Customer Reviews

Zen Way: Jesus Way

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a difficult book to review. The title gives you the impression it is a kind of Christian-Buddhist synthesis - but, it isn't. It is an American Christian's view of Buddhism which - on balance, places its onus on the former. While this is not stated with triumphalist postures - Buddhist images and technicalities are often handled sensitively, Callaway has a tendency to get rather black and white with his summaries. Topical narratives are conveyed pleasantly - especially anecdotes drawn from the author's long years of experience visiting or staying at Buddhist temples. Some of these are well worth reading. For me, the most engaging portion of the text was the dialogue between Tucker Callaway and D.T. Suzuki - showing both at their imaginative and creative best. This was rendered fruitful by the fact that it embraced elements of Jodo (Pure Land) of 'faith-based' Buddhism, in which Amida-Buddha occupies a rather Jesus-like role, insofar as his followers call upon him, much as Christians call upon Christ. In fact, in the course of this dialogue, Suzuki pointed out that 'Pure-land' and Zen Buddhism are more akin than is often supposed, the distinction between Zen as 'ji-riki' (self-power) and Pure Land as 'tariki' (other-power) - by no means absolute.

Alas, if Callaway had recalled such remarks when presenting some of his summaries, things would have been presented somewhat differently. There are two distinct currents in this book - what Callaway is reporting, and what derives from his speculative considerations. Some of his speculative definitions seem shaky. Striking a comparative note between Buddhism and Christianity, Callaway defines the former as 'Non-dualistic idealism' and the latter as grounded in a 'pluralistic materialism.' Stated as such, that is hardly more than a generalisation. As it happens, the foundations of Christian theology were not based on a pluralistic materialism, and whether related to its classical roots (e.g. the early Church fathers), Thomas Aquinas, or the speculations of Bishop Berkeley, one might argue that Christianity also constitutes a kind of idealism, rather than a pluralistic materialism. At the end of the day, all Callaway's remarks mean here, is that insofar as the scientific outlook now prevails in the West, the early Christian world-view has been supplanted by a materialist one. Even though they nominally live side-by-side, many of us now assume that it is science which affords the authentic viewpoint for mapping out reality. Not all Christians share that view, and it remains to be seen whether they would all happily subscribe to the idea of Christianity (or the 'Jesus Way') being based on a 'pluralistic materialism.' This is not to say that all the observations in this book are fruitless. They just need to be taken cum grano salis, at times. It was interesting to hear Suzuki concede that the Buddhist notion of 'acceptance' can sometimes be counter-productive, insofar as it might discourage us from taking positive action to improve or change things. There are some fruitful anecdotes here, but they are mixed up with generalisations. This book would have benefitted from a broader view of Christianity (e.g. Eckhart, The Cloud of Unknowing' etc.) - in a form more suitable for dialogue with Buddhism.

I was looking for a book to compare Zen spirituality to Christian Spirituality. It is hard to do. Lots of misinformation out there. This book was suggested by a person doing a review on another book here on Amazon. I went and bought it. All I can say is that it was perfect for my quest. I can not think of a more qualified person to broach this subject than Dr Callaway. Dr Callaway spends two thirds of the book diving deep into the workings, understandings, beliefs, and rituals of Buddhism giving the reader an understanding of what Zen really is. There is an incredible and famous dialog between Callaway and D T Suzuki which include some of the concepts and contradictions of Dr Suzuki and what it means to be a believer of the Eastern religion of Buddhism. That is a tall order but he pulls it off flawlessly. I don't claim to be "enlightened" from this book, as that was not the purpose, but I have a very good understanding of what a Buddhist seeks for, his vision of the world view, and how, and why, that person achieves that view. Then, very eloquently, the author spends the rest of the book exploring the differences (and they are major and many) and likenesses between Buddhism and Christianity.

Very well done. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is even vaguely curious about the difference between the Eastern and Western religions. You will come away .... well enlightened ... :)

I was drawn to the book by its striking title, and this produced high expectations. While it addresses a wide variety of points on Zen very articulately, its purpose is not, as I presumed, to weave together the alternative strands suggested.

I read this book 15 years ago and met me just when I needed a further boost in opening my mind. I didn't need to hear about how I had it all wrong. I am coming from catholicism to a more universal (catholic-small 'c') way of seeing life and spirituality. Today it sits right next to "Living Buddah, Living Christ" as one of the pathstones. I thank God for it.

This book is excellent for those seeking to understand Buddhism. Although not long, this book allows a great deal of insight. THe author was certified "enlightened" by Buddhist clerics. Thus he speaks from the inside of Buddhism, not the outside. He is also extremely respectful. His aim is only to make you understand this other religion, and understand Christianity and he succeeds. Wonderful book if you are very interested but do not have months to study the subject.

This book is pure genius. Ideas are clearly explained and contrasted. I learned more about both religions by reading this book than from any other text

I had the unique experience of meeting Tucker while I was serving as a Christian missionary in Liberia in 1979. We met on the beach, where I used to run and he used to walk, regardless of the weather. We would sit for hours and chat, and, thank God, my mind was open enough to what he was saying to me. When I ended up in England a few years later, I made sure to get a copy of his book, which was the essence of our discussions. It has been a prized collection of my library, as it marks the beginning of my spiritual reawakening.

I was also intrigued by the title when I found this book years ago. I was very disappointed when the author, after doing a pretty good job of exploring Zen, goes on to try and show how Christianity is somehow "better" than Zen Buddhism. I think he fails in the attempt and I don't believe it's necessary in the first place.