Posted inOther Podcasts, Other Teachings

Christianity, Buddhism and Silence, with Ruben Habito – Part 2

August 24, 2019

Spend one hour a week doing nothing; doing nothing in a very intentional and purposeful way. In short, not attempting to do anything, but just allowing… to be. — Ruben L. F. Habito

In this thoughtful 2-part conversation with Encountering Silence, Sanbo Zen teacher Ruben Habito speaks about the relationship with silence and the fullness of a joyful life, as well as how his engagement with both Christianity and Buddhism has shaped his own relationship with silence. Click here if you missed part 1.

In this concluding part of his conversation with the Encountering Silence team, Ruben Habito speaks about what inspires him as a writer, the difference between centering prayer and zazen, the centrality of the breath in contemplation, and other topics related to his singular path as a Zen Christian.

Click here to listen to part 2 of the podcast

Encountering Silence is a Podcast that “explores the beauty and importance of silence from many angles, not just the religious/spiritual/mystical, but also reflecting on the psychology of silence, silence and the arts, silence and politics, silence and education… the list goes on.” Encountering Silence hosts Carl McColman, Cassidy Hall, and Kevin Johnson, interview a wide variety of teachers, writers and poets, psychologists, priests, and artists. The podcast is available through iTunes, Google Play, and other podcast subscription services.

Ruben L. F. Habito is both a former Jesuit and a master of the Sanbo Kyodan lineage of Zen. In his early youth the Society of Jesus sent him from his homeland in the Philippines to Japan, where he began his Zen practice under the guidance of Yamada Koun-roshi. Koun-roshi was a Zen master who taught many Christians students, an unusual practice for the time. In 1988, Habito received Dharma transmission from Yamada Koun. He left the Jesuit order shortly after that, and in 1991 founded the lay organization Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, Texas. He has taught at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University since 1989 where he continues to be a faculty member. He is married and has two sons.

Image: Whitby-East Pier by TimHill, Pixabay License
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