Jesuit Communications (JesCom) proudly presents its latest publication, Not Passing God Over: Introduction to Christian Vipassana Meditation by Fr. Toshihiro Yanagida, SJ. This groundbreaking book bridges Christian spirituality with the transformative practice of Vipassana meditation, offering readers a fresh perspective on encountering God in the present moment.
Fr. Toshihiro Yanagida, SJ, a Jesuit priest with decades of experience in spiritual direction, developed Christian Vipassana Meditation as a method of helping individuals cultivate awareness of God’s presence in the “here and now.” Drawing from his deep understanding of both Ignatian spirituality and Buddhist traditions, Fr. Yanagida introduces a meditation practice that integrates the mind, body, and spirit.
“Sometimes such busyness can overwhelm the mind, creating undue stress and suffering…But the truth is, the reason we cannot find God, even though we believe in God and seek God, is because we are always passing God over,” writes Fr. Yanagida in his preface. “When we become aware of our awareness without any judgments, our awareness overlaps with the awareness of agape love; it is the free and unconditional love that Jesus showed us.”
A Path to Inner Freedom and Spiritual Growth
The book explores Vipassana meditation, a practice rooted in Theravada Buddhism, which means “seeing clearly.” Fr. Yanagida adapts this method for Christians, guiding readers to be aware of their sensations, emotions, and thoughts without judgment. As the author explains, this nonjudgmental awareness cultivates inner freedom, detachment from ego-centeredness, and a peaceful mind—key foundations for spiritual transformation.
Fr. Yanagida emphasizes that true spiritual growth requires more than intellectual reflection. He describes that our experience of God must involve physiological, mental, and spiritual transformation. Through practical meditations such as body scanning, breathing exercises, and walking meditation, readers of Not Passing God Over will learn how to integrate mindfulness into daily life, awakening to God’s love in every moment.
Critical Acclaim and Global Relevance
Not Passing God Over has also received high praise from theologians and spiritual directors alike. Fr. Javier Melloni, SJ, Director of the Spiritual Center Cova Saint Ignatius in Manresa, Spain, describes it as containing “deep theological reflections (nourished by Japanese sources); it holds spiritual wisdom and it proposes a practical path. I consider it an important contribution for our global world, where we need to learn from the good qualities of each country and its spiritual traditions.”
As the Jubilee Year of Hope begins, Not Passing God Over is an inspiring guide for individuals seeking to deepen their relationship with God and live vibrantly amid the hectic pace of modern life.
Experience the transformative power of being present, finding inner peace, and discovering God’s unwavering love in the here and now.
Not Passing God Over: Introduction to Christian Vipassana Meditation is now available via the JesCom Online Shop (JOSH): https://jescom.ph/shop/
For more information, email us via sales@jescom.ph, or call 0929 864 9010 / 8-426-59-71 local 127
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