The Still Point: Reflections on Zen and Christian Mysticism (Reflections on Zen and on Christian Mysticism)

In my view, this book is a little masterpiece. Prof Johnston advances beyond Thomas Merton, to whose memory he dedicated this book. This sober and balanced appraisal of the possibilities of relating Zen Buddhist insight to Christian contemplation is most appropriate. This is a big cut above the pop-Zen books that flood today's markets. Prof Johnston has the rare gift of writing simply and yet perceptively about an aspect of Buddhism that is still too little understood by Westeners - scholars and non-scholars alike. This is an important book, bridging the much-debated 'mysticism gap' between East and West. The book as a whole has much to offer, not only to the Christian but the Westener who wishes to understand Zen. Prof Johnston sensitively differentiates Zen and Christian Experience, the later he interprets chiefly through the "passion of love", which is strikingly absent in Zen. I recommend this volume wholeheartedly to anyone concerned with the continued vitality of the Christian religion. Dr Jusuf Hariman.