Compassion and Meditation : The Spiritual Dynamic Between Buddhism and Christianity

by LeLoup, Jean-Yves

• ISBN13: 9781594772771
• ISBN10: 1594772770
• Edition: Original
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-25
• Publisher: Inner Traditions

Summary

In Asian spiritual traditions the mountain traditionally symbolizes meditation while the ocean signifies compassion. Jean-Yves Leloup uses this metaphor to compare Buddhist and Christian approaches to meditation and compassion to reveal the similarities and divergences of these profound practices. Emphasizing their complementary nature, Leloup describes how Jesus and Buddha are necessary to one another and how together they form a complete system: Jesus as awakening through love, and Buddha as awakening through meditation. Where Buddha represents the forests, Jesus represents the trees. Buddha is brother to the universe, whereas Jesus is brother to humanity.

Author Biography

Jean-Yves Leloup is a theologian, French Orthodox priest, Coptic translator, and founder of the Institute of Other Civilization Studies and the International College of Therapists. His other books in English include the bestselling The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Philip, Judas and Jesus, and The Sacred Embrace of Jesus and Mary. He lives in France.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
The Way of Meditation
Zen and Hesychasm	p. 10
Transmission The Samaritan Woman	p. 12
The Practice of Hesychast Meditation	p. 21
Posture Orientation Breathing Invocation Centered in the Heart	p. 21
The Way of Compassion
What is a Bodhisattva?	p. 39
The Dhammapada and The Gospels	p. 41
The Vow of Compassion	p. 43
The Practice of Compassion	p. 45
Impurities of the Mind	p. 50
The Five Motivations	p. 58
The "Desire for the God-Realms"
The Desire for Awakening
"Disinterested" Desire
Gratuity
Sharing	p. 58
The Four Considerations Taught by the Buddha	p. 63
The Same Family
A Community of Destiny
Impermanence
Buddha-Nature	p. 63
The Three Attitudes: The King, The Ferryman, the Shepherd	p. 77
The Six Perfections, or the Six Paramitas	p. 81
Giving	p. 90
The Gift of Material Things
The Gift of Protection
The Gift of Love
The Gift of Loving-Kindness
The Gift of Truth	p. 90
Discipline	p. 98
Three Negative Actions of The Body	p. 99
Killing
Taking What Is Not Ours (Theft)
Misuse of Sexuality	p. 99
Three Positive Actions of the Body	p. 104
Protection
Giving
Good Use of Sexuality (Chastity)	p. 104
Four Negative Actions of Speech	p. 111
Lying
Ill Will
Insult
Chatter	p. 111
Four Positive Actions of Speech	p. 116
Speaking Honestly
Speaking for the Good
Maintaining a Space of Listening
Speaking
Clearly and Concisely	p. 116
Three Negative Actions of the Mind	p. 120
Possessiveness
Antagonism
Fixating on Concepts	p. 120
Three Positive Actions of the Mind	p. 123
Satisfaction
Goodwill
Flexibility of Mind	p. 123
Patience	p. 128
Energy	p. 130
Meditation	p. 132
Wisdom	p. 146
Epilogue-Between Us: Nothing	p. 158
Notes	p. 160
Index	p. 161
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