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The world doesn't need another monastic order or religious community. For those who seek such things, they are plentiful. Many wonderful, dedicated and worthwhile Buddhist monasteries, Benedictine monasteries, convents and ashrams exist all over the world today. And for those who seek a traditionalist, ancient and familiar religious path, there are a multitude of Buddhist and Buddhist-Catholic communities, living according to the primitive monastic traditions. There's no shortage of sectarian spirituality today. So if that is what you're looking for, this is probably not the right place to look. (Click on the links section at the bottom of this page, where we will attempt from time to time, to recommend various sectarian organisations for those seeking that sort of journey.) A MODERN CHALLENGE... During my 30 years as a Buddhist-Franciscan contemplative, I could not help but notice one area in which needs were not fully being met by traditional religions and spiritual paths. Many people wanted some of the structure that could be found in sectarian spirituality, but felt that there was a profound disconnect between some of the traditions, doctrines, dogma and rituals, which left them wanting something more relevant. One of the pioneers in the field of Integral Buddhism, Lama Surya Das points out that when we begin to explore moving in a direction that expands on the essential Dharma, we must carefully consider the question of "legacy". What do we preserve for future generations, and what new insights can we bring to those traditions, which might breathe a new life, greater relevance and make them more accessible in a postmodern, Western society? Much of the ground work for what we are doing has already been laid for us by the pioneers and visionary leaders involved in the Integral Spiritual Center (ISC). With input and insight from people like Father Thomas Keating, Rabbi Marc Gafni, Genpo Rochi and Lama Surya Das, the ISC looks at ways in which we can supplement our traditions with truths discovered in other traditions and on other paths of spiritual inquiry. As one person offered, "The integral approach doesn't change the tools that Buddhism has refined for 2,500 years; it merely suggests expanding the toolbox." For me, the path of Integral Buddhism will help us better understand the cultural context from which many of our beloved traditions arise, so that we can decide which particular practices, approaches or centering rituals work for us, and which have become unnecessary. It's an individual journey and about individual and communal discovery. Integral Buddhism can temper our tendencies to fall into dualistic traps, in which we get caught up in the nonsense and foolishness of "guru-supremacy", sectarianism, superstitious attachment to scripture as "the final authority" and the dangers of lineage-worship. EXPLORING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS... There is a discussion beginning… a discussion that has occurred on the “fringes” of Buddhism for more than seventeen years now. Something seems to be different about the evolution of the discussion these days, however. Serious Buddhist practitioners in the West are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the sectarianism, supremacy, attempts to discredit other teachers or traditions and fundamentalism that is diluting the essence and practice of the Dharma. Rooted in the commitment made to my own Refuge Guru, who was among the pioneers in the field of monastic interreligious dialogue and non-sectarian contemplative Dharma, the Emergent Spirituality Movement has been something I’ve been deeply involved in for just over thirty years. And now, there is a groundswell of Buddhist practitioners, monastics, and former monastics, largely in the West, who are coming together to support one another in a desire to transcend a path that has been well-worn, but can be less accessible, less relevant and culturally-removed from our own culture and ethos, so that the Dharma can thrive and its fruits ripen on future generations, alleviating suffering everywhere it goes. The approach of Integral Buddhism integrates all aspects of postmodern life, and helps the sincere practitioner maintain a body poised and at ease, a mind clear and compassionate, and a life compassionate and purposeful. The Centre for Integral Buddhism™ combines various methods of contemplative spiritual practice, Buddhist traditions and the timeless essence of the Dharma, exploring new ways of making the Dharma more relevant, more accessible and more dynamic. We don't propose or pretend to have the answers. We only seek to ask better and better questions. The Centre for Integral Buddhism™ recognises that life is a process, and that as we develop, and as our stories unfold, we are able to uniquely transcend our previous journeys from a more personal, culturally-oriented, or traditionalist path toward a more integrated, universally-relevant and radically inclusive awareness that emerges from our individual experiences, and becomes truly amazing. We readily recognise and encourage all responsible, compassionate and well-travelled practices and paths as potential means of achieving this transcendental awareness and understanding of the Dharma. We affirm that each person’s journey is unique and due equal respect, and by integrating our understanding of the essential truths of the Buddhist philosophy, with a postmodern, Western recognition of the psychological, sociological and anthropomorphic needs of the human psyche, personality and need for cultural expression/identification, we are able to foster a safe environment for people to discover their own transcendent path, so that the ego-mind dissolves into awareness and compassion, without the hindrances of hatemongering, intolerance, fundamentalism and sectarian drama queens. In order to better facilitate dialogue with other progressive, postmodern and Integral Buddhists, as well as contemplatives from other traditions and paths, we’ve established an online social networking site, much like what Facebook has done in a secular society. We hope to use this community as a launch pad for unlimited small networks, core communities, discussion groups and fellowships worldwide. Each person will have a blog, their own media storage, and the ability to interact with the larger community. The community will also be a place where discussion can take place for listeners and guests on the Talking Dharma radio program, which I currently co-host with Zen practitioner, John Pappas, and a number of other "guest hosts". We welcome people from all backgrounds, spiritual paths and Buddhist traditions to share in a more inclusive, postmodern and truly integrated approach to alleviating suffering, and creating peace. Intolerance, sectarianism, attempts to attack or discredit anyone’s path or teacher(s), and disrespect for any other member of the community will not be accepted here, and will result in immediate removal. This is a safe-haven for those who want a more relevant, more accessible, more inclusive and more radically authentic Dharma… a Dharma of Compassion. It is OUR HOME, and we welcome you, and ask you treat it with the respect with which you would treat and sacred space. Practice whatever you can, so that the teachings of our lineage holders and dharma acharyas will not have been in vain, but above all, practice compassion, loving-kindness and mindfulness with every step. Become part of this vision for the future by going
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