UC Davis Health community members enjoy a lecture on compassion and a singing bowl demonstration at the Interfaith and Intercultural employee resource group event
Geshe Phuntsho, a Tibetan Monk in the Historic Gaden Shartse Monastery
The calming ambiance invited UC Davis Health community members to consider what compassion and kindness genuinely entail.
Geshe Phuntsho, a Tibetan Monk in the Historic Gaden Shartse Monastery, talked about practicing compassion towards self and others and told stories about how our egos can get in the way of practicing compassion.
Geshe Phuntsho said, “The bigger the ‘I’, the bigger the problem. The smaller the ‘i’, the smaller the problem.”
The quote came from a story about how wealth alone cannot make a person happy. Instead, community, kindness, compassion, and gratitude cultivate a rich and happy life.
Katie Lorain, interim chair of the IFIC, highlights the purpose of their ERG and this particular event.
“The Interfaith and Intercultural ERG’s mission is to foster a sense of community where we can find commonalities, celebrate our differences, and cultivate understanding among one another,” Lorain said. “It was an honor for the IFIC ERG to host this event, and we look forward to building an inclusive community where UC Davis staff and faculty can learn from one another and share with compassion.”
During the Q&A session, one employee asked how we can be more compassionate in a “chaotic world.”
Geshe Phuntsho gives blessing to IFIC ERG members
Geshe Phuntsho reminded members to have a different perspective on the events happening in the United States compared to other countries. He also reiterated that it is a choice to live an ethical life. It’s essential to show compassion towards ourselves so that we are better equipped to demonstrate compassion towards others – and even those we may disagree with.
Geshe Phuntsho advised attendees, “You cannot make everyone happy. As long as you do your best, let them say what they will.”
Kathryn Griffith, IFIC treasurer, shared her thoughts about lessons learned.
“My biggest takeaway from the event was to practice compassion – both for me and others – starting by acknowledging all the existing kindnesses in the world.”
Before the Tibetan Monks' departure, IFIC executive committee members received a blessing.
Lorain shared, “After the blessing, I felt very connected to this new sense of community we are growing – and a realization that we don’t have to struggle alone – but that we are supported by others around us. It was such an honor to receive.”
Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups.These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate, or be educated in the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
