When I think of the powerful concepts of Christian spirituality, I think of the idea of redemption. Redemption not only in the grand sense of being "saved," but also the ways we can seek redemption in our day to day lives. The idea of redemption always seems to me to be the ultimate manifestation of hope, that there is no hole to deep to climb out of.
Today I'm thinking about the parallels between this idea of redemption and the Buddhist idea of negative karma and purification. Our negative actions accumulate seeds that will eventually sprout. It is possible to purify these accumulated negative imprints, and I'll borrow from the writings of Thubten Chodron to summarize how this is done.
1. Experience and express genuine regret;
2. Develop a determination not to perform the action again;
3. Take refuge and generate an altruistic attitude toward others;
4. Engage in some meaningful remedial practice.
These four types of actions need to become part of our ongoing process of living, and not done as an isolated attempt to "make up" for something we've done in hopes of getting a "do over."
In what ways do you see this as paralleling the Christian expression of redemption?
To me there seem to be many similarities in the process. Both start by acknowledging our lack of perfection, whether that be through the idea that man has "fallen," or the idea that until we reach enlightenment our minds are obscured by ignorance. When I look at the 4 actions that can help purify negative karma, I see reflections of confession, of loving our neighbors as ourselves, and of the direction to "go forth and sin no more."
This article is not intended to "prove" anything, only to engage the mind and seek the opinions of others.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Barry
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Comments: 13
Do unto others as we would have done unto us, basic stuff, but all too often forgotten in this world.
I believe if we plant fruit we will be fruitful in our spiritual needs, If we plant sorrow, we wil reap it.
Call it karma or just plain old fashioned morals but it works for me.
Redemption is defined:
1. The act of redeeming or the condition of having been redeemed.
2. Recovery of something pawned or mortgaged.
3. The payment of an obligation, as a government's payment of the value of its bonds.
4. Deliverance upon payment of ransom; rescue.
5. Christianity Salvation from sin through Jesus's sacrifice.
Repenting is the same as the four types of actions you speak of above.
Repent is defined:
1. To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite.
2. To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior.
3. To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.
I also believe in karma and morals, whatever name it is given it all rings true.
Thanks for reading and giving your input. I'm very interested in the commonalities between different faiths, your contributions make a lot of sense.
Externally, the redemptive act of a loving God sets in motion the whole doctrine of the atonement and makes the resurrection logical. Acceptance of this premise is one of the cardnial fulcrums for any person to embrace the Christian faith.
Internally, the move toward redemption is awareness. The mindfulness taught by the Buddha, and practiced as the conscience of Zen living today, sets in motion the process by which redemtion follows the path you so well describe in your own work.
This is only one brief analysis among many. I hope it is somewhat helpful to the flow of your own thinking. While I am a member neither of these two newer religions, I admire them both.
I am very grateful for your thoughts and your consideration. I found a lot of wisdom in your remarks.
I'll be stopping by to read your articles.