What We Can Learn From the East

by Beatrice Bruteau

The impetus for this book was a request from a group of Christian retreat directors who wanted to know what they could learn from Eastern spiritual traditions. Bruteau's response was a series of five easily accessible, nontechnical reflections on various aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism offered generally as interpretations of Christian practices or texts. Here, she has added two additional essays, "Gospel Zen" and "The Immaculate Conception, Our Original Face." Both continue the interpretive application of Eastern traditions to Christian texts. The book's popular style is a strength as it is accessible to a broad audience. Bruteau's interpretations of Christian texts are often insightful and may spark further exploration and dialogue with the East

Genres: Nonfiction

132 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 1995

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent step-by-step opening up of Reality as seen in Eastern systems of thought. This is blended into the teachings of Jesus as seen keeping in mind what we learn from the East. Bruteau has her whole heart in the endeavor to get across what she sees. She is just brilliant and yet so down-to-earth in her explanations and examples. This is a book not to be missed by anyone interested in this sort of thing--for example Thomas Merton, who she mentions often.

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introductory look, from a contemplative, interspiritual Christian, on wise teachings from Eastern faiths. A superb guide for Westerners new to interfaith wisdom.

[Penny Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slim and accessible yet challenging volume. Now thirty years old it is regrettable that the teaching offered here has not become more mainstream in Christian churches. Her application of Hindu and Buddhist texts to key Gospel teachings is helpful. The last two chapters are particularly fine and offer valuable insight into ways of practice and Interpretation of doctrines such as sin and the immaculate conception that breathe fresh vigour into tired ideas.

[Elizabeth Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I diligently work my way through Beatrice Bruteau's opus, I'm increasingly amazed--each book is better than the last. This slender volume is an accessible portal into the mystical lineage of Christianity using teachings from Hinduism and Buddhism. In an era when eastern traditions have more cache and popularity than Christianity, which has been hijacked by moralistic, literal-interpreting institutions, here's an accessible way back to the living heart of Christian faith.

"When one is in quest of the experience, one becomes willing to learn from all sources, whether or not they are of one's culturally received tradition." --BB

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating in exploring the non-duality as seen in christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. The author's comparisons and explanations are wise and sometimes surprising. I will definitely be reading this deep book more than once!