Even though these so-called "truths" may seem compatible with Christianity, when you know what these terms mean, you see that they aren't compatible at all, and they are not really truths. Like I explained in an earlier post, these all have to do with striving to achieve Nirvana, which is a form of nothingness, or melding into the "All" that Buddhists believe to be God.
Something tells me that these ideas frighten you. CS Lewis was a Christian and a theologian - he also engaged in apologetics. He once stated that other religions were valuable because many were almost correct. Buddhism is almost correct.
Ml
Remember, Buddhists believe that the "illusion" of separation is the cause of all suffering; whereas, the Bible plainly teaches that sin, or disobedience to God, is the cause of all suffering. Huge difference.
I believe Adam and Eve were forgiven as soon as God called out for them - the nakedness they felt was their own shame they carried for their disobedience - God even clothed them, but they could not get past the illusion of shame and separation.
In Buddhism, "mindfulness" is actually mindlessness.
To practice mindfulness is thus a matter not so much of doing but of undoing: not thinking, not judging, not associating, not planning, not imagining, not wishing. All these "doings" of ours are modes of interference, ways the mind manipulates experience and tries to establish its dominance.
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment - it is the opposite of mindlessness. Also, I agree with the Christian author of ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’ when he writes about ideas/opinions becoming idols - we confuse our true self with our options all the time. We are addicted to our own way of thinking. Mindfulness teaches us to experience the present moment instead of getting stuck in the past or worrying about the future or even worse, commentating on the present moment like a sports announcer instead of actually experiencing it. Christ would agree, which is why he told his disciples not to worry about the future and why he told the Jewish people to hate their fathers and mothers - which was a called to not allow tradition to interfere with the present moment.
The Bible instructs us to think about certain things in Philippians 4:8-- "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Yes. And you are going to miss all or those beautiful things if you are not living in the present moment!
I can't help but to wonder where you're going with all this, aspen. Are you thinking that Buddhism is another path to God? Are you practicing Buddhism? I'm genuinely concerned and pray that you will know the truth about this.
I appreciate your prayers. I am intrigued about several aspects of Buddhism and i am involved in a Budhist recovery program in the place of AA. I am not a practicing Budhist and i agree it is not a path to salvation because it does not recognise Jesus as the saviour of the world.