The Gethsemani Encounter

A Dialogue on Spiritual Life by Buddhist and Christian Monastics

James Wiseman, OSB, and Donald Mitchell, foreword by H. H. the Dalai Lama

Continuum

1997

In 1996, an historic five-day meeting occurred between Buddhist and Christian monastics at the abbey of Gethsemani. It was the Dalai Lama who suggested that the meeting be held in a monastic setting, and urged that that setting be the Abbey of Gethsemani, the home of Thomas Merton, whom he had met shortly before the latter’s death in 1968.

The theme of the Gethsemani Encounter was the spiritual life in Buddhist and Christian monastic traditions. Part One of The Gethsemani Encounter offers twenty–five presentations on various aspects of spirituality by leading Buddhist and Christian monastics. The subjects range from ultimate realization to prayer and meditation, development in the spiritual practice, community and solitude, and spirituality and society. Part Two contains highlights of the actual dialogue itself. The subjects include: Mind, Anger, Love, Humility, Practice, Grace, Suffering, Violence, Social action, Tolerance and many others.

The Dalai Lama wrote:

“Gatherings of spiritual practitioners from different backgrounds, such as the Gethsemani Encounter, are of immense value. It is my hope that readers of this book may find in it inspiration and understanding that in some way contribute to their own inner peace. And I pray that through that inner peace they too will become better human beings and help create a happier, more peaceful world.”
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Sr. Mary Margaret Funk, OSB

Sr. Mary Margaret Funk, OSB, was the executive director of the MID board from 1989-2004. She was prioress at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana and is the author of a number of books, including Thoughts Matter and Islam Is . . ..

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H.H. Dalai Lama

His Holiness the fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He has been involved in interreligious dialogue through the Gethsemani Encounters and visits to India and the United States for many years.

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Prof. Donald Mitchell

Professor Donald Mitchell teaches at Purdue University. He is the co-editor (with James Wiseman) of The Gethsemani Encounter: A Dialogue on the Spiritual Life (Continuum, 1996) and Transforming Suffering: Reflections on Finding Peace in Troubled Times (Doubleday, 2003). He serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors of MID.

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Fr. James Wiseman, OSB

Fr. James Wiseman, OSB, is a monk of Saint Anselm’s Abbey in Washington, DC, and teaches theology at the Abbey School and at Catholic University. He served as Chair of the Board and President of MID, has been editor of the MID bulletin since 1998, and again serves as a member of the Board of Directors of MID.

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