CHRISTIAN ZEN

by William Johnston ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 4, 1971

William Johnston is a devotee of Zen. He is also a devout Roman Catholic -- indeed a priest, and an Irishman. His book is an explanation of that apparent paradox. By Zen, as distinguished from Zen Buddhism, Johnston means specifically the practice of meditation, or imageless mental prayer, practiced in the Orient. Far from challenging, or even diluting Christian faith, he maintains that Zen strengthens it considerably. He then describes the theory and techniques of Zen, reconciling them, as he goes along, with Christian beliefs and practices, and intersperses his narrative with accounts of his own experiences as a student of Zen. Whether or not one is interested in Zen, or in meditation, or even in Christianity, Johnston's style is so engaging and unpretentious that the reader will find it difficult to resist the temptation to experiment -- even in the (initially) excruciating lotus position. And for those who have attempted meditation Christian-style, the book will be a revelation.

Pub Date: Aug. 4, 1971

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1971

Categories: NONFICTION