Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Reflect on the Rule of Saint Benedict

by Patrick Henry

Saint Benedict's Rule—a set of guidelines that has governed Christian monastic life since the sixth century—continues to fascinate laypeople and monastics alike. Buddhist monks and nuns have been intrigued by Benedict's insights into human nature and by the similarities between Christian and Buddhist traditions. Now, through personal anecdotes and thoughtful comparison, four prominent Buddhist scholars—including Joseph Goldstein and Yifa—reveal how the wisdom of each tradition can revitalize the other.  Benedict's Dharma  is a lively and compelling dialogue which will appeal not only to Buddhists and Christians, but to anyone interested in rediscovering the value of an ancient discipline in the modern world. Edited by Patrick Henry, with a new translation of the Rule of Saint Benedict by Patrick Barry, OSB.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Philosophy, Prayer, Buddhism

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stuff and manner of comparative religion is to hold up the unknown to the known and say in what ways they are alike or differ. There are so many important differences between Buddhism and Christianity that it is difficult to get to the commonalities. Christianity is monotheistic; Buddhism tends to be non-theistic. Sin and therefor atonement are important in Christianity; sin is not a meaningful category in most Buddhist thought. One of the areas within which convergence is most frequently found is in monasticism. Because Roman Catholicism rejected attempts at finding a meeting ground between Catholic and Buddhist thought in 1989, an important part of this work has gone on between Buddhist and Anglican monks and nuns instead. Those who advance along a Buddhist path frequently speak of discipline as a means of progress; this is an experience shared by Christian monastics. In this book, four adept and insightful Buddhists share their reflections on the Rule of Saint Benedict. The Rule, translated anew for this text, was written by the Sixth Century abbot who guided his monks in a "school for the Lord's service" which would lead them to salvation. While Buddhists pursue other goals, there are many commonalities found along the way. One need not be particularly versed in Christian monasticism nor in Buddhism to find value in this work.

[Peter Parslow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found that one of the key Buddhist contributors has a great understanding of Christianity but the other shows far less: often trying to match Christian understandings to things in her own tradition. For example, I can’t see a parallel between Benedictine humility and the Buddhist idea that there is no separation between persons. Or that Christian love somehow equates to Buddhist nothingness.

(As noted earlier, I write as a Christian who lived for several years in a Buddhist country, with close Buddhist friends, but no monastic experience)

[Jim Ringel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many reasons to understand the Catholic spiritual tradition as standing in contract to Buddhist spirituality. But this book shows how the contemplative life practiced in either tradition share so much together. And with both Catholic and Buddhist authors, Benedict's Dharma also shows how much both faiths can learn from one another.

At the core of both Catholicism and Buddhism is mindfulness. There are alot of political arguments to separate us from one another, but an open mind surpasses such petty squabbles. A fine and insightful read.

[Heidi Thorsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly got this for Benedict's Rule, which is at the end, but the commentary up front was interesting and useful. Lots of reflection on the wisdom of the Rule and how various parts of it can be applied to any life, not only that of a cloistered monk.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the interfaith dialogue and the clarification of teachings.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this for a book group last fall, but made the mistake of beginning with St. Benedict's Rule at the end of the book. It wasn't at all necessary to be familiar with The Rule to grasp the sentiment of the conversations that make up the rest of this book. The premise of the book is that a small group of practicing Buddhist monastics (most of them lay-practicioners) have a conversation about how the Rule of St. Benedict, basically a guide for Christian monastics written several centuries ago, relates to their Buddhist practice. My favorite aspect of the book is the way that each of the contributors wove in personal anecdotes, it modernized the topics and I found myself relating to their conversation. There were some thought-provoking passages, a few good take-away quotes and overall it was a pretty interesting read.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to see how Buddhists reflect upon the very Christian Rule of St Benedict. There are many intriguing similarities as well as some surprizing differences. Worthwhile reading for anyone interested in developing a more spiritual view of life.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recuse myself as being unqualified to rate this book. I have no deep knowledge of Benedict's Rule, nor of Buddhism. It was a challenging read, and I think I would have gained more from it if I had alternated with other books.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really lovely. Two very different spiritual beliefs come together and embrace each other's beliefs. While I may not have agreed, or understood, everything written my favorite part was the idea of embracing all beliefs.

[Allyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections by Benedictines and Buddhists on the Rule of St Benedict. A reminder that despite doctrinal differences, there is a great deal of common experience between the two traditions.

[Mary]

Got mid-way through this and John McQuinston's book and alas, library fines and stop on my card forced me to return all my truant charges. Shelving under: to-read. Always...we begin...again.

[Paul Forste · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...learned a great deal about cross cultural monastic discipline and it's function...got better tuned to the Dharma.

[Tom Carrico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Buddhists write essays interpreting or reflecting on the rule of Saint Benedict in light of the Buddhist tradition.

[Hoyadaisy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such an interesting topic. Format makes it SO difficult to get through.

[Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddhist reflect on the rule of Saint Benedict, this was a truly amazing book.