Namaste InLove,
thank you for the thoughtful reply.
InLove said:
Vaj, you asked me about whether I was introduced to these thoughts through meditation. I suppose one could call it meditation, but it seems more like a state of being to me.
when a being is sufficiently practiced with various meditational techniques, the experience does not leave when one gets up from the cushion.. it is maintained throughout all states of awareness.. there is a popular Zen Mondo about a butcher who reveals the nature of concentration to a new monk simply by his concentration on his task.
I guess I might describe it as “praying constantly”. But there is no set formula to these prayers most of the time, save that the Name of Jesus is always present—but it isn’t Christ to whom I pray. It is through Him, and I see Him as my constant Companion, because of the Holy Spirit of God.
i'm unclear on the significance of the word "Companion".. i.e. why the capitalzation.. does this term have some special significance in your understanding?
Anyway, as far as the “established Christian traditions of meditation” go, I find it terribly limiting, and nearly impossible to fit sincerely and neatly into any particular pocket of Christian theology (and this is most definitely not from a lack of effort!), or to experience prayer any less than all the time.
you've investigated the Franciscians and the meditational teachings of the Desert Fathers and found them lacking? interesting. for any other reader, this link may be of some interest:
The World Community for Christian Meditation
I am aware that sometimes I sound quite fundamentalist to many liberals, but at the same time, most fundamentalists seem to think I am a radical liberal. So where and when do I rest? Where can I live? The answer is “in the present moment”.
i find myself in the same position, quite often
The best guess I have about the reason for this is that in the Pureland Tradition, there seems to be a particular emphasis on (I hope I say this correctly) kyosei. From what I understand, this is about the idea of us all being born together. So, even though I may face physical death apparently alone, I am connected with others. And we are basically all One.
i'll only say this about that... Buddhism does not teach Monoism.. all things are not One... this is a particular school of Buddhist thought and one which, if i may, is somewhat "unorthodox" in its approach.
at the same time, we say that each sentient being is precisely equal, in that all wish to live happy lives free of suffering and hardship and, from this point of view, all beings are considered as equal to oneself.
if, as you are saying, all beings are One, then it would follow that no being would be reborn through karma as the Buddha stopped that. however, we see that the Buddha doesn't say that this is so.. in point of fact, each being must continue on the path, aided by the Sangha and other wise beings but it is we, and we alone, that must Cross to the Other Shore.
There is purpose in physical death, and it is beneficial, not only to me, but to “posterity”. The reasons for this may be explained differently in Buddhism than in Christianity, but in me there is no conflict here.
all arisen phenomena contain within the seeds for their eventual decomposition.. or, to say it another way; all compounded things decay.
[/quote]
But I feel certain that Amida walks in compassion, and at present, I see no threat for me from this vision.
InPeace,
InLove[/quote]
just curious.. in what manner have you determined that the being manifesting to you is Buddha Amida?
metta,
~v