Zen and the Bible

I came across this wonderful book ten years ago. It is not a book that you read but rather you are read by. If you understand the difference you might begin to understand the message of the author. Although every insight is explained in a conceptual way, Kadowaki-san continually reminds the reader at each stage that if you are satisfied with just that much you are missing the real import of the Bible message. He is very much in line with the mystical side of Christianity and indeed most religious mystical traditions. If you come to this book full of your beliefs, whatever they are, Christian or Zen Buddhist they will keep you from experiencing the Path. If you are ready to empty your cup and just read and be open, great abundance awaits you. Just as it always has. This is a book you can experience again and again. A fine source for meditative practice even if you're not Catholic as the author is. My poor paperback is now getting worn out and I'm looking for a hardback to replace it. A little known gem that everyone serious about living the life of Christ instead of just being "churched" should make part of their everyday mind. A close comparison can be found in some of the work of Thomas Merton.

I read this book while on a Jesuit spiritual retreat and absolutely loved it. It's not a book not about the bible or about zen but about both and how the author's practice of Zen is able to deepen his Christian understanding and faith. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an affinity toward both and a good model as to how incorporate both practices and teachings into one's life.

This book was written by a priest (from The Society of Jesus), [...] Mr. Kadowaki was exposed to the spiritual aspects of Zen Buddhism in his early days and when he became a priest, he is able to effectively apply his Zen knowledge and experience to his Christianity practise. However, Christians, Catholics or Buddhist who are fundamentally dogmatic about their own practise would have a hard time learning from this excellent spiritual book. I look forward more books such as "Bible and Zen", "Islam and Bible", "Bible and Islam", "Vedas and Bible", etc. What a wonderful life. With metta. Rex.