Common Ground Between Islam and Buddhism: Spiritual and Ethical Affinities

by Reza Shah Kazemi, H. H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Hamza Yusuf Hanson, H. R. H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Prof. Mohammad Hashim Kamali

Overview

Forging a interfaith dialog between traditions that typically stand at odds, this groundbreaking book explores the scriptural and spiritual tenets of Islam and Buddhism in relation to one another, creating a basis for comparison and analysis of the two traditions. Written by eminent scholars, this discussion juxtaposes foundational principles and practices by linking underlining principles and fostering a mutual appreciation between followers of both religions. This interfaith volume discusses metaphysical traditions and philosophical studies born of Islam and Buddhism, places them in context with each other, thus encouraging understanding, and providing a point of reference for continued learning and cooperation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781891785627
Publisher:	Fons Vitae of Kentucky, Incorporated
Publication date:	05/01/2010
Pages:	174
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Reza Shah Kazemi is the author of a number of works on comparative religion and Islamic spirituality, including Paths to Transcendence: According to Shankara, Ibn Arabi & Meister Eckhart. Hamza Yusuf Hanson is a lecturer and the founder of the Zaytuna Institute. He lives in Berkeley, California. H. H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet and the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile. He is the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle for Tibet's liberation. H. R. H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad is a personal envoy and special adviser to H. M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Professor Dr. Hashim Kamali is a law professor at the International University of Malaysia and the author of Islamic Commercial Law: An Analysis of Futures and Options.

Editorial Reviews

Kazemi, an academic fellow to the Jordanian Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, authors this book, which compares Islamic values and practices with the teachings of the Buddha and Buddhist practices (such as invocatory prayer). In a well-written introduction, H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan explains that, after his leading of a movement to establish common ground between Christians and Muslims in 2007, he and his Muslim colleagues next turned to the Dalai Lama to chart similar territory with him, including the commissioning of this book. The Dalai Lama offers an enthusiastic foreword, but the contents of the book would likely be unsettling to many Muslims and Buddhists. The Prince and the author argue that the Buddha may be one of the Qur'an's unsung prophets, citing Qur'anic passages describing unnamed messengers sent to all of God's people. A core theme of the book is that Buddhists are among the Islamic Ahl al-Kitab, or People of the Book, which is traditionally limited to Christians and Jews. Kazemi boldly expands the category to include Buddhists since they follow a divinely revealed scripture. Sincere Buddhists may, despite the Dalai Lama's endorsement, bristle at Kazemi's disregard for central Buddhist tenets like reincarnation and non-theism. Though flawed, the author, the Prince, and the Dalai Lama are to be commended for this multi-faith resource.
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Publishers Weekly

"This is an important and pioneering book, which seeks to find common ground between the teachings of Islam and of Buddhism . . . . This may not have occurred very often before, because there has been so little opportunity for real understanding between these two great traditions. This book attempts to set that right."  —His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, from the introduction



"The author's well-informed and insightful analysis reveals, deeper down, a genuine common ground of transcendental wisdom and merciful compassion. A splendid accomplishment, a transformative read, and a kindling of hope for real peace in days to come!"  —Robert Tenzin Thurman, Jey Tsong Khapa professor of Buddhist studies, Columbia University



"Common Ground is both informative and inspiring. I am grateful for this initiative and believe that Muslims and Buddhists who live together, from America to Malaysia, will benefit from this scholarship and guidance."  —Ingrid Mattson, president, Islamic Society of North America

From the Publisher