Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality

by Russill Paul

Drawing on a deep knowledge of Christian scripture as well as Hindu philosophy, musician and teacher Russill Paul reveals that the mystical core of religion offers us much more than the simple solace of unthinking dogma. By demonstrating that these two seemingly separate and irreconcilable religions can actually unite in one person’s spiritual practice at the center of his life — as they did in his — he offers an alternative to religious intolerance and strife, as well as hope for personal liberation.

Genres: Spirituality, Christianity, Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Clif Brittain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul grew up a Catholic in India, enjoyed success as a commercial musician, entered a Benedictine monastery, eventually left the monastery and married, and has enjoyed commercial success as a musician, yogic and spiritual guru, and writer.

The book is about practicing Hinduism, yoga, and Christianity together in search of the Divine. There are elements of Hinduism and Christianity that are irreconcilable, but much that ties the traditions together. Both religions can learn a lot from each other.

Most of us know that Jesus was pretty radical in his time and would be considered even more radical in today's time. Further, we are pretty reluctant to follow in his footsteps ("carry no purse, no bag, no sandals" Luke 10:4-6). According to Paul (the yogi, not the Saint), many of Jesus' teachings are similar to the Buddha's or the Bhagavad Gita. In my limited reading of both, I would agree. My more extensive reading of the New Testament leads me to believe that most western religious, including my own Roman Catholic faith, have strayed further from Jesus' teachings than Jesus' teachings are different than Hinduism. At least as far as practicing the faith.

Paul talks about the enormous gulf between the Christian talk and the Christian walk. The Christians have a history of sweeping all before them out of the way (e.g. Columbus, Pizarro, de la Salle). As far as a preferential option for the poor, or caring for widows and orphans, we have a lot to do. We know the talk, but fail the walk.

This book also discusses original sin. I have more and more of a problem with this concept, and it is leading me closer to the back pew, which isn't far from the door.

So I'm going to continue to practice yoga and I am going to continue to use Jesus as my reference point and example. Somehow, I can't imagine he'd mind. I'm listening, in case he wants to tell me.

By the way, in 1989, guess which Catholic bishop condemned yoga and all new-age practices as non-conforming to Church teachings? If you guessed Joseph Ratzinger, you are right.

[Larry Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus in the Lotus by Russill Paul (or anything by Bede Griffiths) describes the time that Paul spent with Bede Griffiths, who lived simultaneously as a Christian mystic and as a Hindu holy man at an ashram in India. Griffiths honored both traditions, without compromising either.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read. Recommended.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to religion people tend to think all or nothing. If they are Christians, they wouldn’t think of doing yoga or meditating. By the same token, someone who practices Hinduism would generally have very little interest in Biblical scripture. Somehow, it seems like blasphemy to even consider learning about or practicing techniques from another belief system.

Jesus in the Lotus looks at Christianity and Hinduism in a unique way. The author’s intention is to show that not only these individuals that they have much to learn from each other but that by using each others techniques they could deepen their spiritual connection to their own belief system.

Unlike most religious material, this book focuses on the similarities of two seemingly very different belief systems. The author does an amazing job of keeping the information balanced, thus showing both sides how they could learn from the other without taking away from their own beliefs. We could all learn from that.

[suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Russill Paul on the radio a couple months back and thought he had a nice sense of humor and message and decided to read his book after that. It's an enlightening read, though I think he inadvertently fails to distinguish some distinctly Protestant aspects of Christianity with Catholic aspects of Christianity. I especially enjoyed reading about Paul's own story. I think it would be fun to take one of his tours to India one day.

[Carol]

This is an amazing book by a man who has, for himself at least, bridged the gap between Hinduism and Christianity...if you are seeking a path without dogma or shame, this may very well be the lamp post that will guide you in the right direction.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

a fascinating topic, for sure, but not the most fascinating book on it.

[John Hawkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the best in combining Yoga and Christianity.