Compassion and Meditation: The Spiritual Dynamic Between Buddhism and Christianity Contributor(s): LeLoup, Jean-Yves (Author) |
|
![]() |
ISBN: 1594772770 ISBN-13: 9781594772771 Publisher: Inner Traditions International OUR PRICE: $13.46 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: July 2009 Annotation: A profound reflection on how complementary themes in Buddhism and Christianity could serve as the basis for a truly ecumenical faith, this book shows how Buddha and Jesus represent the distinct yet complementary values of meditation and compassion. |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Religion | Comparative Religion - Religion | Buddhism - General (see Also Philosophy - Buddhist) - Religion | Christianity - General |
Dewey: 261.243 |
LCCN: 2009010572 |
Physical Information: 0.5" H x 5.4" W x 8.1" (0.40 lbs) 176 pages |
Themes: - Religious Orientation - Christian - Religious Orientation - Buddhist - Topical - New Age |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: A profound reflection on how complementary themes in Buddhism and Christianity could serve as the basis for a truly ecumenical faith - Compares Zen meditation with the Greek Orthodox practice of Hesychasm (prayer of the heart) - Shows how Buddha and Jesus represent the distinct yet complementary values of meditation and compassion In Asian spiritual traditions the mountain traditionally symbolizes meditation while the ocean signifies compassion. Jean-Yves Leloup uses this metaphor to compare Buddhist and Christian approaches to meditation and compassion to reveal the similarities and divergences of these profound practices. Emphasizing their complementary nature, Leloup describes how Jesus and Buddha are necessary to one another and how together they form a complete system: Jesus as awakening through love, and Buddha as awakening through meditation. Where Buddha represents the forests, Jesus represents the trees. Buddha is brother to the universe, whereas Jesus is brother to humanity. Nevertheless, these two religious traditions have a profound common ground. Compassion is central to Buddhism, and meditation practices have been central to many Christian traditions. Both view murder, theft, and the destructive use of sexuality as great barriers to realizing our essential being, and both agree on the need to rise above them. Here, however, Leloup suggests that both faiths could benefit from the precepts of the other. The complementary aspects of Christianity and Buddhism offer the possibility for a truly profound ecumenical religion whose interfaith relations are based on deep understanding of the true meaning and practice of meditation and compassion and not merely shared goodwill. |
Contributor Bio(s): LeLoup, Jean-Yves: - Jean-Yves Leloup is a theologian and founder of the Institute of Other Civilization Studies and the International College of Therapists. His books include Jesus and Judas, The Sacred Embrace of Jesus and Mary, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, The Gospel of Philip, and The Gospel of Thomas. He lives in France. |