Roundtable: Mental Wellbeing and Spiritual Growth in Today’s World

On 14 December 2025, Buddhaland hosted a global virtual roundtable on Zoom exploring the relationship between mental wellbeing and spiritual growth in today’s rapidly changing world. The session was moderated by Stacy G. Zhang, Founder of Buddhaland, and brought together an extraordinary panel of voices across traditions and disciplines. Speakers included Fr. Reginald Chua, Catholic Priest of the Dominican Order, reflecting on identity, contemplation, and interfaith dialogue; Prof. David Palmer, Scholar of Daoism and Religious Transformation, exploring Daoist wisdom and the Bahá’í approach to community empowerment; Dr. Buathon Thienarrom, Holistic Wellness Practitioner, sharing her integrative Zen Na Tai approach rooted in body–mind–soul alignment; John Ballantrae, Tarot Reader and Educator, discussing symbolic systems such as tarot and astrology as tools for self-knowledge; and Sairee Chahal, Tech Entrepreneur and Investor, speaking about Buddhism, women’s empowerment, and building meaningful impact in the digital age. Together, the panel explored how ancient traditions remain profoundly relevant—not as rigid doctrines, but as living practices that cultivate resilience, ethical grounding, inner clarity, and community in an age shaped by technology, uncertainty, and constant change. Key Takeaways Mental wellbeing and spiritual growth are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Ancient traditions offer frameworks for identity and meaning in times of rapid social transformation. Contemplative practice, symbolic systems, and embodied healing can support psychological resilience. Spirituality must move beyond consumption into lived practice and ethical action. Technology and entrepreneurship can be aligned with spiritual values to empower communities. Interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural wisdom create space for deeper mutual understanding. Sustainable wellbeing requires integration of body, mind, community, and purpose. If this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.