The former priest Paul Knitter described the influence of this figure on his faith in a book titled Without [this figure], I Could Not Be A Christian. The essay “Welcoming Flowers” (15[1])attacked Pope John Paul II for poorly explaining the views of this figure, which he called a “negative soteriology” in his book Crossing the Threshold of Hope. The work of Thomas Merton inspired a book titled “Living [this figure], Living Christ,” written by one of the founders of (*) Plum Village. (10[1])Stories of this figure (10[1])inspired a tale where the hermit Barlaam convinces Josaphat to become a Christian, likely referencing (10[1])when this man left his father’s palace (10[1])and saw an old person, a sick person, and a corpse. For 10 points, name this founder of a religion practiced by Thich Nhat Hanh (“TICK NAHT HAHN”) and the Dalai Lama. ■END■