Mysticism: Christian and Buddhist
Mysticism: Christian and Buddhist by D.T. Suzuki, published in 1957, is a seminal work that explores the parallels between Zen Buddhist mysticism and Christian mystical traditions. Suzuki, a leading Zen scholar, seeks to bridge Eastern and Western spiritualities by examining their shared emphasis on direct, transcendent experiences of the divine or ultimate reality. The book is not a systematic comparison but a reflective exploration, drawing heavily on Zen concepts like satori (enlightenment) and the writings of Christian mystics, particularly Meister Eckhart. Suzuki’s approach is intuitive, aiming to reveal how both traditions point to a universal mystical core that transcends doctrinal differences.
In the first section, Suzuki introduces the concept of mysticism as a direct encounter with reality, unmediated by intellectual or dogmatic frameworks. He contrasts Zen’s emphasis on immediate, non-conceptual awareness with Christian mysticism’s focus on union with God, yet finds common ground in their pursuit of transcending the ego. For example, he discusses satori as a sudden awakening to one’s true nature, akin to the Christian mystic’s experience of divine unity. Suzuki uses Zen koans and anecdotes to illustrate this, juxtaposing them with Eckhart’s teachings on the “Godhead” beyond conventional theology, highlighting their shared rejection of dualistic thinking.
The second major theme is the role of paradox and negation in both traditions. Suzuki delves into Zen’s use of paradoxical language and practices to break through rational thought, comparing this to the Christian via negativa (negative theology), where God is described by what He is not. He frequently references Eckhart’s sermons, which speak of emptying the self to encounter the divine, and parallels this with Zen’s emphasis on “no-mind” (mushin). This section underscores Suzuki’s argument that both traditions use apparent contradictions to guide practitioners toward a reality beyond language and concepts.
Suzuki also explores the practical dimensions of mysticism, particularly how Zen and Christian practices cultivate spiritual insight. He describes Zen meditation (zazen) as a disciplined yet spontaneous path to satori, contrasting it with Christian contemplative practices like those of St. John of the Cross or St. Francis of Assisi. While acknowledging differences—Zen’s non-theistic framework versus Christianity’s personal God—Suzuki emphasizes their shared goal of inner transformation. He argues that both paths demand a radical surrender of the self, whether to the “emptiness” of Zen or the divine will in Christianity.
In the concluding sections, Suzuki reflects on the universal implications of mysticism, suggesting that Zen and Christian mystical experiences point to a shared human capacity for transcendence. He avoids claiming the traditions are identical, instead celebrating their unique expressions of a common truth. The book closes with a call for mutual understanding, urging readers to appreciate the depth of both paths without reducing them to mere dogma. Mysticism: Christian and Buddhist remains a profound contribution to interfaith dialogue, offering insights into the experiential heart of spirituality that resonate across cultural and religious boundaries.
