My name is Ronald Chang. I live in Los Angeles, CA. I have been practicing Chan (Zen) for 8+ years. Our lineage is the Chinese lineage called Heart Chan. My Teacher is Wu Jue Miao Tian, the 85th Patriarch of Chan Buddhism and the founder of Taiwan Chan Buddhist Association and World Leadership Education Foundation, both based in Taiwan. Heart Chan has completely opened my heart, mind, and perspectives, and has enabled me to understand and appreciate different religions and philosophies more deeply and fully. Moreover, just like Chan or Buddhism is supposed to be practical, Heart Chan can be practiced and applied to living a better everyday life. And this is precisely what this blog is about — Zen, life, and self-development.
Although I self-identify as a Buddhist and I am probably most familiar with Buddhism than any other religions, my interest has always been understanding other different religions and schools of teachings. I see the similarities rather than differences. I see no conflict. I see no contradiction. I see no confusion. Confusion arises if you read to the surface, and disperses if you read to the core.
Deep down, I have great respect for all religions and sects. Their intentions were all good and beneficent, and their goals were grand — helping to incubate a more peaceful world in which people all live a more fulfilled life. Although some went awry or extreme, they should not discredit the efforts others have put in making this world a better place.
Words are limited. Sometimes the words do not fully express what I meant to say. Other times words do not reflect the true intentions behind it. If that happens, please bear with me and correct me if you like.
Below is me in beautiful Hokkaido, Japan, and on USC newspaper’s front page:
I am the Editor of this book (available to check out from Los Angeles Public Library, County of Los Angeles Public Library, and Orange County Public Libraries):
I hold a Ph.D. in EE from USC. To contact me, please email yjrchang AT gmail.com.
Hello Ronald,
I belong to the Yoga Meetup.com group, organized by Ingrid. I was looking at the group’s activities, and noticed you. Are you new? I came to your blog, bc you mentioned in your profile that you are into meditation, which is something I do too. You seem to be much more technical and scientific about it. THAT is so great!!! Thank you for this blog about Zen meditation. I am into all things “Meditation”. That’s a western way of expressing that I enjoy meditation and meditation philosophies. I esp. enjoyed knowing that you are also interested in learning about religions and philsophies of the world. I do too. I’ll be reading your blog to educate myself more. I do research it myself. It’s within radar, and I’m growing so much. I really appreciate how it’s changed my attitude, outlook, perception, perspective, and vision of my world.
Thank you, and much love, life, light, and hope to you.
Hey Suzie,
Good to see you here and thank you for your message full of peace and love. Yeah, I am pretty new — when it comes to Yoga, I shall have a lot to learn from you. I will try to post my Yoga experiences especially its philosophy when doing it, later.
Thanks again.
Shixong,
Gong Xi Fa Chai, I hope your Tai Chi Training is going well. It is the Yang to the Yin of sitting.