Living Buddha, Living Christ 
asked by onthemic on November 15, 2006 12:00 AM
If you have always assumed that Christianity and Buddhism are as far apart philosophically as their respective founders were geographically, you may be in for a bit of a surprise. In this national bestseller, Zen monk and social activist Thich Nhat Hanh draws parallels between these two traditions that have them walking, hand in hand, down the same path to salvation. In Christianity, he finds mindfulness in the Holy Spirit as an agent of healing. In Buddhism, he finds unqualified love in the form of compassion for all living things. And in both he finds an emphasis on living practice and community spirit.
The thread that binds the book is the same theme that draws many Christians toward Buddhism: mindfulness. Through anecdotes, scripture references, and teachings from both traditions, Nhat Hanh points out that mindfulness is an integral part of all religious practice and teaches us how to cultivate it in our own lives. Nhat Hanh has no desire to downplay the venerable theological and ritual teachings that distinguish Buddhism and Christianity, but he does cause one to consider that beyond the letter of doctrine lies a unity of truth.
Reviews
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Let me start this by saying that when I first read this book, I had just started delving into the subject of "other religions". So, if you are in that position, wanting to see what other belief systems have to say, READ THIS BOOK. He discusses how Christianity and Buddhism are related in their beliefs. Truth is truth no matter who says it. Being able to see how Christian truth is similar to, or the same as, Buddhist truth was very enlightening. Before reading this, Buddhism was a foreign object to me. After reading this, Buddhism was still foreign but it made me want to read more about Buddhism to become more familiar with it.
reviewed by daddyadd on November 15, 2006 5:35 PM
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While I do not have a problem with the basic idea of comparing the two religions of Buddhism and Christianity, I find this book invalid because the author forms his points on unfounded assumptions of the Christian faith. For instance, he denies the divine nature of Jesus without the use of backup sources--including the Bible. He then proceeds to use this fallicy (according to the Christian faith) to "prove" a connection between the two religions. Instead of an unbiased comparison of two beautiful religions, the book reads like a thinly veiled attempt at Buddhist evangelism by someone who thinks highly of the Christian religion but does not know much about it. I appreciate the author's openmindedness and fondness for Jesus, but I cannot accept his extreme misconceptions about the Christian faith.
This book does, however, give a clear overview of the foundations of Buddhism.
This book does, however, give a clear overview of the foundations of Buddhism.
reviewed by borat on November 25, 2006 6:44 PM
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Thich Nhat Hanh brings together the Buddha and Christ showing the difference and simularity of both ways of living. Christians should not fear the eastern philosophy and the reverse is also true. You can incorporate both into your daily existance as there are no real clashes between the two. Buddha is just an enlightened person, not a son of god. Jesus will always be the teacher of the christian faith and the son of god. Thich Nhat Hanh points out the fact that the Buddah is not a god. People follow a way of attaing peace with Buddha and also follow a way to attain salvation throught Christ. There is room in the world for both teachings to coexsist together not one trampling over the other. I find his books relaxing, and easy to read and understand. In practice of Mindfulness you receive instruction on quieting your mind making full awareness possible to receive teachings from Christ in the present moment and a new understanding. I enjoyed this book and its meaning to me about the misconceptions most Christions have about other ways to explore life.
reviewed by tacos on November 26, 2006 3:13 PM