Hands, all together
Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Church, 2007

My dear friends,

In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian community, appealing for unity in Christ. His words, evoking the importance of harmony over individual allegiance to specific leaders, are consistent with the Bodhisattva ideal of selflessness and working for the benefit of all. This unity transcends individual or sectarian interests, reflecting a spiritual maturity that both traditions aspire to nurture.

Paul confronts the issue of factionalism by invoking the unity that should characterize those who follow Christ. His rhetorical question, "Is Christ divided?" underscores the absurdity of the divisions. He skillfully reminds them that loyalty should not lie with human leaders, but with Christ Himself, who is the true foundation of their faith.

From the perspective of the Bodhisattva path, this appeal for unity reflects the principle of selfless service to others. A Bodhisattva works to dissolve personal and group divisions, recognizing that true spiritual progress relies on collective harmony and the altruistic intent to benefit all beings, not just oneself or one's group.

Paul further distances himself from being a cause of division by minimizing his role in baptisms, pointing instead to his primary mission of proclaiming the gospel. This acts as a lesson in humility and the prioritization of divine mission over personal recognition, thus promoting unity over sectarianism.

Similarly, in the Bodhisattva path, the focus is on transcending the ego and personal accolades to serve the greater good. This mirrors Paul's redirection from personal baptisms to the broader mission of spreading the gospel, akin to a Bodhisattva emphasizing universal enlightenment over individual spiritual accomplishments.

In these words, Paul distinguishes the essence of his mission: to proclaim the gospel simply and directly, without reliance on the persuasive power of rhetoric that could detract from the intrinsic power of Christ's sacrifice. This emphasizes the power of the message itself over the eloquence of its messenger.

In the teachings of the Bodhisattva path, the simplicity and sincerity of one's intentions are paramount. Just as Paul focuses on the purity and power of the gospel, a Bodhisattva values direct and genuine methods to teach and help others, ensuring the teachings themselves remain undiluted and potent.

Paul concludes by contrasting the perceptions of the gospel between believers and non-believers. This stark dichotomy reinforces the divine wisdom and power inherent in the message of the cross, which transcends human understanding and division.

The Bodhisattva path also recognizes the differing capacities of beings to understand profound truths. Similar to Paul's distinction between those who perceive the gospel as foolishness and those who see it as divine power, a Bodhisattva employs skillful means (upaya) to teach according to the varied dispositions of sentient beings, always aiming to reveal the deeper truths in ways that can be truly absorbed and beneficial.

Thus, Paul's teachings to the Corinthians, rich with calls for unity and the centrality of Christ, harmonize with the Bodhisattva ideal of selflessness and skillful means . Both paths emphasize the importance of communal harmony and a focus on transcending personal divisions and egos to foster collective spiritual growth. This blend of wisdom offers a profound perspective on fostering unity and spiritual maturity within diverse communities.