Robert A. Jonas, M.T.S.( Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, MA: Masters in Theological Studies,), Ed.D. (Harvard, Cambridge, MA: psychology and education), 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 on the arts.
Jonas is an author, musician and retreat leader. A Christian in the Carmelite tradition, he has also received spiritual formation with Buddhist teachers. Currently a student of Sui-Zen, the Japanese bamboo flute (shakuhachi), he has played in many secular and spiritual contexts, both Buddhist and Christian. Sample tracks by Dr. Jonas may be found throughout this site. For his CDs, visit the shakuhachi page.
Dr. Jonas is a member of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies, on the Board of the Henri Nouwen Society, and co-founder with the Wilderness Society, of Project Noah, an effort to connect people of faith with wilderness protection. He is the author of many books and articles; a selected bibliography with samples may be found here, and more examples of his writings, as well as an interview may be found here. He is currently working on a book about the Christian-Buddhist dialogue.
