awakening

I absolutely loved the description of tathata from "Experiencing the World's Religions" It's the best I've ever read.
Perhaps that "desireless" and "awakened" state is a hint of what Nirvana is like?
I'm neither a Buddhist nor an authority on Buddhism, but I think it is important for Christians to understand that the Buddha explicitly denied that he was any kind of God or personal divinity. When his disciples asked, "What shall we say you are, Master? A God? A Son of God? A Man?", he replied, "Say only that I am awake."
(the title "Buddha" means "Awakened One."
I haven't bothered to study the history of Buddhism, so I don't know how or when he was transformed into a God, but the process is not unusual.
I think the coolest thing about Buddha...probably because it follows me inclination....werehis dying words, "Be ye lamps unto yourself. Hold fast unto the truth as if it were a lamp in the darkness."
There are several different stories about Buddha's death, but I believe they all stress that point.
One variation of the "Be ye lamps.." legend that I like involves a disciple who remeinds me of myself to some degree. He's insecure, a bit dense, and a pest. He won't let Buddha die in peace. "How are we supposed to do that, Master? How are we to be lamps unto ourselves?"
Buddha, who is ever-patient and kind, actually answers this question. He replies..."You must be anxious to learn."
Maybe I like this version because I'm a teacher.
One more thing I'd like to point out is that Buddhism is not a form of atheism. Nor is it theological. Though asked many times, Buddha refused to address this question. He explained this by saying that if a man was shot with an arrow (suffering), it wasn't really useful to aske questions about where the arrow came from or why. It is much more important to find ways of helping the injured man relieve his immediate suffering. Only after this is accomplished, can we begin to ask metaphysical questions.
Buddhism is essentially a a very practical religion. In fact, I think of it as a form of psychology rather than theology.
Whatever...it's all so interesting, isn't it?
One wonderful thing about being a Universalist is that I can appreciate the beauty in diverse beliefs.
One unfortunate thing about being a Universalist is that I'll probably never become a saint.
Thanks for a great newsletter....

• Re(1): awakening - By Eric September 23, 2005 at 03:34:37 PM
  • Re(2): awakening - By Sara September 25, 2005 at 04:54:52 PM
    • Re(3): awakening - By karen September 25, 2005 at 05:54:23 PM
      • Re(4): awakening - By Sara September 26, 2005 at 10:26:13 AM
        • Re(5): awakening - By Eric November 5, 2005 at 02:41:30 PM