Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism have a rich shared history, and many UU’s are also Buddhist or subscribe to general Buddhist values. Using a Zen story as his text, Ryan Zento Weeks will explore the intersections between Buddhist and UU faiths, and the ways that their different practices can complement one another. We conclude a year devoted to the world’s religions with this look at a tradition near and dear to many in our faith.

Ryan Zento Weeks is studying theology at Wesley Theological Seminary, and expects to graduate next May. He is interested in hospital chaplaincy and teaching Buddhist meditation. Ryan has been practicing as a novice priest in several lineages of Soto Zen for about 14 years. He lives outside Baltimore with his wife of six years, Ariel, and his mother-in-law, Annette. Together, they care for two cats, two rabbits, some fish, and more house plants than they can count.