The various SIM activities are supported by its committee: Alan Bassal, Neil Gunningham, Gawaine Powell-Davies, Anna Russell, Sylvie Vanasse, It builds on a strong legacy established by past committee members Jonathan Page, Jo Murphy, Kaye Gartner, Peter Mackie, John Millard and Ame Tan among others.
Gawaine Powell Davies - Chair
I've had had a lifelong interest in the ideas of Buddhism, starting with a chance encounter at age 13 with Christmas Humphrey's book on Buddhism. I took up dharma practice seven years ago, since when I have sat regularly with Bluegum sangha. I have been delighted to find mysterious things come to life - and into my life - in very practical ways. I am now exploring how other long term interests such as philosophy and story telling can be woven into the fabric of dharma practice.
Gawaine Powell Davies - Chair
I've had had a lifelong interest in the ideas of Buddhism, starting with a chance encounter at age 13 with Christmas Humphrey's book on Buddhism. I took up dharma practice seven years ago, since when I have sat regularly with Bluegum sangha. I have been delighted to find mysterious things come to life - and into my life - in very practical ways. I am now exploring how other long term interests such as philosophy and story telling can be woven into the fabric of dharma practice.
Alan Bassal - Treasurer
Alan has been studying and practicing Buddha’s teachings for over 35 years beginning in the Vipassana meditative tradition and then developing in Eastern & Western Insight.
He is a certified mindfulness based psychotherapist and for many years has practiced integrating the Buddha Dharma, psychotherapy and the world of leadership development and organisational change.
Neil Gunningham - Secretary
I stumbled across Spirit Rock during a time when I and my wife Sue were living in Northern California, and that led me (and us) on a path towards engagement with Buddhism which has got richer as time goes on. After moving, from Canberra 4 years ago, to Sydney, it was great to discover Blue Gum. I value the support and the open conversations, the diversity of teachers and much besides. in my professional life, I research environmental regulation and policy, and connect with environmental groups working on climate change.
I stumbled across Spirit Rock during a time when I and my wife Sue were living in Northern California, and that led me (and us) on a path towards engagement with Buddhism which has got richer as time goes on. After moving, from Canberra 4 years ago, to Sydney, it was great to discover Blue Gum. I value the support and the open conversations, the diversity of teachers and much besides. in my professional life, I research environmental regulation and policy, and connect with environmental groups working on climate change.
Anna Russell - Newsletter & website
I was attracted by the emotional intelligence of teachings by secular Buddhists, and joined the Golden Wattle Sangha in Bondi Junction. I value the spirit and commitment I share with this community - and the work of writers and teachers internationally.
Sylvie Vanasse
I have been meditating inconsistently for many years until I discovered Recollective Awareness. My practice has then become more consistent and insightful. I joined the Northern Beaches Sangha and I enjoy meeting my dharma friends there. So, I decided to give back to SIM by joining its committee. I originally studied and worked in human resources but I recently re-trained as a counselor and compassionate communication trainer. I also volunteer with Lifeline and Montefiore Homes where I support residents writing their life story.
I have been meditating inconsistently for many years until I discovered Recollective Awareness. My practice has then become more consistent and insightful. I joined the Northern Beaches Sangha and I enjoy meeting my dharma friends there. So, I decided to give back to SIM by joining its committee. I originally studied and worked in human resources but I recently re-trained as a counselor and compassionate communication trainer. I also volunteer with Lifeline and Montefiore Homes where I support residents writing their life story.
Renata Malinauskas
Renata has supported her professional work as a qualified dietitian, owner and head coach at Holistic Movement Studio with her meditation and dharma practice. She is a committed meditation practitioner and seeks to incorporate meditation in her physical well being and development work.
Renata has supported her professional work as a qualified dietitian, owner and head coach at Holistic Movement Studio with her meditation and dharma practice. She is a committed meditation practitioner and seeks to incorporate meditation in her physical well being and development work.
Chris King
When studying in my 20s to be a theologian, I was introduced to the significance of meditation and contemplation practice. Yet, it was only 10 years ago that I had the good fortune to be introduced to the Buddha Dharma and its pragmatic beauty.
This “coming home” not only settled the restlessness that had previously characterised my life and experience, but has served to deepen an ongoing commitment and openness to know and live the dharma’s incisive presence both personally and in our shared existence.
When studying in my 20s to be a theologian, I was introduced to the significance of meditation and contemplation practice. Yet, it was only 10 years ago that I had the good fortune to be introduced to the Buddha Dharma and its pragmatic beauty.
This “coming home” not only settled the restlessness that had previously characterised my life and experience, but has served to deepen an ongoing commitment and openness to know and live the dharma’s incisive presence both personally and in our shared existence.