In this episode of the Buddhaland Podcast, Father Reginald Mary Chua shares his journey from doubt to faith, exploring the complexities of priesthood, the importance of interfaith dialogue, and the relevance of philosophy in modern life. He reflects on his inspirations from Catholic saints, the significance of contemplative practices, and the shared truths across different religions. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional space to listen to the divine and the role of philosophy in questioning assumptions about technology and spirituality.

Fr Reginald is a Chinese-Australian Catholic priest from the Dominican Order. Reginald's work sits at the meeting point of philosophy, contemplative practice, and the search for meaning. In recent years he has accompanied student communities as a university chaplain, supporting young adults as they navigate questions of purpose and wellbeing. Now based at Blackfriars in Oxford, he is completing doctoral research on the nature of being and identity in a rapidly changing world. He has interests in Buddhist-Christian dialogue and interfaith conversations, reading novels, and listening to 90s music. 

Takeaways

• Father Reginald's journey to priesthood was marked by doubt and questioning.

• A retreat in 2011 was a turning point in his faith journey.

• Relationships, including with God, require a leap of faith.

• Philosophy helps in questioning assumptions about life and technology.

• Religion and philosophy should work together to avoid fundamentalism.

• The significance of signs in religious life.

• Interfaith dialogue can reveal common ground between different faiths.

• Contemplative practices like retreats can enhance well-being.

• The search for truth is a shared goal across religions.

• Father Reginald emphasizes the importance of listening to the divine.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Father Reginald

01:08 The Journey to Priesthood

07:20 Faith and Doubt: A Personal Reflection

14:01 Formation and Training of a Priest

19:32 Inspirations from Catholic Saints

25:23 Interfaith Dialogue: Exploring Buddhism

31:06 Philosophy's Relevance in Modern Life

38:16 Navigating Identity as a Priest

50:11 Shared Truths Across Religions

55:29 Contemplative Practices for Well-Being

In this episode of the Buddhaland podcast, host Stacy G. Zhang speaks with Michael Li, who shares his journey from a Princeton physics PhD, to a career on Wall Street, and now to blockchain technology. Michael discusses the balance between personal interests and survival needs that guided his career transitions. He delves into the current state of blockchain technology, its potential applications, and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the space. The conversation also explores emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, and their implications for humanity. Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding the true value of blockchain and the realities of entrepreneurship, while also reflecting on the impact of technology on human consciousness and happiness.

Takeaways

• Michael's journey reflects a balance between passion and survival.

• Blockchain technology has evolved significantly since its inception.

• Payment and gambling are key applications of blockchain.

• The survival rate for entrepreneurs is alarmingly low.

• AI represents an industrial revolution in productivity.

• Quantum computing could revolutionize cryptography and technology.

• Technology has generally improved human happiness and life quality.

• The blockchain community faces challenges with pyramid scheme dynamics.

• Emerging technologies require careful consideration of their impact on society.

Chapters

00:00 Journey Through Physics, Finance, and Blockchain

03:45 The Current State of Blockchain Technology

17:11 Challenges of the Entrepreneurial Journey

25:59 Emerging Technologies: AI and Quantum Computing

42:36 The Impact of Technology on Humanity

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On 14 December 2025, Buddhaland hosted a global virtual roundtable on Zoom exploring the relationship between mental wellbeing and spiritual growth in today’s rapidly changing world. The session was moderated by Stacy G. Zhang, Founder of Buddhaland, and brought together an extraordinary panel of voices across traditions and disciplines.

Speakers included Fr. Reginald Chua, Catholic Priest of the Dominican Order, reflecting on identity, contemplation, and interfaith dialogue; Prof. David Palmer, Scholar of Daoism and Religious Transformation, exploring Daoist wisdom and the Bahá’í approach to community empowerment; Dr. Buathon Thienarrom, Holistic Wellness Practitioner, sharing her integrative Zen Na Tai approach rooted in body–mind–soul alignment; John Ballantrae, Tarot Reader and Educator, discussing symbolic systems such as tarot and astrology as tools for self-knowledge; and Sairee Chahal, Tech Entrepreneur and Investor, speaking about Buddhism, women’s empowerment, and building meaningful impact in the digital age.

Together, the panel explored how ancient traditions remain profoundly relevant—not as rigid doctrines, but as living practices that cultivate resilience, ethical grounding, inner clarity, and community in an age shaped by technology, uncertainty, and constant change.

Key Takeaways

• Mental wellbeing and spiritual growth are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
• Ancient traditions offer frameworks for identity and meaning in times of rapid social transformation.
• Contemplative practice, symbolic systems, and embodied healing can support psychological resilience.
• Spirituality must move beyond consumption into lived practice and ethical action.
• Technology and entrepreneurship can be aligned with spiritual values to empower communities.
• Interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural wisdom create space for deeper mutual understanding.
• Sustainable wellbeing requires integration of body, mind, community, and purpose.

If this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe to the Buddhaland newsletter and join our growing community.