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Living Buddha Living Christ
Has anyone ever read this? I'm reading it and Thich Nhat Hanh keeps talking about Jesus as if he actually was a divine god, and the Holy Spirit is what the Bible says it is.
Is Thich Nhat Hanh a christian as well as a buddhist?
Is Thich Nhat Hanh a christian as well as a buddhist?
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I've read portions of that book; I was gifted an abridged version. I noticed that he spoke contextually within the beliefs of Christianity, not really because he was subscribed to the beliefs themselves, but it appeared to me that he was describing the resonance between the two. I imagine Hanh has a right view of the teachings, which would guide him to speak rightly within the syntax, if that makes any sense.
With warmth,
Matt
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Zen master who considers both Buddha and Jesus Christ as his spiritual ancestors. In his book describes both men as profound teachers who preached about love, compassion, and peace. The message of the book is that we don't have to focus on our religious differences, but rather our similarities. We can all touch the essence, the "living Buddha" or "living Christ" in our hearts.
If I spoke French, I would love to go there! He is an amazing teacher and a wonderful author. All of his books are a joy to read and are extremely insightful. I have learned so much from him, and I hope he keeps writing for a long time to come!
it's a multi-national centre.
If everyone was required to speak French, they wouldn't get many visitors, would they?
A good phrase-book would cover the other basic rudiments....
My own Root guru often refers to Jesus as a Bodhisattva.
Its always better not to cross Philosophies, Perhapes out of interest in drawing a comparision to similarities to create a more harmonious understanding, But if a Buddhist begins suggesting such a thing it would be wise to remember that Buddhism doesnt endorse creator gods, Its known as wrong view.
I found this from The energy of prayer
and hope it will support those who want harmony between peoples
it is by Thich Nhat Hahn
When we can see that we and all living beings
are one of the same nature,
how can there be division between us?
How can there be lack of harmony.
Are we not all one with God with Buddha
so how can there be division?
The deepest desire of a practitioner
is to be in touch with the ultimate dimensions.
I have to say it's a wonderful enthusiasm you have.
Namasta from Janet
I know I am new here and do not want to offend another. I like to share what is in my heart and would not want to step on toes, if I have then I am sorry for that was not my intention. I hope my words are received here.
As far as I can see the view about Mythology biblical or others wise is not the same as the living truth which the Buddha speaks about. Attainment of truth is available now and this matches with the Christ when he said Regard what is in front of you. From the Gospels of Thomas.
All paths lead to where we stand, paths are many truth is one. Trust truth of being alive and walking forward gently on the way. I think we can all fall and we can all be exalted but the humility of spiritual messages can keep us steady on the path of daily practice. especially meditation.
All paths lead to one ? I wouldnt say this is so. Some paths lead to the higher realms, others lead to liberation, and others lead to enlightenment, although all 3 grounds for accomplishment imput similar concepts which are needed to accomplish them. Because everyone is individual it is reconmended that one take one road only, It would be rather like a traveler being faced with 3 directions and choosing to walk all 3 ( But because he/she only possess one body he/she cannot do all 3 at once ) while we rejoice in the positive minds being taught to those who engage in spiritual paths we must be mindful of our own, sure aspects of teachings might be useful in refereance to compliment our own practise, But the path one takes is already a complete vehcile to where we wish to travel.
Case in point....me.
I am a Pure Land Buddhist. I do not however believe there is literally a Pure Land with a Buddha emitting rays of light. I do not beleive that literally eons ago there was a bodhisattva named Dharmakara who made 48 vows, meditated for 10 kalpas and attained enlightenment establishing said Pure Land.
I think it is a story. I think the clue is in the actual meanings:
Dharmakara = storehouse of truth
Amida (Amitabha/Amitayus) = infinite light/infinite life
Buddha = perfectly awakened
Sukhavati (the Pure Land) = utmost bliss.
So the practice of Nembutsu is being embraced by perfectly awakened infinite light and life, which leads to being "born into" utmost bliss.
Why is this presented as relying on an external Buddha?
I think those familiar with Soto Zen and Shikan-taza will be able to relate to this.
1. If I am not striving to attain enlightenment, (which would make enlightenment just another craving as in the 2nd noble truth) but wholly relying on Amida, it completely takes my ego out of it, and quickly and easily facilitates "letting go"
2. If I am assured enlightenment at the end of this life, again it facilitate letting go of striving for enlightenment.
Now obviously Soto Zen does not utilize Amida Buddha for these things, but the end result ends up the same. Much of what I have said about Jodo Shinshu (and congratulations to those who are still reading this post!
When we see these stories as stories, it allows us to see the similarities, and religion becomes much like music...every culture has it's own. It always serves the same purpose. No one can really say one music is more correct than another, so you listen to the music that speaks to you most deeply.
When we see the stories as hard fact, we see only division between religions and are forced to declare one is better than another.
I think fundamentalist or literal interpretations can function just as well within a given religion (Pure Land Buddhists who think there really is a Pure Land etc. get the same result as me) so it isn't an altogether terrible thing, but it does tend to foster difficult relations between different religions....obviously.
I also think that for those of us who have in fact traveled different paths at one time or other (I've practiced Christianity, Hinduism (Vedanta and Vaishevism), Soto Zen, and Jodo Shinshu in my lifetime) we are more inclined to see the similarities hiding behind the metaphors.
I do agree though that it is generally best for a person to choose a path of practice, and stay on that path, at least until it no longer serves it's purpose.
All that said...I also think TNH was engaging in some smart marketing by not scaring the Christians off of reading his books
This is how I feel about Jesus as well! When I pray I think of him as "the Bodhisattva Jesus Christ."
Dear friend what would you say of masters who beleive this to be literally true ? There are many practitoners within my own tradition who beleive by using the methods of Amitbha Buddha they in turn will be born into Sukhavati pureland but do not ascribe the Non literal translation you do to it. Im not saying that your indentification with it in this aspect is not valid but i beleive as others that the pureland is a place free from obstruction where one is able to eventually acheive enlightenment.
Yes, Yes !
Jesus Perfomed the Bodhisattva's action of performing Taking and giving upon the cross what a perfect action of pacifying negative karma
My favorite book By Hahn is "The Diamond that cuts through illusion" it is his commentaries on the Diamond Sutra and it has a different tone, more involved, than his other books,
I just happen to feel that the reality of this is far beyond what we could conceive, but it is presented to us in a form that we can conceive. If I'm wrong...that's ok because I am still embraced by Amitabha.
Alas that so many Christians fail to read or take in what Saint Paul says about all being reconciled in Christ or Jesus saying that none is lost. As I read the Christian scriptures, grace (the free gift) is poured out on all creation so all is saved. Bad luck for those who want to gloat over or patronise the 'damned'.
Perhapes this sounds like a good theory do you have any evidence for it though ?
My interpretation is quite common in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Even among ministers you will find many who favour a metaphorical interpretation (the majority I have encountered) and some who favour a more literal interpretation. However all Jodo Shinshu Buddhists would agree that literal or metaphorical, Amida embraces us.
Really it is not so much an argument on the existance of Perfectly Awakened infinite light and life (Amitabha), or a state of utmost bliss (Sukhavati), just on the form of these things, and of course...form is emptiness, emptiness is form.
My view is heavily influenced by this from Shinran who is the founder of Jodo Shinshu. (read jinen as the word Suchness if you like,.... also my bolding, ):
This is from the Collected Works of Shinran found here:
http://www.shinranworks.com/hymns/shozomatsuwasan8.htm
I don't know if that gives you evidence, so much as maybe a deeper explanation of my thoughts, with support from Shinran. Our Theravadin friends would call into the doubt the three Pure Land Sutras, so even they are not any form of irrefutable evidence. So really the only evidence I could offer what I feel when reciting the nembutsu.
Also I am nothing special, so you certainly don't need to feel I have some authority on this.
BTW I was not posting this interpretation in any attempt to make you or anyone agree with me. It was actually in the context of the idea that metaphorical interpretations of religion, tends to make for an easier relationship between them. I think few fundamentalist Christians would agree with Thich Nhat Hanh's thoughts on Jesus.
I don't think there is much more I can say on this.:)
It was quite an experience and yes it's about love, peace and being in the present moment.
One of the great things about Thich Nhat Hanh is that he encourages everyone to go back to their roots (Judaism, Christians etc...) and practice them alongside the teachings of the Buddha. There is no reason why Buddhism cannot co-exist with one's religion or past history.
I do not follow any religion although I was born a catholic, yet I find this a great approach to encourage people to simply be mindful, and embrace Buddhism within their lives.
Ivan
I stumbled upon this article this evening:
http://www.nembutsu.info/tokusuny.htm
now it isn't exactly a discussion of literal interpretations of the Pure Land Sutras, rather it comes sort of from the other direction; Zen criticism of PL for being theistic, and not teaching "Shunyata".
It is answered in this article, showing that Amida is suchness with form, which leads us to the formless, and thus Shunyata.
Actually a pretty interesting read!