Common Ground Between Islam and Buddhism

This is an important and pioneering book, which seeks to find common ground between the teachings of Islam and of Buddhism. It is my hope that on the basis of this common ground, followers of each tradition may come to appreciate the spiritual truths their different paths entail, and from this develop a basis for respect for each others' practice and beliefs. This may not have occurred very often before, because there has been so little opportunity for real understanding between these two great traditions. This book attempts to set that right.... From a Buddhist point of view, the practice of Islam is evidently a spiritual path of salvation.---His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (from his Foreword)

Common Ground Between Islam and Buddhism is an historic, true beginning of the scholarly and spiritual effort to lay a foundation for the mutual understanding between serious believers of these two great world religions which, on the surface seem diametrically opposed. The author's well-informed and insightful analysis reveals, deeper down, a genuine common ground of transcendental wisdom and merciful compassion. A splendid accomplishment, a transformative read, and a kindling of hope for real peace in days to come!---Robert Tenzin Thurman, Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Buddhist Studies. Columbia University

By exploring our mutual longing for ethical and spiritual community, we can find the means to reach the goal of peaceful engagement. Common Ground is both informative and inspiring. I am grateful for this initiative and believe that Muslims and Buddhists who live together, from America to Malaysia, will benefit from this scholarship and guidance.---Ingrid Mattson, Professor of Islamic Studies, Hartford Seminary; and President of the Islamic Society of North America

Common Ground is a remarkable and beautiful, scholarly and wildly necessary message to the world. It illuminates how a wider understanding of the mercy and compassion, the wisdom and mutual respect shared by Islam and Buddhism can truly serve humankind.---Dr Jack Kornfield, author of The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology

"....[this is] the essential aim of the Common Ground project: inviting into our tent the stranger who may not look, worship, or be like us in many ways, because he or she is a creation of God, here for a purpose, and someone to be honored as a fellow guest of God.... Buddhists are heirs to a very powerful spiritual training."---Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (from his essay in this volume)

"[Common Ground is].... an earnest attempt to help Muslims to see Buddhism as a true religion, and Buddhists to see Islam as an authentic Dharma."---Professor Mohammad Hashim Kamali (from his Foreword)