The Still Point: Reflections on Zen and Christian Mysticism [Paperback]

William Johnston (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0823208613 | ISBN-13: 978-0823208616 | Publication Date: January 1, 1989 | Edition: 1

It is surely a significant manifestation of the permanence of the soul's quest for God that the Western world, at a time when human values, principles, and ideals are being questioned and rejected, has turned to an interest in the age-old practice of the East - the quest for inner peace and tranquility as found in the profoundly moving experience of contemplation after the method of Zen Buddhism. In this deeply sympathetic study, the author compares the principles and the practices of Zen with the traditional concepts, aims, and results of Christian mysticism. His object is, first, ecumenical - to explore the bases of Zen and Christian mysticism, so that Buddhist and Christian can communicate; second, to rethink the basic concepts of Catholic mystical theology in the light of the Zen experience; and last, to encourage more people to contemplative prayer.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is an important book, bridging the much-debated 'mysticism' gap between East and West..." -- Library Journal

About the Author

William Johnston S.J., an Irish priest who teaches at Sophia University in Tokyo, is the author of many acclaimed books, including, from Fordham University Press, Christian Zen: A Way of Meditation, Being in Love: The Practice of Christian Prayer, and Silent Music: The Science of Meditation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: Fordham University Press; 1 edition (January 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823208613
• ISBN-13: 978-0823208616
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,017,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reflections on Zen and Christian Mysticism, February 5, 2009

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Jusuf Hariman (Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Still Point: Reflections on Zen and Christian Mysticism (Paperback)

In my view, this book is a little masterpiece. Prof Johnston advances beyond Thomas Merton, to whose memory he dedicated this book. This sober and balanced appraisal of the possibilities of relating Zen Buddhist insight to Christian contemplation is most appropriate. This is a big cut above the pop-Zen books that flood today's markets. Prof Johnston has the rare gift of writing simply and yet perceptively about an aspect of Buddhism that is still too little understood by Westeners - scholars and non-scholars alike. This is an important book, bridging the much-debated 'mysticism gap' between East and West. The book as a whole has much to offer, not only to the Christian but the Westener who wishes to understand Zen. Prof Johnston sensitively differentiates Zen and Christian Experience, the later he interprets chiefly through the "passion of love", which is strikingly absent in Zen. I recommend this volume wholeheartedly to anyone concerned with the continued vitality of the Christian religion. Dr Jusuf Hariman.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile read, September 23, 2011

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Old Order (Ok.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Still Point: Reflections on Zen and Christian Mysticism (Paperback)

Not the deepest, but interesting and multi-perceptional. I recommend a book when it makes one think and this one does that. I've been reading Zen books as a sideline for forty years and I'd include this one in the "read list" especially for the comparisons and contrasts with Christianity. I believe many of the author's conclusions are accurate..