Listening to the Light: How to Bring Quaker Simplicity and Integrity Into Our Lives

Quakers (formally known as the Society of Friends) do not have confessions defining their beliefs, but they are generally thought to belong within the broader Christian community. For example, Richard Foster, a popular writer coming out of the Quaker tradition, writes firmly within the bounds of Christian orthodoxy. Foster's readers may be taken aback to discover that Pym writes here as one who considers himself both Buddhist and Quaker, and that he identifies the Quaker ""inner light"" as just another name for the Zen ""Buddha Nature."" Given the Friends' long tradition of tolerance and egalitarianism, perhaps this is not astonishing, but nothing in the title or cover blurb informs the buyer about the book's Buddhist content. Pym, a founder of Britain's Friends Interfaith Group and a member of the Council of the Buddhist Society in London, relates his own experiences with the Quakers and describes what Quakers do and why. He discusses the Friends' history, worship and devotional habits, values and testimonies (public statements regarding pacifism and social justice). His suggestions for Quaker practice are aimed at both those who wish merely to add Quaker habits to their own spirituality and those considering joining the Society of Friends. At the end of the book, Pym provides contact addresses for those who want to pursue their interest. (Feb.)