Avery lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she volunteers for KMC Chicago remotely. She started practicing Kadampa Buddhism in 2015 at Kadampa Meditation Center Fort Lauderdale. She fell in love with Prayers for World Peace (held in some centers on Sunday mornings) and with the Temple in Sarasota. She started volunteering in Fort Lauderdale almost right away, and over the years has helped in many different ways: class assistant, food preparation, cleaning, volunteer coordinator, teacher, and Education Program Coordinator. She’s motivated to volunteer by her good heart. As she puts it, “I want to do anything I can to spread these profound teachings and help reduce the suffering of all sentient beings.”
Geshe Chekhawa, a Bodhisattva from around 1,000 years ago, composed a phrase that serves as Avery’s constant guide to improving her practice:
“Always rely upon a happy mind alone"
It helps her remember to transform everything that appears into the spiritual path. This quote can be found, along with commentary (explanation), in the book Universal Compassion, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Avery currently helps with graphic design for KMC Chicago, and is also playing a key role in helping to reinstate KMC Chicago’s weekly branch classes in Ann Arbor. Every Kadampa center depends on the efforts of many volunteers, and there are always opportunities to lend a hand. Learn more on our Volunteering page.
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