A Dialogue Between Buddhism and Christianity from a Contemplative Perspective with Fr. Michael Holleran

Wednesday, January 19, 2022
7:00-8:30 pm Eastern Time
suggested donation $20

Fr. Michael K. Holleran is a Catholic priest, Sensei (Zen Teacher), and a former Carthusian Monk. He is a follower and advocate of what his friend, the internationally renowned theologian of interfaith understanding, Prof. Paul Knitter, calls “double belonging.” According to this, we can be rooted in one particular religious tradition but also receive “substantial nourishment” from another tradition. Thus, we not only experience the abundant treasures of the religions of humanity and thereby further the global civilization that is a mark of our times; but we also are led to penetrate aspects of the mysteries of our original tradition that we would never have perceived without this new angle of light being shed on them. For example, Michael’s teacher, Fr. Robert Jinsen Kennedy, Roshi, was told by his own Japanese teacher, Yamada Roshi: “I am not trying to make you a Buddhist but to empty you in imitation of your Lord Jesus Christ.” Zen helps us see the dimensions of what that can mean.