Chai and Existential Crises: Finding Positivity in Milton
On a typical Tuesday evening in the bustling powerhouse of Milton, New South Wales (population: probably your average family reunion), the scent of freshly brewed chai and homemade soup drifts through the halls of the Country Women’s Association. And what are the hot topics of conversation, you ask? Oh, just the trivialities of death, war, and how to make sense of suffering—lighthearted chatter for a quaint country town.
Gather Round, Philosophers!
About 50 brave souls, ranging from experienced Buddhist veterans to intrigued fresh faces, sit cross-legged on the floor and plastic chairs, half-listening to a Buddhist nun while a portrait of young Queen Elizabeth II stares down at them, probably wondering what it’s like to discuss “How to Stay Positive in a Negative Environment” without losing your mind or your scone.
Fun with Suffering
“The world makes us suffer,” says Venerable Robina Courtin, who appears to be the head honcho in the misery department. A sprightly 77-year-old who was ordained back in the disco era of the late ’70s, she claims we have more control over our happiness than an overly caffeinated life coach. “If becoming a musician is a matter of mental programming, then why not apply the same precision to becoming a happy person?” she quips, possibly after downing two cups of chai.
Unpacking Trauma Like Fine Wine
But then a daring woman raises her hand—she must be new—and mentions recent tragedies like Covid, floods, and war in Ukraine, as if reality is not on the agenda. Robina, channeling all the flexibility of a yoga instructor, illustrates how two imprisoned Tibetan women found a silver lining after peer-reviewed torture. “They interpreted their experience,” she explains, as if they were simply writing a positive Yelp review for their time in prison.
The Not-So-Practical Approach
This woman, still adjusting to the seminar’s vibe, responds with what’s basically a ‘Yeah, right!’ face. “It just doesn’t seem practical,” she finally says. Robina, armed with her directness and compassion, snaps back, “Honey-child, listen to me! We can’t just wish our suffering away like we wish away bad hair days.” Imagine a self-help session meets a stand-up comedy show—nobody’s leaving without a punchline.
From Radical to Righteous
During lunch, Robina shares her life story: growing up in the chaos of a crowded Catholic household, shuffling from convent schooling bliss to gender exploration, where boys collided with jazz music. “I was radical!” she proclaims, as if confessing a wild crime. And just when you think you’ve got her figured out, she discovered Buddhism (because what else do you turn to after exhausting all options for blaming the world?).
A Life of Chai and Compassion
Fast forward 44 years, and Robina has transformed suffering into a productive art. She founded the Liberation Prison Project after receiving a heartwarming letter from a former gangster, revealing that happiness can bloom even in maximum-security gardens. “I don’t feel anger about their plight,” she asserts, “only support,” as if she’s the cosmic cheerleader of suffering. She has a TikTok account with 85,600 followers, where she educates the masses on how to thrive amidst world chaos without turning into a rage monster. Bravo!
The Future: Jazz Clubs and Zoom Masterclasses
Robina plans to wrap up her Australian tour and head off to New York City, where she’ll settle down with dreams of jazz clubs and Zoom classes, although we suspect she’ll likely skip the clubs. “I’ll try not to waste my life,” she jokes, “which is probably the most Buddhist thing I’ve said all day.” In a world full of insanity, her wisdom and wit remind us that amid existential dread, it’s perfectly acceptable to sip chai, indulge in dry humor, and strive for happiness—even if some days feel like a subscription to a tragicomedy.
