I will likely refer to it repeatedly while deciding which gnostic gospel to read next. I would like to see another volume such as this one that focused on the familiar sayings of Jesus. I would also like to see an additional column added that includes the canon of the 4th Abrahamic religion Mormonism that is often not given much attention by religious scholars.
Even to be considered comprehensive in the current scene of comparative religion, Islam needed to be included.
The Parallel Sayings of Four Mystical Traditions – Elpidio Valdes
Dec 05, Audra rated it really liked it Shelves: Today I learned a new term: One of the several descriptors of a Progressive Christian is one who honors other faith traditions as a viable path to God. I was so encouraged by this. At the young age of 29 after having attended an Episcopal Church only a handful of times and knowing absolutely nothing about its traditions, I looked the priest square in the face and said ever so assertively: I was simply testing his response to see if this was the kind of place I wanted to be a part of. He smiled and said that was the most intelligent and thoughtful thing he'd heard from anyone in awhile and said I was certainly welcome at his table.
Of course, I stayed Currently reading the book below. Here's just one example: When you pray, enter your hidden chamber and shut the door. Shut out the physical world. Then you will become free. Close the door and shut out the senses. Do this and you will never be exhausted. Can't think of how four completely separate doctrines can be so similar if not for a common Center: Feb 02, Tom rated it liked it. Author points out the difficulty putting such a work together, including copywrite laws and multiple translations. There are better commentaries and works that reflect the Perennial philosophy evident in wisdom teachings, such as Aldous Huxley's work.
Mar 12, J. Messinger rated it it was amazing. Simply the best book of its kind that shares the sayings from all the masters and compares them side by side by topic. I love this book. Highly recommend for anyone seeking to compare the masters and what they said. The Parallel Sayings by Richard Hooper is a quick, easy to read comparison of some of the teachings of four of the greatest spiritual teachers in written history. Presented thematically and side-by-side, each chapter contains an introduction to the chapters' themes, which include The Great Way God, Tao, and Universal Mind Being One: The format is great, and the quotes are easy to read and understand.
For those looking for a quick introduction to how some of the teachings of these noteworthy individuals is similar, this is a good start. His interest is focused on Gnostic Christianity and how it compares to Eastern Religions. There is nothing wrong with this at all. However, the most widely accepted records of Jesus are given second preference to texts many people have never read or even heard of. Again, there is nothing wrong with this, but this preference makes the title a bit misleading - if you're looking for the comparison between Jesus' words in the Canonical Gospels and those of the Buddha, Krishna, and Lao Tzu, this book will give you some, but more than half of it will not be of interest.
This is strange, but illustrates his preference for Gnostic texts over Canonical ones. In addition, not every quote or theme has parallels across all four traditions. A few chapters are mostly a comparison between Jesus and the Buddha. Instead of using any particular translation of the many texts the author draws from, he instead chose to read many versions and reword them himself. This lessens his credibility in my book, making the comparison of these texts suspect. I would have preferred a side-by-side comparison of well-respected translations of these texts, but the author made an intentional choice to reword them.
I don't think that was wise. If you're looking for an accessible, side-by-side comparison of thematic teachings by these four great teachers, pick this up. Just don't use it as a reference in any academic papers, kids. This book pulls quotes from four sources--Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Taoist--and compares them side-by-side. He does a decent job.
The Parallel Sayings of Four Mystical Traditions
You definitely get the sense of their similarities, but they're hardly "parallel sayings. In the case of Jesus, most of the quotes come from an ancient unorthodox sect called the Gnostics, who haven't existed for millenia.
This kind of felt like cheating, as he certainly would have had a much harder time drawing parallels between mainstream Christianity and the other three. But that's all nit picking. The point is that enlightened wisdom is enlightened wisdom, irrespective of how you get there. You're going to get basically the same message no matter where you go: Sep 13, Bob rated it really liked it.
One of the most surprising things for people who begin studying comparative religion is that there are many parallels between the world's spiritual teachings. Among the most striking similarities are those found between Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity. Author Richard Hooper provides a wonderful glimpse into the common teachings of these religions in this book which is sure to be a classic.
Sep 28, Deborah Schuff rated it it was amazing Shelves: I had read holy books of different religions before this and so was interested in seeing how the different teachings compare and contrast with each other. This is a beautiful book and a joy to read. The Parallel Sayings to anyone interested in learning about the different religions. Excellent I thought it was very well written and it appears the necessary patience was taken with what must be a painstaking task of this nature. Apr 07, Britta rated it it was amazing Shelves: It's really amazing how the deep Truth of all the teachings mirror one another so closely.
Another book I need to add to my home library.
Aug 19, Lori rated it it was ok. Interesting, but not as compelling as I had hoped. It was nice to know that many of the world's religions say similar things. Maybe we all aren't so different in our beliefs after all! Oct 19, Michael rated it it was ok. This book is a good side reference for someone who would like to learn about four major world religions Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism , but I am afraid the utility of this book stops there.
I understand that if you are trying to make the argument that "all religions come from a common source and are essentially the same", you will have to take some liberties in your interpretations and contexts of the teachings of each religion you are comparing. Bearing that in mind, you, the re This book is a good side reference for someone who would like to learn about four major world religions Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism , but I am afraid the utility of this book stops there. Bearing that in mind, you, the reader, must practice due diligence and go to the SOURCE of the original teaching being referenced.
In cleansing your inner vision, have you purified all of its dullness? Rather, store up heavenly treasures which cannot be destroyed or stolen. For wherever you heart is, there is your treasure as well. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke The desire for wealth can never bring happiness. If wealth is acquired, there is great anxiety in the efforts to keep it.
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If it is lost, the loss is felt as if it were death…Even if one acquires and retains wealth, the person of wealth is not satisfied, but continues to see more. Khuddaka Patha No Peace comes to a wealthy man, even if he owns mansions filled with gold and jewels. He must then guard his treasure against those who would steal it.
Destruction follows such people. The Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke Those who rejoice in the Self become masters of themselves, and the masters of all worlds. Those who do not know this truth are slaves. Knowing this, the monk will seek to separate himself from the world.
The Dhammapada Those who are so concerned with their lives make life unbearable for themselves. Even when they have what they want, they are not happy. They want to accumulate even more. The Gospel of Mark Eternity will not appear to those who are deluded by the illusions of wealth. Majjhima-nikaya The person who gives from his abundances to those in need lives according to the Way.
Seeing what is pleasure and pain for himself, he knows what is pleasure and pain for others. Thus, he wishes good to all and evil to none. He sees himself in all beings, and is free from negative feelings toward others.
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Anguttara Nikyaya Since the sage is in need of nothing, he gives his attention to those who are in need. He is compassionate to the caring and uncaring alike. These hypocrites steal from windows even while they say long prayers. The judgement which comes upon them will be great. The Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke Those who do spiritual practices with the hopes of gaining respect and honor, performing ascetic practices to gain honor, and how are ostentatious, and who practice austerities with the object of gaining welcome, honor, respect, and with ostentation, are unbalanced, and their actions are fleeting.
Kevaddha Sutta Walking in the Way leads forward. But you will not achieve recognition by boasting. No merit is gained by self-conceit. Leadership is not attained by inflating yourself. But I hope that this article helped raise some very important questions about these teachers and why they all essentially said the same things.
All I ask is that you question. Reblogged this on ninetalesfox and commented: In line with my Post, On Religion. You are commenting using your WordPress. You are commenting using your Twitter account. You are commenting using your Facebook account. Notify me of new comments via email. The Kingdom of God is within you. But due to the disturbance upon its surface, it became an actor playing many parts The Lankavatara Sutra In the beginning there was the void, the One without name or form. Thanks for reading, Notes: Previous Contours of Global Order: April 5, at August 23, at September 30, at Leave a Reply Cancel reply Enter your comment here Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: Email required Address never made public.
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Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings: The Common Teachings of Four World Religions
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: The Kingdom is not coming with signs to be observed. The Gospel of Luke. Those who seek oneness ceaselessly find the Lord dwelling in their own hearts. To begin the journey in the Way…first, set yourself straight.