Christ Carrying the Cross
Sebastiano Luciani del Piombo, 1540
Dear friends,
In Mark 8:34-38, Jesus warns his disciples:
must deny themselves
and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life for me
and for the gospel will save it.
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world,
yet forfeit their soul?
Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words
in this adulterous and sinful generation,
the Son of Man will be ashamed of them
when he comes in his Father’s glory
with the holy angels."
These words of Jesus can be understood in a universal context, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. The essence of the message is about embracing the path of compassion, self-sacrifice, and spiritual growth, even when it demands personal hardship and perseverance.
As the Tibetan people have endured great suffering and displacement, they have learned the importance of remaining steadfast in their values and beliefs. Their struggle has been one of non-violence and compassion, even when confronted with oppression and injustice. They have sought to preserve their culture, religion, and identity, despite the immense challenges they have faced.
In the words of Jesus, we can find a call to embrace the path of self-sacrifice and spiritual growth. To "deny oneself" and "take up one's cross" means to let go of selfish desires and attachments and to courageously face the challenges that come with living a life of compassion, love, and service to others.
The Tibetan people have experienced the truth of Jesus' words that "whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." By remaining committed to their values of non-violence, compassion, and cultural preservation, they have found strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
In our interconnected world, it is important for all of us to learn from one another's spiritual traditions and to find common ground in our shared humanity. The teachings of Jesus remind us of the universal importance of compassion, self-sacrifice, and spiritual growth, values that are central to the Buddhist tradition as well.
Let us all strive to live lives of compassion and selflessness, embracing the challenges that come our way as opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation. By doing so, we not only honor the teachings of Jesus, the Buddha, and other great spiritual leaders but also contribute to the wellbeing of our world.
May we all find strength and inspiration in the wisdom of the world's spiritual traditions, and may we work together to create a more compassionate, just, and peaceful world for all.