(Posted September 30, 2013)

Carole Baker, Buddhist minister at Juniata College Photography by Kelly Russo '14
Carole Baker, Buddhist minister at Juniata College Photography by Kelly Russo '14

Perhaps unbeknownst to Juniata College students, a Buddhist minister has been added to the number of student resources here on campus. Carole Baker is a Buddhist minister who will be reaching out to students by offering meditation services and Buddhist literature. Baker discusses her role here at Juniata and her plans for the future.

Q: For how long have you been a Buddhist minister?

A: In 2008, I graduated from chaplaincy training given by the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care at Village Zendo. My ordination as a laywoman in Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing qualifies me to conduct weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. Since 2010, I have led a meditation group at Unity House as a volunteer. Beginning this year, I was invited to join the Unity House staff and I am called a volunteer Buddhist minister.

Q: Where did you learn about Buddhism?

A: In 1997, a friend gave me a copy of "Peace is Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh. It made so much sense to me that I went straight to Plum Village in France to learn more from him.

Q: What about Buddhism appealed so much to you?

A: At that retreat in 1997, I felt perfectly comfortable accepting The Five Wonderful Precepts (now known in my tradition as Mindfulness Trainings) as taught by the Buddha. These are: avoid killing, avoid stealing, avoid sexual misconduct, speak truthfully and kindly, and avoid intoxicants of all kinds. The Precepts are not viewed as commandments, but as guidelines for living a happy, honorable life. I could give you the short answer about karma and reincarnation, but really the aspect that appealed to me was that I alone am responsible for my own transformation. Nobody has to die an excruciating death for me to reach the state of Nirvana where I no longer suffer, a state of accepting things as they really are, without judgments or differentiations.

Q: What will be your role at Juniata College?

A: Similar to the role of any minister in an institutional setting, I expect to teach the basics of mindfulness, lead a meditation group (hold services); counsel students as needed; and participate in Juniata events as appropriate. I would like to emphasize here that Buddhism is not evangelical. It is not part of my role to convert anyone to the practice of Buddhism.

Q: Have you experienced much interest in Buddhism from the students here?

A: Yes, indeed. The college years are a time in life of exploring options, including spiritual ones.

Q: When and how will students have access to you?

A: I live 40 miles from Huntingdon, so I am not on campus on a daily basis. The Unity House meditation group meets at 5:00 pm every Monday and I am happy to arrange individual conferences at other times. I can be reached at any time at (814) 259-0161 and at interbe@innernet.net. Once a week, a campus-wide email notice about the meditation group's meetings and activities will include my telephone number.

-Zach Lemon '14, Juniata College Online Journalist

Our readers respond...

This is fantastic! An advisor is visiting my children's school, Friends Meeting School, soon. I'm thrilled to know there is a campus open to teaching meditation, mindfulness and reaching out to support student's through Buddhism. I practice at White Plum Zen Community in MD. My Zen inspired children's book is being published in 2014. Thank you.

Gina
New Market, MD

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.