Sage-Tips

Can you mix Christianity and Buddhism?

Duane Bidwell says you can live life as both a Buddhist and Christian without diluting either religion.

Can Christians believe in Zen?

A person well grounded in Christian truth can explore Zen writings and teachings without harm. You may even be able to see scriptural truths in ways you had never imagined before, because organized religion, if anything, demands conformity. Zen is the antithesis of that, and helps people think for themselves.

Can Christians meditate?

Many Christians begin their days with morning meditation. They will use a Scripture verse from their Bible or a devotional as the starting place for a time of meditation. Ending your morning meditation time with prayer is a good way to start your day. Another way to meditate is through mindfulness.

What can Christians learn from Buddhist?

Its thrust is that Christianity invites Buddhists to a greater awareness of the importance of social transformation, while Buddhism reminds Christians not to neglect inner-personal transformation in their pursuit of social change.

Is there a Zen Bible?

Though Zen is said to be based on a “special transmission outside scriptures” which “did not stand upon words”, the Zen-tradition has a rich doctrinal and textual background. It has been influenced by sutras such as the Lankavatara Sutra, the Vimalakirti Sutra, the Avatamsaka Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra.

Do Buddhists respect Christians?

“Buddha taught that we have to respect other religions.” However, he said, it is not common for Buddhists to practice Christian rituals or to pray to one god. “We take part in their services,” he said. “We pray along with them.

Can a Catholic practice Zen?

Catholics in particular readily adopted Zen’s spiritual practice of self-awareness as a mean to deepen their faith and relationship with the Blessed Trinity, through the art of zazen and zazen sesshin.

Is Zen compatible with the Christian faith?

The Buddhist concept of Zen refers to a meditative state sought as a means of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. While practitioners of Zen claim that zazen (“sitting meditation”) is compatible with the Christian faith, there are some key distinctions that make this practice incompatible with Christian beliefs.

What is the difference between Christian meditation and Zen Buddhism?

First, Zen seeks self-enlightenment. Christian prayer or meditation, in contrast, seeks God’s enlightenment of the believer. Zen Buddhism teaches one to empty the mind of all thoughts. Christian mediation is laden with thoughts of God’s greatness and worship of Him.

Is there a connection between Buddhism and Christianity?

In 1880 Ernest De Bunsen made similar observations in that with the exception of the death of Jesus on the cross, and of the Christian doctrine of atonement, the most ancient Buddhist records had similarities with the Christian traditions.

How many years of Zen meditation do you have?

Twenty years of Zen meditation is at least part of the experience that I bring to this website. The other part is twenty years of teaching Buddhism and Asian religions to college undergraduates. But Gensho’s explanations of Zen did not stop with discussions or with zazen.