Transfiguration
JESUS MAFA, 1973

My dear friends,

Today I would like to reflect on some lessons we can apply our own spiritual quest by examining the story of the Transfiguration in Mark 9:2-9 through the lens of the Kalama Sutta. The Buddha's advice to the Kalamas to not simply accept teachings based on tradition or authority, but to examine them carefully and to determine for themselves whether they are beneficial and conducive to the path of awakening, is a call to critical thinking and personal inquiry that can be applied to any aspect of life, including religious practice.

The story of the Transfiguration emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus and the continuity of his teachings with the traditions of Moses and Elijah. However, rather than simply accepting this story on faith or authority, we can use the Kalama Sutta's advice to examine it carefully and to determine for ourselves what it means for our own spiritual growth.

One lesson we can learn from the story is the importance of being open to the transformative power of spiritual practice. Just as Jesus was transformed before his disciples, we too can experience a transformation through our own spiritual practices. However, this transformation requires an openness and receptivity on our part, a willingness to let go of our preconceptions and allow ourselves to be changed.

Another lesson we can learn from the story is the importance of listening to the teachings of Jesus, rather than simply venerating him as a divine figure. When the voice from the cloud says, "This is my beloved Son, listen to him," it is a reminder that our spiritual growth and transformation depends not only on our recognition of the divine nature of Jesus, but on our willingness to listen to and apply his teachings in our own lives.

Peter's rash suggestion to "build three tabernacles" reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of spiritual transformation. Rather than simply building structures to commemorate the experience of the Transfiguration, the disciples are called to embody and live out the teachings of Jesus in their own lives. Peter's suggestion is a distraction from this important task.

Finally, the voice of God saying "listen to him" rather than "worship him" is a reminder that our spiritual growth and transformation is not simply a matter of venerating a divine figure or following a set of rules and rituals, but rather of listening to and applying the teachings of Jesus in our own lives. It is through this active engagement with the teachings that we can experience the transformative power of spiritual practice and grow in wisdom and compassion.

In summary, by examining the story of the Transfiguration through the lens of the Kalama Sutta, we can learn the importance of openness, receptivity, discernment, and active engagement with the teachings of Jesus in our own spiritual growth and practice.