The thread that binds the book is the same theme that draws many Christians toward Buddhism: mindfulness. Through anecdotes, scripture references, and teachings from both traditions, Nhat Hanh points out that mindfulness is an integral part of all religious practice and teaches us how to cultivate it in our own lives. Nhat Hanh has no desire to downplay the venerable theological and ritual teachings that distinguish Buddhism and Christianity, but he does cause one to consider that beyond the letter of doctrine lies a unity of truth.
This was my first Thich Nhat Hanh book, therefore it has a special place in my heart because it signifies a turning point in my spiritual life. It assisted me in seeing the connectedness between Buddhism and Western religious thought and how I can hold on to particular ideas while practicing Buddhism.
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Source: Living Buddha, Living Christ, Page: xxvi
Contributed by: Brian Johnson.
Jesus said, “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”
buddhism
Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and one of my favorite teachers, provides a beautiful comparison of the spiritual teachings of Jesus and Buddha.