I do not understand how a Catholic Christian can also be a Buddhist 'master.' From what I read of the posts, this Jesuit order is outside the mainstream of Catholic Christianity (? -or do I not understand?) But the Zen Roshi's mentioned are outside of much of traditional Buddhist practice, as is much of American Zen.
Our Temple has often had Zen visitors and we sometimes visit their Zendo. It is a very different experience. Vietnamese Zen and Chinese Chan Buddhists are closer to mainstream Buddhism than American Zen.
A Buddhist is not exclusive. We believe that anyone may earn merit if they show compassion for others and are working to ease the suffering of other sentient beings.It is not exclusive with Christianity.
My failure to understand is that I thought that Christians believed that the only way was through their forgiveness from God.
It seems to me that while Buddhists and Christians can live together and work together and even be friends (I have many good Christian and Catholic friends including a Colubmus Knight) - it just seems like the faith - and especially the priesthood itself - should be one way or the other.
I am born Buddhist and raised Buddhist. I am not Christian and I dont want to convert anyone or to be converted by anyone.
I would not want one of the Abbot at my temple or one of the monks to be both Christian and Buddhist. It just does not seem right.
Too many American Buddhists just think that they can take whatever they want from the the Sutras and Tantra and then go to a psychology book or a movie star or whoever is giving out advice on TV and mix it all together and and call that their religon. I have a Christian friend who calls it "Cafeteria Christianity." Well I do not want there to be "Cafeteria Buddhists," either.
You follow Christ. Good for you!
I follow Buddha. Good for me.
Sangye
Buddha Bless the USA
