Brother ChiSing, M.Div., M.A. was an Interfaith retreat facilitator, spiritual director, ritual artist, musician, and the founder of “Awakening Heart.” In addition to his spiritual work, he served as a Community College adjunct professor of World Religions. Born and raised in Texas, he lived in California for a decade before spending the final ten years of his life in Dallas near his family. His academic journey included earning a B.A. in Religion from a Protestant university, an M.A. in Spirituality from a Catholic college, and a Master of Divinity degree from a Unitarian Universalist seminary.

Spiritual Background & Ordination

His primary meditation teacher was the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, and he was ordained by him into the “Order of Interbeing” (Unified Buddhist Church) in 2003 with the spiritual name of “True Wonderful Happiness.” The Order of Interbeing is an organization established by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1963, during the Vietnamese War. Specifically, his aim was to create a community of monks, nuns, and laypeople who would work to create peace, love, and compassion in our fractured world. Consequently, the Order now includes thousands of people from all walks of life and all parts of the globe.

Ministry & Interfaith Service

Brother ChiSing was also commissioned into ministry by a congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC) in 1995.

Brother ChiSing collaborated on several events and retreats with S.F. Bay Area spiritual teachers Matthew Fox (Creation Spirituality, Original Blessing, Techno Cosmic Mass) and Christian de la Huerta (Q-Spirit, Coming Out Spiritually, Revolutionary Wisdom). Specifically, he led and spoke at numerous retreats for Interfaith, Buddhist, and Christian communities ranging from 10 to 800 participants. Furthermore, he established three young adult spiritual groups in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Los Angeles, alongside a major meditation community in San Francisco. His service also included roles as a Youth Director, Children’s Director, and Religious Education Director at various churches. Ultimately, his dedication led to the creation of the Dallas Meditation Center and the Awakening Heart (Community of Mindful Living).

Legacy & Ultimate Vision

Brother ChiSing’s ultimate vision was to bring mindfulness and meditation practice to people of all faith and non-faith backgrounds in an Earth-based way, with an emphasis on creativity, music, and the arts. Indeed, this vision came to fruition as the non-profit One Dharma Awakening Heart, Dallas Meditation Center, in Dallas, Texas.

On the morning of March 8, 2016, after living with nasopharyngeal carcinoma for two and a half years, Brother ChiSing passed from this physical life at home in his sleep.

Featured Music & Books by Brother ChiSing