Includes bibliographical references and index.

Pt. 1. The way of meditation. Zen and Hesychasm -- Transmission : the Samaritan woman -- The practice of Hesychast meditation : posture, orientation, breathing, invocation, centered in the heart -- Pt. 2. The way of compassion. What is a bodhisattva? -- The Dhammapada and the Gospels -- The vow of compassion -- The practice of compassion -- Impurities of the mind -- The five motivations : the "desire for the god-realms," the desire for awakening, "disinterested" desire, gratuity, sharing -- The four considerations taught by the Buddha : the same family, a community of destiny, impermanence, Buddha-nature -- The three attitudes : the king, the ferryman, the shepherd -- The six perfections, or the six paramitas -- Giving : the gift of material things, the gift of protection, the gift of love, the gift of loving-kindness, the gift of truth -- Discipline -- Three negative actions of the body : killing, taking what is not ours (theft), misuse of sexuality -- Three positive actions of the body : protection, giving, good use of sexuality (chastity) -- Four negative actions of speech : lying, ill will, insult, chatter -- Four positive actions of speech : speaking honestly, speaking for the good, maintaining a space of listening, speaking clearly and concisely -- Three negative actions of the mind : possessiveness, antagonism, fixating on concepts -- Three positive actions of the mind : satisfaction, goodwill, flexibility of mind -- Patience -- Energy -- Meditation -- Wisdom -- Epilogue: Between us : nothing.