The Rev. Dr. Joshua Richard Paszkiewicz (Sunyananda Dharmacarya) is a priest, contemplative teacher, psychotherapist, nurse, author, and academic.
Holding undergraduate degrees in psychology, liberal studies, nursing, and healthcare administration, Dr. Paszkiewicz has earned master’s degrees in religion, counseling, business administration, and human resource management alongside doctoral degrees in healthcare and ministry. Dr. Paszkiewicz holds academic certificates and professional certifications in diverse fields ranging from epidemiology, to psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and culinary arts.
A Licensed Professional Counselor (KS) Joshua holds current board certification as both a clinical chaplain and pastoral counselor with the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy, and has accrued over a decade of private practice experience in counseling and spiritual direction. He is additionally certified as a Diplomate Supervisor in Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapy training.
Joshua has completed an extended residency in clinical pastoral care at the University of Kansas Hospital (a Tier I trauma center and teaching hospital) as well as a year-long internship in psychodynamic mental health counseling with Whole Health KC. He completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic thought with the Greater Kansas City Psychoanalytic Institute.
Joshua is the author of Zen and Happiness: Practical Insights and Meditations to Cultivate Joy in Everyday Life (2022, Rockridge Press), Zen Buddhism: Your Personal Guide to Practice and Tradition (2023, Wellfleet Press), Indian Spirituality: An Exploration of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism (2024, Wellfleet Press), and is a frequent contributor to various journals and magazines, having served as an official correspondent for Taekwondo Times for a number of years.
A duly authorized Zen Master transmitted in the traditions of Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, Joshua has been ordained as a priest and consecrated as an Abbot in the Independent Sacramental movement, and was the first person certified as an interfaith consultant by the Center for Religious Experience and Study (CRES).
Joshua is also an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, having trained as a Bhakti Yogi while living as a monk in West Bengal India. He has pastored spiritual communities across the United States, and served as an official delegate as events of note such as the first White House Buddhist Leader’s Conference, and the United Nation’s World Day of Vesak.
Dr. Paszkiewicz is a past Executive Director of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, a past President of the Kansas City Coalition for Welcoming Ministries, and the Founding Convener of the Kaw River Valley chapter of College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (where he also served as the national chair of certification and as a member of the executive chapter). He has coordinated membership and development departments in churches and faith-based non-profits, and served as a consultant and speaker for and to numerous organizations. He has served as a chaplain to healthcare centers and law enforcement agencies.
Joshua currently serves as the Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer of the Ascension Alliance for Spiritual Renewal and as a core faculty member in pastoral care and counseling at Ascension Theological College - the premier seminary of the Independent Sacramental Movement. He also served as faculty in the graduate counseling department at Central Seminary.
Dr. Paszkiewicz is is a registered nurse, board-certified in infection prevention and control (a-IPC). As a clinician Joshua has managed psychiatric emergency departments and maintained a private practice in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and directed university-based counseling and health centers.
Holding advanced black belt ranks in hapkido, jujutsu, karate, and taekwondo, Joshua is the long-serving Secretary-General of the International Jun Tong Mu Sool Kwan, and the President of the Korean Bulgyo Musool Association. He is a charted instructor certified by the World Kido Federation and Hanminjok Hapkido Association of South Korea, and the Hakkoryu Kodo Renmei of Japan.
Joshua is member of both American Mensa and Intertel, and is a current Senior Fellow of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (a global ultra high-IQ think tank).
Academic Credentials:
Degrees:
Current Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:
Martial Arts Credentials:
Ordinations and Empowerments:
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
Selected Publications:
Selected News and Digital Media Appearances:
Retired Positions, Credentials, and Registrations:
Holding undergraduate degrees in psychology, liberal studies, nursing, and healthcare administration, Dr. Paszkiewicz has earned master’s degrees in religion, counseling, business administration, and human resource management alongside doctoral degrees in healthcare and ministry. Dr. Paszkiewicz holds academic certificates and professional certifications in diverse fields ranging from epidemiology, to psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and culinary arts.
A Licensed Professional Counselor (KS) Joshua holds current board certification as both a clinical chaplain and pastoral counselor with the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy, and has accrued over a decade of private practice experience in counseling and spiritual direction. He is additionally certified as a Diplomate Supervisor in Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapy training.
Joshua has completed an extended residency in clinical pastoral care at the University of Kansas Hospital (a Tier I trauma center and teaching hospital) as well as a year-long internship in psychodynamic mental health counseling with Whole Health KC. He completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic thought with the Greater Kansas City Psychoanalytic Institute.
Joshua is the author of Zen and Happiness: Practical Insights and Meditations to Cultivate Joy in Everyday Life (2022, Rockridge Press), Zen Buddhism: Your Personal Guide to Practice and Tradition (2023, Wellfleet Press), Indian Spirituality: An Exploration of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism (2024, Wellfleet Press), and is a frequent contributor to various journals and magazines, having served as an official correspondent for Taekwondo Times for a number of years.
A duly authorized Zen Master transmitted in the traditions of Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, Joshua has been ordained as a priest and consecrated as an Abbot in the Independent Sacramental movement, and was the first person certified as an interfaith consultant by the Center for Religious Experience and Study (CRES).
Joshua is also an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, having trained as a Bhakti Yogi while living as a monk in West Bengal India. He has pastored spiritual communities across the United States, and served as an official delegate as events of note such as the first White House Buddhist Leader’s Conference, and the United Nation’s World Day of Vesak.
Dr. Paszkiewicz is a past Executive Director of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, a past President of the Kansas City Coalition for Welcoming Ministries, and the Founding Convener of the Kaw River Valley chapter of College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (where he also served as the national chair of certification and as a member of the executive chapter). He has coordinated membership and development departments in churches and faith-based non-profits, and served as a consultant and speaker for and to numerous organizations. He has served as a chaplain to healthcare centers and law enforcement agencies.
Joshua currently serves as the Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer of the Ascension Alliance for Spiritual Renewal and as a core faculty member in pastoral care and counseling at Ascension Theological College - the premier seminary of the Independent Sacramental Movement. He also served as faculty in the graduate counseling department at Central Seminary.
Dr. Paszkiewicz is is a registered nurse, board-certified in infection prevention and control (a-IPC). As a clinician Joshua has managed psychiatric emergency departments and maintained a private practice in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and directed university-based counseling and health centers.
Holding advanced black belt ranks in hapkido, jujutsu, karate, and taekwondo, Joshua is the long-serving Secretary-General of the International Jun Tong Mu Sool Kwan, and the President of the Korean Bulgyo Musool Association. He is a charted instructor certified by the World Kido Federation and Hanminjok Hapkido Association of South Korea, and the Hakkoryu Kodo Renmei of Japan.
Joshua is member of both American Mensa and Intertel, and is a current Senior Fellow of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (a global ultra high-IQ think tank).
Academic Credentials:
Degrees:
- DHA - Doctor of Healthcare Administration in Healthcare Research, Teaching, & Leadership (Virginia University of Lynchburg)
- DMin - Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Psychotherapy and Supervision (The Graduate Institute, CPSP)
- MA - Master of Arts in Counseling (Central Seminary)
- MAR - Master of Arts in Religion (Graceland University)
- MBA - Master of Business Administration (University of Isabel I)
- MHRM - Master of Human Resource Management (University of Isabel I)
- BA - Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (Thomas Edison State University)
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Capella University)*
- BS - Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Ashworth College)*
- ADN - Associate Degree in Nursing (Rasmussen University)
- AS - Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration (Ashworth College)
- AAS - Associate of Applied Science in General Studies (Pierpont Technical and Community College)
- Post-Doctoral Certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies)
- National Certificate in Culinary Arts (National Restaurant Association Education Foundation/Nevada Regional Technical Center)
Current Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:
- Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC (Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board - #LPC03999)
- Registered Nurse, RN (Kansas Board of Nursing - #14-159706-051)
- Associate - Infection Prevention and Control, a-IPC (Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology - #135044)
- Diplomate Supervisor, Dipl.CPSP (College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy)
- Board Certified Clinical Chaplain and Pastoral Counselor, BCCC/BCPC (College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy)
- Board Certified Chaplain, BCC (Spiritual Care Association)
- Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 200 (Yoga Alliance)
- Certified Interfaith Consultant, CIC (Center for Religious Experience and Study - CRES)
- Certified Kiatsu Educator (Genkido Association)
Martial Arts Credentials:
- Headmaster: Chang Ryong Kwon Bup & Korean Bulgyo Musool Association
- Secretary General: International Jun Tong Mu Sool Kwan
- Dan Holder: Hapkido, Jujutsu, Ryukyu Kempo, Taekwondo, Tukkong Mu Sool
- Licensed Instructor and Chartered School Owner: International Jun Tong Mu Sool Kwan, International Korean Martial Arts Federation, World Kido Federation, Hanminjok Hapkido Association, Hakkoryu Kodo Renmei, Tai Ki Budo Kai
Ordinations and Empowerments:
- Ordained Priest - Independent Sacramental Movement (by C. Kroski, J. Sunderland, M. Smith)
- Consecrated Abbot Nullius Diœceseos - Independent Sacramental Movement (by C. Kroski, J. Sunderland, M. Smith)
- 86th Generation Lineage Holder (Sensei) - White Plum Zen Lineage (via Tendo Fusho Roshi)
- 81st Generation Lineage Holder (Seon Sa) - Deok Seung Zen Lineage (via Wonji Dochong Seonsanim)
- 78th Generation Lineage Holder (Jong Sa) - Il Bung Zen Lineage (via Seon Hae Daejongsanim)
- Transmission as "Great Master" (Thượng Tọa) - Lam Te Zen Lineage (via Hoa Thuong T. Nhu Minh)
- Professed Sramana - Dharmaguptaka Zen Buddhist Lineage (by Suhitananda Mahathera)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Diplomate, College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP)
- Psychotherapist Member, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE)
- Psychotherapist Member, Spiritual Care Association (SCA)
- Member, International Neuropsychoanalysis Society (NPSA)
- Member, Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD)
- Member, American Nurses Association/Kansas Nurses Association (ANA)
- Senior Fellow, International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE)
- Member, Intertel
- Member, Mensa International
Selected Publications:
- Paszkiewicz, J. R. (2012). Tukkong Military Arts: Lessons from the Korean Special Forces. Taekwondo Times, 32(5), 40–44.
- Paszkiewicz, J.R. (2022). Zen and Happiness: Practical Insights and Meditations to Cultivate Joy in Everyday Life. Rockridge Press. [ISBN: 9781638784784]
- Paszkiewicz, J.R. (2023). Zen Buddhism: Your Personal Guide to Zen Teachings. Wellfleet Press. [ISBN: 9781577153658]
- Paszkiewicz, J.R. (2024). Indian Spirituality: An Exploration of Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh Tradtitions. Wellfleet Press. [ISBN: 9781577154259]
Selected News and Digital Media Appearances:
- The Hidden World. (2020, December 16). The Hidden World of Zen Buddhism w/ Dr. Joshua Paszkiewicz [Podcast]. RadioPublic. https://radiopublic.com/the-hidden-world-6VqJbM/s1!6c5d9
- Faith Always Wins Foundation. (2020, November 12). Leaning on Our Faith for Inspiration and Hope [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXBhFGGoh_0
- Faith Always Wins Foundation. (2021, April 19). SevenDays 2020 Go Day Virtual Interfaith Panel [Video]. YouTube. (URL Under Construction)
- The Interfaith Center at Miami University. (2020, June 10). “I’m a Zen Master, Ask Me Anything” with The Most Venerable Sunyananda [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/O9fxC_EuPKI
- Religion News Service. (2013, June 27). From DC to KC, Reaction to Supreme Court Gay Marriage Rulings [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdfpHoXLxgo
- Sacramental Whine. (2020, June 16). Seeking Integration with J Richard Paszkiewicz [Podcast]. LibSyn. https://www.podpage.com/sacramentalwhines-podcast/seeking-integration-with-j-richard-paszkiewicz/
- Start the Wave Foundation. (2020, November 17). LGBTQIA2S+ and Spirituality Interfaith Panel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSLUA59MO64
- U Wake Up on Unity FM. (2010, November 15). Lessons on Buddhism and Martial Arts With Grand Master Paszkiewicz [Radio]. Unity Online Radio. https://www.unityonlineradio.org/u-wake/lessons-buddhism-and-martial-arts-grand-master-paszkiewicz
- U Wake Up on Unity FM. (2010, December 6). The Good Life [Radio]. Unity Online Radio. https://www.unityonlineradio.org/u-wake/lessons-buddhism-and-martial-arts-grand-master-paszkiewicz
Retired Positions, Credentials, and Registrations:
- Special Correspondent (Taekwondo Times)
*Candidate