Harvesters
Pieter Bruegel, 1565

My dear friends,

In our journey through the teachings of the Bible, we find profound wisdom that resonates deeply with the universal truths we find in all spiritual traditions. It is in this spirit that we explore today's passages from the second letter of the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, and from the Gospel according to Mark.

2 Corinthians 5:14-17 speaks of a profound transformation that happens within the individual. It is not simply an external change but a profound shift in our perception and understanding. In the words of Paul, the old has passed away; behold, the new has come. This is akin to the Buddhist concept of enlightenment, where one transcends the illusions and attachments of the world, thereby revealing a new self that is free, awakened, and in harmony with the truth of existence.

On the other hand, in Mark 4:26-34, Jesus speaks of the transformation of the world into the Kingdom of God. It begins with a small seed, the Kingdom of God, which, when nurtured, grows into a large tree where the birds of the air can nest in its branches. This imagery is a beautiful reminder of our collective responsibility in nurturing this seed of divine love, compassion, and wisdom within and around us. It is a call to action that echoes the Buddhist ideal of the bodhisattva, one who seeks enlightenment not just for oneself, but for the benefit of all beings.

In a deeper sense, these two passages are not separate but intimately interconnected. The transformation of the individual is the foundation for the transformation of the world. When we ourselves are transformed, when we shed our old self and embrace the new, we become capable of planting, nurturing, and growing the seed of the Kingdom of God. The enlightened individual is the one who, through his or her actions, thoughts, and words, helps to bring about the Kingdom of God in this world.

The Buddhist tradition uses the term Buddha-nature to express the potential within all beings to achieve enlightenment, akin to the seed that has the potential to become a great tree. When we cultivate this Buddha-nature within ourselves, we become capable of helping others to realize this potential within themselves.

The transformation of the individual and the transformation of the world are, in essence, two sides of the same coin. They are two facets of the universal process of awakening. The individual transformation is the spark that lights the flame of global transformation. And the global transformation, in turn, supports and nurtures individual transformation.

Therefore, let us embark on this journey of transformation together. Let us nurture the seed of divine love and wisdom within us, that we may be transformed, and through our transformation, let us contribute to the blossoming of the Kingdom of God in this world. This is our noble path, our shared responsibility, and our greatest joy.

May peace, compassion, and wisdom guide us on this journey. May we become a source of light and hope for all beings. May the Kingdom of God flourish within us and around us.