LIVING BUDDHA; LIVING CHRIST
THICK NHAT HANH
CHAPTER 9
Continuation
Do you agree that Christianity teaches elements of reincarnation?
Manifestation and Remanifestation
How are the 5 elements (body/soul, feelings, perceptions, mental states, & consciousness) of the person never the same?
Why does Hahn say that we have to transcend ideas like birth, death, being, & non-being? Do you agree that these are just notions?
True Faith Is Alive
What does Hahn mean when he says that “our faith must be alive?”
Each Moment Is A Moment of Renewal
Who is responsible for our ever-changing enlightenment?
Enlightenment Grows
What is the purpose of our daily spiritual practice?
Nirvana Is Available Now
Hahn says enlightenment for a wave is the moment it realizes it is water. What did he mean by that?
How is the Kingdom of Heaven/nirvana available to you now?
Why is it important to remain in a state of “stop, calm, & look deeply?”
The Extinction of Notions
What IS nirvana?
“Things cannot be taught by concepts & words. They can only be encountered by direct experience.” Do you agree with this?
More Time For Your Tea
We cannot talk about “it” by representation; we must practice (experience) “it” in our own being. Agree or not?
The Other Shore Is This Shore
What is “the other shore” or “nirvana?” How is this teaching “just a finger pointing to the moon” not “the moon itself?”
Everything Can Be Spiritual
How is the Kingdom of God a reality of no-birth, no-death?
How is it that “God” or the “Kingdom of God” is a wonderful reality that cannot be talked about?
Touching The Living Buddha/Christ
According to Hahn, what happens when we transcend words & concepts to encounter reality? What happens when we are in touch with the source of our own wisdom?
Do you agree that “overflowing with love & understanding” is “touching the living Christ?”
Trees And Birds Teaching The Dharma
Do you find Christian analogies in these aspects of Buddhism:
- Dharmakaya, embodiment of the Dharma, is always emitting light.
- Sambhogakay, the body of bliss, is achieved by practicing mindfulness to heave immeasurable peace, the fruit of the practice. From this, suffering can be relieved & transformed.
- Shakyamuni, both the historical & living Buddha, is the transformation body, always present whether we are aware of it or not.
Rinsing the Mouth, Washing The Ears
What is the trouble with the concept of “God” versus the reality of “God?”
How can living each moment in “realized awareness” be “salvation?”
The Holy Spirit Can Be Identified
How in “Death of God” theology is there an experience of God as a living reality directly?
How can the notion of God be an obstacle for us to touch God as love, wisdom, & mindfulness?
Why does Hahn believe it is safer to approach God through the Holy Spirit than through the door of theology?
Touching The Ultimate Dimension
What IS the ultimate dimension & how can we touch it?
Does Christian contemplation enable us to “rest in God?”
Can we experience the Kingdom of God in the present?
Touching The Water Within The Waves
Hahn says if we are mindful, we will be able to “touch the water within the waves as well.” Why is this concept so all important?
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