Around 2500 years ago a man had an epiphany of his life, and realized that our very perception of the world is thoroughly immersed in illusory concepts constructed by the ego. By seeing the true nature of things he claims we are able to see that we are all connected, that we are all one, and only the one consciousness is truly permanent. In inter-being we are able to practice true compassion and transform suffering through deep understanding. By transcending the causes of suffering we expose a reality of peace, and touch what some might refer to as God. This man was the Buddha.
Just over 2000 years ago a man was born to apparently fulfill a prophecy, he lived a life teaching peace, equinimity in the face of God and healing the sick. He claimed to be the Son of God and was crucified for fear that his teachings would incite a revolt against Jewish law. Many believe he was ressurrected, and in doing so brought salvation to all of mankind. This man was Jesus.
I have an interest in both Buddhism and Christianity. I think many people have only a superficial understanding of their faith, and it's my aim here to delve just a little bit deeper than that. :) My aim is also to highlight the differences and the similarities between the two spiritual paths, and to reconcile some of my own doubts about my faith. As a disclaimer I should point out that I have absolutely no credentials by which to make authoritative claims, merely to put forward my own ideas which of course may have no merit whatsoever.
In the course of the discussion I will reflect on writings by one of my teachers, the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, along with many other sources of Buddhist wisdom. I will also draw on many sources of Christian theology from Aquinas to Ratzinger and CS Lewis.
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