Jesus & Buddha: Practicing Across Traditions

Could Zen meditation deepen your Christian faith? The Jesus and Buddha: Practicing Across Traditions film reveals how three modern mystics bridged these great traditions to enrich their spiritual lives.

This profound Jesus and Buddha film documents the personal journeys of Father Robert Kennedy, a Jesuit priest and Zen teacher; Chung Hyun Kyung, a Buddhist Dharma teacher; and theologian Paul Knitter. Through their active Christian Buddhist dialogue, they demonstrate how mindfulness and Christian prayer are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary practices that foster deep compassion. By examining the parallels between Jesus and Buddha, they offer a grounded approach to interfaith spiritual practice that transcends dogma.

These three scholars and modern mystics have spent decades exploring the spiritually nourishing territory where Christian and Buddhist paths meet. Their lived experiences show how integrating these traditions can lead us beyond the struggle and confusion of a preoccupied life to one filled with gratitude, joy, and active service. By engaging with both Zen meditation and Christian theology, they provide a roadmap for anyone seeking a more embodied, inclusive, and discerning spiritual path.

In this documentary, you will hear firsthand accounts of how these teachers navigate their dual practices. Father Robert Kennedy shares his unique perspective as both a Jesuit priest and a Zen master, illustrating how Zen practice can strip away intellectual concepts to reveal the direct experience of Christian contemplation. Chung Hyun Kyung brings her perspective as a professor of ecumenical theology and a Dharma teacher, highlighting the liberating archetypes of both figures. Paul Knitter discusses how Buddhist practice saved his Christian faith, offering a deeply personal look at how Jesus and Buddha interfaith practice can resolve inner spiritual crises.

Key Insights from Interfaith Practice

• Dual Spiritual Belonging: Discover how practicing Zen meditation can enrich and clarify Christian prayer, leading to a more profound experience of the divine.
• The Power of Dialogue: Learn how Father Robert Kennedy, Chung Hyun Kyung, and Paul Knitter integrate Buddhist teachings to cultivate active compassion and service.
• Shared Mystical Roots: Explore the deep parallels between the teachings of Jesus and Buddha, moving beyond dogma to find universal spiritual truths.

Begin your exploration of this transformative dialogue and discover a more expansive path to inner peace.