I have been reading the Dalia Lama's,
the Simple Path. I've come to understand that to practice Buddhism is not to surrender my Christianity. On the contrary, Buddhism finds no need to increase its numbers or expand its influence, but rather suggests that we focus on the strengths of our own faith tradition, rather than its flaws. For Buddhism acknowledges that these other faiths have provided hope and given meaning to millions of people and therefore is a positive force in the world, despite what we (who seek faiths outside of their upbringing) may see as its shortcomings. So, Buddhism's first goal is to make me a better Christian.
It is this openness, denial of the ego-soul, and pacifist roots that perhaps provide a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ. To deny oneself, blessed are the poor, to set the captives free, we are made perfect in our weakness -- is this not the kingdom? Can this kingdom be understood from a western context immersed in geopolitical power?
My recent study of faith has taught me how our identity is shaped by our race, gender, nationalism, culture, and social economic status. These factors have a significant impact on how we think and view our world. By denying our own ego soul, Buddhism seeks to rise above these cultural influences. Is this not the path of Jesus Christ and his calling to us. Could it be that the creator and creation are meant to be as one--in intimate connection, inseparable, and indistinguishable from one another. Could it be that our implicit trust and belief in the existence of our own ego-soul is sin's power over us.
Buddhism starts from the pretext of denying the most important aspect of our identity--our own ego soul, and in doing so, may open a genuine understanding of the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed.
