Exiled from Vietnam over thirty years ago, Thich Nhat Hanh has become known as a healer of the heart, a monk who shows us how the everyday world can both enrich and endanger our spiritual lives. In Going Home he shows us the relationship between Buddha and Jesus by presenting a conversation between the two. In this unique way we learn how such concepts as resurrection and mindfulness converge. The brotherhood between Jesus and Buddha can teach us to "practice in such a way that Buddha is born every moment of our daily life, that Jesus Christ is born every moment of our daily life."
Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Did you know that Jesus meditated? In Living Buddha, Living Christ, Thich Nhat Hanh delivered a powerhouse bestseller about the affinities of Buddhist and Christian ideals. In Going Home, he focuses on fundamental concepts that still drive a wedge between the two religions--such as rebirth vs. eternal life, God vs. nirvana, and so on. After praising the differences between Christianity and Buddhism, Nhat Hanh proceeds to dissolve them in virtuosic style. Not only did Jesus meditate, he says, but God is equivalent to nirvana. This effort to free us from limiting concepts is Nhat Hanh's way of paving a road back to Christianity for Christians who have been attracted to Buddhism but alienated from their original faith. In effect, Nhat Hanh is dressing up Christianity in the garb of philosophical Buddhism, which isn't too far off from what certain progressive Christian thinkers have themselves done in different terms. Mindfulness engenders concentration, concentration leads to understanding, understanding strengthens faith, and faith provides the energy to practice mindfulness. More conventional Christians may balk at this blending of traditions, but for many lost souls, it will be a beacon back to a warm hearth. --Brian Bruya
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Publishers Weekly
In this short treatise, Vietnamese Buddhist monk Hanh continues the ecumenical dialogue he began in 1995's Living Buddha, Living Christ. The chapters evolved from talks he gave at Plum Village, Hanh's Buddhist retreat center located in the heart of Christian France. In ecumenical fashion, Hanh does not encourage conversion to Buddhism or any other religion but tells followers to bloom where they're planted, cultivating a "mindfulness" in their own religious traditions. Unfortunately, Hanh often seems to imply that for Buddhists and Christians to talk to one another, they must first soft-pedal or ignore those beliefs that make them discrete in the first place. He considers it a waste of time to discuss "whether God is a person or not a person," although the Incarnation question carries profound weight in Christianity; he also asserts that "nothing can come from nothing," although creatio ex nihilo is a fundamental Christian tenet. Buddhism is better understood in these pages, but distinctive Buddhist beliefs can also stand in the way, says Hanh: individuals can become too attached to their own ideas of nirvana, forgetting that "nirvana means extinction of all notions." Despite Hanh's tendency to ignore significant differences between Buddhism and Christianity, his book speaks powerfully about the need for tolerance and love in overcoming those differences.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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More About the Author
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese monk, a renowned Zen master, a poet, and a peace activist. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1967, and is the author of many books, including the best-selling The Miracle of Mindfulness.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 41 people found the following review helpful
By R. Newman
Format:Paperback
The celebrated Vietnamese Buddhist monk writes (speaks) to all those who feel it necessary to abandon the Christianity of their childhood. Hanh explains the similarities between Jesus/Buddha and Christianity/Buddhism, hoping to convince Westerners that it is possible to bring the two traditions together in one's life.
This book is recommended for any spiritualist, but mostly for the Buddhist struggling with his/her innate sense of Christianity, or for the Christian who wishes to incorporate Buddhism into his/her life.
This book is recommended for any spiritualist, but mostly for the Buddhist struggling with his/her innate sense of Christianity, or for the Christian who wishes to incorporate Buddhism into his/her life.
32 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
This is a beautiful book that you can open to any page and wisdom is revealed. This book gives examples of how to walk in peace and compassion and gives the why to walk this way. It also explains the differences and similarities between Christianity and Buddhism. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who is seeking answers and reasons.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Goner
Format:Paperback
If you have any interest in comparative religion you need to read this book. Hanh is a master of poetically clarifying the parallel essence of both Christianity and BUddhism. His reverence for Jesus and his noble existence as a Vietnamese monk allow for the beauty of both belief systems to soothe you soul. It is a fluid continuation of "Living Buddha, Living Christ". It allows Buddhist to love Jesus and Christians to love Buddha. It is a very important book and subject for our world.
16 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By JMack
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover
Like many other readers of this book, I have been exploring the parallels between Christianity and Buddhism for many years. While many in Western Culture immediately shun this idea, the parallels between the two faiths exist. Thomas Merton's work in this area opened many doors of dialogue in Western Culture on this front. In more recent times, Thich Nhat Hanh has offered to continue the exploration.
Much to my disappointment, I found this book to be slanted to the audience that is already Buddhist and struggling with reconciling an affiliation toward Christianity. Viewing the book from an opposite perspective made me feel somewhat isolated. The book is essentially a series of discussions led by Thich Nhat Hanh in which Christianity and the life of Jesus is placed in a Buddhist perspective. Heavily laced with discussion of Dharma, the dialogue frequently loses sight of Christianity or gives an explanation is much too simplistic.
Parts of the book are really worth reading. However, the flaws I found in the book may create a feeling of isolation with some readers. Yet the flaws I find in this books may allow this book to be of greater use to other readers. As an alternative, I would suggest "The Good Heart" written by the Dalai Lama.
Much to my disappointment, I found this book to be slanted to the audience that is already Buddhist and struggling with reconciling an affiliation toward Christianity. Viewing the book from an opposite perspective made me feel somewhat isolated. The book is essentially a series of discussions led by Thich Nhat Hanh in which Christianity and the life of Jesus is placed in a Buddhist perspective. Heavily laced with discussion of Dharma, the dialogue frequently loses sight of Christianity or gives an explanation is much too simplistic.
Parts of the book are really worth reading. However, the flaws I found in the book may create a feeling of isolation with some readers. Yet the flaws I find in this books may allow this book to be of greater use to other readers. As an alternative, I would suggest "The Good Heart" written by the Dalai Lama.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Sirvart
Format:Paperback
When I first received Going Home I looked at the print and expected it to be an easy read, which it is. However, the writing is so easily understood, and the message so clear, that I'm now reading it for the third time and each time I learn more than the last. I recommend it completely for those of us who have beliefs that won't fit into a nice, neat little box under the title of organized religion. I'm now buying all the books by this author.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Going Home is not so much a well thought out book as an informal conversation between the reader and Thich Nhat Hanh. It is as if we were on retreat with master Hanh and had a chance to speak with him about our roots and our values and what they mean to us in our life. It doesn't matter whether we are Christian or Buddhist. We are able to find our way home with either set of teachings or preferably, both.
As in most conversations, we are likely to find ourself going over ground we have already covered, but each time with the master to guide us, some new element is added for us to think about. The master does not judge us, but accepts us as we are and, in fact, teaches us to move away from making judgments to a genuine attempt to understand the unique importance of the family and background of each individual. This is the rock on which to build our life. For some whose family background is part of their problem of finding balance and wholeness in their life, the challenge of accepting what can't be changed and understanding the suffering of those who have come before us may be too great a task without help from thoughtful and caring friends.
This conversation with the master will also be difficult for those people who come to the discussion with an absolute conviction of the truth value of their religion. Clearly, the master sees himself as both a follower of Jesus and the Buddha and he sees no contradiction in his position. For the master, Jesus and the Buddha are truly brothers. They both loved others unconditionally and wanted only the best for everyone. Their lives were perfect examples of death to a self that had any concern for personal gain. They owned nothing and lived on the charity of others. What little material possessions they acquired, they freely shared with others.
... Read more ›6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Siddartha Gautana, a crown prince of ancient Nepal, conquered Mara (illusion) and became Buddha (enlightened one) after meditating under the Bodhi tree for 40 days.
Jesus of Nazareth, a carpenter, fasted and prayed in the desert for 40 days and was tempted by the dark One, after which he became Christ (the annointed one)
Whether you are fervant in your Christianity or immersed in your Buddhism ... the fundmantal intention of any legitimate world religion ... is to evolve the soul and character of a person.
This is a dialogue that forges forward a holistic view of comparative religion. Jesus taught forgiveness and compassion. Buddha taught detachment and compassion. Many of their lessons were not written down until centuries after they were gone from Earth. By their fruits you shall know them .... for while many cults have vanished upon the death of a founder ... both Christianity and Buddhism flourished even more as time unfolded. Despite an oral tradition these two world religions became dominant in the world.
There is much mystery still on the origins of religon. However, Buddha and Christ would probably get along if they were in a room together. So why shouldn't their followers. True faith is love and healthy fear born of respect not fear born of ignorance.
Thich Nhat Hanh has a wonder here.
Jesus of Nazareth, a carpenter, fasted and prayed in the desert for 40 days and was tempted by the dark One, after which he became Christ (the annointed one)
Whether you are fervant in your Christianity or immersed in your Buddhism ... the fundmantal intention of any legitimate world religion ... is to evolve the soul and character of a person.
This is a dialogue that forges forward a holistic view of comparative religion. Jesus taught forgiveness and compassion. Buddha taught detachment and compassion. Many of their lessons were not written down until centuries after they were gone from Earth. By their fruits you shall know them .... for while many cults have vanished upon the death of a founder ... both Christianity and Buddhism flourished even more as time unfolded. Despite an oral tradition these two world religions became dominant in the world.
There is much mystery still on the origins of religon. However, Buddha and Christ would probably get along if they were in a room together. So why shouldn't their followers. True faith is love and healthy fear born of respect not fear born of ignorance.
Thich Nhat Hanh has a wonder here.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buddies
There is more than religion, there is Spirit in everything, how could we not know that everything is connected in this life, no matter what it may be..
Published 14 days ago by Sue E Edwards
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful message.
This is the fifth or sixth book I've read by the most honorable Thay and its message is just as poignant as ever. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Linda Sharp
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book
This is a wonderful book -- I am really enjoying it. . .Do order it and do use Amazon!!! it's great.
Published 5 months ago by Cecelia J Cavanaugh
4.0 out of 5 stars
Buddha and Jesus
This was my first reading of a book by Tich Nhat Hanh, though not the first reading in Buddhism. I don't think this is a book for beginners. Read more
Published 10 months ago by C. Pandey
4.0 out of 5 stars
Creating a common vocabulary
The way I currently understand my Christianity is that I must love the Lord my God with all my heart and all my soul and all my strength, while simultaneously loving my neighbor. Read more
Published 18 months ago by M Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great commentary on both Buddhism and Christianity
too touchy-feely for me, and he gets a little repetitious with what I think can be interpreted as an over-emphasis on mindfulness at the apparent expense of the other seven parts... Read more
Published on February 5, 2010 by M. Sullivan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewing: GOING HOME- Jesus and Buddha as Brothers
I bought this book for my mother because she did not have the respect I think everyone should have for all major religions. She blindly believed that all other religions are wrong. Read more
Published on January 21, 2010 by ReaderRabbit
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for the Christian interested in Buddhsim
Another great one from TNH. Everything he writes is beautiful. He makes Buddhism relatable to a Christian audience. Read more
Published on October 14, 2009 by Jeffrey Small
5.0 out of 5 stars
Re-membering to be
I'm a member of a buddhist church and at the same time, a follower of Jesus Christ. Thich Nhat Hanh lays out prose which is accessible to my understanding and I find that he... Read more
Published on May 29, 2009 by Tristan Sage
5.0 out of 5 stars
Going Home - Excellent Book Regarding Buddhism and Christianity
This is an exceptionally well written text regarding the relationship between Buddhism and Christianity by Thich Nhat Hahn. This book is truly stimulating to the mind. Read more
Published on May 19, 2009 by Trilogy Poetry Review
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 17
books:
See all 17 books this book cites
36
books
cite this book:
See all 36 books citing this book
- Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
- Fragrant Palm Leaves by Thich Nhat Hanh in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
- No Death, No Fear: Comforting Wisdom for Life by Thich Nhat Hanh in Front Matter, and Back Matter
- Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
- A Path with Heart: The Classic Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield in Front Matter
See all 17 books this book cites
- We Walk the Path Together: Learning From Thich Nhat Hanh And Meister Eckhart by Brian J. Pierce on 19 pages
- Buddhist Inclusivism: Attitudes Towards Religious Others (Ashgate World Philosophies Series) (Ashgate World Philosophies Series) by Kristin Beise Kiblinger on 9 pages
- Common Spirit Common Ground: A loving comparison of world religions by J. Michael Strange on 8 pages
- American Jesus: How the Son of God Became a National Icon by Stephen Prothero on 4 pages
- No Death, No Fear: Comforting Wisdom for Life by Thich Nhat Hanh in Front Matter (1), Front Matter (2), and Front Matter (3)
See all 36 books citing this book
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