The Emergent Spirituality Movement is characterised by a sense of "crossing the boundaries" normally expected between theistic and non-theistic traditions, which were previously viewed as incompatible, and finding a Common Ground, where generative friendships and dialogue among those who embrace the compassionate teachings of the Buddha and the Christ fosters a sense of a "Greater Community".

We believe that this allows us to join in the activity of the historic Buddha and Christ, and engender a safe space where the world's suffering can be alleviated, and where all sentient beings can be healed and transformed... including ourselves.

The concept of an Emergent Movement first began among a small group of visionary Christians, including the remarkable contributions of former evangelical, Brian McLaren, and has grown today to become part of a global, grassroots movement to re-imagine the potential of living lives that are informed, inspired and guided by the parallel teachings of the Buddha and the Christ.

Drawing on a diverse heritage, inspired by the monastic and contemplative spirituality of the Benedictine Camaldolese, the pre-institutional Franciscan charism of caring for the sick and poor, the Quaker tradition of interior listening and discernment and the non-dualistic philosophy of Buddhist and Advaita dharma, the Contemplative Order of Compassion is committed to an unorthodox, non-traditional and often controversial spiritual practice -- affirming the essential truths taught by the great Masters: Buddha Sakyamuni and Rabbi Yeshua ben Yusef (Jesus the Nazarene), which are often obscured by the institutional dogma and doctrine, cultural mythos and superstition and midrashic literature that has been regarded as scripture.

Founded by Dharmacharya Gurudas Sunyatananda (Servant-Father Francis-Maria of the Immaculata), an ordained Buddhist monk and semi-retired archbishop of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Church (an historic branch of the Catholic tradition that has never been under the jurisdiction or rule of the Roman Catholic Pontificate, and which does not recognise the Roman Catholic claims of papal supremacy), our community is a unique representation of the potential for the Dharma of the Buddha and the Compassionate Way of the Christ, in a post-modern ethos -- free of institutionalism, dogma and creed. It is believed by many that in order for the teachings of the Buddha and Christ to remain relevant to a postmodern world, particularly in the West, a new expression, unique to the culture and times, needed to be developed.

We reject the notion that there is "one true path" or that any particular spiritual tradition or religion is the only way to liberation. We find denominations which teach such obscenities to be among the most disgraceful and useless expressions of a primitive and delusional mentality, which does nothing to generate real compassion in the world. We affirm that there are many spiritual approaches, both theistic and non-theistic, religious and non-religious, which can powerfully contribute to ending suffering in the world, and lead all beings toward peace, enlightenment and calm abiding.

Ours is a "feral wisdom path", which embraces many historic and contemporary spiritual practices, including prayer, meditation, contemplation, study, solitude, silence, service, community and liturgy. We affirm that healthy spirituality cannot be separated from applied reasoning, science and intelligence.

The Contemplative Order of Compassion embraces a belief that every sentient being deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, loving-kindness and equanimity. And we believe that these qualities are fundamental to our human nature. By mindful engagement in the ancient principles and spiritual practices of the Buddhist philosophy, we believe that each of us can cultivate goodness, warmth, wisdom and compassion, as a means of freeing ourselves from the experience of suffering, so that we can work to alleviate the suffering of all beings.

Inspired by the groundbreaking work of the North American Benedictine and Cisterian Monasteries, whose "Monastic Interreligious Dialogue" program has led the way for monastics of various religious and spiritual traditions, the work of the CID seeks to continue those efforts among segments of society that are not always welcomed by the Roman Catholic hierarchy, including those Catholic monastics and religious who are part of various autocephalic jurisdictions, and those which reject the intolerance, homophobia, and gender-bias of the Roman Catholic tradition.

The CID was developed in response to a growing concern that the work of the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue was often impeded by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, which has become increasingly conservative over the past three decades, under the leadership of the present and predecedant pontiffs.

The mission of the CID is to provide contemplatives and monastics from various spiritual traditions, including non-theistic (secular humanist) traditions, which promotes the unity of the human family and mutual understanding among various spiritual traditions.

For more information, click here.

The Contemplative Order of Compassion was impressed with the vision and desire of founder, Karen Armstrong, and pledged to support the objectives of the Charter, which was launched on 12 November 2009 worldwide.

The Charter of Compassion, crafted by people all over the world and drafted by a multi-faith, multi-national council of thinkers and leaders, is a cooperative effort to restore not only compassionate thinking but, more importantly, compassionate action to the center of religious, moral and political life.

We invite each of you to adopt the charter as your own, to make a lifelong commitment to live with compassion. Click here to learn more.

Through hands-on care partnerships with leading community healthcare providers, hospice volunteers, caregivers and pastoral training programs, as well as by gently advocating contemplative care at a local, regional and national level, we believe that we will positively impact the quality of life for those we serve, relieve individual and family suffering, and effectively create a more courageous and peaceful community that provides compassionate care for all, especially those facing end-of-life issues.

Opportunities exist for individuals and corporate sponsorships, grants and donations to make the Centre a reality in the Greater Washington D.C. area, and later throughout the country.

For more information, click here.

AWAKENING - Living the Dharma of Compassion

Now Available from Lojong Media Publications. Teaching by example, respected , Dharmacharya Gurudas Sunyatananda, illuminates the basic and foundational principles of the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, the Way of the Christ and Zen in a way that is both refreshing and practical. By providing the reader with the Dharma in a non-religious, non-sectarian and not ritual context, Dharmacharya Sunyatananda makes it possible for anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation, to benefit from this timeless wisdom.

Readers tell us that this book is among the most enjoyable, easy and insightful reads they've encountered on the subject. Find our for yourself. Purchase a hardcopy, or download a digital version for your Kindle ebook reader today!

Now available from Lojong Media Publications (in partnership with Lulu Press).

At this writing, I am outraged and disgusted by the intolerance, injustice and lack of compassion being demonstrated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington (D.C.), as it's thinly-disguised hatemongering continues to underscore the reasons that organisation, as well as other hate-groups, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, ought to have their 501(c)3 statuses revoked, losing all tax-exemption permanently for their blatant disregard for the IRS Tax Regulations for Tax-Exempt Organisations.

My formal statement on the matter is included here.