Nan Tien Institute Public Dharma Talk Encourages Self-Compassion for Positive Ageing

Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple

Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Centre at Australia's Nan Tien Institute, Venerable Dr. Juewei, was invited by the University of the Third Age (U3A) Wollongong to present a public dharma talk titled "Compassion and Aging" at the Wollongong Salvation Army Conference Centre on 20th July. Attended by 85 retired seniors, the talk explored how self-compassion can help people understand, accept, and embrace the ageing process, ultimately enriching the value and meaning of later life.

The term "Third Age" refers to the stage of life following retirement. U3A Wollongong is one of more than 60 U3A organisations across New South Wales and forms part of the broader U3A movement in Australia and around the world. The organisation brings together retired members of the community through lifelong learning, social engagement, and diverse interest groups to keep minds active, maintain physical wellbeing, and promote overall health and quality of life.

Venerable Dr. Juewei began the session by screening a short video featuring Professor Lewis Lancaster and the late Professor Stephen Hill, former advisor to the Humanistic Buddhism Centre at Nan Tien Institute. The video highlighted ageing as a natural and inevitable stage of life while underscoring the vital role that compassion plays throughout the ageing journey.

Expanding on this theme, Venerable Dr. Juewei noted that many older adults have devoted their lives to serving their families and society. Upon retirement, they deserve to embrace their later years with self-compassion while continuing to contribute to others through service, thereby cultivating greater wisdom and purpose.

The dharma talk then introduced the "B.E.S.T." approach—Breath, Exercise, Saying, and Tree—guiding participants through mindful breathing and meditation, simple walking meditation, and practical ways to experience the positive energy of Buddhist practice. Each participant also received a commemorative bookmark featuring an inspirational quote from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, with the hope that his words would provide guidance and encouragement for their future lives.

U3A Wollongong President Mike Traynor shared that the organisation is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning among retired members of the community, helping them remain intellectually active and socially connected. He noted that participants responded enthusiastically to Venerable Dr. Juewei's presentation, particularly appreciating the practical techniques that could be applied in everyday life. He expressed hope that a future visit to Nan Tien Temple could be arranged, allowing members to experience the temple's peaceful atmosphere and learn more about its cultural and spiritual significance.

U3A Course Coordinator Jennifer Robyn Mattock thanked Venerable Dr. Juewei for continuing the educational work of the late Professor Stephen Hill by sharing the wisdom of Buddhism. She also appreciated that the dharma talk provided an opportunity for participants to remember and honour Professor Hill's enduring contributions.

Participant Barry Chin expressed a keen interest in the Buddhist teachings presented during the dharma talk. He actively engaged in the discussion by asking questions and sharing his reflections, commenting that the session's focus on mindful breathing and meditation was particularly engaging. His wife, Jennifer, also praised the programme, describing it as inspiring and thought-provoking, especially its insights into ageing with grace, appreciating life's small opportunities, and treating others with kindness.