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Bishal Karna
- Associate Professor in Religious Studies
- 585-389-2728
- bkarna8@naz.edu
- Golisano Academic Center 309
- Bio
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Education: B.A. in political science, Caldwell College; M.A. in religious studies, Georgia State University; Ph.D. in comparative studies, Ohio State University
Teaching and Research Interests: Religious and spiritual practices and their transformative potential, with a focus on meditation, mindfulness, and prayer as well as universal human experiences like suffering, meaning, and love. Particular emphasis on Buddhism, death and dying, and spiritual care.
Why Nazareth
“Teaching is my calling, and at Nazareth, I have the freedom to fully dedicate myself to it. The emphasis on excellence in teaching allows me to engage deeply with students — both inside and outside the classroom — fostering individual relationships and providing personalized mentorship. I value the opportunity to support my students’ academic and personal growth in a meaningful way. The sense of community among faculty, staff, and students is strong, and I especially love being part of the Religious Studies department. It’s a truly nurturing and supportive space.”
What I teach
"I teach courses that explore deep, universal questions, such as questions of human potential, meaning, suffering, and death. I present religion as a repository of human wisdom and traditions — a resource for grappling with life’s fundamental questions. Using contemplative pedagogy, I help students develop essential skills to navigate their inner lives while cultivating connection and compassion.
I love teaching the Perspectives and Enduring Questions (PEQ) course Exploring the World’s Religions, where I introduce students to wisdom traditions from around the world. My upper-division courses include Meaning of Death, Meditation and Mindfulness, Religion and Psychology, Asian Ways of Self-Cultivation, and Spiritual Care, the capstone course for the Spiritual Care minor, which I co-direct. Across all my courses, I help students uncover timeless insights from religious and spiritual traditions that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life."
Advice for students
"In my Meaning of Death class, I ask students what metaphors they use for their lives. Some see life as a garden, requiring constant weeding and nurturing. Others view it as a battleground, demanding daily valor and resilience. In recent years, I’ve come to see life as an adventure — one that wouldn’t be complete without its challenges, ups and downs, tragedies, and triumphs. Embrace it all. Enjoy it all.
The greatest adventure is to be fully alive — present to everything with a loving heart and a fearless mind."