Zen and the Bible

by Kakichi Kadowaki

Written from experience the author bridges the gap between Eastern and Western religious philosophy in this comparative study of the Buddhist and Christian religious practices and philosophical outlook. The author was brought up as a Zen Buddhist and was later baptized a Christian. He deepened his understanding of Christianity by entering the Jesuit community and practicing the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius. Through this he became increasingly aware of the enormous similarities between the practices of the Zen monastic life and that of the Catholic novitiate. His training was under the famous Master Omori Sogen.

Genres: Religion, Zen, Spirituality, Theology, Christianity, Philosophy, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Stewart Dorward · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sub title is important: 'A priests experience' - this is very much the personal experience of one man who has been thoroughly immersed in both zazen and the spiritual disciplines of the Jesuits. His conclusion is that although the content / ideas differ the method and emotional / spiritual responses can be the same. Some of the parallels he draws seem a little too far stretched though they seem to have made a lasting impression on him. Most surprising was that it was the current Pope (before his elevation) that inspired him to write the book.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author is both Jesuit priest and Zen adept, a rare and fascinating combination. It's a rare book, so ask me if you want to borrow it.

It could also have been titled "reading the Bible with your whole body."

**Score another one for me -- yet another book that I was first to rate.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I am always amazed how easily yet profoundly one can draw parallels between religions. Good read looking at the space between how I was raised and what I have discovered.

[Sypsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short read. Wouldn't recommend reading this unless you already have some knowledge on Zen or Christianity.

...

Fuck therapy, I just need spirit.

[Bruno Solo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. It gives a lot of insights and creative connections between buddhism and christianism. Since I'm a mathematician, I know the infinite view is not the same as the finite view, therefore God must be interpreted in its own very special way, not with the usual human rules. This book seems to point to that.