Friday, June 20, 2008

The 'Imitation' of Christ

If I ever write a book on meditation the title might be, Jesus is the Way but the Buddha has a Map. Jesus is such an incredible example of passion, wisdom, compassion, creative communication, courage. Love in action. How did he get so wise, so open, so effective? As Christians we have a strong tradition of The Imitation of Christ. And our style of spiritual formation sometimes feels more like imitation than incarnation. A lot of willpower and the very best intentions but not enough transformation. Could we use some help?

And REAL Buddhism? It seems more than a little impossible for average people. Reaching enlightenment is said to take years of monastic training and decades of rigorous practice. But mindfulness mediation is a rich gift from the Buddhists, something the rest of us can gratefully begin to practice, enjoy and and benefit from today. Something we can also (writing with both humility and hubris) mess with. Which is what this blog is about.

3 comments:

JRobin Whitley said...

Please let's talk more after reading this post. Love the photo of Barbara and Ruth.

Steve Thorson said...

How does, for example, Psalm 131 relate to mindfulness? Or Matthew 11:28-30?

Anonymous said...

I am very new to this concept of Christian mindfulness. I have had a 30+ years of a mostly unfulfilling Christian walk, just following traditional western Christianity. God has really opened my thinking to this concept of incorporating some Buddhist practices. I am excited to find this blog!