A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus
Booklist
Vol.93 No.3(Oct 1, 1996)
COPYRIGHT 1996 American Library Association
Tenzin Gyatso, Dalai Lama XIV. Oct. 1996. 224p. Wisdom, $24
(0-86171-114-9). DDC: 232.9.
Forced by conquest and exile to carry his teachings outside his
homeland, the Dalai Lama has become a global spiritual leader
instrumental in the increase in frequency and meaningfulness of
interfaith dialogue, that is, the quest for common ground and mutual
respect in a violently divisive world. Westerners have evinced great
interest in Buddhism, and Buddhists are responding with their
reflections on Christianity. Thich Nhat Hanh recognized Jesus as
"one of his spiritual ancestors" in Living Buddha, Living Christ
(1995), and now the Dalai Lama offers stirring and revelatory
commentary on the Gospels, distinguishing carefully between
similarities and differences in Buddhist and Christian thought. His
holiness rejects the notion of a single universal religion,
believing, instead, that there is as great a value in diversity as
in harmony. This heart-opening book, based on his holiness'
participation in a seminar organized by the World Community for
Christian Meditation, includes commentary by Benedictine monk Father
Laurence Freeman and glossaries of Buddhist and Christian terms.