Posted by dj on January 28, 2000, at 12:29:06
In reply to Re: Religion and Depression (Long), posted by dove on January 28, 2000, at 11:32:34
> He went to those in need and to those who were searching. What more can any christian say or do?
>
> doveWell written and eloquently stated, Dove, as always. As someone who was brought up in a staunchily Catholic household and named after a Catholic priest I see the value of religion to some. Personally I'm an agonostic and all spiritual traditions speak to me, when their compasson shows through (as it does with you) and not their dogma, which is the root of all evils, imho.
For those who are not narrow in their spiritual search Huston Smith's wonderfully written book, "The World's Religions" explores the core commonalities of compassion, that are at the heart of all true seeking.
St. Francis of Assissi who was a true seeker is quoted as having stated that: "Rather than walk a mile to preach, let my walking be my preaching". If you've never seen the movie 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' about his life, seek it out at the video emporium as it's a gem.
Also for true seekers the writings of Vietnam's Thich Nhat Hanh also beautifully illuminate core linkages between spiritul traditions. For example:
"Living Buddha, Living Christ"
by Nh at Hanh, Thich Nhat Hanh, Elaine Pagels (Introduction), David Steindl-Rast"Book Description
Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley reads Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh's inspiring masterpiece."When you are a truly happy Christian, you are also a Buddhist. And vice versa."
-- Thich Nhat HanhBuddha and Christ, perhaps the two most pivotal figures in the history of humankind, each left behind a legacy of teachings and practices that have shaped the lives of billions of people over the course of two millenia. If they were to meet on the road today, what would each think of the other's spiritual views and practices?
The bestselling author of Peace is Every Step, and one of the most beloved Buddhist teachers in the West, Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh has been part of a decades-long dialogue between the two greatest living contemplative traditions, and brings to Christianity an appreciation of its beauty that could be conveyed only by an outsider. In a lucid, meditative prose, he explores the crossroads of compassion and holiness at which the two traditions meet, and reawakens our understanding of both. "On the altar in my hermitage," he says, "are images of Buddha and Jesus, and I touch both of them as my spiritual ancestors." --This text refers to the audio cassette edition of this title"
poster:dj
thread:19818
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/19887.html