NTI Conversations series

Near Death Experiences: What does the research say?

Presented by Philip Spendley

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) is a phenomenon with roots in ancient history, that is gaining increased attention and credibility in the scientific community.

Once considered fringe, NDEs are now supported by a substantial body of research, with studies published in various scientific journals, while being well documented within popular culture. This presentation will offer an overview of key findings, highlight the consistent nature of NDEs across cultures and belief systems, and examine their potential implications for how we understand death, consciousness, and the continuation of self.

From a clinical perspective, sharing this knowledge with those approaching the end of life, and their loved ones, can bring comfort, reduce fear, and reframe death as a transition rather than a final event. We’ll also touch on the remarkable accounts of remote observation during NDEs and what they may reveal about consciousness itself, potentially offering new insights into the enduring mystery known as the “hard problem” in consciousness research.

About the Presenter:

With a professional background in hospital pharmacy, Phillip Spendley initially trained as a pharmacist before completing a Ph.D. in microbiology. Over the course of his career, he has worked across both technical services and direct patient care, bringing strong clinical and scientific foundation to his work.

Phillip’s interest in Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) began unexpectedly, after being asked to present on the topic—despite having no prior knowledge in the area! What followed was a deep dive into the growing body of high-quality research and firsthand accounts that now support NDEs as a significant and credible phenomenon. Like many others in the scientific and medical community, Phillip, has come to see the study of NDEs as both meaningful and worthy of further exploration.

A Buddhist Perspective on a Future beyond Extractivism

Presented by Brother Tenzin and NTI students Jacob Tan and Gabriela Guerrero Alonso

Environmental crises are affecting everyone on this planet and the effects of these crises are becoming more palpable. The logic of extractivism often underpins our current crises, with industrialisation, population growth and urbanization, rapidly globalising the world. Such a logic causes significant ecological and social imbalances, but also highlights the spiritual aspects of our time and relationships with the environment and other beings. Join Brother Tenzin (Dr. Alex Anderson), and NTI students Jacob Tan and Gabriela Guerrero Alonso, to explore the holistic potential of Buddhist teachings in healing our illusion of separation from each other and the natural world.

About the Presenters:

Brother Tenzin (Dr. Alex Anderson) is an Australian Buddhist monk and an ecologist specialising in climate change impacts on biodiversity, deep ecology and environmental activism. Based at Gaia Forest – a remaining rainforest in mid-north NSW – he works at the intersection of environmental and human spiritual conservation, applying mindfulness to living in harmony within oneself, community and the natural world.

NTI student Jacob Tan is a former healthcare worker in marginalised communities, and Buddhist Chan philosopher who sees Mother Nature as a great teacher. Jacob believes the climate crisis is ultimately a spiritual crisis, and that recognising the interconnected nature of all life should be humanity’s priority.

NTI student Gabriela Guerrero Alonso is a sociologist and environmental advocate who works to amplify marginalised voices and foster systemic change. Her work explores the intersection of ecological justice, spirituality, and community empowerment, based on her experience working alongside Indigenous communities and small-scale farmers in Colombia.

Beyond Othering: Buddhist and Christian Relational Perspective in Dialogue

Presented by Philip Bewley

This conversation looks at Thich Nhat Hanh’s idea of interbeing, which teaches that everything is connected, and nothing exists on its own. It compares this idea with a similar way of thinking from the Christian tradition. Together, these views show how understanding our deep connection with others can lead to more compassionate actions, help us overcome division, and encourage a more welcoming and inclusive way of living.

Philip Bewley is an alumnus of Nan Tien Institute and a doctoral candidate at the Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity (Melbourne), where he researches comparative theology at the intersection of Buddhist-Christian dialogue. With a longstanding interest in interfaith engagement, his academic work bridges traditions—from his MA at the University of Wollongong (examining the Dutch Catholic Church’s progressive pastoral care of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the 1960s) to his current project comparing the relational ontologies of Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. His research highlights how both thinkers challenge notions of ‘othering’ and ‘otherness,’ offering transformative frameworks for identity, belonging, and embodied praxis.

Kindness and Compassion in Interreligious Dialogues

Presented by Professor Leo D. Lefebure

This conversation will explore the resources of the Buddhist and Christian traditions, for building relationships based on kindness and compassion. We will share examples of interreligious dialogues based on mutual understanding, shared values, and an intention to shape global citizenship.

About the Presenter:

Leo D. Lefebure is Professor of Theology and the inaugural holder of the Matteo Ricci, S.J., Chair at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He is the author of the award-winning Transforming Interreligious Relations: Catholic Responses to Religious Pluralism in the United States. His other award-winning books include Revelation, the Religions, and Violence; True and Holy: Christian Scripture and Other Religions; and The Path of Wisdom: A Christian Commentary on the Dhammapada, coauthored with Peter Feldmeier. Lefebure is the president of the American Theological Society, a former president of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies, a research fellow of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and a trustee emeritus of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Healing: Buddhist and Psychotherapy Perspectives

Presented by Dr Eng-Kong Tan and Dr Nadine Levy

Dr Nadine Levy, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing and Dr Eng-Kong Tan will lead this fascinating discussion on the intersection of Buddhist wisdom and psychotherapy to heal psychological pain and trauma.

Drawing from decades of his own clinical practice and experiences, Dr Eng-Kong Tan will explore how mindfulness, compassion and contemplative traditions align with modern therapeutic insights to support deep psychological healing.

This discussion is for practitioners, seekers and anyone curious about the transformative power of Buddhist and psychotherapeutic approaches to well-being.

About the Presenters

Dr Eng-Kong Tan is a medical doctor, consultant psychiatrist and analytic psychotherapist. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Metta Clinic and was the Founder President of the Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP). He has presented keynote addresses, workshops, seminars on Spirituality, Buddhism, Mindfulness and Psychotherapy in Australia and Asia.

Dr Nadine Levy is the Head of Health and Social Wellbeing at Nan Tien Institute and holds a PhD in Sociology and Honors degrees in both law and gender studies. Her research investigates women’s lived experience across a range of social sites, including health therapeutic landscapes and spiritual movements.

Country as Teacher in the Reimagining of Australian Education

Presented by Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson, Dr Anthony McKnight and Barbara Lepani

Our special guests for this conversation are Wadi Wadi Elder, Dr. Aunty Barbara Nicholson, Awabakal/Gumaroi/Yuin Cultural Man, Dr. Anthony McKnight, and Blue Mountains author and senior Buddhist practitioner, Barbara Lepani. Each of these speakers, in their own unique way, is deeply familiar with cultural wisdom found in both ancient and modern systems of knowledge. Together they will lead us to explore how the deep ecological consciousness of Indigenous and Buddhist knowledge systems can inform a new story of education—one that is holistic, ethical and responsive to our shared future.

About the Presenters

Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson is a Wadi Wadi Elder and the 2024 Wollongong Citizen of the Year. She who holds a degree in English Literature (Newcastle), an Honorary Doctor of Laws (UOW), and started the Ngana Barangarai (Black Wallaby) project which collects and publishes creative writing from First Australian inmates in Junee Jail. Aunty Barb received the First Nations Australia Writing Network’s lifetime achievement award in 2023.

Dr Anthony McKnight is an Awabakal, Gumaroi and Yuin Cultural Man who is an Associate Professor and the Curriculum Transformation lead within the Indigenous Strategy Unit at the University of Wollongong. His work centres Country in Aboriginal approaches to curriculum, teaching, learning and research. His publications include a 2023 3rd edition of his book ‘Research for Educators’ (Cengage).

Barbara Lepani is the Co-convenor of the New Economy Network Australia’s Arts & Culture Hub (NACH) and National Coordinator of The Enlivenment Network, which works for a new/ancient way of human community acknowledging Australian First Nations’ Caring for County. She has authored numerous works based on her life of cross-cultural relationship and deep cultivation as a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner.

A Modern Reflection on Life and Death: Deciphering the Natural Mechanisms and Mysteries of ‘Death’, ‘Dying’ and ‘Rebirth’

Presented by Venerable Dr Huei Kai

Download a copy of the slides from this presentation.

What if death isn’t the end but a vital part of life’s natural rhythm? In this Dharma Talk, Venerable Dr. Huei Kai invites us to reimagine life, death, and everything in between. Drawing on modern science, Buddhist philosophy, and his own moving journey, Venerable Huei Kai offers practical insights into how understanding the cycle of life and death can help us live with greater clarity, calm, and purpose. Whether you’re navigating grief, caring for others, or simply curious, this talk offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on a subject too often cloaked in fear and uncertainty.

Venerable Dr. Huei Kai is a Buddhist monk, renowned scholar, and Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. With a PhD in Religious Studies from Temple University (USA) and a background in mathematics from National Taiwan University, he has spent decades exploring the crossroads of Eastern wisdom and modern thought. As a columnist, author of The Sustainable Management of Life, and an Emeritus Professor at Nanhua University, his teachings blend Buddhist wisdom and logic with warmth and clarity. Known for making profound topics deeply relatable, he now shares his life’s work with global audiences—offering not just answers, but a new perspective on life and death.

Mindfulness Mechanics: Ancient Wisdom guiding Mental Health Research

Presented by Corey Jackson

Mindfulness and meditation, once considered fringe practices, have now become integral to mainstream culture. This shift is largely driven by a surge in research highlighting their benefits for modern well-being. However, the eagerness to embrace these benefits has far outpaced efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms, often overlooking the traditional theories and teachings that form the foundation of these practices.

This discussion will explore some of the potential mechanisms behind mindfulness and how a deeper understanding of them can enhance the treatment and prevention of mental conditions.

Corey Jackson is in the final stages of a PhD mapping traditional Buddhist theory and meditation onto a modern understanding of anxiety and depression. This research taps into increasing psychological interest in aspects of cognition that Buddhism has long-held to be important for mental health. His work is the culmination of a degree in Psychology and Sanskrit plus more than twenty years of studying and translating Buddhist philosophy from Tibetan to English.

Corey is a lead trainer in the peer-reviewed Cultivating Emotional Balance program, which sits at the intersection of authentic contemplative and psychological approaches to mental health and wellbeing. This forms the basis of his courses and retreats that challenge popularised concepts of self-care. Before any of this, he was a jazz pianist in Toronto, Canada.