From the
Oriental Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Art of Asia, "Goats on Snowy Hill" by Fang Chuxiong:
A comparison of Christianity and the religions of Eastern Asia yields some interesting ideas. Christianity is convinced there is one true God, one true Church, one true sacred text and one true way to salvation. Taoism simply focuses on following the harmony of Nature, while Mahayana Buddhism teaches how to overcome mental suffering and live compassionately. And Confucianism gives guidelines for creating a harmonious civilization. Yet no matter what our religious or philosophical bent, we all like to feel as if we have a purpose, companions on this journey and something that gets us through tough times. Ultimately, we must use our own compass to find the Way that has personal meaning and inspiration for us. Perhaps as children we can believe what someone tells us we are supposed to believe, but as mature adults, we seek our own truth. The Goats card is paired with a Creole proverb: "The goat that climbs up the rock also has to go down." My take on this quote is that I can stand on a metaphorical mountain top thinking I know what the meaning and purpose of life is all about, but at some point reality is going to bring me back down again. The message for me is to be willing to adapt or change my beliefs and opinions when I realize the absolute truth is not what I thought. Indeed, the idea of 'absolute' may be pure inflated thought.
That's the miracle of Jesus if there is one.
He thought his own thoughts when no one else did.
Dangerous. But he never stopped.
That's what I celebrate today.
His original thinking.
O holy night.
"Christmas Day Thoughts from a Brooding Post-Christian"
~ Jan Phillips
There are so many different beliefs that hold no account for any other. Even subsections are antagonistic of other branches. There are so many different doctrines labeled under Christianity that promote separatists views until they are challenge with a 'un'Christian philosophy then leaders want to band together. I wonder with the the different traditions of Buddhism if it is the same? I love the quote that goats go up the rock also have to come down.
ReplyDeleteWithin Buddhism, there are secular types and cultural/religious types. The secular types pretty much just go by what the Buddha originally said as a philosophy. But there are plenty of other types that do not see eye to eye!
DeleteIt IS easy to be kind and compassionate when I stand alone. Real life is harder work...
ReplyDeleteI never was too good at learning patience and tolerance without anyone to practice on. :)
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