Buddhism and Interfaith Dialogue, Part One of a Two-Volume Sequel to Zen and Western Thought

Zen and Western Thought #2

by Masao Abe

The first of a two-part sequel to the award-winning Zen and Western Thought, this book attempts to clarify a Buddhist view of interfaith dialogue from various points of view. The writings in this volume are divided into three parts.

Part One focuses on how Buddhism approaches and contributes to interfaith dialogue, that is, how Buddhism represents a methodological model that serves as a basis for the possibility of dialogical exchange.

Part Two contains four essays on the relationship between Buddhism and Paul Tillich, the leading modern systematic theologian who drew on mystical sources and was also receptive to Eastern thought in developing his understanding of non-being or negation.

Part Three continues a discussion of earlier themes and opens up several new issues, particularly those involving the role of meditation in the East and West and the ethical implications of the Buddhist doctrine of karma in comparison with Christian moral activity. Topics explored include the Buddhist notion of emptiness, liberation, justice, faith, and ethics.

Genres: Zen

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Masao Abe (Japanese: 阿部 正雄 Abe Masao) was a leading exponent of Zen Buddhism in the West after the death of his mentor D.T. Suzuki.

Reviews

[Matt Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work by Masao Abe captures precisely what excites me about religious studies: that boundaries and delineations between faiths and philosophies are merely conceptual, and that many of the core principles of religiosity such as compassion and an understanding of the self commonly underly more than one faith. This book is recommended for those with a foundational understanding of Buddhist philosophy, as it tackles some fairly abstract issues that may be difficult for beginners. I would consider this a more scholarly investigation of interfaith dialogue shared between Buddhism and Western religions, one that stands as an advanced companion to "Living Buddha, Living Christ" by Thich Nhat Hanh.