What is Truth?
Nikolaĭ Nikolaevich Ge, 1890

My dear friends,

Jesus' encounter with Pontius Pilate, as narrated in John 18:28-19:16, illuminates profound truths that echo across different faiths and spiritualities, creating a bridge of shared wisdom. This story can be seen as a culmination of Jesus's ministry, where He bravely confronts the worldly power that he renounced during his temptation in the wilderness.

Let us first understand Pontius Pilate. He embodies worldly power, political influence, and a system that values authority over the essence of truth and justice. Pilate's power is external, bestowed upon him by societal structures and human constructs. On the other hand, Jesus embodies the spiritual power - the power derived from unwavering faith, the power of truth, compassion, and unselfish love. This power is internal, sourced from deep within the soul, independent of worldly strictures.

The confrontation between Jesus and Pilate becomes a vivid illustration of the ongoing conflict between worldly power and spiritual strength. This is a conflict that continues to this day, in each of our lives. It is the struggle between the physical and the spiritual, between the transient and the eternal, and between fear and love.

What does this confrontation teach us? It teaches us about the power of truth, the courage of conviction, and the strength of nonviolence.

First, Jesus, much like the Buddha, stands as a beacon of truth. He doesn't waver in front of Pilate's worldly power. He tells Pilate, "For this purpose, I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." This shows us that truth is eternal and transcends worldly power. As practitioners of mindfulness and compassion, we must cultivate an unwavering commitment to truth, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Secondly, Jesus' confrontation with Pilate teaches us the power of conviction. Jesus had the choice to deny his purpose and save his life, but he chose to uphold his spiritual path, his dharma. This shows that conviction in one's beliefs, in one's spiritual path, is the cornerstone of any spiritual journey. His example invites us to stay firm in our values and convictions, even when faced with the most challenging trials.

Finally, Jesus embodies the strength of nonviolence. Faced with the possibility of a painful death, he chooses not to resist, not to incite rebellion, but to accept his fate with quiet dignity. This is the true strength of nonviolence – the ability to maintain peace, compassion, and love, even in the face of extreme hostility.

Just as Buddha taught us to transcend suffering by following the Eightfold Path, Jesus's confrontation with Pilate demonstrates that truth, conviction, and non-violence can overcome worldly power and suffering. As we reflect on this Good Friday, let us remember to foster inner spiritual strength and stay true to our path of compassion, love, and truth, even when confronted with worldly power.

In contrast, consider Pilate's fear, even though he represented the supreme power of Rome, upon hearing the high priests' accusation that Jesus had claimed to be the "Son of God":

This fear was likely rooted in several factors:

• In Roman culture and mythology, there were stories of gods appearing in human form and even fathering children with humans. Pilate, being a Roman governor, would have been familiar with these stories. Thus, hearing that Jesus claimed to be the "Son of God" could have alarmed him, stoking fears of divine retribution if he were to mishandle Jesus' case.
• Pilate was a representative of the Roman Empire tasked with keeping peace in a volatile region. Jesus' claim to divinity could incite a religious uprising, threatening the stability of his jurisdiction and consequently his position and reputation with the Roman Empire.
• Pilate had been interacting with Jesus and had witnessed His dignity, composure, and lack of fear, even in the face of death. This could have disturbed and frightened Pilate, as it didn't align with his understanding of a typical human response.

This combination of potential divine involvement, political implications, and Jesus' unique demeanor likely contributed to Pilate's increased fear. This fear, in turn, shaped the unfolding of events leading to Jesus's crucifixion. This is the tragedy of Pilate: he has become a prisoner of the very system from which he derives his power. Now his question to Jesus sounds like an existential cry for help, rather than cynical sarcasm:

In the end, the life and ministry of Jesus serve as a testament that spiritual power rooted in love and truth always prevails over worldly power rooted in fear and dominance. In this light, let us dedicate ourselves to the cultivation of spiritual power over worldly power.

As spiritual seekers, the truth to which we must bear witness is the truth of love and compassion as foundational principles of the universe, and the reality of suffering as a shared human experience.

This truth highlights the impermanence of worldly possessions and honors the inherent worth of each individual, irrespective of their social or economic status. It urges us to seek a path that transcends desire, hatred, and ignorance, and encourages a life lived in mindfulness, love, and service to others. This is the truth to which both Buddha and Jesus bore witness and it remains just as relevant and transformative today.

However, bearing witness to this truth comes with a cost. It often means going against prevailing societal norms, standing against injustice, and speaking up for the marginalized and oppressed. It might involve experiencing misunderstanding, ostracization, or even persecution. Just as Jesus faced crucifixion for his radical message of love and forgiveness, we too might face opposition and difficulties when we choose to live by these truths.

But, while the costs may seem high, the rewards of bearing witness to this truth are far greater. By aligning ourselves with compassion and love, we cultivate inner peace and contentment, liberating ourselves from the shackles of uncontrolled desires, fear, and anger. This alignment brings about deep-seated joy, tranquility, and a sense of fulfillment that worldly gains cannot offer.

Furthermore, by bearing witness to this truth, we contribute to a more compassionate, understanding, and peaceful world. We become beacons of hope and reservoirs of strength for those around us, impacting lives in ways we may never fully comprehend.

In the end, the essence of spiritual enlightenment is realizing and embodying this profound truth, and it is this journey that brings the ultimate reward – a life of love, purpose, and inner peace.