Ven. Sagarananda Tien, Ph.D. 

Before entering the Buddhist monastic order in 2010, Bhikkhu Sagarananda Tien  worked as a Research Assistant Professor at Rutgers University and as a licensed  environmental engineer at an international consulting firm. His academic journey  was supported by the NASA Earth System Science Fellowship, which funded his  doctoral research in computer modeling and remote sensing. His professional and  academic background reflects a long-standing commitment to science, environmental stewardship, and the pursuit of knowledge. 

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, into a Christian family, Bhikkhu Sagarananda Tien’s early  life was shaped by both spiritual and academic influences. In 2010, after years of  spiritual seeking, he ordained as a novice monk and received full ordination in the  Theravāda tradition in 2012. While his ordination was rooted in Theravāda  Buddhism, he embraces a non-sectarian approach to the BuddhaDharma, drawing  from diverse traditions and teachings to cultivate an inclusive and practical path for  living in modern society. 

Bhikkhu Sagarananda Tien currently serves in several roles that bridge  contemplative practice, community engagement, and interfaith cooperation. He is  the Director of Amata Meditation Center in Boyd, Maryland; Secretary of the U.S.  Zen Institute in Germantown, Maryland; and Vice President of the Association of  Sino Jhāyin in Taiwan. In addition to his organizational responsibilities, he serves as a member of the Faith Community Advisory Council in Montgomery County,  Maryland, and volunteers as a chaplain within the MedStar Health system, offering  spiritual support to individuals from all walks of life. 

His work reflects a commitment to integrating inner transformation with  compassionate action in the world, while fostering dialogue across cultures and  traditions. 

Other than his devotion in learning and practicing mediation and propagating the  Buddhist teachings, he is interested in interfaith dialogue, non-profit organization  development, photography, Chinese calligraphy, art, mechanical watches, pottery,  architecture, and travel.