Edited by Patrick Henry, with an afterword by David Steindl-rast
A dialogue between Zen priest Norman Fisher, meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein, professor Judith Simmer-Brown, and Yifa, a nun of the Chinese Buddhist tradition
Saint Benedict’s Rule—a set of guidelines that has governed Christian monastic life since the sixth century—continues to fascinate laypeople and monastics alike. Buddhist monks and nuns have been intrigued by Benedict’s insights into human nature and by the similarities between Christian and Buddhist traditions. Now, through personal anecdotes and thoughtful comparison, four prominent Buddhist scholars—including Joseph Goldstein and Yifa—reveal how the wisdom of each tradition can revitalize the other. Benedict’s Dharma is a lively and compelling dialogue which will appeal not only to Buddhists and Christians, but to anyone interested in rediscovering the value of an ancient discipline in the modern world. Edited by Patrick Henry, with a new translation of the Rule of Saint Benedict by Patrick Barry, OSB.
New York NY: Riverhead Books (July 2, 2002) Originally published by Riverhead Books (Sept 10, 2001)
“Taking a Christian text as a source of inspiration for Buddhism offers a new rapprochement for those who have fled to Buddhism from a Christian upbringing. And for the Christian faithful, it offers a fresh perspective on a revered but musty classic.”
“These thoughtful meditations offer hard-to-find Buddhist perspectives on the similarities and differences evident in the [Buddhist and Christian] traditions. ”