Buddha and Christ

Here is a re-post of a blog from four years ago. A belated Merry Christmas and Happy Bodhi Day.

Peace Paul's Blog

Buddha gazes upon Christ. Christ gazes upon Buddha.

This wonderful picture, which was taken during a Buddhist retreat at a Christian monastery,  speaks deeply of the relationship between Christ and Buddha.  They, Buddha and Christ, are different, yet they both exist in the shared space of our world.  Because this is a Buddhist retreat, the followers of Buddha are bowing toward the image of Buddha.  This does not devalue the existence, life, and teachings of Christ. Rather it is only a shift in focus.

Likewise, if the photo had been taken from the other perspective, i.e. behind the image of Christ, with Christians at prayer before Christ, their prayer and focus on Christ would in no way diminish the life and teachings of Buddha.

Here Christ gazes over the prostrating forms and sees Buddha.  Buddha looks over the heads of the disciples and sees Christ.

Both, I imagine, rejoice in…

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The Buddha of Light

Let us remember Amitabha — the Buddha of light — on this Winter Solstice. Whether we are overcome by physical darkness or emotional despair, know that Amitabha’s radiant wisdom, compassion, and love are accessible in all places and all times. Thus, Amitabha is known as:

• the Buddha of Measureless Light
• the Buddha of Boundless Light;
• the Buddha of Unimpeded Light;
• the Buddha of Incomparable Light;
• the Buddha of the Light of the Monarch of Fires;
• the Buddha of Pure Light;
• the Buddha of the Light of Joy;
• the Buddha of the Light of Wisdom;
• the Buddha of Continuous Light;
• the Buddha of Inconceivable Light;
• the Buddha of Ineffable Light; and
• the Buddha of Light Outshining the Sun and the Moon.

Do not lose hope! Open your heart to the light of awakening. Turn your mind towards the possibility of a world filled with love and compassion. Live your life inspired by that vision. Take refuge in Amitabha’s spiritual radiance. See Amitabha’s light everywhere and in everyone. Offer kindness to all. Inspire others so that they may find hope, wisdom, and joy.

Namo Amida Bu and Happy Solstice.

Peace, Paul