Robert A. Jonas

Robert A. Jonas, M.T.S., Ed.D., is the founder and director of The Empty Bell, a contemplative sanctuary in Northampton, MA, with a special emphasis on the Buddhist-Christian dialogue and the arts. An author, musician and retreat leader, Dr. Jonas is a Carmelite Christian who has also received spiritual formation with Buddhist teachers. He is a member of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies, on the Board of the Henri Nouwen Society, and co-founder of Project Noah, which connects people of faith to wilderness protection. He is the author of many books and articles and plays the Japanese bamboo flute (shakuhachi) in sacred contexts. We spoke about how Buddhism has informed his Christianity, his work at The Empty Bell and how tragedy can contribute to spiritual growth. Learn more about Robert Jonas here: http://www.emptybell.org/bio.html