Gonzaga University reported that a religious studies professor has shown a connection between compassion meditation and achievement of Jesuit education goals. 

Professor Gloria Chien, Ph.D. published a peer-reviewed research article, entitled “Complementary Teaching Practices: Ignatian Pedagogy and Buddhist-Inspired Compassion Meditation,” showing that there is a strong connection to compassion and emotional well-being, according to a university press release.

“Building a bridge between the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm and CBCT provides a successful strategy for the educational objectives of developing the whole person and forming a compassionate character,” Chien stated in a release.

Chien also stated that the study provides good proof that compassion within an individual ties into the overall development of them as a person.

Chien teaches a class entitled, “Buddhist Meditation and Practice,” which proved helpful to students especially during a semester of great stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Students stated that Chien’s class provided an excellent foundation of understanding into the importance of compassion. 

“Dr. Chien made meditation engaging, relaxing and educational. Everything we did was true, supported by a study. She modeled compassion in her love and care for students,” one student stated. 

Another claimed that the class helped them to become a “happier and more compassionate person,” able to relate better to others after having completed the course. 

Chien’s study used measurements like the Compassionate Love for Humanity Scale. The study was funded by the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Mission and Ministry and the Center for Teaching & Advising. 

Among the many people who helped to make the study possible, Chien offered her thanks to Joseph Mudd, Ph.D., and Anastasia Wendlinder, Ph.D., Michelle Wheatley, D.Min., vice president of mission and ministry, Adam Stivers, Ph.D., and Gary Thorne Ph.D.

The study was dedicated to her late student Erik Bruhjell.