Zen Christianity & Meditation
I found this while searching because I needed to know what one of the leading opinion of the church was and this is what I found.
"12. With the present diffusion of eastern methods of meditation in the Christian world and in ecclesial communities, we find ourselves faced with a pointed renewal of an attempt, which is not free from dangers and errors, "to fuse Christian meditation with that which is non-Christian." Proposals in this direction are numerous and radical to a greater or lesser extent. Some use eastern methods solely as a psycho-physical preparation for a truly Christian contemplation; others go further and, using different techniques, try to generate spiritual experiences similar to those described in the writings of certain Catholic mystics.13 Still others do not hesitate to place that absolute without image or concepts, which is proper to Buddhist theory, 14 on the same level as the majesty of God revealed in Christ, which towers above finite reality. To this end, they make use of a "negative theology," which transcends every affirmation seeking to express what God is, and denies that the things of this world can offer traces of the infinity of God. Thus they propose abandoning not only meditation on the salvific works accomplished in history by the God of the Old and New Covenant, but also the very idea of the One and Triune God, who is Love, in favor of an immersion "in the indeterminate abyss of the divinity."15 These and similar proposals to harmonize Christian meditation with eastern techniques need to have their contents and methods ever subjected to a thorough-going examination so as to avoid the danger of falling into syncretism." - http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/zen.htm LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON SOME ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or as an end in itself.
According to my understanding which is quite limited in the Buddhist way is that a beginners mind is the best, because it is not filled with preconceptions of other faiths, or of that Christianity. Even Christ said, "And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3.
The reason why I bring this up is because of a friend. She is a Buddhist, and practices faithfully. I have never had the best temper however, because of her (not including medications and what not) I have learned so much more. Several years ago she handed me a set of Buddhist prayer beads, sat down with me and helped me through the steps. With her help I have learned so much.
Meditation is such a meaningful way to connect with God, and to dig deeper in the your life with Christ or whatever faith you have. It has opened up so many doors and understanding of life that I probably would have never had unless I met my friend. You know in Christianity and in Buddhism we are taught that humility and openness are necessary in our walks of life. Now if we moved towards a Zen lifestyle we should move towards a Simplictic, to be Empty (move away from Resistance and Struggle). When you drink tea, coffee, or eat an orange, actually do it. Don't just rush through it like you would on a daily basis. Take the time to enjoy each and every drop of the drink or food. "The present moment holds infinite riches beyond your wildest dreams ...The will of God is manifest in each moment, an immense ocean which only the heart fathoms insofar as it overflows with faith, trust and love." - Jean-Pierre De Caussade from The Sacrament of the Present Moment.
Did you know that silence can lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and help reduce our level of stress hormones. Spiritually silence allows us to open our hearts to God and quiet the noise within. Elijah and Jesus all the way to Mohammed are perfect examples of how silence helps us understand and listen. Follow the words of Psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God. Zen specifically stresses spoken words over written word, so the role of a good teacher is extremely important. Think about it this way. During the time of Jesus Christ, he did not carry a written word but had only the spoken word. So in essense he was a perfect Zen Master. He taught them how to pray, to be silent and listen.
Zen has what they call Koans, they are stories which are stories or questions meant to trigger enlightment, or awakening to the true nature of the universe. As Christians, we often emphasize answers over questions and doctrine over discussion. Zen teaches that questions are an essential part of spiritual growth. Who am I? What is my purpose in life? What do I value most? Wrestling with these Christian koans can trigger insight.
We must accept that we can not stop change. Just like the saying, "This too shall pass" that saying alone proves that we must accept change no matter what. You can't stop it, so we need to honor the moment then let it go. "As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more." - Psalm 103:15-16
There is a Zen quote, "Before Enlightenment, chop wood carry water, after Enlightenment, chop wood carry water." This points the the value of Zen places on the ordinary day to day life. No matter what it is we do it is there.
I urge you to take time out of your life sit down and try it. Tai Chi, Yoga does help. Take time out of your life and sit down and meditate.
Thank you
