Jesuit and Zen Master

Hugo Lassalle (1898-1990), who later took the name Enomiya-Lassalle, was a German Jesuit stationed in mission to Japan. There he survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and became deeply engaged in the exploration and practice of Zen, which he believed was compatible with Christian faith. He became the pioneer of this dialogue, giving rise to a whole school of Christian-Zen dialogue/practice and, despite many struggles, winning approval from the Vatican.Ursula Baatz