Clark Chilson

I am an associate professor in religious studies at the University of Pittsburgh. I teach undergraduates about Buddhist psychology and religion in Asia so they may enjoy richer lives and discover how to live in meaningful ways that transcend the dictates of cultural clichés. My current research on Buddhist-inspired treatments for mental-health, and particularly on Naikan meditation, aims to contribute to knowledge that can help us develop new methods for alleviating psychological anguish and existential suffering. My previous research focused on the consequences of secrecy and religious leadership. My publications based on that research include the book Secrecy’s Power: Covert Shin Buddhists in Japan and Consequences of Concealment (2014) and "Cultivating Charisma" in the Journal of Global Buddhism (2014).