Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit: The Place of Zen in Christian Life [Paperback]

Robert Kennedy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1995

'Kennedy shows other Christians a way of integrating Zen Buddhism and Christian belief. He does this convincingly and gracefully... by weaving together Zen poetry and koans, Western poetry and literature, scriptural texts and personal experience.' National Catholic Reporter >

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book will be of particular interest to Christians who are both puzzled and intrigued by one who simultaneously professes Christian faith and engages in Zen practice. When Kennedy - a Jesuit, a practicing psychotherapist, and a Zen teacher (sensei) - writes autobiographically, this book is at its best. The book is divided into four sections corresponding to four stages of spiritual life and four stages of alchemy: lead (knowledge), quicksilver (love), sulphur (purification), and gold (union). The diversity of references, from alchemy to Jung to Zen, reflects the eclectic character of the book, which reads like a loosely connected series of homilies with moments of insight but no unitive theory. The reader is best advised to savor the glimpses and experiment with the possibility of seeing through them.'--Steve Schroeder, Booklist

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826409199
• ISBN-13: 978-0826409195
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #638,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not for the Zen novice, May 5, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit: The Place of Zen in Christian Life (Paperback)

This book is very heavy in Zen philosophy... if you're new to Zen (aka. less than a few books) don't start with this book... start with William Johnston's book "Christian Zen", it's a MUCH simpler read...

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great interreligious dialogue, May 6, 2007

By 

Pete Nice - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit: The Place of Zen in Christian Life (Paperback)

It is a beautifully written work which points to ways in which Buddhism can add flavor to Christian life. Kennedy uses a fine selection of both Eastern and Western literary work to illustrate his points. It is an excellent read for anyone curious about the Buddhist tradition. Kennedy is a Jesuit and also a Zen master and therefore is very knowledgable about both ways of life and how they can complement each other. Highly recommended!!

22 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit, December 22, 2000

By 

D. Watkins (Franklinville, New York United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit: The Place of Zen in Christian Life (Paperback)

Well written. Clear account of Zen and Christianity. If you're a contemplative soul, this is a must read. The author shares keen insight into the place of Zen in Christian life.