Buddhist Meditation and Christian Contemplation: Stories of Mutual Enrichment

Taught by Dr Elizabeth Harris

This illuminating eight-part course explores the rich and evolving dialogue between two great contemplative traditions—Buddhist meditation and Christian contemplation. Drawing on a lifetime of scholarship and interfaith engagement, Dr Elizabeth Harris guides us through key texts, figures, and moments of mutual influence, resonance, and misunderstanding.

Session Overview

Session One: The place of meditation in Buddhism and contemplation in Christianity

Session Two: Developments within Buddhist meditation and Christian contemplation

Session Three: The encounter between Buddhism and Christianity

Session Four: Case Study: Buddhist meditation in the Pali texts and St John of the Cross

Session Five: Case Study: The appeal of Meister Eckhart to Buddhists

Session Six: Contemporary Dialogues – Buddhists encountering Christian contemplation

Session Seven: Contemporary Dialogues – Christians encountering Buddhist meditation

Session Eight: Looking into the future