I am the product of a Jesuit education and I took Buddhism as one of my theologies. I have never been afraid of, or been threatened by, other religions. If anything, studying other religions has confirmed my belief in a Creator or Great Spirit. There seems to be something greater than ourselves that, despite cultural differences, we are always trying to explain. There seems to be a sense that this plane of existence is not all there is. My recent reading has revealed some commonalities between St Ignatius and Buddhism.
I am fully aware of the differences in theses religions. Buddhism does not maintain a belief in a Creator and sees this life as a chance to improve and escape endless reincarnation. Christianity is anchored by the belief in a Creator, the Savior, the Holy Spirit and life everlasting. Yet, I see parallels in the areas of detachment/non-attachment and meditation.
Buddhism holds four Noble Truths: 1) Life means suffering 2) The origin of suffering is attachment 3) The cessation of suffering is attainable and 4) The path to the cessation of suffering. Here, I am the most interested in the second truth, attachment. In Buddhism, one can become attached to possessions, people, even ideas and outcomes. By following the Eightfold path (right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration) the individual chooses the middle way between excess and asceticism. He improves himself and is eventually free from reincarnation. Though most Christians do not believe in reincarnation, the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius encourage reflection, realignment and self-improvement.
St Ignatius also counseled people to be detached. In his book, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost ) Everything" Father James Martin describes "disordered affection" as something that is "not ordered toward something life-giving." Father Martin further states that Ignatius would encourage detachment to facilitate freedom and happiness. Father writes that " if this sounds surprisingly Buddhist, it is: that particular goal has long been a part of many spiritual traditions." If we do not cling to our own preconceived notions and plans, we are more open to God's will at work in our lives.
Meditation is a radical notion in our tech savvy, tech saturated world. Hinduism and Buddhism both acknowledge the importance of quieting the mind and going within. In fact, yoga is the physical preparation for being able to sit in meditation for extended periods. The goal of Buddhist meditation is to strip away delusions and attachments. In turn, Saint Ignatius invites believers to contemplate the events of Christ's life. When we are still, we are open to insight and to God's voice. 1 Kings tells us that Elijah witnessed a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire. But the Lord was in none of these. The Lord came in a still, small voice. Time in meditation is time spent listening for that very voice. So whatever your path, take time to meditate. Contemplation imparts peace and reveals priorities. Be bold and be still.
I am fully aware of the differences in theses religions. Buddhism does not maintain a belief in a Creator and sees this life as a chance to improve and escape endless reincarnation. Christianity is anchored by the belief in a Creator, the Savior, the Holy Spirit and life everlasting. Yet, I see parallels in the areas of detachment/non-attachment and meditation.
Buddhism holds four Noble Truths: 1) Life means suffering 2) The origin of suffering is attachment 3) The cessation of suffering is attainable and 4) The path to the cessation of suffering. Here, I am the most interested in the second truth, attachment. In Buddhism, one can become attached to possessions, people, even ideas and outcomes. By following the Eightfold path (right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration) the individual chooses the middle way between excess and asceticism. He improves himself and is eventually free from reincarnation. Though most Christians do not believe in reincarnation, the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius encourage reflection, realignment and self-improvement.
St Ignatius also counseled people to be detached. In his book, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost ) Everything" Father James Martin describes "disordered affection" as something that is "not ordered toward something life-giving." Father Martin further states that Ignatius would encourage detachment to facilitate freedom and happiness. Father writes that " if this sounds surprisingly Buddhist, it is: that particular goal has long been a part of many spiritual traditions." If we do not cling to our own preconceived notions and plans, we are more open to God's will at work in our lives.
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