okay, I'll try, there is a lot to unpack. You have a greater understanding of Christianity than I do, my understanding is only through what has so far 'touched' me in a way that I have been able to feel and perceive.
My starting point in regard to spirituality is that we have evil and we have good (opposites). If you don't believe that, then you will not agree with my assertions. In the GA though I have seen many more non-Christians say that they now believe in evil (as a separate entity, even a devil figure) because of the covid/cabal they have now witnessed).>
I agree infact. Though there are non-dualistic interpretations and explanations for the problem of evil and I have attempted to cling to them as refuge at times, indeed it is real.
I would say that this problem of evil is equivalent to the concept of 'suffering' in Buddhism, directly equivalent. The 4 noble truths go into detail regarding the origin and logical conclusion it presents. Buddhism is really great at that specifically.
(I'm going to do this a lot, so bare with me because this is the unique perspective I think I might have as opposed to saying what others have already said about it all. If what I say is rubbish or said better by others than so be it, I have nothing to contribute in that case then lol.)
So yes, suffering exists, evil exists. There does infact appear to be a 'cabal' that has great power in this world, worshipping or otherwise drawing power or favour from some great being of evil. And when I say 'appear' I don't mean as in an illusory sense, I mean very literally. So we are in agreeance. You seem to follow the logic regarding this so I won't go on too much about this
If the world is designed by a Creator who is good (or at least benign), then it is logical to believe that He would try to communicate with us and reach out in ways we would understand and also teach us about the nature of evil and good
I agree. I think the notion of 'creator' is somewhat brought about by our inability to understand a timeless, boundless god. But for the sake of conversation I do agree
So indeed, if there is evil and suffering, and there did not exist a way for this suffering and evil to be overcome, God indeed would be a malevolent figure. But this is not the case, as can be felt better rather than explained. Unfortunately some do perceive it as malevolent in their own suffering and ignorance currently.
God would indeed attempt to communicate with us and wish us to feel his infinite love and wisdom, if he couldn't do that, he wouldn't be worthy of being called God
With regards to Buddhism and other spiritual paths to awakening or God? Well Jesus told us that He was the only path to the Father (John 14:6). Frankly I know I am not good enough to ascend in my own power even on a good day. The power to ascend has to be powerful enough for the worst of us to be able to get there, not just those who are enlightened enough, educated enough, well enough or strong and disciplined enough. Jesus gave us the ability to receive His Spirit within us to do the job of purifying, teaching, guiding. Christianity is the only faith that says - You can't do this, so I, God will do it for you. Just rely on me, surrender to me and I will make your paths straight, I will bless you and be your loving God. Every other religion says we have to do this, that or the other in our own strength. What happens when that strength fails?>
this is precisely where I arrived at before I could rectify the contradictions I held previously. I'll attempt to demonstrate, but it will be shitty and imperfect
I too, realised that I am not good enough. I cannot bear the burden. I am an incredibly flawed, shitty human being that cannot even function on the level of most people, drowning in existential angst, bitterness, hatred towards the cabal and the 'left', wishing violence upon my enemies, not living in a way that is a good example to others. I had become unhealthy, bitter and stagnant. I did not possess the strength to go on, I felt I was about to die, literally, either heart attack or stroke. And yet, from previous experience, I believed I had attained a level of 'awakening'. So how could it be, for this contradiction to exist, eating me up inside, terrified, desperate. I prayed in earnest to god, in my heart, seeking if there was a saviour because it was surely the only way. Exactly as you say.
My heart has been opened. At once I felt the mercy and compassion of awakened beings fill my heart and radiate from me. I had accepted the possibility and then realised the reality of a saviour, to bear this burden, to lean into their boundless mercy and wisdom. I can't really explain it but it was the first time I had accepted this and it annihilates the contradictory, nihilistic 'Buddhist' view that I previously had, that we alone have the power to ascend or awaken.
But this is the point - That TOO was wrong! My previous misconceptions about Buddhism were causing this existential terror. You could say my refusal to accept Christ as saviour was preventing me from experiencing the love and mercy of God. This is what you mean, this is what you are feeling when you're sceptical of what I'm trying to communicate, but I am not meaning what you probably think I am meaning, and so I'm trying to rectify that. I hope even a little bit of this makes sense, lol. It's very hard to describe.
okay, so, this concept, Jesus Christ as saviour, is THE exact same as the Bodhisattva principal, or 'buddha-nature' principal. These are just other words to mean the same thing.
I have no proof of this, but honestly I tell you, I had never heard of this concept before. It then came across a certain Buddhist tradition of 'Pure Land' Buddhism. Essentially the followers believe the Buddha Amitābha vowed to create a 'Pure Land' or 'heaven' where any beings who call upon his name are born into after death, and from there can experience the pure compassion, wisdom and mercy of the Buddha until they are ready for 'final' awakening.
My point isn't to say that this is literally true or not. My point is that the concept of a personal saviour that sacrifices himself and vows to end the suffering of all beings that have faith in him does exist within Buddhism.
Let's consider Jesus and see whether this fits in any meaningful manner. I'll attempt to equate the words and concepts to point out what I mean
Jesus claims he is of the father or sent by God - 'ultimate reality', Truth itself, etc, that he is way the truth and the life - the embodiment of 'Dharma' Filled with the holy spirit - 'buddha-nature' That his Father's kingdom is within the hearts of all men. - there are words for this, it's escaping me right now.
That he has come to show through faith and deed the way, to die in an act of self-sacrifice for the sake of abolishing the sins of humanity - vowing to end suffering and abolish ignorance.
So far I am in complete agreement with these fundamental principles of Christianity.
but now the big one, the big distinction where all of this comparison appears to fall apart.
That is salvation is achieved through him alone, 'No one comes to the Father except through me.
IF this can be understood as nobody achieves salvation but through CHRIST alone, then yes I agree. 'Christ' being the bodhisattva principle or 'buddha-nature'
This would appear as though I am denying Jesus as Christ. I am not
This is how I see it.
Jesus, the man, 'awakened', 'attaining' the the title and embodying the principle of 'Christ'. There is more than one awakened being, but ONLY ONE Christ principle Jesus was an embodiment of this principle - 'God in the flesh' in a sense, yes. But he is not the only being with the capability for this embodiment, and I believe infact he said as much and intended it to be understood as such.
It is like the concept of the Trinity within some Christian sects. It appears to be a contradiction but is not.
That is what I truly feel in my heart, to the best of my ability that I am able to comprehend and express.
Truly I feel if you can understand this, even if but glimpse a fraction of it, the teaching becomes infinitely more beautiful, more compassionate, loving, merciful, wise etc.
It means the possibility of salvation or 'awakening' for all beings, not just those that have heard the teachings of the man Jesus that walked this earth.
okay, I'll try, there is a lot to unpack. You have a greater understanding of Christianity than I do, my understanding is only through what has so far 'touched' me in a way that I have been able to feel and perceive.
My starting point in regard to spirituality is that we have evil and we have good (opposites). If you don't believe that, then you will not agree with my assertions. In the GA though I have seen many more non-Christians say that they now believe in evil (as a separate entity, even a devil figure) because of the covid/cabal they have now witnessed).>
I agree infact. Though there are non-dualistic interpretations and explanations for the problem of evil and I have attempted to cling to them as refuge at times, indeed it is real.
I would say that this problem of evil is equivalent to the concept of 'suffering' in Buddhism, directly equivalent. The 4 noble truths go into detail regarding the origin and logical conclusion it presents. Buddhism is really great at that specifically.
(I'm going to do this a lot, so bare with me because this is the unique perspective I think I might have as opposed to saying what others have already said about it all. If what I say is rubbish or said better by others than so be it, I have nothing to contribute in that case then lol.)
So yes, suffering exists, evil exists. There does infact appear to be a 'cabal' that has great power in this world, worshipping or otherwise drawing power or favour from some great being of evil. And when I say 'appear' I don't mean as in an illusory sense, I mean very literally. So we are in agreeance. You seem to follow the logic regarding this so I won't go on too much about this
If the world is designed by a Creator who is good (or at least benign), then it is logical to believe that He would try to communicate with us and reach out in ways we would understand and also teach us about the nature of evil and good
I agree. I think the notion of 'creator' is somewhat brought about by our inability to understand a timeless, boundless god. But for the sake of conversation I do agree
So indeed, if there is evil and suffering, and there did not exist a way for this suffering and evil to be overcome, God indeed would be a malevolent figure. But this is not the case, as can be felt better rather than explained. Unfortunately some do perceive it as malevolent in their own suffering and ignorance currently.
God would indeed attempt to communicate with us and wish us to feel his infinite love and wisdom, if he couldn't do that, he wouldn't be worthy of being called God
With regards to Buddhism and other spiritual paths to awakening or God? Well Jesus told us that He was the only path to the Father (John 14:6). Frankly I know I am not good enough to ascend in my own power even on a good day. The power to ascend has to be powerful enough for the worst of us to be able to get there, not just those who are enlightened enough, educated enough, well enough or strong and disciplined enough. Jesus gave us the ability to receive His Spirit within us to do the job of purifying, teaching, guiding. Christianity is the only faith that says - You can't do this, so I, God will do it for you. Just rely on me, surrender to me and I will make your paths straight, I will bless you and be your loving God. Every other religion says we have to do this, that or the other in our own strength. What happens when that strength fails?>
this is precisely where I arrived at before I could rectify the contradictions I held previously. I'll attempt to demonstrate, but it will be shitty and imperfect
I too, realised that I am not good enough. I cannot bear the burden. I am an incredibly flawed, shitty human being that cannot even function on the level of most people, drowning in existential angst, bitterness, hatred towards the cabal and the 'left', wishing violence upon my enemies, not living in a way that is a good example to others. I had become unhealthy, bitter and stagnant. I did not possess the strength to go on, I felt I was about to die, literally, either heart attack or stroke. And yet, from previous experience, I believed I had attained a level of 'awakening'. So how could it be, for this contradiction to exist, eating me up inside, terrified, desperate. I prayed in earnest to god, in my heart, seeking if there was a saviour because it was surely the only way. Exactly as you say.
My heart has been opened. At once I felt the mercy and compassion of awakened beings fill my heart and radiate from me. I had accepted the possibility and then realised the reality of a saviour, to bear this burden, to lean into their boundless mercy and wisdom. I can't really explain it but it was the first time I had accepted this and it annihilates the contradictory, nihilistic 'Buddhist' view that I previously had, that we alone have the power to ascend or awaken.
But this is the point - That TOO was wrong! My previous misconceptions about Buddhism were causing this existential terror. You could say my refusal to accept Christ as saviour was preventing me from experiencing the love and mercy of God. This is what you mean, this is what you are feeling when you're sceptical of what I'm trying to communicate, but I am not meaning what you probably think I am meaning, and so I'm trying to rectify that. I hope even a little bit of this makes sense, lol. It's very hard to describe.
okay, so, this concept, Jesus Christ as saviour, is THE exact same as the Bodhisattva principal, or 'buddha-nature' principal. These are just other words to mean the same thing.
I have no proof of this, but honestly I tell you, I had never heard of this concept before. It then came across a certain Buddhist tradition of 'Pure Land' Buddhism. Essentially the followers believe the Buddha Amitābha vowed to create a 'Pure Land' or 'heaven' where any beings who call upon his name are born into after death, and from there can experience the pure compassion, wisdom and mercy of the Buddha until they are ready for 'final' awakening.
My point isn't to say that this is literally true or not. My point is that the concept of a personal saviour that sacrifices himself and vows to end the suffering of all beings that have faith in him does exist within Buddhism.
Let's consider Jesus and see whether this fits in any meaningful manner. I'll attempt to equate the words and concepts to point out what I mean
Jesus claims he is of the father or sent by God - 'ultimate reality', Truth itself, etc, that he is way the truth and the life - the embodiment of 'Dharma' Filled with the holy spirit - 'buddha-nature' That his Father's kingdom is within the hearts of all men. - there are words for this, it's escaping me right now.
That he has come to show through faith and deed the way, to die in an act of self-sacrifice for the sake of abolishing the sins of humanity
So far I am in complete agreement with these fundamental principles of Christianity.
but now the big one, the big distinction where all of this comparison appears to fall apart.
That is salvation is achieved through him alone, 'No one comes to the Father except through me.
IF this can be understood as nobody achieves salvation but through CHRIST alone, then yes I agree. 'Christ' being the bodhisattva principle or 'buddha-nature'
This would appear as though I am denying Jesus as Christ. I am not
This is how I see it.
Jesus, the man, 'awakened', 'attaining' the the title and embodying the principle of 'Christ'. There is more than one awakened being, but ONLY ONE Christ principle Jesus was an embodiment of this principle - 'God in the flesh' in a sense, yes. But he is not the only being with the capability for this embodiment, and I believe infact he said as much and intended it to be understood as such.
It is like the concept of the Trinity within some Christian sects. It appears to be a contradiction but is not.
That is what I truly feel in my heart, to the best of my ability that I am able to comprehend and express.
Truly I feel if you can understand this, even if but glimpse a fraction of it, the teaching becomes infinitely more beautiful, more compassionate, loving, merciful, wise etc.
It means the possibility of salvation or 'awakening' for all beings, not just those that have heard the teachings of the man Jesus that walked this earth.
okay, I'll try, there is a lot to unpack. You have a greater understanding of Christianity than I do, my understanding is only through what has so far 'touched' me in a way that I have been able to feel and perceive.
My starting point in regard to spirituality is that we have evil and we have good (opposites). If you don't believe that, then you will not agree with my assertions. In the GA though I have seen many more non-Christians say that they now believe in evil (as a separate entity, even a devil figure) because of the covid/cabal they have now witnessed).>
I agree infact. Though there are non-dualistic interpretations and explanations for the problem of evil and I have attempted to cling to them as refuge at times, indeed it is real.
I would say that this problem of evil is equivalent to the concept of 'suffering' in Buddhism, directly equivalent. The 4 noble truths go into detail regarding the origin and logical conclusion it presents. Buddhism is really great at that specifically.
(I'm going to do this a lot, so bare with me because this is the unique perspective I think I might have as opposed to saying what others have already said about it all. If what I say is rubbish or said better by others than so be it, I have nothing to contribute in that case then lol.)
So yes, suffering exists, evil exists. There does infact appear to be a 'cabal' that has great power in this world, worshipping or otherwise drawing power or favour from some great being of evil. And when I say 'appear' I don't mean as in an illusory sense, I mean very literally. So we are in agreeance. You seem to follow the logic regarding this so I won't go on too much about this
If the world is designed by a Creator who is good (or at least benign), then it is logical to believe that He would try to communicate with us and reach out in ways we would understand and also teach us about the nature of evil and good
I agree. I think the notion of 'creator' is somewhat brought about by our inability to understand a timeless, boundless god. But for the sake of conversation I do agree
So indeed, if there is evil and suffering, and there did not exist a way for this suffering and evil to be overcome, God indeed would be a malevolent figure. But this is not the case, as can be felt better rather than explained. Unfortunately some do perceive it as malevolent in their own suffering and ignorance currently.
God would indeed attempt to communicate with us and wish us to feel his infinite love and wisdom, if he couldn't do that, he wouldn't be worthy of being called God
With regards to Buddhism and other spiritual paths to awakening or God? Well Jesus told us that He was the only path to the Father (John 14:6). Frankly I know I am not good enough to ascend in my own power even on a good day. The power to ascend has to be powerful enough for the worst of us to be able to get there, not just those who are enlightened enough, educated enough, well enough or strong and disciplined enough. Jesus gave us the ability to receive His Spirit within us to do the job of purifying, teaching, guiding. Christianity is the only faith that says - You can't do this, so I, God will do it for you. Just rely on me, surrender to me and I will make your paths straight, I will bless you and be your loving God. Every other religion says we have to do this, that or the other in our own strength. What happens when that strength fails?>
this is precisely where I arrived at before I could rectify the contradictions I held previously. I'll attempt to demonstrate, but it will be shitty and imperfect
I too, realised that I am not good enough. I cannot bear the burden. I am an incredibly flawed, shitty human being that cannot even function on the level of most people, drowning in existential angst, bitterness, hatred towards the cabal and the 'left', wishing violence upon my enemies, not living in a way that is a good example to others. I had become unhealthy, bitter and stagnant. I did not possess the strength to go on, I felt I was about to die, literally, either heart attack or stroke. And yet, from previous experience, I believed I had attained a level of 'awakening'. So how could it be, for this contradiction to exist, eating me up inside, terrified, desperate. I prayed in earnest to god, in my heart, seeking if there was a saviour because it was surely the only way. Exactly as you say.
My heart has been opened. At once I felt the mercy and compassion of awakened beings fill my heart and radiate from me. I had accepted the possibility and then realised the reality of a saviour, to bear this burden, to lean into their boundless mercy and wisdom. I can't really explain it but it was the first time I had accepted this and it annihilates the contradictory, nihilistic 'Buddhist' view that I previously had, that we alone have the power to ascend or awaken.
But this is the point - That TOO was wrong! My previous misconceptions about Buddhism were causing this existential terror. You could say my refusal to accept Christ as saviour was preventing me from experiencing the love and mercy of God. This is what you mean, this is what you are feeling when you're sceptical of what I'm trying to communicate, but I am not meaning what you probably think I am meaning, and so I'm trying to rectify that. I hope even a little bit of this makes sense, lol. It's very hard to describe.
okay, so, this concept, Jesus Christ as saviour, is THE exact same as the Bodhisattva principal, or 'buddha-nature' principal. These are just other words to mean the same thing.
I have no proof of this, but honestly I tell you, I had never heard of this concept before. It then came across a certain Buddhist tradition of 'Pure Land' Buddhism. Essentially the followers believe the Buddha Amitābha vowed to create and a 'Pure Land' or 'heaven' where any beings who call upon his name are born into after death, and from there can experience the pure compassion, wisdom and mercy of the Buddha until they are ready for 'final' awakening.
My point isn't to say that this is literally true or not. My point is that the concept of a personal saviour that sacrifices himself and vows to end the suffering of all beings that have faith in him does exist within Buddhism.
Let's consider Jesus and see whether this fits in any meaningful manner. I'll attempt to equate the words and concepts to point out what I mean
Jesus claims he is of the father or sent by God - 'ultimate reality', Truth itself, etc, that he is way the truth and the life - the embodiment of 'Dharma' Filled with the holy spirit - 'buddha-nature' That his Father's kingdom is within the hearts of all men. - there are words for this, it's escaping me right now.
That he has come to show through faith and deed the way, to die in an act of self-sacrifice for the sake of abolishing the sins of humanity
So far I am in complete agreement with these fundamental principles of Christianity.
but now the big one, the big distinction where all of this comparison appears to fall apart.
That is salvation is achieved through him alone, 'No one comes to the Father except through me.
IF this can be understood as nobody achieves salvation but through CHRIST alone, then yes I agree. 'Christ' being the bodhisattva principle or 'buddha-nature'
This would appear as though I am denying Jesus as Christ. I am not
This is how I see it.
Jesus, the man, 'awakened', 'attaining' the the title and embodying the principle of 'Christ'. There is more than one awakened being, but ONLY ONE Christ principle Jesus was an embodiment of this principle - 'God in the flesh' in a sense, yes. But he is not the only being with the capability for this embodiment, and I believe infact he said as much and intended it to be understood as such.
It is like the concept of the Trinity within some Christian sects. It appears to be a contradiction but is not.
That is what I truly feel in my heart, to the best of my ability that I am able to comprehend and express.
Truly I feel if you can understand this, even if but glimpse a fraction of it, the teaching becomes infinitely more beautiful, more compassionate, loving, merciful, wise etc.
It means the possibility of salvation or 'awakening' for all beings, not just those that have heard the teachings of the man Jesus that walked this earth.
okay, I'll try, there is a lot to unpack. You have a greater understanding of Christianity than I do, my understanding is only through what has so far 'touched' me in a way that I have been able to feel and perceive.
My starting point in regard to spirituality is that we have evil and we have good (opposites). If you don't believe that, then you will not agree with my assertions. In the GA though I have seen many more non-Christians say that they now believe in evil (as a separate entity, even a devil figure) because of the covid/cabal they have now witnessed).>
I agree infact. Though there are non-dualistic interpretations and explanations for the problem of evil and I have attempted to cling to them as refuge at times, indeed it is real.
I would say that this problem of evil is equivalent to the concept of 'suffering' in Buddhism, directly equivalent. The 4 noble truths go into detail regarding the origin and logical conclusion it presents. Buddhism is really great at that specifically.
(I'm going to do this a lot, so bare with me because this is the unique perspective I think I might have as opposed to saying what others have already said about it all. If what I say is rubbish or said better by others than so be it, I have nothing to contribute in that case then lol.)
So yes, suffering exists, evil exists. There does infact appear to be a 'cabal' that has great power in this world, worshipping or otherwise drawing power or favour from some great being of evil. And when I say 'appear' I don't mean as in an illusory sense, I mean very literally. So we are in agreeance. You seem to follow the logic regarding this so I won't go on too much about this
If the world is designed by a Creator who is good (or at least benign), then it is logical to believe that He would try to communicate with us and reach out in ways we would understand and also teach us about the nature of evil and good
I agree. I think the notion of 'creator' is somewhat brought about by our inability to understand a timeless, boundless god. But for the sake of conversation I do agree
So indeed, if there is evil and suffering, and there did not exist a way for this suffering and evil to be overcome, God indeed would be a malevolent figure. But this is not the case, as can be felt better rather than explained. Unfortunately some do perceive it as malevolent in their own suffering and ignorance currently.
God would indeed attempt to communicate with us and wish us to feel his infinite love and wisdom, if he couldn't do that, he wouldn't be worthy of being called God
With regards to Buddism and other spiritual paths to awakening or God? Well Jesus told us that He was the only path to the Father (John 14:6). Frankly I know I am not good enough to ascend in my own power even on a good day. The power to ascend has to be powerful enough for the worst of us to be able to get there, not just those who are enlightened enough, educated enough, well enough or strong and disciplined enough. Jesus gave us the ability to receive His Spirit within us to do the job of purifying, teaching, guiding. Christianity is the only faith that says - You can't do this, so I, God will do it for you. Just rely on me, surrender to me and I will make your paths straight, I will bless you and be your loving God. Every other religion says we have to do this, that or the other in our own strength. What happens when that strength fails?>
this is precisely where I arrived at before I could rectify the contradictions I help previously. I'll attempt to demonstrate, but it will be shitty and imperfect
I too, realised that I am not good enough. I cannot bear the burden. I am an incredibly flawed, shitty human being that cannot even function on the level of most people, drowning in existential angst, bitterness, hatred towards the cabal and the 'left', wishing violence upon my enemies, not living in a way that is a good example to others. I had become unhealthy, bitter and stagnant. I did not possess the strength to go on, I felt I was about to die, literally, either heart attack or stroke. And yet, from previous experience, I believed I had attained a level of 'awakening'. So how could it be, for this contradiction to exist, eating me up inside, terrified, desperate. I prayed in earnest to god, in my heart, seeking if there was a saviour because it was surely the only way. Exactly as you say.
My heart has been opened. At once I felt the mercy and compassion of awakened beings fill my heart and radiate from me. I had accepted the possibility and then realised the reality of a saviour, to bear this burden, to lean into their boundless mercy and wisdom. I can't really explain it but it was the first time I had accepted this and it annihilates the contradictory, nihilistic 'Buddhist' view that I previously had, that we alone have the power to ascend or awaken.
But this is the point - That TOO was wrong! My previous misconceptions about Buddhism were causing this existential terror. You could say my refusal to accept Christ as saviour was preventing me from experiencing the love and mercy of God. This is what you mean, this is what you are feeling when you're sceptical of what I'm trying to communicate, but I am not meaning what you probably think I am meaning, and so I'm trying to rectify that. I hope even a little bit of this makes sense, lol. It's very hard to describe.
okay, so, this concept, Jesus Christ as saviour, is THE exact same as the Bodhisattva principal, or 'buddha-nature' principal. These are just other words to mean the same thing.
I have no proof of this, but honestly I tell you, I had never heard of this concept before. It then came across a certain Buddhist tradition of 'Pure Land' Buddhism. Essentially the followers believe the Buddha Amitābha vowed to create and a 'Pure Land' or 'heaven' where any beings who call upon his name are born into after death, and from there can experience the pure compassion, wisdom and mercy of the Buddha until they are ready for 'final' awakening.
My point isn't to say that this is literally true or not. My point is that the concept of a personal saviour that sacrifices himself and vows to end the suffering of all beings that have faith in him does exist within Buddhism.
Let's consider Jesus and see whether this fits in any meaningful manner. I'll attempt to equate the words and concepts to point out what I mean
Jesus claims he is of the father or sent by God - 'ultimate reality', Truth itself, etc, that he is way the truth and the life - the embodiment of 'Dharma' Filled with the holy spirit - 'buddha-nature' That his Father's kingdom is within the hearts of all men. - there are words for this, it's escaping me right now.
That he has come to show through faith and deed the way, to die in an act of self-sacrifice for the sake of abolishing the sins of humanity
So far I am in complete agreement with these fundamental principles of Christianity.
but now the big one, the big distinction where all of this comparison appears to fall apart.
That is salvation is achieved through him alone, 'No one comes to the Father except through me.
IF this can be understood as nobody achieves salvation but through CHRIST alone, then yes I agree. 'Christ' being the bodhisattva principle or 'buddha-nature'
This would appear as though I am denying Jesus as Christ. I am not
This is how I see it.
Jesus, the man, 'awakened', 'attaining' the the title and embodying the principle of 'Christ'. There is more than one awakened being, but ONLY ONE Christ principle Jesus was an embodiment of this principle - 'God in the flesh' in a sense, yes. But he is not the only being with the capability for this embodiment, and I believe infact he said as much and intended it to be understood as such.
It is like the concept of the Trinity within some Christian sects. It appears to be a contradiction but is not.
That is what I truly feel in my heart, to the best of my ability that I am able to comprehend and express.
Truly I feel if you can understand this, even if but glimpse a fraction of it, the teaching becomes infinitely more beautiful, more compassionate, loving, merciful, wise etc.
It means the possibility of salvation or 'awakening' for all beings, not just those that have heard the teachings of the man Jesus that walked this earth.
okay, I'll try, there is a lot to unpack. You have a greater understanding of Christianity than I do, my understanding is only through what has so far 'touched' me in a way that I have been able to feel and perceive.
My starting point in regard to spirituality is that we have evil and we have good (opposites). If you don't believe that, then you will not agree with my assertions. In the GA though I have seen many more non-Christians say that they now believe in evil (as a separate entity, even a devil figure) because of the covid/cabal they have now witnessed).>
I agree infact. Though there are non-dualistic interpretations and explanations for the problem of evil and I have attempted to cling to them as refuge at times, indeed it is real.
I would say that this problem of evil is equivalent to the concept of 'suffering' in Buddhism, directly equivalent. The 4 noble truths go into detail regarding the origin and logical conclusion it presents. Buddhism is really great at that specifically.
(I'm going to do this a lot, so bare with me because this is the unique perspective I think I might have as opposed to saying what others have already said about it all. If what I say is rubbish or said better by others than so be it, I have nothing to contribute in that case then lol.)
So yes, suffering exists, evil exists. There does infact appear to be a 'cabal' that has great power in this world, worshipping or otherwise drawing power or favour from some great being of evil. And when I say 'appear' I don't mean as in an illusory sense, I mean very literally. So we are in agreeance. You seem to follow the logic regarding this so I won't go on too much about this
If the world is designed by a Creator who is good (or at least benign), then it is logical to believe that He would try to communicate with us and reach out in ways we would understand and also teach us about the nature of evil and good
I agree. I think the notion of 'creator' is somewhat brought about by our inability to understand a timeless, boundless god. But for the sake of conversation I do agree
So indeed, if there is evil and suffering, and there did not exist a way for this suffering and evil to be overcome, God indeed would be a malevolent figure.
He would indeed attempt to communicate with us and wish us to feel his infinite love and wisdom, if he couldn't do that, he wouldn't be worthy of being called God
With regards to Buddism and other spiritual paths to awakening or God? Well Jesus told us that He was the only path to the Father (John 14:6). Frankly I know I am not good enough to ascend in my own power even on a good day. The power to ascend has to be powerful enough for the worst of us to be able to get there, not just those who are enlightened enough, educated enough, well enough or strong and disciplined enough. Jesus gave us the ability to receive His Spirit within us to do the job of purifying, teaching, guiding. Christianity is the only faith that says - You can't do this, so I, God will do it for you. Just rely on me, surrender to me and I will make your paths straight, I will bless you and be your loving God. Every other religion says we have to do this, that or the other in our own strength. What happens when that strength fails?>
this is precisely where I arrived at before I could rectify the contradictions I help previously. I'll attempt to demonstrate, but it will be shitty and imperfect
I too, realised that I am not good enough. I cannot bear the burden. I am an incredibly flawed, shitty human being that cannot even function on the level of most people, drowning in existential angst, bitterness, hatred towards the cabal and the 'left', wishing violence upon my enemies, not living in a way that is a good example to others. I had become unhealthy, bitter and stagnant. I did not possess the strength to go on, I felt I was about to die, literally, either heart attack or stroke. And yet, from previous experience, I believed I had attained a level of 'awakening'. So how could it be, for this contradiction to exist, eating me up inside, terrified, desperate. I prayed in earnest to god, in my heart, seeking if there was a saviour because it was surely the only way. Exactly as you say.
My heart has been opened. At once I felt the mercy and compassion of awakened beings fill my heart and radiate from me. I had accepted the possibility and then realised the reality of a saviour, to bear this burden, to lean into their boundless mercy and wisdom. I can't really explain it but it was the first time I had accepted this and it annihilates the contradictory, nihilistic 'Buddhist' view that I previously had, that we alone have the power to ascend or awaken.
But this is the point - That TOO was wrong! My previous misconceptions about Buddhism were causing this existential terror. You could say my refusal to accept Christ as saviour was preventing me from experiencing the love and mercy of God. This is what you mean, this is what you are feeling when you're sceptical of what I'm trying to communicate, but I am not meaning what you probably think I am meaning, and so I'm trying to rectify that. I hope even a little bit of this makes sense, lol. It's very hard to describe.
okay, so, this concept, Jesus Christ as saviour, is THE exact same as the Bodhisattva principal, or 'buddha-nature' principal. These are just other words to mean the same thing.
I have no proof of this, but honestly I tell you, I had never heard of this concept before. It then came across a certain Buddhist tradition of 'Pure Land' Buddhism. Essentially the followers believe the Buddha Amitābha vowed to create and a 'Pure Land' or 'heaven' where any beings who call upon his name are born into after death, and from there can experience the pure compassion, wisdom and mercy of the Buddha until they are ready for 'final' awakening.
My point isn't to say that this is literally true or not. My point is that the concept of a personal saviour that sacrifices himself and vows to end the suffering of all beings that have faith in him does exist within Buddhism.
Let's consider Jesus and see whether this fits in any meaningful manner. I'll attempt to equate the words and concepts to point out what I mean
Jesus claims he is of the father or sent by God - 'ultimate reality', Truth itself, etc, that he is way the truth and the life - the embodiment of 'Dharma' Filled with the holy spirit - 'buddha-nature' That his Father's kingdom is within the hearts of all men. - there are words for this, it's escaping me right now.
That he has come to show through faith and deed the way, to die in an act of self-sacrifice for the sake of abolishing the sins of humanity
So far I am in complete agreement with these fundamental principles of Christianity.
but now the big one, the big distinction where all of this comparison appears to fall apart.
That is salvation is achieved through him alone, 'No one comes to the Father except through me.
IF this can be understood as nobody achieves salvation but through CHRIST alone, then yes I agree. 'Christ' being the bodhisattva principle or 'buddha-nature'
This would appear as though I am denying Jesus as Christ. I am not
This is how I see it.
Jesus, the man, 'awakened', 'attaining' the the title and embodying the principle of 'Christ'. There is more than one awakened being, but ONLY ONE Christ principle Jesus was an embodiment of this principle - 'God in the flesh' in a sense, yes. But he is not the only being with the capability for this embodiment, and I believe infact he said as much and intended it to be understood as such.
It is like the concept of the Trinity within some Christian sects. It appears to be a contradiction but is not.
That is what I truly feel in my heart, to the best of my ability that I am able to comprehend and express.
Truly I feel if you can understand this, even if but glimpse a fraction of it, the teaching becomes infinitely more beautiful, more compassionate, loving, merciful, wise etc.
It means the possibility of salvation or 'awakening' for all beings, not just those that have heard the teachings of the man Jesus that walked this earth.