Buddhism

The more I read and learn what the Buddha taught his followers, the more I believe that he was full of the Holy Spirit. So, I read and desire to learn from the Buddha/Buddhism because I do not want to turn away from teachings of the Holy Spirit. I question my friends who say that the Buddha was not a “Christian” to which I reply, “Well, of course not. The Buddha lived 500 to 600 years before the time of Christ”. I also wonder when they say they do not want to be influenced by Buddhism as they are on their way to a yogi class or talk about practicing mindfulness. I believe there is more to God than we think or believe. A quote from the Buddha as reported by Mark Nepo in his wonderful book, FALLING DOWN AND GETTING UP. “Act always as if the future of the universe depends on what you do, while laughing at yourself for thinking that whatever you do makes any difference.” (p. 137)

What is the cost of not changing?

I frequently see individuals, in my therapy practice, who are stuck. That person may might stuck in a relationship, job, behavioral patterns, attitude, etc. They continually choose not to risk a move such as changing their thinking, seeing new possibilities, leaving a relationship or a job. They resist the arduous task of self-discipline that begins to alter a behavior, relationship, job expectations, the way a business or Church operates, etc. Too often, at least in my thinking, the individual cannot imagine other possibilities, or they deny and/or avoid them, so they continue to stay stuck in the issues that are causing the problems. When they come to see me, I usually hear the same continual complaints. I frequently ask them the question, “What is it costing you not to change?” They are often puzzled by my question because they have never considered the costs of not changing. What does it cost to stay stuck? Change has a cost but, also, not to change has a cost.

Questions Will Guide You

A book of immense wisdom is Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet. He writes, “Have patience with everything unresolved and try to love the questions themselves.” It is the questions which will guide you on your journey. If you already have the answer(s), you will not notice or heed the guide or Spirit because, for you with the answers, you think your journey is finished.