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Living Zen, Loving God
The release of Ruben Habito's new book, Living Zen, Loving God has coincided with a rave review from Publishers Weekly
"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.
"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.
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 1995
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60 people want to read
About the author
Ruben L.F. Habito
17 books3 followersassociate dean for academic affairs and
professor of world religions and spirit
professor of world religions and spirit
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 29, 2008
This is a wonderful man and an incredible teacher!
February 29, 2020
Excellent book. Makes it clear that there are many comparisons between Zen and Christianity. Zen is not a religion, so there is no conflict. And presents many areas that inspire deep though and actually enhance faith.
Spoiler alert - near the end he discusses the Lotus Sutra and a passage that essentially described a house on fire with children playing inside. The children do not see or understand the danger. you are on the outside trying to tell them to get out. Then, you are encouraged to consider that God is the individual on the outside and we are the children.
Everything that leads up to his presents the key tenets of Zen and Christianity, and what is needed to be a "good person" in a world with others.
Highly recommended.
Spoiler alert - near the end he discusses the Lotus Sutra and a passage that essentially described a house on fire with children playing inside. The children do not see or understand the danger. you are on the outside trying to tell them to get out. Then, you are encouraged to consider that God is the individual on the outside and we are the children.
Everything that leads up to his presents the key tenets of Zen and Christianity, and what is needed to be a "good person" in a world with others.
Highly recommended.
January 14, 2019
Thought provoking comparisons to Zen and Christianity. I would like to continue learning more about these comparisons in depth. This is a great start into emptying with Zen and releasing with prayer.
December 5, 2008
The former Jesuit priest who studied under Koun Yamada at Kamakura, where he experienced kensho, provides a Christian appreciation and adoption of Zen that is thoroughly orthodox.
September 2, 2016
I liked this book more than I thought I would. Highlighted several phrases that jumped out at me. Will keep on my bookshelf for future read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews