christianity and buddhism only differs in philosophy and theology. The practice of closing one's eyes and going inward for the truth has been the foundation of the two teachings. When people pray to Jesus or God, what do they pray for? Most people pray for good fortune and wealth. That's all good and well and sometimes your prayers will be answered. But If you pray for the welfare of other people, the whole world, the whole universe with all your heart, that's Metta meditation. Buddhist use the breath as their common meditation object. You can use God as your meditation object. Many christian mystics has seen enlightenment through deep prayers and focused attention to that ONE object in their prayers. They focus on God, and keep focusing on God, until their mind settles down. Until the feeling of energy and rapture fills their body which they call it the initiation to God. They turn their attention away from the concept of God to that feeling of the rapture of God. The feeling of rapture then dies down to a calm joyful feeling that's like the love of God. They turn their attention to that now. The emotional happiness that God provides for them. Then the feeling of contentment and satisfaction arises that is like the fulfillment of God, like He has taken care of everything for you and for once, you are not burdened by anything, just in the warmth of HIS presence. Then you let go of everything that is YOU and fall with trust that GOD will catch you and you descend and descend until you come to a stop and you become ONE with GOD. All worldy matters are subsided and there is only GOD, no you, no mind, no body, no world, no universe, just GOD! Emerging from these experiences, the christian mystics develop the ability to gain insight into all things and slowly transform their lives from ordinary to the Sainthood.
Anyways, i've just described the 4 jhanas for you (in christian terms)..lol
But don't feel like moving away from God means you're growing up or staying with God means you're childish. Believe me, there are many people who don't depend on god and are more evil and deluded than many christians.
There's nothing wrong with the belief in God, or devotion to God. What's wrong is what people do in accordance to it, via Kill in his name, use God or the devil as a scapegoat for their sufferings, use God to create fear for other people, condemn other people for not believing in God.
If believing in God can make you a kinder person, make you more generous, make you less materialistic and more in tune with your inner being, make you less judgemental, and make you be honest with yourself, then I don't see anything wrong with it.
In fact, i agree with Jesus when he said, "You cannot serve 2 masters, God or the worldly life".
Hence, if you go with God, then GO WITH GOD! but do it whole-heartedly! Don't blend god with money, fame, love, etc. When people do that, that's why christianity gets corrupted.
2007-01-03
14:48:55
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7 answers
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Anger eating demon
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Religion & Spirituality