Zen master (Catholic Priest) tells curious to embrace a new faith

NorthJersey.com ^ | 01.22.06 | EVONNE COUTROS

[Lochlainnach]

No, that is called Zen Buddhism. Buddhism has its own constructs and beliefs. Zen has others. Zen does not pose a belief in reincarnation as Buddhism does. Zen does not pose that Jesus was resurrected as Christianity does. Yet a Christian can practice Zen.

There is a Tibetan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. In Zen we can experience Nirvana on earth; Buddhism, or most believers of Buddhism (from what I understand) think Nirvana a place more akin to the Christian notion of Heaven. The teachings of the Buddha are not the teachings of Zen Masters. Buddhism is a religion. Zen is not, but an aspect of thought and practice that, for some Buddhists, has been incorporated into ritual and thought.

[cyborg]

I agree with you about the rosary in the sense that it is marking events in the life of Jesus Christ and Mary. However, a buddhist is saying a mantra with the beads. The mantra has as meaning to the buddhist and is also contemplation exercise.

[bnelson44]

The mantra has as meaning to the buddhist and is also contemplation exercise.

If I understand Zen correctly, a mantra has no meaning. It is simply something to distract you from everything else.

[cyborg]

True but in terms of instruments of prayer, they're very similar. Buddhism is also older than christianity. Some people believe that they once had contact with eachother. I'm very interested in this because my sister is a buddhist and I am a Roman Catholic as much as I can call myself one since I do not attend church services often.

[Mr. Silverback]

The four spiritual laws, Christian style: "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life."

The four spiritual laws, Buddhist style: "Buddha loves you and has a wonderful plan for the extinction of your ego." :-)

[cyborg]

That's not how I heard it exlained but I'll accept your definition as well.

[Lochlainnach]

I see where you're coming from with the assertion that Bnelson isn't "talking crap." But, for the most part, I disagree. Saying a religion like Buddhism isn't "compatible" with Christianity is just flat out wrong when one takes a look at the trials of Buddha and Christ (although the results are quite different), especially when related to what each said to the world in terms of respecting the dignity of your fellow human.

Where Buddhism and Christianity don't seem compatible is in Modern practice, but that is hardly Jesus's or Buddha's fault.

[Mr. Silverback]

True but in terms of instruments of prayer, they're very similar.

Yep, very similar. But then, one could say in the same way that the Karma Sutra and the Bible are very similar because they both teach you how to be happy in your sexual life.

In reality, the Christian is using the rosary to focus his thoughts while addressing the throne room of the Universe, and the Bhuddist is using the beads to engage in a mental exercise.

[bnelson44]

Nirvana is not heaven. In heaven a soul is bound in total ecstasy with God for all eternity. Nirvana is the extinguishing or unbinding from all passion, desire, jealousy, and ignorance. It is really not a place, it is unbinding. They are polar opposites.

[Lochlainnach]

"Everything is everything."

Sounds similiar to I am what I am.

[cyborg]

The rosary isn't in the bible but an instrument of prayer accepted by the RCC. That's not what I was told about buddhist prayer beads. Many buddhists have told me they are praying to God when they are using their prayer beads. I guess it's the same when some Catholics go on autopilot when saying the rosary. I don't pray the rosary unless I can focus otherwise it's just another 'mental exercise'.

[Mr. Silverback]

Saying a religion like Buddhism isn't "compatible" with Christianity is just flat out wrong when one takes a look at the trials of Buddha and Christ (although the results are quite different), especially when related to what each said to the world in terms of respecting the dignity of your fellow human.

Buddha was a teacher. Jesus was God Almighty. If Christ is all, the Alpha and the Omega, what does Buddhism have to offer?

[cyborg]

How would you explain to someone that Jesus was Almighty God. I do not see this done very much in the RCC as much as I see it in evangelical churches.

[bnelson44]

My understanding is that you use Buddhist prayer beads to count the times you say your mantra. In other words, as Mr. Silverback said, a mental exercise.

And yes, the Rosary is a way of contemplating the Divine Mystery.

[Lochlainnach]

Well, for all I want to say, you're pretty much right. I am no Buddhist scholar or Zen Master. My whole point is, that without a lot of heavy scholarship, it is not to hard to see the similarities, as well as differences, between the teachings of Christ and those of the Buddha.

Both teach that what is around us is temporary, and to look beyond this world's material needs. But they have different ideas about God and the path to Heaven/Nirvana (and no, Heaven doesn't properly align with Nirvana; I do not have the words to give a proper conception).

But, of course, they are not the "same."

[Mr. Silverback]

Sounds similiar to I am what I am.

When you or a Zen master knock over a company of troops by telling them "Everything is everything," you let me know.

[bnelson44]

How would you explain to someone that Jesus was Almighty God. I do not see this done very much in the RCC as much as I see it in evangelical churches.

As a Roman Catholic, it is part of our Creed. When we pray we usually end it with the Sign of the Cross, which says in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. To a Catholic, all three are almighty God.

[cyborg]

I learned the same thing in school. Yet, I've never heard it backed up with scripture from the Bible. Tradition is one thing but I wish there was Sunday school to study the bible.

[bnelson44]

I learned the same thing in school. Yet, I've never heard it backed up with scripture from the Bible. Tradition is one thing but I wish there was Sunday school to study the bible.

Most parishes offer bible study now.

[RobbyS]

Tom Merton was engaged in dialogue with Buddhists in Thailand(?) when he was accidentally electrocuted. His comments, however, that the two forms of contemplation were incompatible.