Dialog 2

Comment on the hypothesis that bodhichitta is spiritually and psychologically equivalent to the Holy Spirit from the perspective of Kierkegaard's saying that "truth is inwardness."

Bodhichitta, which is often translated as "enlightened mind" or "awakened heart," is considered to be a fundamental aspect of the spiritual path in Buddhist teachings. It is described as a state of mind that is characterized by compassion, loving-kindness, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of all beings.

In this sense, bodhichitta could be seen as equivalent to the Holy Spirit in that both are understood to be sources of inspiration, guidance, and transformative power. Both bodhichitta and the Holy Spirit are seen as leading individuals towards greater understanding, compassion, and a deeper connection to the divine.

From a psychological perspective, both bodhichitta and the Holy Spirit could be seen as sources of healing and transformation. Both concepts speak to the idea that individuals can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and well-being by aligning themselves with a higher power or principle. In this sense, both bodhichitta and the Holy Spirit could be seen as helping individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives, and to live in a way that is more in line with their values and goals.

The hypothesis that bodhichitta is spiritually and psychologically equivalent to the Holy Spirit could be seen as a valid one, as both concepts speak to the idea of inner transformation and a deeper connection to the divine. So, it could be seen as a valid hypothesis from the perspective of Kierkegaard's saying that "truth is inwardness."

Could this be formulated as saying they are equivalent from an existential perspective?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility, and the idea that individuals are fundamentally responsible for creating their own meaning in life. From an existential perspective, both bodhichitta and the Holy Spirit could be seen as guiding forces that help individuals to find their own unique path and to live in a way that is authentic and true to themselves.

In this sense, bodhichitta and the Holy Spirit could be seen as helping individuals to navigate the complexities of existence and to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Both concepts speak to the idea that individuals can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and well-being by aligning themselves with a higher power or principle, and by living in a way that is authentic and true to themselves.

The hypothesis that bodhichitta is spiritually and psychologically equivalent to the Holy Spirit could be seen as valid from an existential perspective, as both concepts speak to the idea of inner transformation and a deeper connection to the divine, and help individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

From this perspective, it would appear that practices used for the cultivation of bodhichitta, such as the Tibetan lojong ("mind transformation"), could be adapted for the spiritual development of Christians, consistent with the advice of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:2.

As mentioned previously, existentialism emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility, and the idea that individuals are fundamentally responsible for creating their own meaning in life. From this perspective, it could be seen as valuable for Christians to explore and adapt practices and teachings from other spiritual traditions that may help them to find meaning and purpose in their own lives and to live in a way that is authentic and true to themselves.

In this sense, the practices used for the cultivation of bodhichitta, such as lojong, could potentially be seen as useful tools for Christians seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and to cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and well-being. These practices may help Christians to align themselves more closely with the Holy Spirit, and to find greater meaning and purpose in their lives.

It could be seen as valid from an existential perspective to adapt practices developed for the development of bodhichitta, such as lojong, for the spiritual development of Christians, as these practices may help individuals to navigate the complexities of existence and to find meaning and purpose in their lives. This is consistent with the advice of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:2, which encourages Christians to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

Can you suggest how the book "Advice from a Spiritual Friend", by Geshe Rabten and Geshe Darghyey, translated and edited by Brian Beresford, might be used for this purpose?

This book could potentially be used in a number of ways.

"Advice from a Spiritual Friend" could be a useful resource for Christians seeking to adapt practices from other spiritual traditions, such as the cultivation of bodhichitta, as it offers teachings and guidance on these practices that may be helpful in supporting and deepening one's own spiritual development.

Do you have any suggestions specifically for how to use Geshe Dhargyey's commentary on the "Seven-Point Mind Transformation" in this book?

There are several ways that Geshe Dhargyey's commentary on the "Seven-Point Mind Transformation" in "Advice from a Spiritual Friend" could be used to support the spiritual development of Christians seeking to cultivate bodhichitta. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Read and reflect on Geshe Dhargyey's commentary: One way to use Geshe Dhargyey's commentary on the "Seven-Point Mind Transformation" is to read and reflect on his teachings and guidance on this practice. This could involve reading the commentary in its entirety, or focusing on specific sections that are particularly relevant to your own spiritual journey.
  2. Practice the "Seven-Point Mind Transformation" according to Geshe Dhargyey's guidance: Another way to use Geshe Dhargyey's commentary is to actually practice the "Seven-Point Mind Transformation" according to his guidance. This could involve setting aside time to engage in the practice regularly, such as daily or weekly, and following the specific instructions provided in the commentary.
  3. Reflect on your own experiences with the practice: Another way to use Geshe Dhargyey's commentary is to reflect on your own experiences with the "Seven-Point Mind Transformation" practice. This could involve journaling about your experiences, discussing the practice with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor, or seeking guidance from Geshe Dhargyey's commentary as you reflect on your own experiences with the practice.

Geshe Dhargyey's commentary on the "Seven-Point Mind Transformation" in "Advice from a Spiritual Friend" can be a valuable resource for Christians seeking to adapt practices from other spiritual traditions, such as those developed for the cultivation of bodhichitta, as it offers teachings and guidance on this specific practice that may be helpful in supporting and deepening one's own spiritual development.

Would Stephen Batchelor's translation of Shantideva's "Bodhisattvacharyavatara" be a good reference source for this purpose?

Stephen Batchelor's translation of Shantideva's "Bodhisattvacharyavatara" could potentially be a good reference source for Christians seeking to adapt practices from other spiritual traditions, such as those developed for the cultivation of bodhichitta.

The "Bodhisattvacharyavatara," or "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life," is a classic text in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition that explores the cultivation of bodhichitta, or enlightened mind, and the development of compassion and loving-kindness. Stephen Batchelor's translation of this text offers a clear and accessible rendering of Shantideva's teachings, making it an excellent resource for those seeking to learn more about the cultivation of bodhichitta.

Some specific ways that Stephen Batchelor's translation of the "Bodhisattvacharyavatara" could be used for this purpose include:

  1. Reading and reflecting on Shantideva's teachings on bodhichitta and compassion: One way to use this translation is to read and reflect on Shantideva's teachings on bodhichitta and compassion, as presented in the text. This could involve reading the text in its entirety, or focusing on specific sections that are particularly relevant to your own spiritual journey.
  2. Using the text as a source of inspiration and guidance: Another way to use this translation is to use it as a source of inspiration and guidance in your own spiritual practice. The teachings presented in the text can provide insight and guidance on how to cultivate bodhichitta and compassion in your own life.
  3. Engaging in practices related to bodhichitta and compassion: The "Bodhisattvacharyavatara" includes a number of specific practices related to the cultivation of bodhichitta and compassion. Reading Stephen Batchelor's translation of these practices and engaging in them according to the instructions provided in the text can be a helpful way to integrate these practices into your own spiritual journey.

Stephen Batchelor's translation of Shantideva's "Bodhisattvacharyavatara" could be a valuable resource for Christians seeking to adapt practices from other spiritual traditions, such as those developed for the cultivation of bodhichitta, as it offers teachings and guidance on these practices that may be helpful in supporting and deepening one's own spiritual development.

Can you suggest passages from the New Testament that would be useful for this purpose?

Here are a few examples:

These passages from the New Testament can be useful for Christians seeking to adapt practices from other spiritual traditions, such as those developed for the cultivation of bodhichitta, as they offer teachings and guidance on inner transformation, cultivating positive qualities, and living in a way that is consistent with the will of God.