We make extensive use of Buddhist teachings and practices at the Monastic Academy. We are especially inspired by the Rinzai Zen and Ambedkar Buddhism traditions, which our founding teacher, Soryu Forall, trained in. We also regularly study the texts from the Theravada and Mahāyāna Buddhist traditions.
However, we do not ascribe to a particular existing Buddhist tradition. We are not a Zen or Ambedkar Buddhist monastery. We draw from multiple traditions – including traditions outside of Buddhism – as we strive to create a spiritual practice and culture for the modern world.
While residents wholeheartedly engage in religious and spiritual practices, there is no emphasis on believing in anything specific. Instead, what the Monastic Academy explores is how to remain deeply open-minded and consistently question assumptions. A quote from our teacher, Soryu Forall address this tension skillfully:
A definition of spirituality is ‘seeing beyond one’s own limited perspective.’ Therefore, within the context of spiritual practice: if you believe in God, that belief will be stripped away from you; if you don’t believe in God, that belief will be stripped away from you.