What do you think?
Rate this book
Living Buddha, Living Christ
'Thich Nhat Hanh is a holy man, for he is humble and devout. He is a scholar of immense intellectual capacity. His ideas for peace if applied, would build a monument of ecumenism, to world brotherhood, to humanity.' Martin Luther King, Jr.Budda and Jesus Christ, perhaps the two most pivotal figures in the history of humankind, each left behind a legacy of teachings and practices that have shaped the lives of billions of people over the course of two millennia. If they were to meet on the road today, what would each think of the other's spiritual views and practices? Thich Nhat Hanh has been part of a decades-long dialogue between the two greatest living contemplative traditions, and brings to Christianity an appreciation of its beauty that could be conveyed only by an outsider. In a lucid, meditative prose, he explores the crossroads of compassion and holiness at which Buddhism and Christianity meet, and reawakens our understanding of both.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1997
1992 people are currently reading
28986 people want to read
About the author
Thich Nhat Hanh
970 books12.8k followersThích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who then lived in southwest France where he was in exile for many years. Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary family name used by all Vietnamese monks and nuns, meaning that they are part of the Shakya (Shakyamuni Buddha) clan. He was often considered the most influential living figure in the lineage of Lâm Tế (Vietnamese Rinzai) Thiền, and perhaps also in Zen Buddhism as a whole.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,033 reviews
August 7, 2012
One of the biggest problems I have with organized religion is the amount of time it spends trying to foist its ideals on you while trying to convince you that anything you believed before you came to them is wrong. Rest assured, I have no intention of doing that here. I was raised a Baptist, and baptized a Catholic. Yet I tend to find the most comfort in books centered around Buddhism. This is not to say that I am a Buddhist. I am spiritual, if a label must be assigned. I can see the benefit of both belief systems, without surrendering to their dogma. Thich Nhat Hanh is fine with that. And that may be why I enjoy reading his material so much.
If anything, Hanh stresses the importance of not giving into "religious imperialism," or as I like to call it, "my God is better than your God." Hanh shows how one can make both belief systems work for you, and bring about peace of mind.
Nothing else I say about this book will do it justice. The best thing you can do is read it for yourself, and see where it takes you.
Enjoy.
If anything, Hanh stresses the importance of not giving into "religious imperialism," or as I like to call it, "my God is better than your God." Hanh shows how one can make both belief systems work for you, and bring about peace of mind.
Nothing else I say about this book will do it justice. The best thing you can do is read it for yourself, and see where it takes you.
Enjoy.
March 26, 2011
I have read many reviews here on Living Buddha, Living Christ, and find that the general opinion is that Hanh is converging Christ and Buddha into one teaching. I did NOT find that to be so. Hanh is showing that the teachings of Buddha and Christ have the same message: love and acceptance, but that Christianity does not teach the love and acceptance that was the embodiment of Jesus' message. In several passages Hanh refers to the intolerance that Christianity has for other religions because of "their notion that Christianity provides the only salvation and all other religious traditions are of no use. This attitude excludes dialogue and fosters religious intolerance and discrimination". Hanh is a brilliant Buddhist monk. Living Buddha, Living Christ is an exceptional work on bringing peace and harmony between the two religions by showing similarities in the teachings of Buddha and Christ.
March 9, 2013
Some reviewers seem to think Hanh doesn't understand Christianity. I think they're missing the point; this wasn't meant as an in depth dissection of that. So far, the book is just as I expected, a look at the similarities between faiths. And in that, I believe Hanh does an excellent job.
As the book title clearly states, it is not just about Christianity, so if you'd like to read primarily about that, go back and note the Buddha part of the title and take a clue from it. I suspect the Christians who didn't care for the depiction might be harboring an agenda in favor of their own faith. If you are truly okay with the concept that other faiths don't discount your own, you should be fine with this book. If you are unsteady in your beliefs, or rigid in your opinions, or simply not interested in Buddhism, you should pass it over.
As the book title clearly states, it is not just about Christianity, so if you'd like to read primarily about that, go back and note the Buddha part of the title and take a clue from it. I suspect the Christians who didn't care for the depiction might be harboring an agenda in favor of their own faith. If you are truly okay with the concept that other faiths don't discount your own, you should be fine with this book. If you are unsteady in your beliefs, or rigid in your opinions, or simply not interested in Buddhism, you should pass it over.
unfinished
March 13, 2015I picked up this book because I thought it might give me some interesting insights into both Christianity and Buddhism (as did Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit), but I chose not to complete it after a ways into it, because I found its picture of Christianity to be insubstantial. G.K. Chesterton wasn't writing a review of this book, but he might as well have been when he said that people "are always insisting that Christianity and Buddhism are very much alike...This is generally believed, and I believed it myself until I read a book giving the reasons for it. The reasons were of two kinds: resemblances that meant nothing because they were common to all humanity, and resemblances which were not resemblances at all…That Buddhism approves of mercy or of self-restraint is not to say that it is specially like Christianity; it is only to say that it is not utterly unlike all human existence. Buddhists disapprove in theory of cruelty or excess because all sane human beings disapprove in theory of cruelty or excess. But to say that Buddhism and Christianity give the same philosophy of these things is simply false. All humanity does agree that we are in a net of sin. Most of humanity agrees that there is some way out. But as to what is the way out, I do not think that there are two institutions in the universe which contradict each other so flatly as Buddhism and Christianity."
I certainly agree with the author, a Buddhist monk, that there is insight to be found in all religions, but I don't agree you can or should sample them like a fruit salad. He seems somewhat condescending to those Buddhists and Christians who are shocked that he should have partaken of the Eucharist, but I have to say I find myself on their side; it's one thing to learn about a religion and take what insights you can from it; it's quite another to participate in its most sacred and private rituals without accepting the assumptions behind those rituals. The author rejects the idea that Christ should be regarded as "unique" as being a narrow minded sort of attitude; in short, he rejects the CORE Christian belief that Christ is MORE than any human being as being essential to Christianity before he embarks on his quest to draws parallels between Christianity and Buddhism. This made me skeptical of the value of the parallels from the start.
I certainly agree with the author, a Buddhist monk, that there is insight to be found in all religions, but I don't agree you can or should sample them like a fruit salad. He seems somewhat condescending to those Buddhists and Christians who are shocked that he should have partaken of the Eucharist, but I have to say I find myself on their side; it's one thing to learn about a religion and take what insights you can from it; it's quite another to participate in its most sacred and private rituals without accepting the assumptions behind those rituals. The author rejects the idea that Christ should be regarded as "unique" as being a narrow minded sort of attitude; in short, he rejects the CORE Christian belief that Christ is MORE than any human being as being essential to Christianity before he embarks on his quest to draws parallels between Christianity and Buddhism. This made me skeptical of the value of the parallels from the start.
October 5, 2007
This book changed my traditional thinking of Christ as the Only Begotten Son of God, to more of an example and teacher, which makes more sense to me. The book is written with such a passive sense that it doesn't trigger religious defenses like most other church-related literature. I loved everything about it.
June 2, 2021
The title indicates a 50/50 split between Buddhism and Christianity but, in the book, it's more of a 70/30 split. That is, as might be expected, Thich That Hanh spends more time explaining the tenets of Buddhism than he does drawing similarities between the two religions (if you even consider Buddhism a "religion," which it technically isn't as it does not worship any God like the Big Three: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
Meaning? It's a good primer of sorts on Buddhism, even if it does, like many Hanh books, jump around a bit and hit you in little bullets of information. As the title indicates and as might not be surprising to anyone, Hanh finds many parallels between the lives and peaceful philosophies of the Buddha and Christ. In fact, he's of the school that favors hewing closer to the examples of Christ's life here on Earth vs. the examples of the Church that has developed over time. Not that he's arguing against the Church. That would go against the spirit of things here. No. He's big on people having a "tradition" to draw on, basically because most all religious traditions come with important teachings (e.g. The Ten Commandments, the Gospel, and all the Buddhist teachings he touches upon but doesn't go into great depth about in this book).
One interesting tidbit centers on reincarnation. Hanh speculates, correctly, I think, that people new to Buddhism (often Westerners) embrace the concept of reincarnation (he doesn't even like this word) because they are still hung up on SELF, which any Buddhist will tell you is a problem. "Gee," the rookie Buddhist thinks, "I'll be back in a new SELF and get another chance!" It's a wish for immortality of a sort, the wrong kind of wish. Instead, Hanh sees the answer not in being and self but in nonbeing and non-self, which surprisingly inhabit the same world as being and self (look around you... or better yet, within you).
Interestingly, Hanh looks at the Holy Trinity of Christianity and focuses on the part least understood by your garden-variety Christian -- the Holy Spirit (a.k.a. Holy Ghost). He sees this as the energy of the Trinity and likens it to mindfulness, the first and foremost practice of Buddhists. If you are working on your mindfulness, focusing on your breaths, on every moment including each of the five senses as you experience life, all credit goes to the Holy Spirit, or driver, within.
Here's a quote of note:
"When the energy of mindfulness is present, transformation takes place. When the energy of the Holy Spirit is within you, understanding, love, peace, and stability are possible. God is within. You are, yet you are not, but God is in you. This is interbeing. This is non-self.
"But I am afraid that many Christians and many Buddhists do not practice, or if they do, they practice only when they find themselves in difficult situations, and after that, they forget. Or their practice may be superficial. They support churches and temples, organize ceremonies, convert people, do charity work or social work, or take up an apostolic ministry, but do not practice mindfulness or pray while they act. They may devote an hour each day for chanting and liturgy, but after a while, the practice becomes dry and automatic and they do not know how to refresh it. They may believe that they are serving the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, or serving the Trinity and the church, but their practice does not touch the living Buddha or the living Christ. At the same time, these men and women do not hesitate to align themselves with those in power in order to strengthen the position of their church or community. They believe that political power is needed for the well-being of their church or community. They build up a self instead of letting go of the ideas of self. Then they look at this self as absolute truth and dismiss all other spiritual traditions as false. This is a very dangerous attitude; it always leads to conflicts and wars. Its nature is intolerance." (italics mine)
Sounds suspiciously like the USA, where religion and politics have proven a potent brew, esp. during the T**** years, but continuing into the present and future as they work hard to bring power back to their base.
It appears, Hanh would say, that the Buddha would shake his head, as would Christ. I'd also like to believe that they'd shake their heads over a self-described "Christian" supporting a creepy, predatory, corrupt, grifting, egomaniacal person like T****, too . The poles between Christ and T**** don't get much further apart, after all.
Meaning? It's a good primer of sorts on Buddhism, even if it does, like many Hanh books, jump around a bit and hit you in little bullets of information. As the title indicates and as might not be surprising to anyone, Hanh finds many parallels between the lives and peaceful philosophies of the Buddha and Christ. In fact, he's of the school that favors hewing closer to the examples of Christ's life here on Earth vs. the examples of the Church that has developed over time. Not that he's arguing against the Church. That would go against the spirit of things here. No. He's big on people having a "tradition" to draw on, basically because most all religious traditions come with important teachings (e.g. The Ten Commandments, the Gospel, and all the Buddhist teachings he touches upon but doesn't go into great depth about in this book).
One interesting tidbit centers on reincarnation. Hanh speculates, correctly, I think, that people new to Buddhism (often Westerners) embrace the concept of reincarnation (he doesn't even like this word) because they are still hung up on SELF, which any Buddhist will tell you is a problem. "Gee," the rookie Buddhist thinks, "I'll be back in a new SELF and get another chance!" It's a wish for immortality of a sort, the wrong kind of wish. Instead, Hanh sees the answer not in being and self but in nonbeing and non-self, which surprisingly inhabit the same world as being and self (look around you... or better yet, within you).
Interestingly, Hanh looks at the Holy Trinity of Christianity and focuses on the part least understood by your garden-variety Christian -- the Holy Spirit (a.k.a. Holy Ghost). He sees this as the energy of the Trinity and likens it to mindfulness, the first and foremost practice of Buddhists. If you are working on your mindfulness, focusing on your breaths, on every moment including each of the five senses as you experience life, all credit goes to the Holy Spirit, or driver, within.
Here's a quote of note:
"When the energy of mindfulness is present, transformation takes place. When the energy of the Holy Spirit is within you, understanding, love, peace, and stability are possible. God is within. You are, yet you are not, but God is in you. This is interbeing. This is non-self.
"But I am afraid that many Christians and many Buddhists do not practice, or if they do, they practice only when they find themselves in difficult situations, and after that, they forget. Or their practice may be superficial. They support churches and temples, organize ceremonies, convert people, do charity work or social work, or take up an apostolic ministry, but do not practice mindfulness or pray while they act. They may devote an hour each day for chanting and liturgy, but after a while, the practice becomes dry and automatic and they do not know how to refresh it. They may believe that they are serving the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, or serving the Trinity and the church, but their practice does not touch the living Buddha or the living Christ. At the same time, these men and women do not hesitate to align themselves with those in power in order to strengthen the position of their church or community. They believe that political power is needed for the well-being of their church or community. They build up a self instead of letting go of the ideas of self. Then they look at this self as absolute truth and dismiss all other spiritual traditions as false. This is a very dangerous attitude; it always leads to conflicts and wars. Its nature is intolerance." (italics mine)
Sounds suspiciously like the USA, where religion and politics have proven a potent brew, esp. during the T**** years, but continuing into the present and future as they work hard to bring power back to their base.
It appears, Hanh would say, that the Buddha would shake his head, as would Christ. I'd also like to believe that they'd shake their heads over a self-described "Christian" supporting a creepy, predatory, corrupt, grifting, egomaniacal person like T****, too . The poles between Christ and T**** don't get much further apart, after all.
December 12, 2018
I could write a review for this book, but I will repeat a quote given elsewhere by G.K. Chesterton, because I think it elucidates my opinion much more eloquently than I could myself. Here Chesterton is engaging with a different author of a different book in a different time about Buddhism and Christianity, but I found Thich Nhat Hanh to be using some of the same rhetorical devices. The examples Chesterton uses are not present in "Living Buddha, Living Christ", but the spirit of the comparison stays true.
"[Many people] are always insisting that Christianity and Buddhism are very much alike... This is generally believed, and I believed it myself until I read a book giving the reasons for it. The reasons were of two kinds: resemblances that meant nothing because they were common to all humanity, and resemblances which were not resemblances at all. The author solemnly explained that the two creeds were alike in things in which all creeds are alike, or else he described them as alike in some point in which they are quite obviously different. Thus, as a case of the first class, he said that both Christ and Buddha were called by the divine voice coming out of the sky, as if you would expect the divine voice to come out of the coal-cellar. Or, again, it was gravely urged that these two Eastern teachers, by a singular coincidence, both had to do with the washing of feet. You might as well say that it was a remarkable coincidence that they both had feet to wash. And the other class of similarities were those which simply were not similar. Thus this reconciler of the two religions draws earnest attention to the fact that at certain religious feasts the robe of the Lama is rent in pieces out of respect, and the remnants highly valued. But this is the reverse of a resemblance, for the garments of Christ were not rent in pieces out of respect, but out of derision; and the remnants were not highly valued except for what they would fetch in the rag shops. It is rather like alluding to the obvious connection between the two ceremonies of the sword: when it taps a man's shoulder, and when it cuts off his head. It is not at all similar for the man. These scraps of puerile pedantry would indeed matter little if it were not also true that the alleged philosophical resemblances are also of these two kinds, either proving too much or not proving anything. That Buddhism approves of mercy or of self-restraint is not to say that it is specially like Christianity; it is only to say that it is not utterly unlike all human existence. Buddhists disapprove in theory of cruelty or excess because all sane human beings disapprove in theory of cruelty or excess. But to say that Buddhism and Christianity give the same philosophy of these things is simply false. All humanity does agree that we are in a net of sin. Most of humanity agrees that there is some way out. But as to what is the way out, I do not think that there are two institutions in the universe which contradict each other so flatly as Buddhism and Christianity."
Thank you, Mr. Chesterton, for sounding off from the grave.
"[Many people] are always insisting that Christianity and Buddhism are very much alike... This is generally believed, and I believed it myself until I read a book giving the reasons for it. The reasons were of two kinds: resemblances that meant nothing because they were common to all humanity, and resemblances which were not resemblances at all. The author solemnly explained that the two creeds were alike in things in which all creeds are alike, or else he described them as alike in some point in which they are quite obviously different. Thus, as a case of the first class, he said that both Christ and Buddha were called by the divine voice coming out of the sky, as if you would expect the divine voice to come out of the coal-cellar. Or, again, it was gravely urged that these two Eastern teachers, by a singular coincidence, both had to do with the washing of feet. You might as well say that it was a remarkable coincidence that they both had feet to wash. And the other class of similarities were those which simply were not similar. Thus this reconciler of the two religions draws earnest attention to the fact that at certain religious feasts the robe of the Lama is rent in pieces out of respect, and the remnants highly valued. But this is the reverse of a resemblance, for the garments of Christ were not rent in pieces out of respect, but out of derision; and the remnants were not highly valued except for what they would fetch in the rag shops. It is rather like alluding to the obvious connection between the two ceremonies of the sword: when it taps a man's shoulder, and when it cuts off his head. It is not at all similar for the man. These scraps of puerile pedantry would indeed matter little if it were not also true that the alleged philosophical resemblances are also of these two kinds, either proving too much or not proving anything. That Buddhism approves of mercy or of self-restraint is not to say that it is specially like Christianity; it is only to say that it is not utterly unlike all human existence. Buddhists disapprove in theory of cruelty or excess because all sane human beings disapprove in theory of cruelty or excess. But to say that Buddhism and Christianity give the same philosophy of these things is simply false. All humanity does agree that we are in a net of sin. Most of humanity agrees that there is some way out. But as to what is the way out, I do not think that there are two institutions in the universe which contradict each other so flatly as Buddhism and Christianity."
Thank you, Mr. Chesterton, for sounding off from the grave.
August 11, 2025
This is the first read about mindfulness that’s connected with Christianity put in such a way to access present moment intersection by way of faith practice.
Bought a first edition and a 10th-anniversary edition. Thought it would be nice to leave a review here also as I noticed the listing beside the first edition.
What I've learned through my faith practice, “Peace, be still” is how mindfulness is key, for me.
This lead me to sit with Buddhists in about 2013. Discovered it's a practice, not ‘religion’ and both my faith beliefs and tho practice coexist without disrupting one or the other. But instead, merge presence into a calm peace-filled space of focus on now.
Thich Nhat Hahn’s Living Buddha Living Christ is a merging of comprehension for me. I've had the opportunity to participate with Thay (name for THN meaning teacher) at the Beacon Theater in New York City for the World Compassion tour.
Bought my first THN book at the event, Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices to include in my faith practice on temperance and stillness. My thought was at the time if this includes all Thay’s practices maybe I can find my inner joy through practicing them, too.
At .7 speed on Audible at night, this is a great way to soothe and focus before sleeping. Sometimes playing all night wake to a practice moment. What a wonderful way to start the day.
What I've learned about faith from ‘practice’ and present moment mindfulness is prolific. This connection has given me a deeper focus on the fruits of the spirit and access to a deeper joy and peace.
My son is so impressed with the difference he read Happiness after a couple of years owning it as a gift from me. This helped him ground during some difficulties.
My son then introduced me to You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment, by THN. Which led me to share Zen Mind Beginner Mind.
Neither of us believes in God less. We are happier believers for the peace mindfulness practice invites. I see God more in my life as a result of the practices of Happiness.
In the many years as a Christian I can't recollect being significantly impacted with regards to peace. It was through mindfulness connected with the word, “Peace, be still” that everything began making sense via “practice”.
This book has strengthened my heart and joy for God’s love within and through me for others. I'm very happy to have concluded my journey to 52 books in 2021 with this text on merging my practice for literacy.
Growing up struggling as a reader required a lot of practice. Now, with audio, as a listener, too.
I've bought the hard cover print to include with my library to enjoy as a reminder with scripture. Plus, the Audible for quiet listening at night.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
Bought a first edition and a 10th-anniversary edition. Thought it would be nice to leave a review here also as I noticed the listing beside the first edition.
What I've learned through my faith practice, “Peace, be still” is how mindfulness is key, for me.
This lead me to sit with Buddhists in about 2013. Discovered it's a practice, not ‘religion’ and both my faith beliefs and tho practice coexist without disrupting one or the other. But instead, merge presence into a calm peace-filled space of focus on now.
Thich Nhat Hahn’s Living Buddha Living Christ is a merging of comprehension for me. I've had the opportunity to participate with Thay (name for THN meaning teacher) at the Beacon Theater in New York City for the World Compassion tour.
Bought my first THN book at the event, Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices to include in my faith practice on temperance and stillness. My thought was at the time if this includes all Thay’s practices maybe I can find my inner joy through practicing them, too.
At .7 speed on Audible at night, this is a great way to soothe and focus before sleeping. Sometimes playing all night wake to a practice moment. What a wonderful way to start the day.
What I've learned about faith from ‘practice’ and present moment mindfulness is prolific. This connection has given me a deeper focus on the fruits of the spirit and access to a deeper joy and peace.
My son is so impressed with the difference he read Happiness after a couple of years owning it as a gift from me. This helped him ground during some difficulties.
My son then introduced me to You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment, by THN. Which led me to share Zen Mind Beginner Mind.
Neither of us believes in God less. We are happier believers for the peace mindfulness practice invites. I see God more in my life as a result of the practices of Happiness.
In the many years as a Christian I can't recollect being significantly impacted with regards to peace. It was through mindfulness connected with the word, “Peace, be still” that everything began making sense via “practice”.
This book has strengthened my heart and joy for God’s love within and through me for others. I'm very happy to have concluded my journey to 52 books in 2021 with this text on merging my practice for literacy.
Growing up struggling as a reader required a lot of practice. Now, with audio, as a listener, too.
I've bought the hard cover print to include with my library to enjoy as a reminder with scripture. Plus, the Audible for quiet listening at night.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
July 21, 2024
some really deep things to think about, wonderful book. audiobook is abridged
September 17, 2025
This is the first read about mindfulness that’s connected with Christianity put in such a way to access present moment intersection by way of faith practice.
What I've learned through my faith practice, “Peace, be still” is how mindfulness is key, for me.
This lead me to sit with Buddhists in about 2013. Discovered it's a practice, not ‘religion’ and both my faith beliefs and the practice coexist without disrupting one or the other. But instead, merge presence into a calm peace-filled space of focus on now.
Thich Nhat Hahn’s Living Buddha Living Christ is a merging of comprehension, for me. I've had the opportunity to participate with Thay (name for THN meaning teacher) at the Beacon Theater in New York City for the World Compassion tour.
Bought my first THN book at the event, Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices to include in my faith practice on temperance and stillness. My thought was at the time if this includes all Thay’s practices maybe I can find my inner joy through practicing them, too.
At .7 speed on Audible at night, this is a great way to soothe and focus before sleeping. Sometimes playing all night wake to a practice moment. What a wonderful way to start the day.
What I've learned about faith from ‘practice’ and present moment mindfulness is prolific. This connection has given me a deeper focus on the fruits of the spirit and access to a deeper joy and peace.
My son is so impressed with the difference he read Happiness after a couple of years owning it as a gift from me. This helped him ground during some difficulties.
My son then introduced me to You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment, by THN. Which led me to share Zen Mind Beginner Mind.
Neither of us believes in God less. We are happier believers for the peace mindfulness practice invites. I see God more in my life as a result of the practices of Happiness.
In the many years as a Christian I cannot recollect being significantly impacted with regard to peace. It was through mindfulness connected with the word, “Peace, be still” that everything began making sense via “practice”.
This book has strengthened my heart and joy for God’s love within and through me for others. I'm very happy to have concluded my journey to 52 books in 2021 with this text on merging my practice for literacy.
Growing up struggling as a reader required a lot of practice. Now, with audio, as a listener, too.
2025 update including ideas to support your faith and peace practice …
Bought the print version to include with my library to enjoy as a reminder with scripture. Plus, the Audible for quiet listening at night or while sitting in my library. Have a floor sitting cushion and shelf set up focused on mindful peace. Enjoy those print books while sitting or just be there. Surrounded by literature.
The library is inside a large enough closet am able to shelve books all around. Except the door and window. Yes, in the closet.
This overlooks the community donation garden I facilitate with many people for the neighborhood. The name of the garden is “Peace Corner”. Yes, my idea to the neighborhood board I was serving on at the time.
Then, gathered people with Gods help to transform it into a beautiful space that grows thousands of pounds of food vertically. Not just for volunteers but focus on veterans, elderly, disabled, and children and families.
Sharing this as an inspiration for someone who might stumble on this review. Creating a space in any size area dedicated to peace is a win. And this energy spreads. Science has proven in studies happiness is contagious, and so is peace.
Prior to making the space in side read the book by THN called, Making Space: creating a home meditation practice and Damini Celebre’s Painting the Landscape of Your Soul.
These books helped me consider a space that would support peace and bring me great joy. Could share with others who are looking to do similarly and Damini’s book gave me ideas how to build a creative arts studio.
The purpose of the property purchase included setting up shared spaces for groups, travelers, publishing endeavors, and art.
This building, a vintage house from 1900, is on an epic journey. Inspired by God through me for everyone.
David Meltzer mentored the notion of blessings come to me and through me for the world. Thay taught me “Peace in Oneself. Peace in the World”. It’s my screen saver so a constant seed.
What I find interesting when people are asked if they could have anything what would they want. If the reply is “World Peace” but they have none inside they cannot create the answer to their want.
With peace am able to create a life that problem solves better and has zero self imposed ‘monkey mind’.
Sharing this extra updated info in case someone finds this and needs it for their own peace pursuit. If you’re a Christian or not, Living Buddha Living Christ is a way to broaden the faith experience. The corner stone as Christ himself demonstrated and taught, peace, be still is the biggest one, imo.
Sure, salvation is key. Without peace how’s this working for people? Not.
Something I learned from The Walking Dead, “Take what you need. Leave what you don’t”. If the info doesn’t jive with your scriptural understanding okay. If it supports living more Christlike yippee! Joy to the World. The Lord has come to you in a new way :)
God sent us many people to learn from. Especially those we do not agree with. Ideas different from ours make us expand our thinking. Even if we do not agree. Maybe someday we will from the seed planted.
I still remember where I was the day someone asked me about my relationship with God. I was waiting in the Fort Hood chapel for the Priest because I wanted to ask for a bible to read. I told the man I am a Roman Catholic and some details about why this made me believe I was set.
It took decades for me to realize religion and relationship are two entirely different things.
God through his life on earth gave us all types of examples of people he hung with that society tossed aside. If we stay in our bubble comfy how on earth will we share the gospel message through our example with those, like myself, who need faith farmers to plant seeds within.
Even though I might not agree with every perspective of all Buddhists I also do not agree with every perspective of all Christians. We read how many versions of the Bible and how many different types of church folk are there.
What I know for certain, “peace, be still” is what the world needs. Peace in oneself means more peace in the world.
What I also know, when we pray for peace, God doesn’t give us peace, he gives us opportunities to exercise toward peace. We will know we are our strongest when our peace controls our flow. Our emotional ocean remains calm. We are not distracted by the storm.
Ever ask yourself how Peter was able to walk back to the boat? Peace is his flotation device of miracle steps on uncertainty and scientific implausibility.
Even if we attain peace we must, like exercise, practice.
Practice does not make perfect and we stop here. Practice makes perfect when we do this daily. In each moment. Here is where strength lives within.
Hope this added update inspires you to locate peace within your faith walk, sit, breathe or however you practice.
Speaking of breath will leave you with an idea, in breath is God providing life. Exhale is us feeding the world nutrients to grow tree, grass, more. We create with God in each full cycle of breathing throughout our life.
A breath in is experiencing God’s life giving flow all day every day. Sit with this. The fact grows into new ways of living 😊
❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
What I've learned through my faith practice, “Peace, be still” is how mindfulness is key, for me.
This lead me to sit with Buddhists in about 2013. Discovered it's a practice, not ‘religion’ and both my faith beliefs and the practice coexist without disrupting one or the other. But instead, merge presence into a calm peace-filled space of focus on now.
Thich Nhat Hahn’s Living Buddha Living Christ is a merging of comprehension, for me. I've had the opportunity to participate with Thay (name for THN meaning teacher) at the Beacon Theater in New York City for the World Compassion tour.
Bought my first THN book at the event, Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices to include in my faith practice on temperance and stillness. My thought was at the time if this includes all Thay’s practices maybe I can find my inner joy through practicing them, too.
At .7 speed on Audible at night, this is a great way to soothe and focus before sleeping. Sometimes playing all night wake to a practice moment. What a wonderful way to start the day.
What I've learned about faith from ‘practice’ and present moment mindfulness is prolific. This connection has given me a deeper focus on the fruits of the spirit and access to a deeper joy and peace.
My son is so impressed with the difference he read Happiness after a couple of years owning it as a gift from me. This helped him ground during some difficulties.
My son then introduced me to You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment, by THN. Which led me to share Zen Mind Beginner Mind.
Neither of us believes in God less. We are happier believers for the peace mindfulness practice invites. I see God more in my life as a result of the practices of Happiness.
In the many years as a Christian I cannot recollect being significantly impacted with regard to peace. It was through mindfulness connected with the word, “Peace, be still” that everything began making sense via “practice”.
This book has strengthened my heart and joy for God’s love within and through me for others. I'm very happy to have concluded my journey to 52 books in 2021 with this text on merging my practice for literacy.
Growing up struggling as a reader required a lot of practice. Now, with audio, as a listener, too.
2025 update including ideas to support your faith and peace practice …
Bought the print version to include with my library to enjoy as a reminder with scripture. Plus, the Audible for quiet listening at night or while sitting in my library. Have a floor sitting cushion and shelf set up focused on mindful peace. Enjoy those print books while sitting or just be there. Surrounded by literature.
The library is inside a large enough closet am able to shelve books all around. Except the door and window. Yes, in the closet.
This overlooks the community donation garden I facilitate with many people for the neighborhood. The name of the garden is “Peace Corner”. Yes, my idea to the neighborhood board I was serving on at the time.
Then, gathered people with Gods help to transform it into a beautiful space that grows thousands of pounds of food vertically. Not just for volunteers but focus on veterans, elderly, disabled, and children and families.
Sharing this as an inspiration for someone who might stumble on this review. Creating a space in any size area dedicated to peace is a win. And this energy spreads. Science has proven in studies happiness is contagious, and so is peace.
Prior to making the space in side read the book by THN called, Making Space: creating a home meditation practice and Damini Celebre’s Painting the Landscape of Your Soul.
These books helped me consider a space that would support peace and bring me great joy. Could share with others who are looking to do similarly and Damini’s book gave me ideas how to build a creative arts studio.
The purpose of the property purchase included setting up shared spaces for groups, travelers, publishing endeavors, and art.
This building, a vintage house from 1900, is on an epic journey. Inspired by God through me for everyone.
David Meltzer mentored the notion of blessings come to me and through me for the world. Thay taught me “Peace in Oneself. Peace in the World”. It’s my screen saver so a constant seed.
What I find interesting when people are asked if they could have anything what would they want. If the reply is “World Peace” but they have none inside they cannot create the answer to their want.
With peace am able to create a life that problem solves better and has zero self imposed ‘monkey mind’.
Sharing this extra updated info in case someone finds this and needs it for their own peace pursuit. If you’re a Christian or not, Living Buddha Living Christ is a way to broaden the faith experience. The corner stone as Christ himself demonstrated and taught, peace, be still is the biggest one, imo.
Sure, salvation is key. Without peace how’s this working for people? Not.
Something I learned from The Walking Dead, “Take what you need. Leave what you don’t”. If the info doesn’t jive with your scriptural understanding okay. If it supports living more Christlike yippee! Joy to the World. The Lord has come to you in a new way :)
God sent us many people to learn from. Especially those we do not agree with. Ideas different from ours make us expand our thinking. Even if we do not agree. Maybe someday we will from the seed planted.
I still remember where I was the day someone asked me about my relationship with God. I was waiting in the Fort Hood chapel for the Priest because I wanted to ask for a bible to read. I told the man I am a Roman Catholic and some details about why this made me believe I was set.
It took decades for me to realize religion and relationship are two entirely different things.
God through his life on earth gave us all types of examples of people he hung with that society tossed aside. If we stay in our bubble comfy how on earth will we share the gospel message through our example with those, like myself, who need faith farmers to plant seeds within.
Even though I might not agree with every perspective of all Buddhists I also do not agree with every perspective of all Christians. We read how many versions of the Bible and how many different types of church folk are there.
What I know for certain, “peace, be still” is what the world needs. Peace in oneself means more peace in the world.
What I also know, when we pray for peace, God doesn’t give us peace, he gives us opportunities to exercise toward peace. We will know we are our strongest when our peace controls our flow. Our emotional ocean remains calm. We are not distracted by the storm.
Ever ask yourself how Peter was able to walk back to the boat? Peace is his flotation device of miracle steps on uncertainty and scientific implausibility.
Even if we attain peace we must, like exercise, practice.
Practice does not make perfect and we stop here. Practice makes perfect when we do this daily. In each moment. Here is where strength lives within.
Hope this added update inspires you to locate peace within your faith walk, sit, breathe or however you practice.
Speaking of breath will leave you with an idea, in breath is God providing life. Exhale is us feeding the world nutrients to grow tree, grass, more. We create with God in each full cycle of breathing throughout our life.
A breath in is experiencing God’s life giving flow all day every day. Sit with this. The fact grows into new ways of living 😊
❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
December 9, 2011
It’s rare that in seminary we get assigned books that might find their way into an airport terminal bookstore or your local Barnes and Noble. This book was saved for last in a class investigating other religion’s portrayal of Christ. Having read little if any Buddhist works before, I didn’t know exactly how to charge into this book. Thich Nhat Hanh is an author who makes charging into anything a poorly planned exercise. Getting through half the book confused and unsure of his style, I reevaluated what I was doing and realized I was going to be confused by my M.O. So I stopped.
I did not stop “reading” but I stopped trying to swallow his writing style, which I would consider ethereal. Points are made like clouds, sometimes they follow previous thought clouds and other times they drift into oblivion.
This book reminds the reader that concepts, the Self, disconnectiveness and the like are destructive approaches to a life that is interconnected. Hanh is rarely critical of much, but he does see the danger in the Christian ethic of building up the self in anticipation of heaven. One does not act out of a selfish desire but because of their realization and mindfulness within the greater and more complete assessment of all life. While there are parts that do not resonate with me (for instance, how he muddles the Eucharist into Christ being in me and I in Christ and the bread and wine all the same), his reminder to stop being so occupied with my own self is a helpful life approach. People who struggle “build up a self instead of letting go of the ideas of self. Then they look at this self as absolute truth and dismiss all other spiritual traditions as false” (169). Great stuff here!
He also has serious problems with approaching God through theology rather than the Holy Spirit which is God too. God is not something that can be completely grasped through conceptual language but through experiential living. The Holy Spirit is perceivable, not definable. A true assessment in my book.
This book is probably better suited for someone who doesn’t plow through but meanders. Cloud-persons will definitely appreciate his hop-skip and jump style. It’s not my favorite, it’s not methodical, but it’s serene and peaceful.
I did not stop “reading” but I stopped trying to swallow his writing style, which I would consider ethereal. Points are made like clouds, sometimes they follow previous thought clouds and other times they drift into oblivion.
This book reminds the reader that concepts, the Self, disconnectiveness and the like are destructive approaches to a life that is interconnected. Hanh is rarely critical of much, but he does see the danger in the Christian ethic of building up the self in anticipation of heaven. One does not act out of a selfish desire but because of their realization and mindfulness within the greater and more complete assessment of all life. While there are parts that do not resonate with me (for instance, how he muddles the Eucharist into Christ being in me and I in Christ and the bread and wine all the same), his reminder to stop being so occupied with my own self is a helpful life approach. People who struggle “build up a self instead of letting go of the ideas of self. Then they look at this self as absolute truth and dismiss all other spiritual traditions as false” (169). Great stuff here!
He also has serious problems with approaching God through theology rather than the Holy Spirit which is God too. God is not something that can be completely grasped through conceptual language but through experiential living. The Holy Spirit is perceivable, not definable. A true assessment in my book.
This book is probably better suited for someone who doesn’t plow through but meanders. Cloud-persons will definitely appreciate his hop-skip and jump style. It’s not my favorite, it’s not methodical, but it’s serene and peaceful.
February 19, 2014
"The Gospels in their written or even oral form are not the living teaching of Jesus. The teachings must be practiced as they were lived by Jesus."
-Thich Nhat Hanh
I didn't want this book to end. Just reading it made me feel mindful and peaceful. Even the physicality of the book with its narrow pages and clean typesetting made me feel a depth I hadn't experienced in a long while.
I knew halfway through Living Buddha, Living Christ that I would reread it.
Thich Nhat Hanh has a way of revealing truth in simple prose. While this one book contained many truths, one in particular jumped off the page repeatedly in my reading: Practice.
Many of my doubts in the past five years have arisen from an inability to see Christianity as a religion of practice. So much of what I had been taught from an early age was about belief. "Faith alone." I observed other religions and grew curious and even jealous of their practice; Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and other Christian traditions, mainly Catholicism, value holy rituals, practices, and prayers that guide daily life, not just Sunday worship. I felt that was missing from my roots and tradition.
TNH's emphasis is so much on the LIVING Christ, in that Christ's life is the teaching, the important thing that we emulate. He believes that Christianity is about keeping Jesus' life, his practice alive through our practice as a community of Christians.
For me personally, this thought rings true. In some ways, Thich Nhat Hanh is more relatable to me than even teachers of my own tradition because I know he's not selling theology or salvation as a belief, but salvation meaning love, understanding, and freedom as the result of practice, particularly mindfulness.
A Buddhist monk is suggesting in such simple language that we emulate the living Christ.
That's a practice, a faith, a church, a spirituality, a religion I can back--emulating Christ. And in that emulation, it doesn't even matter what my personal beliefs are about the divinity of Jesus. What matters most is my belief in his life and its ability to teach me how to practice love, understanding, and liberation and to show compassion for others.
I will go forward from these pages with an aim to practice the life of Christ and learn from the Buddha.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
I didn't want this book to end. Just reading it made me feel mindful and peaceful. Even the physicality of the book with its narrow pages and clean typesetting made me feel a depth I hadn't experienced in a long while.
I knew halfway through Living Buddha, Living Christ that I would reread it.
Thich Nhat Hanh has a way of revealing truth in simple prose. While this one book contained many truths, one in particular jumped off the page repeatedly in my reading: Practice.
Many of my doubts in the past five years have arisen from an inability to see Christianity as a religion of practice. So much of what I had been taught from an early age was about belief. "Faith alone." I observed other religions and grew curious and even jealous of their practice; Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and other Christian traditions, mainly Catholicism, value holy rituals, practices, and prayers that guide daily life, not just Sunday worship. I felt that was missing from my roots and tradition.
TNH's emphasis is so much on the LIVING Christ, in that Christ's life is the teaching, the important thing that we emulate. He believes that Christianity is about keeping Jesus' life, his practice alive through our practice as a community of Christians.
For me personally, this thought rings true. In some ways, Thich Nhat Hanh is more relatable to me than even teachers of my own tradition because I know he's not selling theology or salvation as a belief, but salvation meaning love, understanding, and freedom as the result of practice, particularly mindfulness.
A Buddhist monk is suggesting in such simple language that we emulate the living Christ.
That's a practice, a faith, a church, a spirituality, a religion I can back--emulating Christ. And in that emulation, it doesn't even matter what my personal beliefs are about the divinity of Jesus. What matters most is my belief in his life and its ability to teach me how to practice love, understanding, and liberation and to show compassion for others.
I will go forward from these pages with an aim to practice the life of Christ and learn from the Buddha.
Want to read
April 16, 2015[Some notes taken from an interview Trich gave].
Born in Vietnam, in 1926, Thích Nhat Hanh has been a prominent figure in Buddhist circles, especially for his role in the Vietnam War and the Peace (non-violent) movement the world over. He would be exiled for 39 years (it was like being taken “out of the beehive”).
He was ordained a Buddhist monk at the age of 16. In 1965 he wrote a letter to Martin Luther King. Then they met in 1966 in the US. In Geneva, Martin L. King was called a "bodhisattva"…and then they shot him in the US. Trích could not eat,… that made him sick.
On the monks setting themselves on fire (during the Vietnam war) Trích said: that was an “act of love”, not of despair.
In 1982 he was invited to France,where he's been living.
Some of the strong concepts of his views are:
(1) the “deep listening”: when you help someone else to empty his/her heart.
(2) The importance of laughing…and living (happily) in the present MOMENT….with mindfulness and concentration. Community is important, “we can’t go far without community”.
(3) About problems in relationships; he said when a partner having problem, you should tell him/her: “darling I am here for you” (that’s the 1st mantra). (…) and if you are having problems, you should tell your partner: “please, help me” (that’s the 4th mantra). That’s Buddhist psychology.
Born in Vietnam, in 1926, Thích Nhat Hanh has been a prominent figure in Buddhist circles, especially for his role in the Vietnam War and the Peace (non-violent) movement the world over. He would be exiled for 39 years (it was like being taken “out of the beehive”).
He was ordained a Buddhist monk at the age of 16. In 1965 he wrote a letter to Martin Luther King. Then they met in 1966 in the US. In Geneva, Martin L. King was called a "bodhisattva"…and then they shot him in the US. Trích could not eat,… that made him sick.
On the monks setting themselves on fire (during the Vietnam war) Trích said: that was an “act of love”, not of despair.
In 1982 he was invited to France,where he's been living.
Some of the strong concepts of his views are:
(1) the “deep listening”: when you help someone else to empty his/her heart.
(2) The importance of laughing…and living (happily) in the present MOMENT….with mindfulness and concentration. Community is important, “we can’t go far without community”.
(3) About problems in relationships; he said when a partner having problem, you should tell him/her: “darling I am here for you” (that’s the 1st mantra). (…) and if you are having problems, you should tell your partner: “please, help me” (that’s the 4th mantra). That’s Buddhist psychology.
January 27, 2025
Living Buddah, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh Excellent! Lots of information. Very informative. Will read again when I am in a better headspace. Enjoyed the parallels between Christianity and Buddhism. I loved the stress of embracing ones ancestors which to me also means ones culture.
June 4, 2012
This book was incredibly relatable to me because although I was raised in a Christian family as a church-going Christian, I've had the personal opinion that religion shouldn't have to fit a cookie-mold, and that picking and choosing aspects that you believe in from different religions should be perfectly okay if it resonates with your personal beliefs. Thich Nhat Hanh describes many interesting parallels between Buddhism and Christianity, connecting food traditions to mealtimes in the Jewish faith, while also comparing mindfulness in the Buddhist faith with the Holy Spirit in Christianity. Referring back to his opinion that it is insightful to look into many aspects of the different religions, I feel like it is a good way of deciding which beliefs work best with your personal spiritual endeavors.
But prior to reading this book, my thoughts on mixing religions with each other were quite muddled because I hadn't read any articles or writings about the subject, so this book gave me a much deeper and informative insight into the concept. I found that before making assumptions as to the significance of traditions in religious institutions, it is important to look into the historical background and do research on the sacraments before making any decisions.
This is a book that resonated with ideas I wasn't able to explicitly express so I will be purchasing my own copy of this novel. I definitely recommend the book to anyone looking into religious fusion and deciding whether there really are that many discrepancies between religions as the general public might believe.
But prior to reading this book, my thoughts on mixing religions with each other were quite muddled because I hadn't read any articles or writings about the subject, so this book gave me a much deeper and informative insight into the concept. I found that before making assumptions as to the significance of traditions in religious institutions, it is important to look into the historical background and do research on the sacraments before making any decisions.
This is a book that resonated with ideas I wasn't able to explicitly express so I will be purchasing my own copy of this novel. I definitely recommend the book to anyone looking into religious fusion and deciding whether there really are that many discrepancies between religions as the general public might believe.
November 4, 2016
This one didn't resonate at all for me. Looking at some of the other reviews, it does seem like the book did more or less what it was aiming to do, which I guess was to make Buddhism seem less scary to Reagan-era satanic panic christians. I hope that's true. For me personally, I found it to be the weakest of his work that I've read, but I'm not exactly the target audience on this one so it's hardly a fair standard.
Read
May 3, 2010I haven't read this book, but read many comments here...I once use to be buddist..and I know that there is a difference in the spirituality of being christian. Christ died for all, and rose again to the Father, and has granted all those who accept Him as Lord and savior to be apart of their lives, eternal life... Anything that doesnt lead people to the truth about Christ and His being sent to die for the sins of all, and that God's love is the only motive behind this and why He desire's we have eternal life living, with Him...is deception to it's highest...I know many have had bad experiences in church, but God's love is the only reason He sent Jesus...He wasnt only Christ...but Jesus the son of God the only living God...I'm so glad to read that this monk has had great enlightment and experience in what he has spoken...but there is only one God and One Jesus...and only One way to the Father..and its thru Jesus...
I pray all will find this path, and enter in through this gate..it's open...and not base God on what has happened in the past, but who He is...you can seek HIm and ask Him yourself...He will be glad to prove Himself and answer you...dont just take my word for it..but ask God yourself
blessings eternal to all...this was really nice...
I pray all will find this path, and enter in through this gate..it's open...and not base God on what has happened in the past, but who He is...you can seek HIm and ask Him yourself...He will be glad to prove Himself and answer you...dont just take my word for it..but ask God yourself
blessings eternal to all...this was really nice...
October 15, 2009
My son Ryan suggested this book to me. I found it very interesting. It compares the teaching of Buddha with the teachings of Christ. I think the right path is like the spokes of a wheel, leading to the center wherein lies the truth. ( I am sure this is not an original idea but I don't know where it came from ). While most religious belief systems feel they are the only one, they all teach the same basic values but no one listens to anyone else and all seem to be groping around in a spiritual darkness.
February 12, 2020
Lessons from this book:
The First Noble truth is that there is suffering:
Suffering exists. And suffering has causes. Once we understand the nature of our suffering, then there is way of liberation.
Focus on: Simplicity: “To breathe means to live.”
- “A layperson who wants to practice the Way should also live a simple life.”
Focus on: Generosity
- The five wonderful precepts of Buddhism: Reverence for live, generosity, responsible sexual behavior, speaking and listening deeply, and ingesting only wholesome substances (these can take one toward happiness).
About generosity, one can give gifts: 1) the gift of material resources, 2) the gift of helping people rely on themselves, 3) and the gift of non-fear.
Be there for those you love – Give the gift of time to the ones you love.
Focus on: Taking care of your body:
“Your body is not yours alone. It also belongs to your ancestors, your parents, future generations, and all other living beings.”
BE KIND to all beings = taking care of body
Do not abuse alcohol, eat unhealthy foods, or hurt others by words.
Try to refrain from drinking (at all costs) and take on a vegetarian diet. With that said, do not be proud in what you believe in. Even if it is vegetarianism, do not be too proud about it: Don’t hold on too much to dogma or doctrine.
“The sanity of the body is the sanity of the mind; the violation of the body is the violation of the mind.”
Focus on: Getting rid of anger:
“Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
- We have to love our enemies. Recognize that we have anger, and then take care of it.
Focus on: Being mindful in speech:
Buddhist tradition. The fourth precept is described as refraining from these four actions:
1) Not telling the truth. If it’s black, you say it’s white.
2) Exaggerating. You make something up, or describe something as more beautiful than it actually is, or as ugly when it is not ugly
3) Forked tongue. You go to one person and say one thing and then you go to another person and say the opposite
4) Filthy language. You insult or abuse people.
- If you want to consult with someone, see that they themselves are treating their spouse, children, friends and society in a good manner.
Focus on: Community and roots:
“We need the support of friends and other people.”
- Importance of community: Without this community, you will be lost. Even if it is not the best, it is better than not having one.
“people cannot be happy if they are rootless” … “people are stable and happy only when they are firmly rooted in their own tradition and culture. To uproot them would make them suffer”
Focus on: Practice and not talk:
To know God is not to discuss God. Stay away from concepts:
Knowing God is not through analysis or discussion. We often try to theologize what God is, but rather the path of knowing God is through being mindful and alive. “Discussing God is not the best use of our energy.” Never talk about it.
Do not be attached to doctrine: Be free “from the notions of both self and non-self.”
- Do not get stuck in words or concepts: “The reality of a table is quite different from the concept “table.” It is to experience and not to talk a lot.
“Theologians spend a lot of time, ink, and breath talking about God. This is exactly what the Buddha did not want his disciples to do, because he wanted them to practice samatha (stopping, calming), vipasyana (looking deeply), and taking refuge…”
“a good theologian is one who says almost nothing about God”
“…abandon our habit of perceiving everything through concepts and representations”
“The ultimate dimension of reality has nothing to do with concepts.”
Nirvana is the “extinction of all words, ideas, and concepts.”
There is no “one” truth or “the right” God – Our faith must be alive
Do not go with the idea of “one God,” or “this is the only way.” That path leads to intolerance. That, too, is attached to thought, but the path is to be nonattached from views. The path is for all of us.
“If you are open enough, you will understand that your tradition does not contain all truths and values.”
“When our beliefs are based on our own direct experience of reality and not on notions offered by others, no one can remove these beliefs from us.”
Basically: own the truth, but make sure it changes
Changeable: “Each moment is a moment of renewal”
Practice/Not rigid talk: “Faith implies practice, living our daily life in mindfulness.”
Focus on: The practice of mindfulness: BE HERE NOW:
It is all about living each moment of your life in awareness.
When you chew, chew only that. Only this. Be in each moment. Aware. Be there fully. No distractions.
Stopping, calming, looking deeply: mindfulness. In every moment. To be aware of what is happening. “Most of the time, we are lost in the past or carried away by future projects or concerns.” Rather, be mindful. That is the Holy spirit.
Know that: The truth shall set you free:
Know thyself: Once you know, you will be troubled, but after that things will be alright. Be grateful.
“Take refuge in yourself and not in anything else.”
Buddha sees the “so-called ‘person’” as “just five elements (skandhas) that come together for a limited period of time: our body, feelings, perceptions, mental states, and consciousness.” These five elements are, in fact, changing all the time. Not a single element remains the same for two consecutive moments.”
“We all need time to reflect and to refresh ourselves.”
Try to find harmony in those four skandhas: “form, feelings, perceptions, mental states, and consciousness.” But be careful of being stuck on form rather than on essence.
Do not be bound by the afflictions of life.
It is misleading to “build up a self instead of letting go of the ideas of self.”
“Many people need to go away before they realize they do not have to go anywhere.”
“Because you are alive, everything is possible.”
Do not wait until death – You can be free now
“If you practice deeply, one day you will realize that you are free from birth and death, free from many of the dangers that have been assaulting you”
“The Kingdom of God is available here and now.”
In order to be alive, be dead: Don’t wait until you die – practice now. In Buddhism, that refuge is mindfulness
“My physical body is not what is most important” (Buddha) – faith is always with us.
Do not wait until you are hit by a wave – practice mindfulness everyday
“you do not have to abandon this world in order to be free”
“We do not have to die to arrive at the gates of Heaven. In fact, we have to be truly alive. The practice is to touch life deeply to that the Kingdom of God becomes a reality.”
Let go of bounds of afflictions of life. What blocks the light: afflictions such as ‘craving, anger, doubt, fear, and forgetfulness.’
In a way, be already dead – mindful. Hush the rest.
This life is not the only one there is. We become too attached to this life.
Be unbound by space and time. Practice within.
The First Noble truth is that there is suffering:
Suffering exists. And suffering has causes. Once we understand the nature of our suffering, then there is way of liberation.
Focus on: Simplicity: “To breathe means to live.”
- “A layperson who wants to practice the Way should also live a simple life.”
Focus on: Generosity
- The five wonderful precepts of Buddhism: Reverence for live, generosity, responsible sexual behavior, speaking and listening deeply, and ingesting only wholesome substances (these can take one toward happiness).
About generosity, one can give gifts: 1) the gift of material resources, 2) the gift of helping people rely on themselves, 3) and the gift of non-fear.
Be there for those you love – Give the gift of time to the ones you love.
Focus on: Taking care of your body:
“Your body is not yours alone. It also belongs to your ancestors, your parents, future generations, and all other living beings.”
BE KIND to all beings = taking care of body
Do not abuse alcohol, eat unhealthy foods, or hurt others by words.
Try to refrain from drinking (at all costs) and take on a vegetarian diet. With that said, do not be proud in what you believe in. Even if it is vegetarianism, do not be too proud about it: Don’t hold on too much to dogma or doctrine.
“The sanity of the body is the sanity of the mind; the violation of the body is the violation of the mind.”
Focus on: Getting rid of anger:
“Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
- We have to love our enemies. Recognize that we have anger, and then take care of it.
Focus on: Being mindful in speech:
Buddhist tradition. The fourth precept is described as refraining from these four actions:
1) Not telling the truth. If it’s black, you say it’s white.
2) Exaggerating. You make something up, or describe something as more beautiful than it actually is, or as ugly when it is not ugly
3) Forked tongue. You go to one person and say one thing and then you go to another person and say the opposite
4) Filthy language. You insult or abuse people.
- If you want to consult with someone, see that they themselves are treating their spouse, children, friends and society in a good manner.
Focus on: Community and roots:
“We need the support of friends and other people.”
- Importance of community: Without this community, you will be lost. Even if it is not the best, it is better than not having one.
“people cannot be happy if they are rootless” … “people are stable and happy only when they are firmly rooted in their own tradition and culture. To uproot them would make them suffer”
Focus on: Practice and not talk:
To know God is not to discuss God. Stay away from concepts:
Knowing God is not through analysis or discussion. We often try to theologize what God is, but rather the path of knowing God is through being mindful and alive. “Discussing God is not the best use of our energy.” Never talk about it.
Do not be attached to doctrine: Be free “from the notions of both self and non-self.”
- Do not get stuck in words or concepts: “The reality of a table is quite different from the concept “table.” It is to experience and not to talk a lot.
“Theologians spend a lot of time, ink, and breath talking about God. This is exactly what the Buddha did not want his disciples to do, because he wanted them to practice samatha (stopping, calming), vipasyana (looking deeply), and taking refuge…”
“a good theologian is one who says almost nothing about God”
“…abandon our habit of perceiving everything through concepts and representations”
“The ultimate dimension of reality has nothing to do with concepts.”
Nirvana is the “extinction of all words, ideas, and concepts.”
There is no “one” truth or “the right” God – Our faith must be alive
Do not go with the idea of “one God,” or “this is the only way.” That path leads to intolerance. That, too, is attached to thought, but the path is to be nonattached from views. The path is for all of us.
“If you are open enough, you will understand that your tradition does not contain all truths and values.”
“When our beliefs are based on our own direct experience of reality and not on notions offered by others, no one can remove these beliefs from us.”
Basically: own the truth, but make sure it changes
Changeable: “Each moment is a moment of renewal”
Practice/Not rigid talk: “Faith implies practice, living our daily life in mindfulness.”
Focus on: The practice of mindfulness: BE HERE NOW:
It is all about living each moment of your life in awareness.
When you chew, chew only that. Only this. Be in each moment. Aware. Be there fully. No distractions.
Stopping, calming, looking deeply: mindfulness. In every moment. To be aware of what is happening. “Most of the time, we are lost in the past or carried away by future projects or concerns.” Rather, be mindful. That is the Holy spirit.
Know that: The truth shall set you free:
Know thyself: Once you know, you will be troubled, but after that things will be alright. Be grateful.
“Take refuge in yourself and not in anything else.”
Buddha sees the “so-called ‘person’” as “just five elements (skandhas) that come together for a limited period of time: our body, feelings, perceptions, mental states, and consciousness.” These five elements are, in fact, changing all the time. Not a single element remains the same for two consecutive moments.”
“We all need time to reflect and to refresh ourselves.”
Try to find harmony in those four skandhas: “form, feelings, perceptions, mental states, and consciousness.” But be careful of being stuck on form rather than on essence.
Do not be bound by the afflictions of life.
It is misleading to “build up a self instead of letting go of the ideas of self.”
“Many people need to go away before they realize they do not have to go anywhere.”
“Because you are alive, everything is possible.”
Do not wait until death – You can be free now
“If you practice deeply, one day you will realize that you are free from birth and death, free from many of the dangers that have been assaulting you”
“The Kingdom of God is available here and now.”
In order to be alive, be dead: Don’t wait until you die – practice now. In Buddhism, that refuge is mindfulness
“My physical body is not what is most important” (Buddha) – faith is always with us.
Do not wait until you are hit by a wave – practice mindfulness everyday
“you do not have to abandon this world in order to be free”
“We do not have to die to arrive at the gates of Heaven. In fact, we have to be truly alive. The practice is to touch life deeply to that the Kingdom of God becomes a reality.”
Let go of bounds of afflictions of life. What blocks the light: afflictions such as ‘craving, anger, doubt, fear, and forgetfulness.’
In a way, be already dead – mindful. Hush the rest.
This life is not the only one there is. We become too attached to this life.
Be unbound by space and time. Practice within.
March 25, 2023
I’m glad I own this book. With about 20 pages left, I went back to the start and reread it, this time with a pen and a notebook to take notes. Being raised Catholic and now a regular meditator, this book helped me understand the intersectionality between Buddhism and Christianity and how they coexist together. I especially found the section on the Precepts of Buddhism and secular Christianity interesting.
“To take good care of yourself and to take good care of living beings and the environment is the best way to love God. This love is possible when there is understanding that you are not separate from other beings or the environment.”
“To take good care of yourself and to take good care of living beings and the environment is the best way to love God. This love is possible when there is understanding that you are not separate from other beings or the environment.”
July 22, 2010
Finally, a monk I can believe in! Thich Nhat Hanh's shining simplicity, generosity and compassion pours through every line in this book that fuses ideas from both Judeo-Christianity and Mahayana-Buddhism. God/Christ/Buddha as spirit and not as some judgmental, external creator; the spirit that runs through our hearts as love/compassion/energy and which should (even as, more often than not, it doesn't) unite the world.
May 28, 2025
Living Buddha Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hahn is a great spiritual read. Originally recommended to me via a podcast (Matt & Shane Secret Podcast), shout out to Matt McCusker. I think super fundamentalist Christians that read/skim this book will not like it because they think that Hahn's understanding of Christianity and some of its scripture is invalid. I don't agree, I believe Thich is one of the most spiritually mature and developed minds in all available spiritual content. In my lense, he is closer to God and follows God's will more than most of Christians who snicker and condemn his thoughts about Buddha and Christ (read some reviews for pretty decent melts). His work as a peace maker during the Vietnam War demonstrates this and scripture also backs this. Matthew 5:9 states "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God".. then is Thich Nhat Hahn not a child of Christ? In this text Hahn does not try to convicnce the reader which religion is correct or appropriate for them, instead he attempts to connect the major themes and lessons of the Buddha's and Christ's teaching to allow the reader to see they are not so unalike and how we can prosper and grow from both of their teachings and life example. Another major theme throughout this book that Hahn is adamant in, challenges the common Christian belief that salvation and eternal life is monopolized by Christianity and belief in Christ alone. I think CS Lewis and Thich woud've had incredible dialouges about this if their paths intertwined. I like to believe they are discussing in Heaven :D
Moving on about this book here are a few of my favorite passages.
The importance of being present & making time:
"The best use of our time is being generous and really being present with others. People of our time tend to overwork, even when they are not in great need of money. We seem to take refuge in our work in order to avoid confronting our real sorrow and inner turmoil. We express our love and care for others by working hard, but if we do not have time for the people we love, if we cannot make ourselves available to them, how can we say that we love them?"
I like this passage as I believe it speaks to the diminishing returns of being so scripture reliant and the dangers of putting doctrine as paramount in your beliefs:
"For a Buddhist to be attached to any doctrine, even a Buddhist one, is to betray the Buddha. It is not words or concepts that are important. What is important is our insight into the nature of reality and our way of responding to reality."
Value to be gained and learned from many traditions we have available to us humans:
"No single tradition monopolizes the truth. We must glean the best values of all traditions and work together to remove the tensions between traditions in order to give peace a chance. We need to join together and look deeply for ways to help people get rerooted. We need to propose the best physical, mental, and spiritual health plan for our nation and for the earth. For a future to be possible, I urge you to study and practice the best values of your religious tradition and to share them with young people in ways they can understand. If we meditate together as a family, a community, a city, and a nation, we will be able to identify the causes of our suffering and find ways out."
The following reminds me deeply of John 5:39 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life". I think many Christian people are caught up in repeating scripture and placing knowledge about specific verses and certain Biblical concepts over practicing His life example:
"If Christians who invoke the name of Jesus are only caught up in the words, they may lose sight of the life and teaching of Jesus. They practice only the form, not the essence. When you practice the essence, your mind becomes clear, and you attain joy. Christians who pray to God also have to learn deeply Christ's art of living if they want to enter His teachings. It is by watering the seeds of the awakened qualities that are already in us, by practicing mindfulness, that we touch the living Buddha and the living Christ."
Deeply appreciative of Hahn's dialogue about mindfulness & the Holy Spirit:
"The original mind, according to Buddhism, is always shining. Affictions such as craving, anger, doubt, fear, and forgetfulness are what block the light, so the practice is to remove these five hindrances. When the energy of mindfulness is present, transformation takes place. When the energy of the Holy Spirit is within you, understanding, love, peace, and stability are possible. God is within."
Next few passages will be presented without comment:
"Christian mystics and Zen masters never sound speculative or intellectual. A dialogue between a Christian mystic and a Zen master would not be difficult to understand. Their speculative minds have given way to a nondiscursive spirit. Because they have learned not to get caught in notions or representations, they do not speak as though they alone hold the truth, and they do not think that those in other traditions are going the wrong way."
"We lose sight of the true needs and actual suffering of people, and the teaching and practice, which were intended to relieve suffering, now cause suffering. Narrow, fundamentalist, and dogmatic practices always alienate people, especially those who are suffering. We have to remind ourselves again and again of our original purpose, and the original teachings and intention of Buddha, Jesus, and other great sages and saints."
"Real dialogue makes us more open-minded, tolerant, and understanding. Buddhists and Christians both like to share their wisdom and experience.Sharing in this way is important and should be encouraged. But sharing does not mean wanting others to abandon their own spiritual roots and embrace your faith. That would be cruel. People are stable and happy only when they are firmly rooted in their own tradition and culture. To uproot them would make them suffer. There are already enough people uprooted from their tradition today, and they suffer greatly, wandering around like hungry ghosts, looking for something to fill their spiritual needs. We must help them return to their tradition."
Hope this will encourage someone to pick up the book and gain some insights on their spiritual journey. RIP to Thich Nhat Hanh and thank you for your time on earth, his life and work is a blessing to us all.
Moving on about this book here are a few of my favorite passages.
The importance of being present & making time:
"The best use of our time is being generous and really being present with others. People of our time tend to overwork, even when they are not in great need of money. We seem to take refuge in our work in order to avoid confronting our real sorrow and inner turmoil. We express our love and care for others by working hard, but if we do not have time for the people we love, if we cannot make ourselves available to them, how can we say that we love them?"
I like this passage as I believe it speaks to the diminishing returns of being so scripture reliant and the dangers of putting doctrine as paramount in your beliefs:
"For a Buddhist to be attached to any doctrine, even a Buddhist one, is to betray the Buddha. It is not words or concepts that are important. What is important is our insight into the nature of reality and our way of responding to reality."
Value to be gained and learned from many traditions we have available to us humans:
"No single tradition monopolizes the truth. We must glean the best values of all traditions and work together to remove the tensions between traditions in order to give peace a chance. We need to join together and look deeply for ways to help people get rerooted. We need to propose the best physical, mental, and spiritual health plan for our nation and for the earth. For a future to be possible, I urge you to study and practice the best values of your religious tradition and to share them with young people in ways they can understand. If we meditate together as a family, a community, a city, and a nation, we will be able to identify the causes of our suffering and find ways out."
The following reminds me deeply of John 5:39 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life". I think many Christian people are caught up in repeating scripture and placing knowledge about specific verses and certain Biblical concepts over practicing His life example:
"If Christians who invoke the name of Jesus are only caught up in the words, they may lose sight of the life and teaching of Jesus. They practice only the form, not the essence. When you practice the essence, your mind becomes clear, and you attain joy. Christians who pray to God also have to learn deeply Christ's art of living if they want to enter His teachings. It is by watering the seeds of the awakened qualities that are already in us, by practicing mindfulness, that we touch the living Buddha and the living Christ."
Deeply appreciative of Hahn's dialogue about mindfulness & the Holy Spirit:
"The original mind, according to Buddhism, is always shining. Affictions such as craving, anger, doubt, fear, and forgetfulness are what block the light, so the practice is to remove these five hindrances. When the energy of mindfulness is present, transformation takes place. When the energy of the Holy Spirit is within you, understanding, love, peace, and stability are possible. God is within."
Next few passages will be presented without comment:
"Christian mystics and Zen masters never sound speculative or intellectual. A dialogue between a Christian mystic and a Zen master would not be difficult to understand. Their speculative minds have given way to a nondiscursive spirit. Because they have learned not to get caught in notions or representations, they do not speak as though they alone hold the truth, and they do not think that those in other traditions are going the wrong way."
"We lose sight of the true needs and actual suffering of people, and the teaching and practice, which were intended to relieve suffering, now cause suffering. Narrow, fundamentalist, and dogmatic practices always alienate people, especially those who are suffering. We have to remind ourselves again and again of our original purpose, and the original teachings and intention of Buddha, Jesus, and other great sages and saints."
"Real dialogue makes us more open-minded, tolerant, and understanding. Buddhists and Christians both like to share their wisdom and experience.Sharing in this way is important and should be encouraged. But sharing does not mean wanting others to abandon their own spiritual roots and embrace your faith. That would be cruel. People are stable and happy only when they are firmly rooted in their own tradition and culture. To uproot them would make them suffer. There are already enough people uprooted from their tradition today, and they suffer greatly, wandering around like hungry ghosts, looking for something to fill their spiritual needs. We must help them return to their tradition."
Hope this will encourage someone to pick up the book and gain some insights on their spiritual journey. RIP to Thich Nhat Hanh and thank you for your time on earth, his life and work is a blessing to us all.
March 27, 2024
"To me, mindfulness is very much like the Holy Spirit. Both are agents of healing. When you have mindfulness, you have love and understanding, you see more deeply, and you can heal the wounds in your own mind. The Buddha was called the King of Healers. In the Bible, when someone touches Christ, he or she is healed. It is not just touching a cloth that brings about a miracle. When you touch deep understanding and love, you are healed."
“The best use of our time is being generous and really being present with others. People of our time tend to overwork, even when they are not in great need of money. We seem to take refuge in our work in order to avoid confronting our real sorrow and inner turmoil. We express our love and care for others by working hard, but if we do not have time for the people we love, if we cannot make ourselves available to them, how can we say that we love them? True love needs mindfulness.”
"The Buddha and his monks and nuns went begging every day to practice humility and to remain in contact with people in their society. Jesus in His time did very much the same. He did not own anything. He always made Himself available to people. He reached out and touched others to understand, to help, and to heal. The people He touched were mostly those who were suffering. Are the Sangha and the church of today in real touch with people? Are the churches today touching the poor and oppressed, or do they prefer to touch only the wealthy and powerful? ... Do the churches practice nonviolence and social justice, or do they align themselves with governments that practice violence and hatred?"
“The best use of our time is being generous and really being present with others. People of our time tend to overwork, even when they are not in great need of money. We seem to take refuge in our work in order to avoid confronting our real sorrow and inner turmoil. We express our love and care for others by working hard, but if we do not have time for the people we love, if we cannot make ourselves available to them, how can we say that we love them? True love needs mindfulness.”
"The Buddha and his monks and nuns went begging every day to practice humility and to remain in contact with people in their society. Jesus in His time did very much the same. He did not own anything. He always made Himself available to people. He reached out and touched others to understand, to help, and to heal. The people He touched were mostly those who were suffering. Are the Sangha and the church of today in real touch with people? Are the churches today touching the poor and oppressed, or do they prefer to touch only the wealthy and powerful? ... Do the churches practice nonviolence and social justice, or do they align themselves with governments that practice violence and hatred?"
October 16, 2012
I always enjoy reading about Buddhism. It relaxes me, centers me, and I find a lot of wisdom, truth, guidance and calm in it. So of course I enjoyed this. So many insights here. Reading about Buddhist philosophy is often repetitive, but so far, I don't find it annoying b/c I have a horrible memory, one, and it reminds me of things I've already read, and two, it's like a meditation- reading the same things again. And different phrasing gives me different insights. Of course much of this, or any book about religion, can be a pamphlet in reality, instead of a book.
So this book in particular- lots of great insights about how Christianity and Buddhism has a lot more in common than we may think. He has some great points about how it's really all semantics- so much of what we say is essentially the same thing, we just have different words for it. I would have liked to read more about that. It seemed a little unfocused at times- it would veer off from being about the similarities and connections b/t the religions and start to just be about Buddhist beliefs, which is fine, but not really in line with the title.
I do think that sometimes you have to stretch it to keep thinking the two religions are very similar, b/c I feel that in a lot of ways they are quite different. Hanh doesn't acknowledge TOO much that essentially, deep down, it is very important- actually essential- that Jesus was/is THE savior of all people, is/was divine, etc. There's a lot of similarities, yes, but that's really important and I think most Christians would see that as an essential difference b/t the religions. You kind of have to ignore that to keep going with the similarities. Unfortunately, that aspect of Christian doctrine does breed the feeling that only Christ saves, and nothing else is as good or important or worthy. I do believe you should still be able to find insight and wisdom from Buddhism even if you do believe those things about Christ, but I think that's more of a barrier to making connections than Hanh is possibly admitting? I do like how he calls out the Pope, for example, for spreading the belief that one's own religion is the one and only true path to God. He kept saying "that doesn't help." And I agree totally. I think this book is more for people who already agree than for people who think like the Pope in that respect. I kept seeing things that Christians would whole heartedly object to and wouldn't listen to Hanh about at all, unfortunately.
For the most part I do find Buddhism all inclusive, at its base. And I love that. But whenever I read about it from a monk, I do see aspects of the same dogmatic rhetoric that I find in Christianity. In Buddhism they refer to it as "right thinking" and "right action." Occasionally I will read something that sounds like that- that if you don't think a certain way or believe a certain thing, you are doing it wrong and going on the wrong path. But it pretty quickly veers back into inclusive territory and acknowledging different paths to God and just doing the best you can.
So all in all, some helpful insights about the connections and similarities b/t these two religions, but I would have loved to delve more deeply into how so much of what we all believe is really the same, just worded differently. I agree with Hanh, that if you project on other people that their thoughts and beliefs, if they are not yours, are wrong, and yours is the only right way- you are not helping, and I also believe you are not following Christ if you think that way.
So this book in particular- lots of great insights about how Christianity and Buddhism has a lot more in common than we may think. He has some great points about how it's really all semantics- so much of what we say is essentially the same thing, we just have different words for it. I would have liked to read more about that. It seemed a little unfocused at times- it would veer off from being about the similarities and connections b/t the religions and start to just be about Buddhist beliefs, which is fine, but not really in line with the title.
I do think that sometimes you have to stretch it to keep thinking the two religions are very similar, b/c I feel that in a lot of ways they are quite different. Hanh doesn't acknowledge TOO much that essentially, deep down, it is very important- actually essential- that Jesus was/is THE savior of all people, is/was divine, etc. There's a lot of similarities, yes, but that's really important and I think most Christians would see that as an essential difference b/t the religions. You kind of have to ignore that to keep going with the similarities. Unfortunately, that aspect of Christian doctrine does breed the feeling that only Christ saves, and nothing else is as good or important or worthy. I do believe you should still be able to find insight and wisdom from Buddhism even if you do believe those things about Christ, but I think that's more of a barrier to making connections than Hanh is possibly admitting? I do like how he calls out the Pope, for example, for spreading the belief that one's own religion is the one and only true path to God. He kept saying "that doesn't help." And I agree totally. I think this book is more for people who already agree than for people who think like the Pope in that respect. I kept seeing things that Christians would whole heartedly object to and wouldn't listen to Hanh about at all, unfortunately.
For the most part I do find Buddhism all inclusive, at its base. And I love that. But whenever I read about it from a monk, I do see aspects of the same dogmatic rhetoric that I find in Christianity. In Buddhism they refer to it as "right thinking" and "right action." Occasionally I will read something that sounds like that- that if you don't think a certain way or believe a certain thing, you are doing it wrong and going on the wrong path. But it pretty quickly veers back into inclusive territory and acknowledging different paths to God and just doing the best you can.
So all in all, some helpful insights about the connections and similarities b/t these two religions, but I would have loved to delve more deeply into how so much of what we all believe is really the same, just worded differently. I agree with Hanh, that if you project on other people that their thoughts and beliefs, if they are not yours, are wrong, and yours is the only right way- you are not helping, and I also believe you are not following Christ if you think that way.
December 16, 2015
My reading of this book resulted from the interest stone firmly wedged in the center of my mind. It’s not large enough to prevent me from moving around it but it is always there, tripping me up from time to time to gently remind me of its presence. My life has been a bit off and the most recent stumble sent me towards the bookshelf where I happened to have a stack of Buddhism related books squirreled away.
This isn’t quite what I wanted it to be but what I wanted isn’t exactly clear to me either. The writing style felt a bit choppy and repetitive in areas so I couldn’t get into the flow like I needed to. The subject matter was in the general direction I wanted it to be in but I needed more information/history. The latter points back at me for not matching my interests better with the right reading material.
So the rock still sits, more exposed than ever before which means I will need to head back to the book drawing board and find something more along what I think I am looking for. Maybe a best out of three situation is what’s called for here.
This isn’t quite what I wanted it to be but what I wanted isn’t exactly clear to me either. The writing style felt a bit choppy and repetitive in areas so I couldn’t get into the flow like I needed to. The subject matter was in the general direction I wanted it to be in but I needed more information/history. The latter points back at me for not matching my interests better with the right reading material.
So the rock still sits, more exposed than ever before which means I will need to head back to the book drawing board and find something more along what I think I am looking for. Maybe a best out of three situation is what’s called for here.
December 27, 2010
I really would like to beleive that Buddah and Christ brought the same message. I am very ipressed with the Buddhist practice of mindfulness and have started practicing it in my own life, but the more I read of this book the more convinced I become that Hanh does not understand Christianity. For example on page 56 He says: "To him [a Protestant minister] love could only be symbolized by a person. That is why belief in the resurrection is so important to Christians." I have never heard a fellow Christian say that love can "only be symbolized as a person" He has it backwards. While Christians believe that God is Love, god is not a symbol of love but love is a symbol of God. Second, the main point of the resurrection is not that Christ and therefor love lives on. Christians believe that the spit of all of us will continue after death of the body. The point of the restriction is it proved Christ was who he said he was and that God the Father accepted his atoning sacrifice on our behalf.
December 25, 2024
The perfect book for someone like me who grew up Christian and fucks with Buddhism now. So beautiful to see a Zen monk show this much love and admiration for Christianity. I grew up scared of every religion except my own, it just doesn't have to be like that. Shout-out to people like Thich Nhat Hanh, Richard Rohr, Greg Boyle, and Pema Chodron for showing me how much kindness and freedom can be found in both traditions.
January 4, 2019
Became a vegetarian after reading this delight.
July 11, 2024
I felt so excited while reading this book! Thich Nhat Hanh confirms exactly what is in my soul. That has never happened to me before.
November 23, 2020
This is a great book. Thich Nhat Hanh's writing style is sometimes repetitive but I think the iterative rhetoric is a stylistic choice to make his otherwise simple message echo and stick: Christianity and Buddhism, in Hanh's view, are the same. End stop. His discussion of Buddhism is sometimes indirect and he doesn't seem to want to educate readers about specific Buddhist doctrines (he does that elsewhere). When he discusses Christianity, he tends to deploy Christian mysticism as his framework. I noticed a lot of references to Paul Tillich, Thomas Merton, and the Gospel of Thomas. Hanh's intrpretation of Christianity would not harmonize with a lot of people's views (I speculate). With all ecumenical and faith dialog work, the risk is to strip faith traditions of all their specificities and therefore reduce them to useless platitudes. Maybe that's a good thing to do. Some of this made me uncomfortable. Other parts comforted. *Shrug.* I'm glad I read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,033 reviews