This work is a fascinating analysis of a timeless and timely topic. It treats of the monastic fact both phenomenologically and philosophically, reflecting on the contemporary role of monasticism in the acute issue of dialogue among major religions, especially between Buddhism and Christianity. Hardy"s approach is refreshingly open to the challenge of religious pluralism; at the same time, it is conscientiously honest in stating the limits of dialogical discourse when it comes to religious truth claims. Monastic Quest and Interreligious Dialogue is at once thought provoking, sobering, and inspiring.