John H. Westerhoff, III and John D. Eus- den here engage in a fruitful and stimu¬ lating dialogue on the different and in many ways complementary approaches to learning in the Eastern and Western world¬ views. After an initial chapter in which the authors introduce themselves and reflect on their life stories up until now, the con¬ versation begins.
John Eusden leads off each chapter with the rich insights he has gained from his deepening contact with Eastern religious traditions, particularly Zen Buddhism. He presents these insights in the context of his own Christian faith, while remaining profoundly true to their origins, opening himself to the experiences of another cul¬ ture and another faith. In each case the Eastern traditions are found not only to speak powerfully in words to our Western condition, but even more importantly to speak in action, in contemplation, and above all in silence and solitude.
John Westerhoff, in his part of the con¬ versation, explores his growing knowl¬ edge and experience of the Western relig¬ ious tradition. In particular he has deep¬ ened his spirituality through the use of such traditionally Catholic practices as confession, retreats, the use of the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and the Benedic¬ tion of the Blessed Sacrament. He has also made use of Orthodox spiritual aids such as icons and the practice of poustinia (solitary retreat). By going back to his roots in Western spirituality he has been enabled to become more open to the spiritual gifts of other traditions, including those outside the Christian faith.
The Spiritual Life: Learning East and West is a dialogue of cultures as well as of people: cultures lived out in the spiritu¬ alities of two faith-filled human beings. In experiencing this book, the reader is in¬ vited to join the conversation and begin the inward journey.