<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: One of The Better Books I've Read In a While
Review: As the previous reviewer pointed out, Robert H. King really delivers in this book! He is a now retired professor of both religion and philosophy, who had always been fascinated by these two prolific and influential men of the 20th century. Most of you probably know who these two men are, but for those of you who do not I'll give a brief outline. Thomas Merton was a Christian Cistercian monk who belonged to the Abbey of Gethsemani down in Kentucky; Thich Nhat Hanh is to this day a prolific teacher of Vietnamese Zen who was a prominent peace activist during the Vietnam War era. Merton and Nhat Hanh both had a relationship that is a shining model for everyone of us today for what it means to "come together." With a lot of love in the author's voice, we are allowed to see the deep and unique aspects of both of their spiritual practices. Merton with his contemplative prayer, and Nhat Hanh with his ongoing writings and talks on mindfulness. Both of these guys felt their spiritual relationship and practices had a real relevance to the chaos of the world of that time. And moreover, this book applies in many respects even more fervently than any other era in history. The author coins this outlook of Merton and Nhat Hanh's as being "engaged spiritually"; in other words, they intended to utilize contemplation while employing action. These two men were actually the pioneers in interreligious talks, paving the way for more discourse in the years that have since followed. Merton once said in praise of Thich Nhat Hanh, "Thich Nhat Hanh is more my brother than many who are nearer to me in race and nationality, because he and I see things exactly the same way." This, to me of course, spells out all too clearly what he was referring to as seeing things, "exactly the same." It refers to their roadmap for peace between the two religions. Their views on socially engaged religious practices that were not simply contemplative and thoughtful, but filled with action and doing. If you are familiar, or even not familiar, with either of these two men, you'll love this book. It is so worth the read. Enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: "Look deeply" into the lives of these 2 giants...
Review: Robert King has written a quite thoroughly researched and knowledgeable book exploring the background, biographies, and historical significance of these two giants of 20th century spiritual and political thought. If you are a student of either of these two great teachers, you will find that King has placed their written output in the context of their lives' work in a way that is completely useful and illuminating. You will be able to go back to the writings of TNH and Merton with a great deal more understanding and insight. It is also apparent that, in addition to a great deal of research and understanding, King is approaching the lives of these two men with a considerable amount of love and appreciation for what he has been able to learn from them. He passes this appreciation on to the reader. If you have not yet read the works of TNH and Merton, I would think this book would be a splendid introduction to them; if you are familiar with them, this will deepen your relationship with the teachings of these two great spiritual teachers. Highly recommended for those who are interested in the meditative/ contemplative practice of either tradition.
Rating:
Summary: "Engaged Spirituality" Becomes a Call to Meditate
Review: Thomas Merton said, "Nhat Hanh Is My Brother," coming to this conclusion after meeting him but once.
Robert H. King traces the paths of these two men toward their historic meeting, yet respects their differences and the differences between Christianity and Buddhism. According to King, the contemplative practice which each of them followed in his own tradition led both of them into an active role in worldly affairs and to a deep respect for each other and for one another's tradition. King sees here the start of a fruitful inter-religious dialogue and the beginning of relationship between very different traditions.
I really enjoyed hearing how these two men, from such very different backgrounds, arrived at a similar place of "engaging" the world and its problems.
Anyone interested in learning about contemplation, either Christian or Buddhist, will find much to think about in this book.
Rating:
Summary: "Engaged Spirituality" Becomes a Call to Meditate
Review: Thomas Merton said, "Nhat Hanh Is My Brother," coming to this conclusion after meeting him but once.
Robert H. King traces the paths of these two men toward their historic meeting, yet respects their differences and the differences between Christianity and Buddhism. According to King, the contemplative practice which each of them followed in his own tradition led both of them into an active role in worldly affairs and to a deep respect for each other and for one another's tradition. King sees here the start of a fruitful inter-religious dialogue and the beginning of relationship between very different traditions.
I really enjoyed hearing how these two men, from such very different backgrounds, arrived at a similar place of "engaging" the world and its problems.
Anyone interested in learning about contemplation, either Christian or Buddhist, will find much to think about in this book.
<< 1 >>
| 
