Common Ground Between Islam and Buddhism: Spiritual and Ethical Affinities

by Reza Shah-Kazemi, Dalai Lama XIV, Ghazi bin Muhammad

Forging a interfaith dialog between traditions that typically stand at odds, this groundbreaking book explores the scriptural and spiritual tenets of Islam and Buddhism in relation to one another, creating a basis for comparison and analysis of the two traditions. Written by eminent scholars, this discussion juxtaposes foundational principles and practices by linking underlining principles and fostering a mutual appreciation between followers of both religions. This interfaith volume discusses metaphysical traditions and philosophical studies born of Islam and Buddhism, places them in context with each other, thus encouraging understanding, and providing a point of reference for continued learning and cooperation.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Buddhism, Philosophy, Spirituality, Theology, History

174 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2010

About the author

Dr. Reza Shah-Kazemi writes on a range of topics from metaphysics and doctrine to contemplation and prayer. He is presently a Research Associate at the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, where, amongst other projects, he has been working on a new, annotated translation of Nahj al-Balagha, the discourses of Imam ‘Ali. Dr. Shah-Kazemi is also the founding editor of the Islamic World Report. His degrees include International Relations and Politics at Sussex and Exeter Universities, and a PhD in Comparative Religion from the University of Kent in 1994. He later acted as a consultant to the Institute for Policy Research in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.

Dr. Shah-Kazemi has authored and translated several works, including Paths of Transcendence: Shankara, Ibn Arabi and Meister Eckhart on Transcendent Spiritual Realization (World Wisdom Books, 2006), Doctrines of Shi‘i Islam (I. B. Tauris in association with The Institute of Ismaili Studies, 2001), Avicenna: Prince of Physicians (Hood Hood, 1997) and Crisis in Chechnya (Islamic World Report, 1995). Reza Shah-Kazemi has edited several books, including Algeria: Revolution Revisited (Islamic World Report, 1997). He has also published numerous articles and reviews in academic journals.

Reviews

[Miroku Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent work that I cannot recommend highly enough. A truly scholarly work with some of the greatest luminaries of our time, from the Dalai Lama to Shaikh Hamza Yusuf. Essential reading for those who care about tolerance and ecumenical dialogue while still believing in not compromising their own traditions. The long history of interaction of these two major world religions is dealt with--including the earliest Muslims' interactions with Buddhists and Hindus, and the traditions of the spiritual path to achieve gnosis in both faiths is an area where spiritual seekers and strivers of both traditions will be able to appreciate. This book is a gateway to understanding and removing blinders of ignorance. I read it in a day. A day that reawakened a love and respect for Buddhism that I had from a young age, and a day that reinvigorated my love for the best of the Islamic traditions that attracted me to Islam in the first place.

Make sure to read Shaikh Hamza Yusuf's "Buddha in the Qur'an?" beginning on page 113. He sets forth the argument made by the great Shafi'i and Ash'ari scholar Shahrastani that Khadir may have been Buddha. Very, very interesting.

[Jonathan Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting analysis that paints Buddhism (at least Theravedan) in a light that I had never really considered in terms of conception of the 1 God. It is true that if we consider Buddha as a "prophet" in the same light as Jesus/Moses/Mohammed, his style was certainly more one of mystery and mysticism. So I consider validity in the point about lack of mention about the 1 God not as a denial but rather an invitation to personally discovery which very well can lead to this conclusion.

This interpretation really underlies the critically important tone that the wise authors choose in focusing on the overwhelming 95% that is common between these 2 great religions rather than the divisive 5% which most people in the world today prefer to harp on. Most fascinating I found to be the concluding chapter with some discussion as to existence of Buddha within Islamic literature... comparisons are really interesting with a logical case made that Siddhartha and al-Khadir/Khidr (the mysterious and sage teacher to Moses) may really have been 1 in the same?

and kudos once more to His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Ghazi bin Muhammad of the Hashemite Royal family who co-authored this book and was the spark behind its writing (as well as the landmark similar book focusing on harmony between Muslims and Christians.

This highly enlightened man has dedicated his life to improving life within the Islamic world (strengthening rights of women, minorities, and those of other faiths) and especially the much needed cause of interfaith Harmony. I very much felt that he should have been the Nobel Peace Prize winner last year, and expect this gap not to persist much longer.

[Farhad · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The common ground upon which the spiritual traditions of Islam and Buddhism stand together is the principle of absolute oneness, that to which the revealed texts of both traditions bear witness, and the realization of which, by the individual soul, here and now, constitutes the ultimate goal of both religions."

"The aim here is to engage in a dialogue focused on the spiritual affinities."

"We propose that the ultimate Reality affirmed by Buddhism is nothing other than what monotheists refer to as God."

"Buddhists do have a concept of ultimate reality, which although not Abrahamic or personal, does correspond to God in a transpersonal sense.

[Amin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Groundbreaking and provocative book which explores the various theological and metaphysical characteristics of both Islam and Buddhism. The book serves to draw similarities between the great Buddhist teachings drawing especially on the life of the Buddha as well as the Islamic figure of Prophet Muhammad.

The book is an excellent read for those who are interested in comparative religious studies and who wish to help bridge the dissonance which exists between various faiths.

[Neelam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing scholarly piece, makes you reflect on the interconnection of all faiths