Abstract
Better described as interreligious spirituality than comparative theology, this book written by a celebrated scholar-practitioner of Zen and Christianity gleans spiritual insights from a Zen-inspired reading of biblical passages like Psalms 46 (“Be Still and Know”) and 23 (“My Cup Overflows”), and from Matthew 13:44–46 (“Treasure that is within You”) and Matthew 5:1–3, 8–9 (“Blessed Are You”). Throughout these four chapters, Habito announces a variety of congruencies between biblical and Zen Buddhist traditions without collapsing or confusing them. The writing style reflects the book’s origin as a set of talks the author gave at Osage Monastery and Forest of Peace in Oklahoma, to audiences of mixed if primarily Christian and post-Christian affiliation in retreat setting. Each chapter can be read and considered in isolation and pursues broad congruencies and insights across the traditions, as if a menu or primer, rather than granular arguments supported by literature and citations. In this way, both the writing style and the content pose invitations and suggestions to the reader. As with H.’s previous books, Be Still and Know possesses a keen assessment of the reader’s North Atlantic culture and its need for spiritual practices that both ameliorate suffering and reorient persons toward core possibilities for flourishing and peace. All of this comes with H.’s characteristic economy of expression, clarity, and warmth. Even so, the relative lack of citations frequently leaves the reader wanting more depth of treatment within the biblical and Buddhist worldviews and a clearer methodological orientation. The absence of exegetical and theological perspectives on Matthew 5 and 13 and Psalms 23 and 46 is a particular missed opportunity. Conversely, these reservations may function as probable strengths for the book’s original and future audiences among congregations and retreatants who will benefit from this former Jesuit and current Zen teacher’s capacity to inhabit and draw from both spiritual worlds to point skillfully toward a deeper presence of mind and heart.