Venerable Pannavati Bhikkhuni, a former Christian pastor, is founder and co-Abbot of Heartwood Refuge and Embracing-Simplicity Meditation Center, a western monastery, intentional community, and residential retreat center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. She was president of the Treasure Human Life Foundation. A black female Buddhist monk ordained in the Theravada and Chan traditions, she remains a disciple of Great Master Kuang Seng, continues Vajrayana empowerments and teachings with beloved guru Rinpoche Zhaxi Zhouma, and has received transmission from Roshi Bernie Glassman of Zen Peacemaker. She serves as vice president in the U.S. for the Global Buddhist Bhikkhuni Association, a council of 300 contemporary female masters  Pannavati is both contemplative and empowered for compassionate service. She conducts retreats nationally at over 50 centers and churches each year, sharing living truths that are deep, yet apprehendable. She advises the cultivation of both wisdom and compassionate action. She believes it's fine to sit in temples and meditate and pray when things are good; when they are not, we are compelled to get off our pillows and do something. Let our actions line up with our intentions.