About

We stand at a pivotal moment in history, witnessing a shift in global power from West to East. This transition presents both opportunities and challenges, demanding a nuanced understanding of the differing cultural, philosophical, and religious landscapes that shape our world. How do we foster genuine dialogue that bridges these divides, promoting understanding rather than fear and anxiety?

The East West Dialogue Process seeks to address this crucial question. We recognize the profound differences in language, social organization, spirituality, and the narratives we use to understand ourselves and our place in the cosmos. These differences, if left unexamined, can easily lead to misunderstandings and perpetuate the “Thucydides Trap”, a historical pattern where a rising power challenges an established one, often resulting in conflict.

Our aim is to create an event or series of events for respectful exploration of these contrasting perspectives, focusing on the shared human experience that underlies them. We will delve into the rich tapestry of Eastern and Western thought, examining how these traditions have shaped our understanding of:

The Sacred: Exploring diverse approaches to spirituality and religion, from Western monotheistic traditions like Christianity and Judaism to Eastern polytheistic and non-theistic religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as Confucian and Taoist schools in China that are similar in philosophical thought, rich in spiritual implications and difficult to define as religions. We will also consider the role of spiritual and New Age movements in both contexts.
The Scientific: Examining the interplay between Western scientific materialism and Eastern holistic views, and how both contribute to our understanding of the universe.
The Philosophical: Comparing Western philosophies like existentialism and idealism with Eastern traditions like Confucianism and Taoism, highlighting their approaches to meaning, ethics, and the nature of reality.

The East West Dialogue Process will encompass both historical analysis and personal reflection. We invite all involved to share their own experiences and insights, illuminating how their backgrounds have shaped their worldviews. We believe that by acknowledging the “unsaid” and the “felt”, we can move beyond purely intellectual discourse and engage with the deeper, often unspoken, aspects of our respective traditions. This experiential component will be woven throughout the symposium, creating opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.

Want to get involved? Visit our How to Engage page.