Sangha of the Sacred Heart
Rooted in the ancient tradition of Benedictine and Buddhist Spirituality, the Order of the Sacred Heart is a Christian monastic order that exists to blend the wisdom traditions of both Eastern and Western monasticism. Focusing on intentional living and meditation, our vowed monastic and spiritual practitioners live in the world in a monastery without walls. Explore and learn more...Our Vision
The Order of the Sacred Heart is a progressive and inclusive Christian Benedictine community of monastic practitioners.
Following in the footsteps of Holy Father Benedict, we incorporate the lineage and teachings of the Eastern Buddhist Masters to enhance our spiritual experience, and our relationship with the living Christ.
Ancient Teachings & Modern Practices –
We are a sacramental and liturgical monastic order. We hold that our outer spiritual practices and spiritual works are visible signs of a manifestation of inner divine grace, and are powerful aids to spiritual growth.
We know that everyone is unique, and that is why we are too. We encourage our clergy and laity to have the freedom to be who they are and better serve their communities, as well as to explore all faith traditions founded on the concepts of unconditional love to enhance their spiritual experience.
Syncretic –
Being syncretic is the attempt to reconcile contrary beliefs, often while melding practices of various schools of thought. Syncretism may involve attempts to merge and analogise several originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion, and thus assert and underlying unity allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths.
Christ-centered in our faith, we explore the meditation teaching of the master of the East to enhance our Christian experience.
Ancient Lineages Merge –
The Order of the Sacred Heart holds pure and unbroken Apostolic Succession flowing to us from the original Heart Disciples of Lord Jesus (the Apostles – the enthroned bishops of the ancient Western church starting with Saint James in Jerusalem).
Some of our practitioners and clergy have also studied and participated in mediation retreats with Eastern Masters, and are authorized to pass on those Eastern lineage empowerments as well.
Ecumenical & Inclusive –
The Order of the Sacred Heart currently exists entirely autonomously from any specific ecclesial jurisdiction, or order to allow potential candidates seeking ordination/monastic vows to approach us from any church body.
Therefore we accept any potential candidate for membership from any apostolic church with valid apostolic succession. We also welcome any other candidate who identifies as Christian-Buddhist, but does not necessarily have experience in a sacramental and apostolic church.
Eastern Expression –
Following in the footsteps of other Western teachers, such as Fr. Bede Griffiths and and Fr. Thomas Merton, the Order of the Sacred Heart’s members have looked towards the ancient philosophies of the East and the meditation teachings of Buddhist Masters to enhance our faith and practice.
On top of the traditional Benedictine vows, Eastern Buddhist Vinaya vows have also been worked into our formation process.
