David Steindl-Rast

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Brother David Steindl-Rast, was born in Vienna, Austria in 1926, receiving his MA from the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts and his PhD from the University of Vienna (1952). He became a Benedictine monk in 1953 at Mt. Saviour Monastery in Pine City, New York. In 1966, he was officially delegated to pursue Buddhist-Christian dialogue and started the study of Zen. He continued creating bridges between Christian spirituality and eastern wisdom and, through interdisciplinary social commitment, contributing to understanding and peace in the world.

Brother David’s original thought has spawned significant research, from the first interfaith symposia (1972) comparing methods of meditation, to the modern scientific research in positive psychology as developed by Robert Emmons, Martin Seligman, and others. Among the vital findings which have forced changes in the scientific view of spiritual practice are: the role of gratefulness in political and altruistic action, the relationship between gratefulness and happiness, and the application of contemplative practice in character development and health. He is a member of the Lindisfarne Association.

Widely published as a writer, with more than 500 articles and 30 book chapters published, Brother David was included in The Best Spiritual Writing 1998 and cited in the 2002 volume. His books include Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer, The Music of Silence (with Sharon Lebell), Words of Common Sense, and Belonging to the Universe (co-authored with Fritjof Capra). His most recent achievement is co-founding A Network for Grateful Living, an organization dedicated to gratefulness as a transformative influence for individuals and society.

[edit] Bibliography

A selection of Brother David's Books:

  • 1984, Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness
  • 1991, Belonging to the Universe: Explorations on the Frontiers of Science and Spirituality, coauthored with Fritjof Capra and Thomas Matus
  • 1995, Music of Silence: A Sacred Journey through the Hours of the Day, coauthored with Sharon LeBell
  • 1996, The Ground We Share: Everyday Practice, Buddhist and Christian, coauthored with Robert Aitken
  • 1999, A Listening Heart: The Spirituality of Sacred Sensuousness
  • 2002, Words of Common Sense for Mind, Body and Soul

In addition Br. David has contributed to numerous works, including:

  • Introduction, Words of Gratitude for Mind, Body, and Soul, by Robert A. Emmons and Joanna Hill
  • Afterword, Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Reflect on the Rule of Saint Benedict, by Norman Fischer, Joseph Goldstein and Judith Simmer-Brown, edited by Yifa, and Patrick Henry
  • Foreword, Living Buddha, Living Christ, by Thich Nhat Hanh

[edit] References

Henry, Patrick et al., Benedict's Dharma: Buddhist Reflect on the Rule of Saint Benedict, Riverhead Books, New York, NY, pp. 222.

Lafevere, Patricia, "Spirituality of gratefulness begins with existential ‘Wow!’ at God’s giving," National Catholic Reporter, December 8, 2000, http://natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2000d/120800/120800v.htm.