On the preciousness of Being Human: Healing and Transformation on the Buddhist Path
Presented by Bhante Sanāthāvihārī and Reverend Ryōtoku
Hosted by Dr Nadine Levy
November 12, 2025
1-2.30pm (AEDT)
Event will be held online via Zoom
Two Buddhist wisdom teachers from two different continents and traditions come together to explore the healing and transformative power of the Buddha’s teachings - and ask how these ancient insights can help us realise our full human potential. What does it mean to be fully human, and what does awakening look like in our time?
From kōan practice in London to Spanish-language Dhamma outreach in Los Angeles, Bhante Sanāthāvihārī and Reverend Ryōtoku share their personal journeys across cultures and traditions, reflecting on how descent, struggle and renewal echo universal stories of transformation.
About the Presenters
Bhante Sanāthāvihārī is a Mexican-American Theravāda monk at the Sarathchandra Buddhist Center in North Hollywood, a Sri Lankan centre. A student of the late Dr. Bhante Madawela Puññaji, he is the founder of Casa De Bhavana – an outreach project dedicated to bringing the Dhamma to the Spanish-speaking world. He is also co-author of Buddhism in 10 Steps.
Reverend Ryōtoku began his Buddhist journey in 2011 through meditation at the West London Buddhist Centre. In 2013 he undertook jukkai (receiving the precepts) within the Rinzai Zen tradition and later trained as a junior Zen teacher in mindfulness and meditation practice. Seeking a broader understanding, he also studied within the Tendai lineage, again receiving jukkai, and completed a two-year lay leader programme. In 2020 he began a Master’s in Buddhist Studies at the University of South Wales, graduating in 2023. He then travelled to Japan where he received tokudo ordination on Mt. Hiei within the Tendai tradition. He is currently in Japan completing his training and commencing PhD research.
Together, they will explore how healing, vulnerability and human capacity intersect with awakening, across different cultural expressions of Buddhism.
Tickets are free, however registration is essential. Register here
