Compassion and Meditation: The Spiritual Dynamic Between Buddhism and Christianity » (Original)

Jean-Yves Leloup is a theologian and founder of the Institute of Other Civilization Studies and the International College of Therapists. His books include Jesus and Judas, The Sacred Embrace of Jesus and Mary, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, The Gospel of Philip, and The Gospel of Thomas. He lives in France.

A profound reflection on how complementary themes in Buddhism and Christianity could serve as the basis for a truly ecumenical faith, this book shows how Buddha and Jesus represent the distinct yet complementary values of meditation and compassion.

Library Journal

Leloup's book has less to do with the profound and thorough mutual interpenetration of Buddhist and Christian traditions than does Knitter's Without Buddha I Could Not Be a Christian (reviewed above); it has more to do with the utility of some aspects of Buddhist practice and tradition for the convinced Christian. Leloup (Judas and Jesus), a French Orthodox priest, founder of the International College of Therapists, and translator of Coptic texts, duly compares Hesychasm (the Orthodox practice of interior prayer) with Buddhist meditation and aspects of Jesus with aspects of the Buddha, with remarkably little result. VERDICT An original if limited venture toward Buddhism by an Orthodox priest; worth consideration for an interfaith readership if budget permits.

Introduction 1

Part 1 The Way of Meditation

1 Zen and Hesychasm 10

2 Transmission The Samaritan Woman 12

3 The Practice of Hesychast Meditation 21

Posture Orientation Breathing Invocation Centered in the Heart 21

Part 2 The Way of Compassion

4 What is a Bodhisattva? 39

5 The Dhammapada and The Gospels 41

6 The Vow of Compassion 43

7 The Practice of Compassion 45

8 Impurities of the Mind 50

9 The Five Motivations 58

The "Desire for the God-Realms"

The Desire for Awakening

"Disinterested" Desire

Gratuity

Sharing 58

10 The Four Considerations Taught by the Buddha 63

The Same Family

A Community of Destiny

Impermanence

Buddha-Nature 63

11 The Three Attitudes: The King, The Ferryman, the Shepherd 77

12 The Six Perfections, or the Six Paramitas 81

13 Giving 90

The Gift of Material Things

The Gift of Protection

The Gift of Love

The Gift of Loving-Kindness

The Gift of Truth 90

14 Discipline 98

15 Three Negative Actions of The Body 99

Killing

Taking What Is Not Ours (Theft)

Misuse of Sexuality 99

16 Three Positive Actions of the Body 104

Protection

Giving

Good Use of Sexuality (Chastity) 104

17 Four Negative Actions of Speech 111

Lying

Ill Will

Insult

Chatter 111

18 Four Positive Actions of Speech 116

Speaking Honestly

Speaking for the Good

Maintaining a Space of Listening

Speaking

Clearly and Concisely 116

19 Three Negative Actions of the Mind 120

Possessiveness

Antagonism

Fixating on Concepts 120

20 Three Positive Actions of the Mind 123

Satisfaction

Goodwill

Flexibility of Mind 123

21 Patience 128

22 Energy 130

23 Meditation 132

24 Wisdom 146

Epilogue-Between Us:Nothing 158

Notes 160

Index 161