Customer Reviews

Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, and Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings (The Common Teachings of Four World Religions)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

What a gorgeous, meditative work of art this book is! Every time I sit down with it to read a section or two, I feel like I've gone on a personal tranquility retreat. I'm in awe of not only the parallels of wisdom between the world's religious teachings, but how it was possible to find them all and bring them together. The stunning photography and author's comments makes this book much more than a book of quotes and ancient teachings, but rather a beautiful perspective on why we are here in this world.

I have often thought that an A-B-C comparison of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam would be an interesting read; especially in these times. This book isn't that, but the A-B-C-D column comparison format of the teachings of these religeous icons seemed ideal for presenting a quick understanding. Well, some things just can't be simplified, like "what's the meaning of life." Have you ever listened to a Reading or a Gospel in church, and went, "Huh"? Just like Jesus, who taught in parables and metaphors, so do the others (with good reason as Hooper explains). Fortunately, Hooper saves the day by clarifying the overarching issues for each chapter. It then becomes easier to stretch your imagination to see the common threads between the four teachings.

Don't expect this to be a quick read - it is intended to be thought provoking and contemplative. I personally loved the 27-page introduction which left me starving for more. I just need to take the book a chapter at a time and savour it. The book is a readable intellectual work covering a complex subject. Hooper has gone a long way to de-mystifying some stuff that I'm sure still baffles religeous scholars. Hooper also inserts a few provocative surprises - atta boy!, shake things up a bit.

This beautiful book is much-needed. The profound parallel sayings are judiciously selected and demonstrate the universal insights of the major religions. The author's commentary is searingly honest and totally unphony. We can't think of a better holiday present for so many people on our list.

E. and W. R.

was hoping, at the time I bought this book, to see quotes from the canonical scriptures, but this book quotes Jesus more from the gnostic texts than from the official canon... that's all...

What a wonderful book. I loved how it makes us realize that the different religion's teachers are giving us the same message.

The photos and illustrations are beautiful.

This book would be a great gift for anyone with an interest in comparative religions.

This book is hard to pin down. Parts of it rate a five and others a low number. It is not a book that you can just pick up and read. It requires study, reading and rereading a few lines at a time. It has value, even if it was not the book that I had wished it to be. I had hoped for a clearer comparison of the sayings of the four great teachers. There are many times where the connection between the sayings is not clear. This, of course, could be that I have not done a deep enough of study. I am not currently inspired to work that hard. What I found the most interesting and valuable was the introduction to the book and the introductions to each of the sections by Hooper.
I was very put off by the alleged sayings of Jesus. Most of them come from later texts of dubious origins, with a very heavy bias towards the gnostic traditions. Even some of the quotes from the Gospels are of a suspect origin. (Disclaimer: I am writing my own book on Jesus based on what he said and did. I have a very different view of what might be authentic sayings, influenced by the Jesus Seminar and Gaza Vermes.)
So who might find this book of interest? Certainly not mainstream Christians who think that they have the only correct religion. Those people who believe (as I do) that there are many valid paths for religion and that we can learn from many traditions will like it, if not put off by some of the above problems.

A great deal of scholarly and heartfelt research went into this book in order to assemble and assimilate the stated teachings. The author is well-versed in his subject and presents it beautifully and comprehensively. This book is truly a gift for the mind and spirit.

The chapters (e.g., Being One, Wisdom and Knowledge, Love and Compassion, Suffering, Death and Immortality) are poignant and pertinent to living today. The introductions for each chapter synthesize the teachings, relate them to the present, and inspire and challenge the reader.

Artistic and authentic must have been the criteria for the pictures and art work. We have given this book to at least five of our friends, and it has a treasured place in our living room for all to relish and enjoy.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I WILL READ AND RE-READ IT OFTEN. IT MAKES COMPARISONS AMONG THE WISDOM BASED TRADITIONS SO EASY AND PLACES IT IN PERSPECTIVE.

I agree that the use of the Gnostic Gospels detracts from this book. Two better books are "Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings", edited by Marcus Borg and "Jesus and Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings", edited by Martin Aronson. Both use only sayings from the four canonical gospels. In these two books one can compare the similar wisdom and ethical teachings of Jesus, Buddha, and Lao-tzu as opposed to the mysticism of the gnostic sayings in this book. It seems to me if you use canonical sayings from Krishna, Buddha, and Lao-tzu one should use the canonical sayings of Jesus. Practically all the sayings in this book are gnostic.

I take no sides here. After all, religion is a matter of "faith," not a specific hardcore science of measurement. The presenter makes a good effort to compare aspects of the different philosophers concepts. While there is plenty of room for debate, that is religion. Taking a position and often if not, objecting to the opinion and position of others. Wars have been fought over this philosophy (religion). I am one that takes no position. I am happy with "your beliefs." They are yours! The supporting cast took time to see that no one idea was used to trump that of another.