World religions and the christian faith

[Onesiphorus]

Before I can respond further can you please explain

1..do you practice Yoga ?

2..do you believe reiki is physical healing

3...what form of buddhism do you adhere to

I do have buddhist friends in Singapore who call themselves christians who carry out ancestor worship from their chinese origins as well as believe buddhist beliefs , so you can see why I get confused sometimes , my daughter also lived with a buddhist family in Nepal for some months , so I do have a practical knowledge of the love and warmth of such people but we are not spiritual relatives , no way no how

I will reply to your queries regarding the spiritual dangers of reiki and yoga and my advice to your priest is stop it now .

I do apologise for confusing HInduism and Buddhism as I quite often do , my apologies , its like someone I was speaking to from Israel last week who when discussing my faith said I was Catholic , so I fully appreciate the correction

Your signature of Tara (Star in Sanskrit ) Maiden , does that not refer to a buddhist deity ,the goddess of universal compassion , and prior to buddhism you will find that Tara was worshipped in Hinduism as a manifestaton of the goddess Parvati , compounding my confusion on Hinduism ans Buddhism



this is not personal and the comments are not aimed at you , with reference to Eden

[TaraMaiden]

Before I can respond further can you please explain

1..do you practice Yoga ?

No.

2..do you believe reiki is physical healing

No.

3...what form of buddhism do you adhere to

I am Theravadan which uses the most original and authenticated writings in Buddhism, available.

I do have buddhist friends in Singapore who call themselves christians who carry out ancestor worship from their chinese origins as well as believe buddhist beliefs , so you can see why I get confused sometimes

Buddhism in the Far East is far more confusing due to different influences, brought about by cultural customs and travelling merchants and missionaries, so yes, I know it's confusing.

my daughter also lived with a buddhist family in Nepal for some months , so I do have a practical knowledge of the love and warmth of such people but we are not spiritual relatives , no way no how

Why would you say that?
You see, they would not say that.
They would say that whatever your religion is, if you have love in your heart and compassion, then you would be kinsfolk....
But I fully take on board that it's far easier for a Buddhist to say that of a Christian than it is for a Christian to say that of a Buddhist....

I will reply to your queries regarding the spiritual dangers of reiki and yoga and my advice to your priest is stop it now .

I doubt he's listen to you. he's been doing it for 35 years....

I do apologise for confusing HInduism and Buddhism as I quite often do , my apologies , its like someone I was speaking to from Israel last week who when discussing my faith said I was Catholic , so I fully appreciate the correction

No problem. It's an easy mistake to make....

Your signature of Tara (Star in Sanskrit ) Maiden , does that not refer to a buddhist deity ,the goddess of universal compassion , and prior to buddhism you will find that Tara was worshipped in Hinduism as a manifestaton of the goddess Parvati , compounding my confusion on Hinduism ans Buddhism

Tara is a bit of an obscure figure, in that her identity is fragmented....she is known by different names... she is known as Kwan Yin in Chinese, and Kannon in Japanese. The essence is not necessarily who she is - it matters little really - but what she embodies. Compassion, Assistance, support and immediate comfort to those in need. If I could manifest a fingernail-ful of what she represents, I would be pleased....
I am Theravadan, which is a different tradition to Mahayanan, completely. So I do not ascribe any views to deities, gods, different buddhas or figures of veneration....many Mahayanan Traditions do.

this is not personal and the comments are not aimed at you , with reference to Eden

I take nothing personally at all.
Unless someone actually tells me I'm a plank.
Then I might feel somewhat aggrieved.

For the plank, that is......

[Onesiphorus]

[eddybear]

Speaking from a Buddhist perspective, Buddhism is the only one of the World Major Religions* that does not ascribe to an Almightly single omnipotent Deity.

Maybe I'm being ignorant here, but I thought Hinduism doesn't believe in a single omnipotent deity, but rather in lots of gods.

Consider Thomas Merton.

Interesting that you mention Thomas Merton. I have not yet read anything by him, but I have read several books where people quote him favourably. It seems that those Christians within the monastic / mystical /contemplative tradition are far more open to such things than those from a more evangelical persuasion. (I have a foot in each camp.....doing the splits can be painful at times!).

It seems to me that there are 2 opposite dangers for a Christian here. One is being drawn away, following things that in themselves may or may not be bad, but which nevertheless take the focus away from Jesus. At the end of the day, Christianity is a living relationship with the risen Christ, and I sincerely believe that nothing can compare with knowing - not knowing about, but knowing - the love of Jesus.

But the opposite danger (which I believe is less of a danger, but a danger nonetheless) is a rejection of anything mystical / contemplative as evil. True, there are things that Christians would do very well to avoid. But quiet reflection on the Scriptures, being still in the presence of Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to write his love on our hearts, are good things, that in today's noisy world I believe we Christians could benefit greatly from.

And I think it is in the focus that I see the main difference between Christian meditation and Buddhist meditation. The former has a focus outside of ourselves, i.e. Jesus, which the latter is sadly lacking.

[Onesiphorus]

I do not wish to consider Thomas Merton thanks , as my instructions for life are not found in the writings of a humanist/mystic :I use humanist/mystic in the popular sense; because as christians we are all spiritual and there are christian spiritual mystical truths , but by the Holy Ghost and found in the scriptures , Scriptures dictate my values not humanistic philosophies no matter how enticing they sound .

CHrist is my Lord and my Savior , Christ is my mediator and The Word of God is my Manual

I do not have to strive for perfection of self ,or ego in complete uncertainty, I have the assurances of God that I already have perfection not by my striving but by Christ Jesus

I do not need eastern type meditation because as a Christian I can rest in the peace I have in Christ in the firm knowledge I am equipped not by what I do or do not do but by what Christ has already done.

One question TM ..why do you meditate ...what is the purpose for you a Buddhist in meditation

[TaraMaiden]

Maybe I'm being ignorant here, but I thought Hinduism doesn't believe in a single omnipotent deity, but rather in lots of gods.

Permit me to clarify.
Some traditions of Buddhism also have gods, dakinis and devas.... but we consider these to be as impermanent as human beings. They are subject to the same laws of impermanence as anything else. Other religions (including Hinduism) consider their deities to be permanent.
We don't.
Everything has an ending.

It seems to me that there are 2 opposite dangers for a Christian here. One is being drawn away, (...)But the opposite danger (which I believe is less of a danger, but a danger nonetheless) is a rejection of anything mystical / contemplative as evil.

It's a shame people tend to look more at what they fear (as evil) as opposed to immediately seeing what is not fearful or good.

And I think it is in the focus that I see the main difference between Christian meditation and Buddhist meditation. The former has a focus outside of ourselves, i.e. Jesus, which the latter is sadly lacking.

Well, meditation has been around for a long time.
Christians have adopted it as a practice named thus, but have always sat in quiet contemplation.
What you are doing, is being still and awating the small voice of Calm....
In Buddhism, we do the same.
We practice Samhadi and Vipassana.... forms of meditation which flow into one another. Stilling the mind, and Insight....

Really, if you then try to decipher, or be fixated on outside/inside...it defeats the object.
Just sit, and be still.
Christians who align themselves with Buddhism as a form of discipline don't worry whence the peace comes from. In this day and age, they rejoice that it's there at all!

[TaraMaiden]

I do not wish to consider Thomas Merton thanks , as my instructions for life are not found in the writings of a humanist/mystic :I use humanist/mystic in the popular sense; because as christians we are all spiritual and there are christian spiritual mystical truths , but by the Holy Ghost and found in the scriptures , Scriptures dictate my values not humanistic philosophies no matter how enticing they sound .

Listen,. you opened this thread - and I quote -

not as a negative thing , but for balance , because we agree to include in our membership friends from across the world from a number of beliefs philosophies and denominations

So if you opened it for balance, would it not be logical for you to 'consider' what I have mentioned? have you even read the links and learnt about what I have posted? Thomas merton was a Monk. How can you have a balanced view if you blinker your eyes and close your ears to other words?

CHrist is my Lord and my Savior , Christ is my mediator and The Word of God is my Manual

fine, you're convinced, I'm convinced. your faith is strong.
What's your problem?

I do not have to strive for perfection of self ,or ego in complete uncertainty, I have the assurances of God that I already have perfection not by my striving but by Christ Jesus

Yes, but how often do you practice perfection?
As a sinner you have to seek God's divine forgiveness constantly.
The thing is to be alert and mindful at all times.
Buddhism teaches this. Christianity teaches this.
See? there are more similarities than you think!

I do not need eastern type meditation because as a Christian I can rest in the peace I have in Christ in the firm knowledge I am equipped not by what I do or do not do but by what Christ has already done.

Eastern-type meditation, as you call it, has been practised in the West for as long as people have prayed.
Onesiphorus, please. before saying you will do this, or won't do that - try to do some research.... You know, I love speaking with you, but I have the advantage. I know a great deal about biblical matters and christian ethics, AND Buddhism.
So I could discuss from both points of view. You can't come into a thread like this and tie one hand behind your back.

This is classifc fear.
"If I begin to study or learn about other traditions, satan might come in and tempt me to stray!"

If your faith is strong enough - and I think it is - then this is a senseless thought.

Put it this way.
Satan might be putting that very thought into your head to keep you ignorant of other traditions, because the more you learn of them, the more you can Marvel at God's creative wonder, and see what diversity he has within his kingdom and on earth.
For you, God's power has no limit.
So open up, and learn something new.

One question TM ..why do you meditate ...what is the purpose for you a Buddhist in meditation

To still the mind, calm the thoughts and gain peace, serenity and inner joy.

Why would you NOT meditate?

Onesiphorus:
Instead of standing in your corner and thinking you need to defend yourself, let us simply discuss the differences - but also the similarities - of our two practices.
otherwise, this very thread that you created, will be steered into "sect-bashing".
Which is the one thing you yourself actually told people to not do.
The more defensive and resistant you are to open discussion and learning, the more this thread will be "just like any other thread".
Argumentative and pointless.

[Onesiphorus]

OK , TM ,lets clarify a couple of misconceptions you appear to have with regard to Christianity

1...I do not have to practice perfection I am perfect not by my works or life but by the Christ Jesus who redeemed me from all sin Colossians 1:22 , 2:13

To God I am perfect because I am "in Christ"

I do not have to seek Gods divine forgiveness constantly Romans 8:1

There is no comparison as you have to deny your flesh at all times as suffering is because of the pleasures of the flesh and to avoid suffering you have to deny that flesh.

That will do for now except to repeat that I do not follow Mertons humanistic/mystic philosophies because it is unscriptural an unchristian , I am not afraid to hold views which in todays society are considered unpopular
just to be in with the crowd ,if it goes against my faith , I will fight against it alone if I have to and just because Merton was a catholic monk and considered a good guy if what he says is unscriptural it is unscriptural

[TaraMaiden]

OK , TM ,lets clarify a couple of misconceptions you appear to have with regard to Christianity

1...I do not have to practice perfection I am perfect not by my works or life but by the Christ Jesus who redeemed me from all sin Colossians 1:22 , 2:13

To God I am perfect because I am "in Christ"

I do not have to seek Gods divine forgiveness constantly Romans 8:1

Well, this seems wonderful; Are you telling me that God considers you perfect because you are "In Christ"?
Does this indicate therefore, that even if you are in christ, you do not ever need to seek divine forgiveness for sins, because if you are perfect, they don't count?
perfection does not commit sins....Does it?

There is no comparison as you have to deny your flesh at all times as suffering is because of the pleasures of the flesh and to avoid suffering you have to deny that flesh.

Do you men "You" as in 'You' Buddhists, or "You" as in 'You' christians....?
If you mean the latter, this is true of Buddhism also....

That will do for now except to repeat that I do not follow Mertons humanistic/mystic philosophies because it is unscriptural an unchristian

I never said you should follow them, I suggested you find out about them to learn of another Christian's viewpoint....what bit of it is unscriptural and Christian....? Back your statements up.....

I am not afraid to hold views which in todays society are considered unpopular
just to be in with the crowd ,if it goes against my faith

What of it "goes against your faith"?

I will fight against it alone if I have to and just because Merton was a catholic monk and considered a good guy if what he says is unscriptural it is unscriptural

...For example....?

[Onesiphorus]

--------------------------------------REIKI---------------------------------------------

REIKI ACTUALLY DOES WORK BUT IT IS NOT DIVINE AND DEFINITELY NOT FROM GOD

REIKI IS SPIRITUAL BUT HAS NO CONNECTION WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD


A Reiki master prior to a healing session goes before an alter on which are various objects or /and photographs to open up the spiritual doorway for reiki energy and their "spirits"

The demon behind the "symbol " that they form over the one to be healed has a name ...dia ko mio . This reikimaster/demon which is summoned to open and connect the healer and patient to the "channel"



There are also 3 other main demons with their "symbols"

hon-cha-se-shonen

sei-heki

tjoki-rei

These demons are used for influencing individuals , activating and contacting .



When the spiritual door has been opened to the person being healed then reiki spirits have that doorway to that unaware person .