Gethsemani Encounter: A Dialogue on the Spiritual Life by Buddhist and Christian Monastics

Description

In July 1996, an historic five-day meeting occurred of Buddhist and Christian monks and nuns at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, USA. It was his Holiness the Dalai Lama who suggested that the meeting be held in a monastic setting, where he could be "a monk among other monks," and who urged that the setting be Gethsemani, home of Thomas Merton, whom the Dalai Lama had met before the latter's death in 1968. The theme of the Gethsemani Encounter was the spiritual life in the Buddhist and Christian monastic traditions. Part one of this work offers 25 presentations on various aspects of spirituality by leading Buddhist and Christian practitioners. The subjects range from the nature of ultimate reality and spirituality to prayer and meditiation, growth and development in spiritual practice, community and spiritual guidance, and spirituality and society. Part Two contains highlights of the actual dialogue itself.

James A. Wiseman, O.S.B., is an Associate Professor of Theology at The Catholic University of America and has twice been a Visiting Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Yale University. He has edited or co-edited four previous books, including The Gethsemani Encounter. Father Wiseman is a member of the monastic community of St. Anselm's Abbey in Washington, D.C.

"Gatherings of spiritual practitioners from different backgrounds, such as the Gethsemani Encounter, are of immense value. It is my hope that readers of this book may find in it the inspiration and understanding that in some way contribute to their own inner peace." His Holiness the Dalai Lama "A remarkably rich document, encompassing vast areas of Christian/Buddhist monastic concerns. Part 1 offers presentations on ultimate reality and spirituality, prayer and meditation, community and spiritual guidance. Part 2, the real treasure, contains dialogue between Buddhist and Christian monks, including the Dalai Lama, on subjects from mind and virtue to grace, the nature of tragedy and violence, and the importance of social action."--Library Journal