What Wondrous Love is This
Mike Moyers, 2014

My dear friends,

In Romans 8:28-30, the Apostle Paul speaks of divine foreknowledge and predestination, asserting that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28). From a Buddhist perspective, we can find parallels in the concepts of emptiness and dependent origination. Emptiness teaches us that all phenomena lack inherent existence and arise dependently, interconnected with one another. Similarly, dependent origination reveals the interconnectedness of all beings and events, forming an intricate web of causes and conditions.

When we examine divine foreknowledge, we encounter the idea that God knows all things in advance, including the outcomes of our lives. While this may be seen as an expression of divine omniscience, it aligns with the understanding of dependent origination. Just as causes and conditions give rise to particular effects, the events of our lives unfold according to a vast interplay of causes and conditions, both past and present.

Predestination, as mentioned by Paul, suggests that our ultimate destination, our spiritual attainment, is predetermined by God. In Buddhism, we find a parallel in the Lam Rim, the graduated path to enlightenment. It teaches that our spiritual development progresses through various stages, culminating in the attainment of Buddhahood. These stages are likened to stepping stones leading us towards our ultimate destination, which, in this context, is the realization of our inherent buddha nature.

Romans 8:30 speaks of this spiritual journey, stating, "those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." This progression mirrors the stages of spiritual development outlined in the Lam Rim. We are called to embark on the path, justified by our commitment to practice, and ultimately, glorified through the realization of our true nature.

Reflecting on these teachings, we can draw important conclusions for our own process of spiritual development. Firstly, we should recognize that our lives are not isolated occurrences, but part of a vast interdependent web of existence. Our actions and choices reverberate through this interconnectedness, influencing the course of our journey.

Secondly, just as divine foreknowledge and predestination indicate a divine plan, we should embrace the understanding that our spiritual development is not haphazard. We are called to engage in intentional practice, following a path that has been laid out by enlightened beings throughout the ages. By doing so, we align ourselves with the wisdom and compassion that permeates the evolutionary process.

Finally, let us remember that the process of spiritual development is gradual and transformative. It requires dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. Just as the Lam Rim presents a series of progressive steps, we too must embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation, gradually shedding our negative tendencies and cultivating virtuous qualities.

Dear friends, as we contemplate the profound words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:28-30, we find resonance with the teachings of emptiness and dependent origination. We recognize that our spiritual journey is guided by divine wisdom and unfolds within the vast tapestry of interconnected existence. Let us embrace the call to practice, knowing that through our commitment and effort, we too can be justified and glorified in the realization of our true nature.

May our hearts be filled with compassion, our minds with wisdom, and our actions with virtuous intent as we continue along the path of spiritual development.