Published by Job Chen:

Social scientific study of Daoism: Relationships between religion and science in the interpretation of mysticism among Chinese Daoist monks and nuns

Summary: The aim of the project is to identify the various relationships between religion and science that are explicitly or implicitly present in the way Chinese Daoist monks and nuns describe and interpret their mystical experiences. With a mixed-methods design, the project will answer the following questions: What are the themes suggestive of a Daoist way of conceptualizing the relationship between religion and science How do religious and scientific worldviews engage and interact with each other in the meaning-making of Daoist mystical experiences The project is needed and contributes to social scientific study of religion in the following aspects: First, it examines the relationships between religion and science in a nonAbrahamic context, among Chinese Daoist monks and nuns. Second, it focuses on the context of mystical experiences, which represent unique stakes and difficulties (e.g., anomalous somatic and psychological experiences that are yet quintessential in accomplishing Daoist goals of nourishing life),

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Lived Experience of Daoist Practices: Mysticism, Science, and Embodied Spirituality 

Job Chen The convergence of science and religion presents numerous pathways for exploration. One such avenue involves the application of scientific methodologies, such as observation and measurement, to delve into the individual experiences within religious traditions. Throughout history, mysticism in religions has primarily been examined through philosophical lenses, with a focus on textual analysis to extract meaning from written records. However, some Eastern traditions may not prioritize textual studies or may even refrain entirely from documenting their teachings in writing. In a scientific approach, the central focus shifts to the individuals themselves. Science provides empirical tools to probe into the lived experiences of those who engage with a tradition on a daily basis, offering a direct pathway to understanding the human experience. In this context, the following study presents an empirical analysis of Daoist mysticism, with partial support from INSBS.   Mystical experiences in ancient Daoist traditions are like diving into

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