Zen Catholicism: Spiritual Books for Meditation & Mindfulness - Perfect for Catholic Meditation Practices & Personal Growth

I placed my order for "Zen Catholicism" by Dom Aelred Graham four days ago. After having read a well-worn copy my son was able to acquire for me from the University of Kansas Library. I needed to have a copy of this classic for my library! Although my first choice was a hard-bound version, this book having been out of print for some time, a hard-bound copy was more than I cared to spend. I therefore took my chances on a paper-back. I settled on one offered by "Magers and Quinn" for $24.73. It was not the least expensive nor the most. The description read, "Condition: Used - Very Good - Includes everything it's supposed to include. Light to moderate shelf wear. No apparent underlining/highlighting." Upon arrival, I was exceedingly pleased at the book's condition. Though classified as "used", it does not look like anyone has ever cracked the cover. I have purchased new books at the big-box stores that were not in so good of condition. Obviously, one cannot make generalizations about all the books offered by Magers and Quinn, but if this one is any indication of the quality of books it sells generally, I would rate this bookseller very highly.Although Dom Aelred Graham is claiming to be a religious conservative there is nothing conservative in addressing the reality of spiritual experience. In addressing Buddhism in a compassionate and inclusive manner, he reminds me of the best qualities of the second Vatican council (Vatican II)-an openness to dialogue, a willingness to find the good and the true in the Other, seeking ways to discover the working of the Spirit ever omnipresent. I would agree that the use of Zen in the west has sometimes involved a nihilistic expression of moral indiffentism; this is, as Aelred shows, off the mark and inauthentic. However, to call his approach albeit with Imprimaturs and Nihil Obstats, conservative is true only in the sense that he is faithful to his spiritual tradition. In another sense, conservative Catholics might find fault with him for even thinking on, much less writing with gravity and respect about a non-Catholic religion. We can be glad he was not limited by such scruples. I might add that I would not know of this book were it not mentioned in Thomas Merton's ZEN AND THE BIRDS OF APPETITE. Birds of a feather flock together.The book I ordered arrived in three days. It was gently and expertly wrapped in tissue paper. The description I was given before I ordered the book was accurate. I am delighted with the service.Coming out of Catholicism and into all sorts of protestant denominations, this read about Zen into Catholicism will be intriguing. I have a deep respect for Merton and this was a writer he knew, talked with and endorsed.This book brings together the mysticism of the Catholic and Zen religious practices. We are not as far apart or as different as it may seem. If everyone read books like this, there might be more harmony on this planet.This book is a fairly dense but well written exploration of how Zen might help Catholics "to realize more fully their own spiritual inheritance." Graham's take on Zen in relation to Catholicism is theologically astute and experientially grounded.Graham, who was a Benedictine monk, notes that he is not inviting readers "to embark on a daring theological adventure" (the book received an ecclesiastical imprimatur). Rather, he is inviting readers "to look into [their] own nature and that of the Church" and to consider Graham's suggestion that, at their existential depths, Zen and Catholicism share the same basic message.This book was first published in 1963, but I think it's still one of the best books relating Buddhism and Christianity.Also recommended: Ruben Habito's "Some people are born with faith and never lose it; some are born with it and lose it; others stray from God, only to find Him later by circuitous paths.I was one of these, and "Zen Catholicism" represents a sort-of bridge between my two historical lines of thought: belief in Christ and belief in philosophy-atheism.Not to say "Zen Catholicism" leans more towards the latter strain of thought; in fact, just the opposite: this book is quite conservative--without being close-minded--and was given an IMPRIMATUR in 1963 by Archbishop Francis Cardinal Spellman.Nevertheless, this book blends two beautiful traditions in a way in which Catholics of all dispositions can appreciate. Treated as a philosophy Zen is quite beautiful: seeing things just as they are being an example.my husband likes itArrived as described ?