Saying Grace
Cornelis Pietersz. Bega, 1663
pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
My dear friends,
In these words of St. Paul, we find a message of unceasing joy and gratitude. Similarly, Buddhism teaches us to embrace life with a heart full of joy and compassion. To "pray without ceasing" is to live mindfully in every moment, recognizing the divine presence in all things.
Gratitude, a central theme in both traditions, teaches us to appreciate the impermanent nature of life and find contentment in the present moment. This gratitude is an acknowledgment of our interconnectedness with all beings and the divine.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
To not quench the Spirit is to allow the divine spark within us to flourish. Buddhism echoes this through the concept of Buddha-nature, the inherent potential within all to achieve enlightenment. Nurturing this nature is akin to letting the Spirit guide us towards compassion and wisdom.
This process involves a continual inner transformation, a journey of becoming more aligned with the divine qualities of love, compassion, and truth, resonating with the Christian concept of being led by the Holy Spirit.
hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22
In these verses, we are urged to discern wisely. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of prajna, or wisdom, in determining the truth. We are encouraged to test teachings through experience and reason, much like the Bereans did with Paul's teachings (Acts 17:11).
Holding fast to what is good is akin to the Buddhist practice of upholding skillful actions and thoughts that lead to the cessation of suffering. Both paths urge us to abstain from harmful deeds and cultivate virtues that lead to spiritual maturity.
and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
The Christian hope in God's sanctifying grace finds a parallel in Buddhism's journey towards enlightenment. Both paths seek a transformation of the entire being — body, speech and mind — in pursuit of the full realization of human potential.
The faithfulness of God mirrors the unwavering nature of the Dharma, the cosmic law and order in Buddhism. Both assure us of a guided path towards spiritual fulfillment and ultimate peace.
In this Advent season, as we anticipate the coming of Christ, let us also embrace the wisdom of these teachings. May our journey be marked by continuous joy, guided discernment, and a transformative embrace of divine and enlightened qualities.