Editors' Introduction

As editors, we always take great delight in preparing each issue of the journal because we know that there is almost always something for everyone: The field of Buddhist-Christian studies is rich and broad, with continually developing methodologies, expansive and creative dialogue partners, and fresh perspectives on historical and political contexts all around the world. These analyses have practical ramifications for life in the world today.

These realities are on full display in this issue of the journal. For example, the articles in this issue include several that offer a variety of perspectives on the thought of Thich Nhat Hanh for the sake of a more peaceful and just world. Another article examines whether and how certain interpretations of Theravāda Buddhist doctrines can lead to racist practices and policies. Yet another article looks at the current realities of Buddhist chaplains in the United States, both what they can offer in terms of a unique perspective on spiritual care and also the ways in which they are discriminated in a system that has been so dominated by Christian practitioners. And this is only the beginning. We hope that you will enjoy the breath of perspectives—scholarly, reflective, and practical—evidenced by this issue's outstanding authors.

The first article is from Trent Pomplun, titled "Incarnation and Manifestation: A Franciscan-Augustinian Approach to Mahāyāna Theology." This article treats the issue of embodiment, looking at doctrines of the Buddha's three bodies and focusing on early Christian sources, as well as several theologians in the Franciscan-Augustinian tradition. The next article, titled "Shinjin, Faith, and Sacramental Metaphysics," by Thomas Richard Plant, delves into the tendency to translate the Shinran's concept of shinjin with the English word "faith." Even the early Jesuits saw parallels between Shinran's teachings and Protestant doctrines of "faith." Plant argues that care must be taken not to overlay shinjin with the entire doctrinal and linguistic structures that the word "faith" connotes. Following this, in his article, "Sixth-Century Chinese Manuscript Sheds Light on the Transferability of Merit and Suffering and on the Intersection of Politics and Religion," Harry Miller describes the actions of Emperor Wu of the Liang dynasty, who utilized Buddhism to improve his political position. In addition to the analysis, a full transcription and translation of the document are also included.

In "There Is Nothing to Acquire: Comparing the Unborn Mind and the Silent Land," Chad Thralls compares zazen and Christian contemplative practices, such as a centering prayer, examining the role that each practice plays in its broader religious context. He focuses specifically on the teachings of Japanese Zen master Bankei Yotaku and Christian theologian Martin Laird. Elizabeth Harris takes us to Sri Lanka as she explores various aspects of the concept of ariya to probe the question of how discrimination based on race functioned in colonial Ceylon, particularly under the influence of Christian missionary discourse on Buddhism. Her article is titled "Buddhism, Aryan Discourse, Racism, and the Influence of Christianity in Colonial Ceylon."

In "Comparative Theology as a Postcolonial Hermeneutics: A Global Historical Approach to the Encounter between Augustinian Christianity and Tiantai Buddhism," Eunyoung Hwang argues that more contemporary interpretations of early traditions in both Buddhism and Christianity can suggest positive new insights. The article relies on the thought of Martin Heidegger, Hannah Arendt, Teruji Ishizu (石津 照璽), and Keiji Nishitani (西谷 啓治) in particular.

Monica Sanford takes a very practical approach in her article, "Suffering, Self, and Structures: Remarks for Buddhist-Christian Thought and Spiritual Care." She focuses on the practical work of spiritual care and notes several of the important contributions Buddhist chaplains make in the context of their work, even though they are often marginalized, invalidated, and discounted by their Christian colleagues.

There are four articles in this issue that focus on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. The first is by Mobi Warren, a poet and puppeteer who served as a full-time volunteer with Thắy for several years and also translated several of his books into English, including The Miracle of Mindfulness. Her article is less of a traditional scholarly paper and more "a reflection, part memoir, part...