Chinese Buddhist Monasticism
Chinese Buddhist monasticism is one of the most enduring and transformative religious traditions in East Asia.
Buddhism
From noble silence to scientific insight.
Explore Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and ethics—bridging ancient practice with modern contemplative science.
Freemasonry and Zen: A Contemplative Brotherhood
The Zen Master, the Master Mason, and the scientific humanist may use different tools—zafu, square and compasses, or microscope—but all seek the same outcome: a well-built world and a well-formed person.
The First Monks Rise in the East: The Birth of Monasticism
This article traces the delicate thread that links the barefoot sages of ancient India with the Zen monks of Japan, the Christian mystics of the desert, and the Buddhist nuns of today.
Buddhist Alchemy
Explore the hidden tradition of Buddhist Alchemy, where ancient spiritual science meets inner transformation.
Redefining Faith: The New Scientific Humanist Priesthood
As we face serious global challenges, more and more of humanity is turning to evidence-based solutions, changing the role of traditional religious authority in politics.
Veterans, PTSD, and Meditation
Rough estimates conclude that over half a million U.S. troops have been diagnosed with PTSD. About four out of five will not receive adequate care. Half will receive no care at all.
Scientific Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation may be defined as nonjudgmental awareness through purposeful holding of attention, being in the moment, for mental and physical health, self-knowledge and wisdom.
Zen Buddhist Meditation
While there are a number of schools of Zen, this article will focus on the Japanese Soto sect teaching of shikantaza, or “just sitting” method of meditation, probably the most straight-forward example of Zen Buddhist meditation.
Chinese Chan Buddhist Meditation
Chinese mystics adopted and adapted Buddhism to their needs, replacing the Indian focus on dharana, or concentration, with Daoist cultivation in meditation. This practice of sitting meditation, known as zuo chan, would eventually flower into Chan Buddhism.
Buddhist Insight Meditation
The Buddha’s meditation is a way of life, a religion, rooted in the simple act of sitting calmly and being awake to reality.
The Science Abbey Basic Meditation Guide
This handbook is a guide to a seated silent meditation, which for the purpose of precise definition, is called Illumination meditation.
Ancient Chinese Philosophy and Daoist Meditation
The story of the evolution of Chinese philosophy and world-view is both fascinating and enlightening.