered compassionate care and spiritual guidance. She is passionate about transforming societal views on ageing, sickness, and death, viewing them as opportunities for spiritual growth. As a University of Bristol alumna, Ivy deeply understands the challenges students face and is eager to support others through her skills and experience. Open to engaging with anyone interested in Buddhism, she draws on her experience in various traditions such as Theravada and Tibetan Buddhism.

Email: ij.jiang@bristol.ac.uk

Rupert first became interested in Buddhism when studying for a degree in Comparative Religion at the University of Manchester in the late 1970s. He discovered Buddhist practice through the Samatha Trust, an organization rooted in 'mindfulness of breathing' meditation. Rupert has led a class in 'samatha' or 'calm' meditation in Bristol since the mid 1990s; this meets in the Multifaith Chaplaincy on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm during term. Rupert is Professor of Buddhist Studies in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. While his academic interests lie in early Indian Buddhism and the Pali texts, and his personal involvement has largely been with the Theravada tradition, he maintains a broad interest in Buddhism and is happy to talk to anyone interested in Buddhism and point them towards the various Buddhist groups and activities in Bristol, whether Theravada, Tibetan, Chan, Nichiren, etc.

Email: rupert.gethin@bristol.ac.uk

Jinho is from Taiwan. She took ordination in the Chinese Chan (Zen) tradition with Master Sheng-yen in 2000, training intensively in the Dharma Drum Mountain for six years and studied at the Dharma Drum Buddhist University. She teaches Zen and Mindfulness meditation during Autumn and Spring terms. She travels to China, Taiwan, Ireland, Russia and Germany to work with Buddhist communities for the rest of the year. She loves to work with students and communities. Faith, Love, Creativity and community are the essentials of her life.

Email: cchuns@ddmf.org.tw