another yoga and christianity commentary

[Thomas]

Wil:
... but isn't it that Buddhism is nontheist but just doesn't concern itself with the nature and existence of G-d?...
Yes - as I understand it.

Isn't it not that it believes or doesn't believe but that it concerns itself more with the seen and the here, than the unseen and the later?
Not sure on that one? If you take the idea of transcendance out of Buddhism, what's left beyond ethics? I could be oversimplifying – but what makes Buddhism distinctly not a pure humanist philosophy, in the sense of socio-ethic, is the Enlightenment is absolutely central?

But either way then, it counterpoints Christianity which is absolutely focussed on the nature and existence of God ... so in my view 'Buddhist Christianity' is one of a philosophical schizophrenia? Either you focus on a diualogue with the Divine (Christianity) or you don't (Buddhism).

Thomas

 

[wil]

I apologize for getting us involved in Buddhist/Christian confusion when we started in Hindi/Christian confusion.

But in both regards, while I know there are discrepancies, there are also similarities. Like when I work on a Japanese car or an American car, while I am dealing with metric and ase, I can still use the same ratchet, and extensions, just need to modify slightly when I deal with the nuance (socket) and my hammer, screwdriver, pliers all work with either.

We call Christianity a western religion, and for me I see in Jesus teachings a lot of eastern influence. I do not consider myself Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist...but an American Christian...but I love Indian, Chinese and Japanese foods...and their traditions provide me not only physical nourishment but food for thought as well.


As to the nature, existence and reality of G-d...we Christians have not come close to comig to terms on this issue. We range the entire gamut of possibilities...so in this respect I have to admire the concept of not arguing about, harping on the unknown and unanswerable and working with loving the unknown, loving my neighbor and loving my enemy....got a lifetime of work right there....

 

[Francis king]

nicely said, wil

 

[pattimax]

I could be oversimplifying – but what makes Buddhism distinctly not a pure humanist philosophy, in the sense of socio-ethic, is the Enlightenment is absolutely central?

But either way then, it counterpoints Christianity which is absolutely focussed on the nature and existence of God ... so in my view 'Buddhist Christianity' is one of a philosophical schizophrenia? Either you focus on a diualogue with the Divine (Christianity) or you don't (Buddhism).

Thomas

I said earlier that while I deeply appreciate your knowledge, I question your wisdom. But please remember,
I deeply appreciate your knowledge. That said, here is a wisdom question:
How do you define nirvana? (the goal of buddhism)

 

[pattimax]

I said earlier that while I deeply appreciate your knowledge, I question your wisdom. But please remember,
I deeply appreciate your knowledge. That said, here is a wisdom question:
How do you define nirvana? (the goal of buddhism)

I meant to address my question to Thomas.

Karen

 

[wil]

I meant to address my question to Thomas.

Karen

Yeah, I saw that. As I sit on the sidelines awaiting his answer. I know what my answer would be....oh it is so tough when a question is asked in an open forum not to answer....well for me anyhow....really doesn't matter I suppose...most of you would probably easily guess my answer.

Don't know exactly how the threadiquette works in this regard...I mean if I've had a personal question or one that I had for one person, I always PMdem. But then often the discussion turns into something we'd really rather have board input on...

 

[earl]

Another quite comprehensive website oriented primarily to Christian mysticism is James Arraj's INNER EXPLORATIONS

There he has posted online his book, "Christianity in the Crucible of East-West Dialogue." Quite a good one in looking at how Eastern mystical views relate to Christian ones, (from his Christian perspective), and has good chapters re specific pioneers in "brands" of Christian practice which incorporated aspects of Eastern views. His view remains distinctly Christian and sees the 2 perspectives as quite different. Yet at the end of his book he also says this:

"The core experience in both Christian mysticism and Eastern enlightenment appears to be the same. The vastly different means they use to attain the experience accounts for the central differences in expressions that we have been seeing."

earl

 

[pattimax]

Yeah, I saw that. As I sit on the sidelines awaiting his answer. I know what my answer would be....oh it is so tough when a question is asked in an open forum not to answer....well for me anyhow....really doesn't matter I suppose...most of you would probably easily guess my answer.

Don't know exactly how the threadiquette works in this regard...I mean if I've had a personal question or one that I had for one person, I always PMdem. But then often the discussion turns into something we'd really rather have board input on...

My apologies. Please feel free to answer.

 

[wil]

How do you define nirvana?

Please feel free to answer.

Cool, thanx, heaven on earth.

 

[Prober]

But either way then, it counterpoints Christianity which is absolutely focussed on the nature and existence of God ... so in my view 'Buddhist Christianity' is one of a philosophical schizophrenia? Either you focus on a diualogue with the Divine (Christianity) or you don't (Buddhism).

Thomas

I would say that with either, you focus on the "divinity" within you.
Both require killing the ego (or will) in one way or another.

 

[pattimax]

I would say that with either, you focus on the "divinity" within you.
Both require killing the ego (or will) in one way or another.

Christianity does not focus on "inner-divinity", it focuses on transforming the mind.

 

[wil]

Christianity does not focus on "inner-divinity", it focuses on transforming the mind.

Namaste Karen,

Come on now, you know that is the opinion of some Christians but with the variety we couldn't get all Christians that is the focus. Many Christians would say that they are looking at inner divinity (seeking not low or high), others would say they are focusing on their relationship with G-d, or Jesus, and some others would say why disagree, we are all saying the same thing...simply from differing points of reference...

 

[taijasi]

Was it not St. Paul who spoke of "Christ in you, the Hope of Glory"?

I believe it helpful to look for, and acknowledge this, whether or not another person sees it ... in others, even in themselves.

 

[pattimax]

Namaste Karen,

Come on now, you know that is the opinion of some Christians but with the variety we couldn't get all Christians that is the focus. Many Christians would say that they are looking at inner divinity (seeking not low or high), others would say they are focusing on their relationship with G-d, or Jesus, and some others would say why disagree, we are all saying the same thing...simply from differing points of reference...

Greetings wil,
Well some Christians need to refocus on being Christians.

They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:15


... not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable will of God. Roman12:2

AS much as the world would love it, God is not taking opinion polls.

 

[pattimax]

I would say that with either, you focus on the "divinity" within you.
Both require killing the ego (or will) in one way or another.

I DO understand what you are saying. You cannot transform an empty mind. (Goal of buddhism) The term is Zen-Christian.

 

[pattimax]

Was it not St. Paul who spoke of "Christ in you, the Hope of Glory"?

I believe it helpful to look for, and acknowledge this, whether or not another person sees it ... in others, even in themselves.

Yes, but that is not focusing on you. That is the difference. I understand what you're saying.

 

[pattimax]

Cool, thanx, heaven on earth.

What if this life is just a dress rehearsal?

 

[wil]

What if this life is just a dress rehearsal?

If by this you mean this plane of existence is where we learn things in 3d which will better suit us for the next plane of existence...I agree.

I don't see where those focusing on the divine within is focusing on oneself, rather it is focusing on the bringing that divine to the surface.

- Namaste- The Christ in me recognizes and honors the Christ in you.

Being able to understand that G-d is everywhere, and that spark of light exists within each one of us, to me seems to coincide with both eastern and western principles.

Now again you are referring to Buddhist principles here...Is the Christian that is concerned that stretching and breathing in patterns which are designed to improve physical and mental capacity going to turn them into Hindi, Buddhist or both? Or that simply building their body temple in this regard will have some sort of tendency to pull them away from Christ's teachings?

I cannot speak for everyone, (or maybe not even anyone), but my explorations brought me full circle and while I completely honor other religions, and have an interest and desire for interfaith dialogue and study, I am a Christian, my mentor, elder brother and a wayshower is Jesus. And my understanding and dedication to this path is all the more powerful due to my understanding of the ways of others. As I have a lot to learn in all regards I expect it to do nothing but grow.

 

[pattimax]

If by this you mean this plane of existence is where we learn things in 3d which will better suit us for the next plane of existence...I agree.

I don't see where those focusing on the divine within is focusing on oneself, rather it is focusing on the bringing that divine to the surface.

- Namaste- The Christ in me recognizes and honors the Christ in you.

Being able to understand that G-d is everywhere, and that spark of light exists within each one of us, to me seems to coincide with both eastern and western principles.

Now again you are referring to Buddhist principles here...Is the Christian that is concerned that stretching and breathing in patterns which are designed to improve physical and mental capacity going to turn them into Hindi, Buddhist or both? Or that simply building their body temple in this regard will have some sort of tendency to pull them away from Christ's teachings?

I cannot speak for everyone, (or maybe not even anyone), but my explorations brought me full circle and while I completely honor other religions, and have an interest and desire for interfaith dialogue and study, I am a Christian, my mentor, elder brother and a wayshower is Jesus. And my understanding and dedication to this path is all the more powerful due to my understanding of the ways of others. As I have a lot to learn in all regards I expect it to do nothing but grow.

What you said works in the p.c. realm, but it is not what God said in His book. We were not given instructions to focus on the divine in ourselves, we were told to keep our focus on Christ. Why not do it in any activity? You can fool yourself by having all around you agree with you because what you are saying sounds so well-mannered, polite, and culturally broad minded, it doesn’t matter that it is the farthest thing from the truth. You tend to lull yourself into a false sense of security about eternal life.

Yes, God is everywhere, but that spark of light is only for those focused on Jesus Christ. I know that sounds so blatant and culturally blunt, but it is not. These philosophies that you are touting (or at least trying to understand) were developed long before these cultures knew the good news about Jesus Christ. God has given us this beautiful gift and it is up to us to accept it. He does want you to tell people about it. Living and loving with grace are benefits that are only temporary; please do not kid yourself.

Sincerely, Karen

Ps. I learned the definition of nirvana was no thoughts. Heaven?… scary.

 

[pattimax]

I meant not to focus on the divine within.