From Forest Shrines to Global Zen: The Evolution of Japanese Monastic Life
This article traces the journey of Japanese monasticism—from its earliest roots to its global flowering—revealing a tradition that, though ancient, remains vibrantly alive.
Buddhism
From noble silence to scientific insight.
Explore Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and ethics—bridging ancient practice with modern contemplative science.
Chinese Chan Buddhist Monasticism: The Spring of Zen
This article follows the story of Chan from its earliest roots in India and Daoist China, through its flowering in Tang and Song dynasties, and outward into the temples, poetry, and practices of East Asia.
Zen’s Founding Scripture
Explore the founding scriptures — the Lankavatara Sutra, the Outline of Practice, and Trust in Mind — through which the Chan spirit first found its voice.
Zen Literature: Essential Reading for the Student of Zen
In these pages, we will follow the unfolding of Zen from its Indian and Chinese foundations to its flowering in Japan and its transmission to the West.
Chinese Buddhist Monasticism
Chinese Buddhist monasticism is one of the most enduring and transformative religious traditions in East Asia.
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.