In this work Jacob Yuroh Teshima juxtaposes two religions whose origins are completely different: Zen Buddhism and Hasidic Judaism. The purpose of this comparative study is not to determine which religion is superior, but rather to compare their functional equivalents. After presenting backgrounds of the two religions, Dr. Teshima examines the Zen Buddhist practice of zazen and Hasidism's devequth, or meditation on God. He then discusses how each religion comes to terms with the major obstacle in the practice of comtemplation: distracting thoughts. Teshima compares conceptions of man offered by the two religions, making clear their fundamental differences concerning the nature of selfhood and source of fulfillment. The study concludes with an examination of how the two religions come to terms with the insecurity of life and what it is that gives life meaning and significance. Contents: Introduction to Zen Buddhism and Hasidism; Zazen and Devequth; The Problem of 'Strange Thoughts'; Annihilating Selfhood and Attaining Ecstasy; The Concept of Man; Insecurity of Life: The Hasidic Approach to Exile and the Zen Approach to Birth and Death.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Dr. Teshima has delved deeply into Judaic mysticism... His comparisons are nuanced and subtle, and the result is by far the best comparative study to date of the two traditions.>>>> (Nathan Katz )
Teshima has not only continued the growing dialogue between Buddhism and Judaism, but has carried it to a new level of sophistication.>>>> (Nathan Katz Shofar )
...the main thrust of the book is innovative and insightful, and it should pave the way for future studies that focus on more specific topics of comparison.>>>> (Steven Heine Shofar )
...a learned and sympathetic study which lucidly delineates the fundamental principles of meditation, prayer, enlightenment, and sacred anthropology in these diverse cultural and spiritual traditions...Valuable for both beginners and specialists, the book is a major scholarly contribution and can also serve as a guide to seekers of faith and self-understanding.>>> (Kaplan, Edward K. )
...a learned and sympathetic study which lucidly delineates the fundamental principles of meditation, prayer, enlightenment, and sacred anthropology in these diverse cultural and spiritual traditions...Valuable for both beginners and specialists, the book is a major scholarly contribution and can also serve as a guide to seekers of faith and self-understanding. (Kaplan, Edward K. )
Dr. Teshima has delved deeply into Judaic mysticism... His comparisons are nuanced and subtle, and the result is by far the best comparative study to date of the two traditions. (Nathan Katz )
Teshima has not only continued the growing dialogue between Buddhism and Judaism, but has carried it to a new level of sophistication. (Nathan Katz Shofar )
...the main thrust of the book is innovative and insightful, and it should pave the way for future studies that focus on more specific topics of comparison. (Steven Heine Shofar )
Teshima has not only continued the growing dialogue between Buddhism and Judaism, but has carried it to a new level of sophistication.>>>> (Nathan Katz Shofar )
...the main thrust of the book is innovative and insightful, and it should pave the way for future studies that focus on more specific topics of comparison.>>>> (Steven Heine Shofar )
...a learned and sympathetic study which lucidly delineates the fundamental principles of meditation, prayer, enlightenment, and sacred anthropology in these diverse cultural and spiritual traditions...Valuable for both beginners and specialists, the book is a major scholarly contribution and can also serve as a guide to seekers of faith and self-understanding.>>> (Kaplan, Edward K. )
...a learned and sympathetic study which lucidly delineates the fundamental principles of meditation, prayer, enlightenment, and sacred anthropology in these diverse cultural and spiritual traditions...Valuable for both beginners and specialists, the book is a major scholarly contribution and can also serve as a guide to seekers of faith and self-understanding. (Kaplan, Edward K. )
Dr. Teshima has delved deeply into Judaic mysticism... His comparisons are nuanced and subtle, and the result is by far the best comparative study to date of the two traditions. (Nathan Katz )
Teshima has not only continued the growing dialogue between Buddhism and Judaism, but has carried it to a new level of sophistication. (Nathan Katz Shofar )
...the main thrust of the book is innovative and insightful, and it should pave the way for future studies that focus on more specific topics of comparison. (Steven Heine Shofar )
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
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An Expert Study!,
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This review is from: Zen Buddhism and Hasidism (Hardcover)
A fascinating book from a wonderful and fascinating man. Jacob Teshima is a Japanese Christian born in Korea, who became a star disciple of the late and great Abraham Joshua Heschel. His grasp of Hasidism is phenomenal and he effectively proves that despite external similarities, there are great differences in depth between Hassidism and Zen Buddhism. He has the rare advantage of approaching Hasidism by learning the original texts rather then second hand sources. It is no wonder that the influence of Dr. Heschel is felt throughout this book. An invaluable guide to serious scholars.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating - academic and easy-to-read at the same time,
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This review is from: Zen Buddhism and Hasidism (Paperback)
It is not easy for an academic study, especially for one on such a specialized topic which few people know about, to be entertaining at the same time, and easy-to-read for the average cultured person. Yet, this study does manage to do this. Even for those of us who have only basic knowledge of Hasidism, Zen Buddhism and their histories, this book provides a fascinating journey into these two wonderful religions, on their similarities and differences. Truly a wonderful study and a wonderful book to read.
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