Living Buddha, Living Christ 10th Anniversary Edition,   ISBN:9781594482397

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I don't always like Thich Nhat Hanh's way of looking at Buddhism--he's sometimes too touchy-feely for me, and he gets a little repetitious with what I think can be interpreted as an over-emphasis on mindfulness at the apparent expense of the other seven parts of the eightfold path. Also, I'm not particularly interested in Christianity.

That said, this is a great book! By focusing on similarities and relationships between the dharma and Christian practice, to which most westerners will relate, he makes Buddhist concepts like emptiness much more "graspable" to the western mind. I imagine there are Christians who will object to some of his interpretations of Christian doctrine, but overall, it's a good study.

I facilitate a Buddhist meditation practice group in Florida, and know there are many Christians who are interested in Buddhism, meditation, etc., but don't want to give up their Christian beliefs. This book provides a good framework for integrating the two practices. I highly recommend it, and also the companion work, "Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers."

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Thich Nhat Hanh writes with moving eloquence in the true spirit of brotherhood. His voice bridges the perceived gaps between religions and so movingly helps us to focus on our commonalities, rather than our differences. A classic inter-religious text. Beautiful.

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Received in good condition and in a timely manner. I believe this is one of Thich Nhat Hahn's greater writings.

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GK Chesterton once remarked, "according to most scholars of comparative religion, Buddhism and Christianity are very much alike...especially Buddhism". This book is nothing more than a Buddhist revision of Christianity and a great example of religious pluralism. The book ignores the real claims of Christ and the serious irreconcilable differences between the two traditions. No two religions could be further apart in their metaphysics, ultimate goal, and philosophical anthropology than Buddhism and Christianity. The book also misrepresents the essence of Christianity, reducing it to its morality. The Dalai Lama himself has stated that the two systems are ultimately irreconcilable. The attempt to create dialogue and mutual understanding is to be commended, but to do so at the expense of facing the real differences in a spirit of Truth is simply negligent. Elaine Pagels, who wrote the introduction, is also not even Christian herself (though she claims to be). Bottom line: there are MANY other good comparative books out there. Avoid this misleading and factually inaccurate book.

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This is a great book for thinking about the shared spiritual essence of Buddhism and Christianity. When those of different faiths disagree, they do so on points of dogma. About charity, compassion, or love, there is no disagreement, especially when these are manifest qualities of a spiritual life. Thus "the letter kills, but the spirit gives life". This is a book primarily about the spiritual life, and the unity thereof, although it also discusses the similarities and differences of specific teachings of Buddha and Christ.