Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Reflect on the Rule of Saint Benedict

Important Buddhist scholars share their insights into the rule of Saint Benedict, revealing surprising common ground shared by the monastic traditions of Christianity and Buddhism.

The sixth-century Rule of Saint Benedict, a masterpiece of spiritual wisdom, has determined monastic life within the Christian church for centuries. In 1996 some 25 Christian monastics and 25 Buddhists gathered at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky to discuss how modern monastics interpret Benedictine spirituality. One product of that week of dialogue is this book, in which several Buddhists offer fresh perspectives on the ancient spiritual guideline. They describe their personal encounters with aspects of the rule and how they as Buddhists find sustenance and relevance in it. They believe the rule transcends the particulars of any one religious tradition to embrace universal truths. The book's parts treat general themes, such as freedom and forgiveness, discipline and spontaneity, tradition and adaptation, and leadership and humility. In the book, Christianity and Buddhism find common ground in "general guidelines for an inner journey," as one Buddhist describes it. Patrick Barry's new translation of the rule is included in the text. June Sawyers
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In 1996, the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue brought together 25 Buddhist and 25 Christian monastics "for the purpose of mutual spiritual benefit and communion." Inspired by that engagement, four prominent Buddhist scholars from different traditions penned essays responding to some of the chapters in the Rule of Saint Benedict the sixth-century guide that has defined the structure and organization for much of the Christian monastic community since the ninth century. Henny (The Ironic Christian's Companion, LJ, 12/98) has deftly organized their observations to address general themes such as "Freedom and Forgiveness" and "Discipline and Spontaneity." These thoughtful meditations offer hard-to-find Buddhist perspectives on the similarities and differences evident in the traditions. Recommended for public and academic libraries collecting one step beyond the most popular religious titles. James R. Kuhlman, Univ. of North Carolina Lib., Asheville
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