Lighting the Flame of Community

Before going to college, I moved around a lot and didn’t feel like I had a solid group to call my community. The University of Lynchburg has become like home to me, and a big reason for that is our Spiritual Life Center on campus. With the guidance from their staff and lessons I have learned from Interfaith Chaplain, Jer Bryant, I have felt supported and able to grow in my spirituality. 

A big part of growth for me is creating community and influencing a culture where people feel accepted and respected. I follow the religion of Buddhism and am inspired by its philosophy of kindness and compassion. The Buddhist Community on campus has become a space for Buddhists all across the city of Lynchburg to come together and meet, but we welcome anyone to be involved, regardless of religious background. 

Last year we were able to help Hillel, the Jewish Community, to host Yom HaShoah, which is a Holocaust remembrance day event. The ceremony was beautiful, and I deeply appreciated the collaboration between both religious groups. I felt a deep sense of community, and was inspired for future cross religious events at the university in the future. 

Lighting the flame of community starts with working together as a collective, and extending an invitation to collaborate with, support, and appreciate all of those around us. 

by Claire King
Student Leader for the Buddhist Community