Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit: The Place of Zen in Christian Life

by Robert E. Kennedy

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

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Zen, Christianity, Buddhism, Nonfiction

148 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slim volume, but very dense with a lot to chew on. At times Fr. Kennedy relies too heavily on the thoughts of others but at other times he gives out kernels worth considering for a long time.

[Ed Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this for a second time and look forward to my third! Slim volume that explores essentials of both Zen and Christianity.

[Greg Soden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and very challenging. Living fully in two spiritual traditions is not something most westerners would/could consider, but Father Robert Jinsen Kennedy-Roshi does just that.

[Maxine Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Kennedy has assigned himself a unique and momentous task with Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit. He does not set out to convince the reader that Buddhism and Christianity are knit from the same cloth, but instead he urges the reader to see how the use of mindfulness and contemplation in Buddhism can contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Christian journey. It is important to realize in the beginning that this book, though not long, is not shallow. Whatever you do, this is one book where you will not want to miss the foreward as it sets up the author's purpose clearly and with deep sincerity.

The author has made his own unique journey, one that will surprise and endear him to his readers who may be somewhat skeptical in the beginning. Kennedy adamantly reminds the readers that “Zen is less a religion than a way of life” and he builds upon this in the book with many unique tools including poetry. He deftly weaves his reasoning and comparisons into deep material that reflects upon his knowledge of the Bible as well as Buddhism.

In the end, if read through and given a real chance, the author reaches his goal of providing a framework to help the reader more fully understand how Zen Buddhism principles can be used to bring us further along in our Christian journey.

[E.D. Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night, shortly before I finished reading this book, I dreamed I was meditating with the Dalai Lama. Obviously not everyone will have that reaction, but I found the insights in the book dovetailed nicely with my commitment to meditate every day of 2018. Teachings are supported with plenty of Zen koans and excerpts from Western literature and Biblical passages to illustrate the parallels in thought between the two traditions (Buddhism and Christianity). However, the book really serves to introduce Zen Buddhism to Christians, so that Christians may bring a deeper awareness to their own spiritual practices. I would not expect that a Zen practitioner unfamiliar with Christian ideology would find this book particularly illuminating in that respect. Which was fine with me; I'm the target audience.

[Jared Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I can't say I agree with everything in the book, my mind was certainly broadened and I learned to see some things from a new perspective.

[Damon Glassmoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the relating of the Zen teachings to the biblical studies, giving me new perspective on them and how to better understand and live in their light.

[RICHARD L · Rating 5 out of 5]

connected the dots

Is extremely helpful when you’re lost and to find your way to see the overlap of being and doing good. This is rewarded with good feelings.

[Allyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am re-reading this earlier book by Fr Robert Kennedy, a Jesuit priest and a Zen master. It's very good, without a hint of syncretism.