Eastern philosophy
Steven Tainer's initial training was in Western analytic philosophy, with a particular specialization in philosophy of science. He was pursuing a PhD in philosophy of science, with great success, when he first became acquainted with Eastern philosophy. Just prior to finishing his PhD, he decided to rededicate himself to the study of Eastern philosophy and contemplative traditions. Since then, he has studied Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism with sixteen Tibetan, Chinese and Korean teachers, as well as a number of senior monks and nuns.