Spiritual Pathways

In recent years, a number of scientific studies have suggested that spiritual practice can offer the possibility of physical and psychological healing as it deepens a sense of meaning and connection to inner values. Each month, The Rothko Chapel and M. D. Anderson Cancer Center host a spiritual leader of a particular faith to facilitate a meditation experience in accordance with the leader's own religious faith and practice.

The 2009 series began with meditations guided by Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D., who is an Assistant Professor at the John P. McGovern Center for Health, Humanities and the Human Spirit at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. In his adjunct position at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Chaoul is involved in research using Tibetan mind-body techniques with cancer patients. In 2007, Chaoul conceived of the meditation series at the Chapel and at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, where it has become a mainstay of each organization's spiritual programming, due to the collaborative energies of Chaoul; Rev. Maria J. Kennedy, D. Min., BCC, LPC, one of the staff chaplains at M. D. Anderson; Sean Fitzpatrick, director of community services at the Jung Center; and Emilee Dawn Whitehurst, M. Div., executive director of The Rothko Chapel.

As a sacred space dedicated to broadening interfaith understanding, The Rothko Chapel is committed to bringing together people of all faiths to experience the modern meditative environment inspired by the murals of the American Abstract Expressionist painter Mark Rothko. In the tradition of John and Dominique de Menil, its founders, The Rothko Chapel continues to engage people spiritually, artistically, and intellectually by bringing leading experts, scholars, and religious leaders to discuss worldwide human concerns and critical issues. It has become a rallying place for people concerned with peace, social justice, truth, and freedom throughout the world. The Rothko Chapel presents a full series of programs exploring human rights, culture, spirituality, and the environment.

In 2009, the faith traditions that will be represented include Buddhism, Christianity, Sikh, Jewish, Hindu, and Islam. The next scheduled meditations are to be Wednesday, February 11 at 12 noon at the Rothko Chapel and Thursday, February 19 at M. D. Anderson with Robert J. Hesse, Ph.D., co-founder and president of the Contemplative Outreach Network, which is dedicated to interdenominational Christian contemplative prayer. On Wednesday, March 11 at the Rothko Chapel and on March 19 at M. D. Anderson, Guru Gian Kaur Khalsa will use yogic exercises, meditation, guided relaxation, as well as the sound current from Sikh prayers to lead the participants to an experience to touch the soul. Rabbi Ranon Teller of Congregation Brith Shalom is scheduled at The Rothko Chapel on April 8 and at M. D. Anderson on April 2. He has titled his meditation Tapping the Soul: Using Sacred Text, Music, and Story to Access a Healing Power Within. Mandar Apte from Art of Living will represent the Hindu tradition in May, on the 13th and 14th, at the Rothko Chapel and M. D. Anderson, respectively. Other spiritual leaders will be announced at a later date.