This book makes a valuable contribution to the Buddhist-Christian dialogue. It begins with the lives and teachings of both Sakyamuni Buddha and Jesus Christ. The author then examines the classical paths of transformation they inspired: the Zen and Pure Land traditions of Mahayana Buddhism and the perspectives of the early Christians Dionysius the Areopagite and St. Augustine. Finally he turns to the examples of two contemporary figures: the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh and the Peruvian liberation theologian Gustavo Gutierrez.

The author respects the differences between the two traditions and does not try to force a false dialogue. He points out that “Christians must be wary of forcing Buddhist experience into a preconceived Christian mold.” Ultimately, this must be done even from the perspective of realizing that both Christian and Buddhist tradition states that experience (even, or perhaps especially that ultimate experience which is God) cannot be captured in words or images. In the classical language of Thomas Aquinas, the essence of God exceeds our understanding.

As the author says in his Epilogue: “Neither Sakayamuni Buddha nor Jesus Christ expected to be understood, and both knew that their preaching might actually cause confusion. Yet in both traditions there is also a confidence that at the very point that language breaks down, the power of ultimate reality itself manifests itself as grace, allowing words to break open and transcend themselves, making present the power of infinite wisdom and compassion.”

If all followers of each tradition were truly engaged in the wisdom given us by each leader, then perhaps there would be more compassion shown to all.