The Transfiguration of Christ
Carl Heinrich Bloch, ca. 1865

My dear friends,

As we reflect on the readings for Transfiguration Sunday, we are reminded of the profound transformation that can take place in our lives when we open ourselves to the divine. In this sermon, I would like to share with you some thoughts on the nature of transformation and the importance of cultivating a deep spiritual practice.

The story of the transfiguration of Jesus is a powerful reminder that we all have the potential to experience a profound shift in our consciousness. When Jesus was transfigured before his disciples, they saw him in a new light. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. This transformation revealed to them the true nature of Jesus as the Son of God, and it filled them with awe and wonder.

Buddhists speak of enlightenment as a similar transformation of consciousness. When we cultivate the path of spiritual practice, we can awaken to the true nature of reality and experience a profound sense of peace and happiness. Like the disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, we can see the world in a new light, and we can become agents of positive change in our communities and in the world.

But how do we cultivate this transformation of consciousness? The path of spiritual practice involves three key elements: ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom. Ethical conduct involves living in accordance with our deepest values, such as compassion, kindness, and generosity. Meditation helps us to quiet the mind and cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. And wisdom involves developing an understanding of the nature of reality and the interconnectedness of all things.

As we cultivate these three elements of spiritual practice, we begin to transform ourselves and the world around us. We become more compassionate, more patient, and more loving. We become more aware of the suffering of others, and we become more committed to alleviating that suffering. We become agents of positive change in our communities, our societies, and our world.

In the end, the transfiguration of Jesus and the path of spiritual practice are both reminders that we all have the potential for profound transformation. By cultivating a deep spiritual practice, we can awaken to the true nature of reality, and we can become agents of positive change in the world.

May we all be inspired by the example of Jesus and the teachings of the Buddha, and may we all be filled with the wisdom, compassion, and courage to live a life of deep spiritual practice.