Facing Up to Real Doctrinal Difference: How Some Thought-motifs from Derrida Can Nourish the Catholic-buddhist Encounter

+ REVERSES THE "COMMON GROUND" MODEL OF DIALOGUE

+ SUPPLIES A GUIDE FOR JOINT MEDITATION

+ ADHERES TO THE CHURCH'S MAGISTERIUM

+ EXPOSITS BUDDHIST TEACHINGS FOR CATHOLICS AND VICE VERSA

+ PROVIDES A RESOURCE FOR CATHOLIC AND BUDDHIST INTERFAITH DIRECTORS AND LAY PARTICIPANTS IN DIALOGUE

"Buddhist scholar and Catholic theologian Robert Magliola makes the convincing claim that an adaptation of some of Derrida's strategies makes it possible for Christians to affirm the positive role of Buddhist spiritual practice and teachings." --REV. WILLIAM SKUDLAREK, OSB, consultore, Pontifical Council for Interreligous Dialogue (Vatican)

"A new approach based not on samenesses but on 'founding and irreducible' differences." --FRA MATTEO NICOLINI-ZANI, coordinator, Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, Italy

"A substantial achievement. Magliola is radical as well as profoundly faithful to his own Catholic background." --GAVIN D'COSTA, prof. of Catholic theology, University of Bristol, U. K.

"Magliola is one of the great scholars of Derrida and Buddhism. This new book presents a philosophical foundation for understanding how Catholics can learn and receive from the differences of Buddhism." --DONALD W. MITCHELL, prof. of philosophy emeritus, Purdue University

"This book will be a key tool in grassroots Buddhist-Christian relations." --REV. JAMES LOUGHRAN, SA, director, Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute, N. Y.

"Magliola has brought to fulfillment a long path of formation in meditation under the guidance of recognized Buddhist masters in Asia and America. I certify that [he] is qualified to teach meditation [to Catholic clergy, Religious, laity] as transmitted in Zen and in other Oriental modes." --REV. L. MAZZOCCHI, SX, director, Vangelo e Zen, Xaverian Fathers, Italy

Magliola's exposition of Buddhist teachings and practices in Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana has been approved by VEN. BHIKKHU BODHI, pres., Buddhist Publishing Society (1988-2010), Sri Lanka; and VEN. DR. DHAMMADIPA (FA YAO), abbot, Chuang Yen Monastery, N. Y.

From Jacques Derrida's letter, July 6, 1997, to Robert Magliola, regarding Magliola's book On Deconstructing Life-Worlds (1997):

"What a magnificent book! . . . Your profundity, your boldness, and your independence amaze and impress me."

ROBERT MAGLIOLA (Ph. D. Princeton University), formerly chair prof., National Taiwan University and prof. of phil./religious studies, Assumption University (Thailand), has authored 3 earlier books -- all widely reviewed -- and many articles in hermeneutics, Derrida, and religion. A Carmelite lay tertiary, he is affiliated with the Vangelo e Zen community (Italy) and Ling Jiou Shan's Buddhist Center (N. Y.).