Enlightened Contemporaries: Three Great Spiritual Teachers of Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam and Why They Inspire Us Today

Book Description

In an era marked by division and upheaval, three extraordinary spiritual teachers emerged in the thirteenth century, each offering profound wisdom that transcends religious boundaries. Steve Kanji Ruhl brings together the remarkable stories of Francis of Assisi, the beloved Christian saint, Dogen, the influential Zen Buddhist master, and Rumi, the celebrated Islamic Sufi poet, revealing how their parallel journeys can illuminate our own spiritual seeking today.

These three luminaries shared more than just a turbulent historical moment. Each discovered ways to weave mystical encounters with the divine into daily existence, creating teachings that continue to resonate across cultures and centuries. Ruhl skillfully demonstrates how their approaches to spiritual love, our relationship with nature, embodiment, the sacred feminine, and the delicate balance between solitude and engagement offer timeless guidance for contemporary seekers.

Rather than treating these figures as distant icons, this interfaith exploration presents them as complex, fully human individuals who wrestled with doubt, transformation, and the challenges of their time. Through careful scholarship presented in accessible, lyrical prose, readers discover how Christian, Buddhist, and Islamic mystical traditions complement and enrich one another.

For those drawn to spiritual growth that honors multiple wisdom traditions, this comparative study offers fresh perspectives on ancient truths, inviting readers to deepen their own understanding while finding inspiration in the enduring relevance of these three remarkable teachers.