Living Zen, Loving God
-
- $10.99
-
- $10.99
Publisher Description
The release of Ruben Habito's new book, Living Zen, Loving God has coincided with a rave review from Publishers Weekly magazine:
"Habito may not seem himself as a revolutionary, but his humble life calling - to illuminate the commonalities between Zen Buddhism and Christianity - seems a profound gift. Habito excels in illuminating the connective spiritual tissue between the two religions, while explaining the principles of Buddhism. This is an excellent book for readers who want to deepen their understanding of Christianity, as well as Buddhism." - Publishers Weekly
Exactly right. This wonderful book, in its friendly, informative tone, carefully explains Buddhist ideas - from key concepts like Emptiness and The Truth of Suffering to an in-depth and enlightening examination of the Heart Sutra - all in terms that will help modern Christian practitioners to deepen their faith, and Buddhists, to revitalize and broaden their perception and understanding.
This is a book with immense value to anyone interested in interreligious dialogue and studies, and as such, has already won accolades from Habito's contemporaries. (See below.)
Habito, a practicing Catholic and former Jesuit priest - as well as an acknowledged Zen master and professor in the School of Theology at Southern Methodist University - makes a clear case that Zen practice can deepen a Christian's connection to God, further clarify the Gospel teachings of Jesus, and enable one to live a more joyous, compassionate, and socially engaged life. Habito demonstrates that the practice of Zen meditation and even some elements of the Buddhist worldview can enable one to love God more constantly and commit to the service of the Realm of Heaven and the human community more wholeheartedly.
Ruben L.F. Habito is the author of numerous publications, in both Japanese and English, on Zen and Christianity and is a prominent figure in the Buddhist-Christian Dialogue. A native of the philipines, Habito served as a Jesuit priest in Japan under the guidance of the great spiritual pioneer Father Hugo Enomiya-Lassalle and studied Zen with renowned teacher Koun Yamada. He lives in Dallas, Texas.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Perhaps one of the most radically healing acts available to humanity today is to bridge the distance between the world's major religions helping devotees discover their common spiritual ground instead of fuel for their political conflicts. Habito may not see himself as a revolutionary, but his humble life calling to illuminate the commonalities between Zen Buddhism and Christianity seems a profound gift. As a native of the Philippines, he began his spiritual training as a contemplative Jesuit priest in Japan. Later he became a pupil of Buddhism under renowned teacher Koun Yamada Roshi. This offering is specifically aimed at the Christian community, helping readers expand their experience of Christ through the teachings of Buddha. For instance, he compares the Zen teachings of dying to ego-attachments in order to reach enlightenment as being similar to the Christian experience of "dying to one's old self" and being reborn into an entirely new life of Christ. Habito excels in illuminating the connective spiritual tissue between the two religions, while also explaining the principles of Buddhism. When speaking to suffering, he notes that both religions ask followers to embrace the realities of suffering in order to offer wisdom and relief. This is an excellent book for readers who want to deepen their understanding of Christianity as well as Buddhism. It includes an Appendix, excerpting conversations with his teachers Koun Yamada Roshi and Father Hugo Enomiya-Lassalle, S.J. as well as suggestions for further reading.
