Sunday, February 17, 2008

Opening Monologue

The story goes that, after his enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama-the historical Buddhawas walking down the road when he met a fellow traveler. The other man perceived a great radiance emanating from Siddhartha, so instead of asking,
“Who are you,” he asked, “Are you a god or a divine being? “No,” answered the Buddha. “Are you a shaman or a sorcerer?” “No,” answered the Buddha. “Are you a man?”
Again the Buddha answered, “No.” “Well, then,” the man said. “what are you?” The Buddha answered, “I am awake.” And, indeed, this is what “Buddha” means: one who is awakened.

Jesus told his followers that the answer was within themselves: “If those who lead you say the Kingdom of heaven is in the sky, then the birds of the sky will get there before
you do. If they say it is in the sea, then the fish will beat you there. Rather, the kingdom is within you… Every teaching, every word - no matter how profound - is only a guidepost along the way. Every seeker is a pilgrim, and every pilgrim travels alone.

If the words of certain teachers move us, and if we were to examine our thoughts while reading them, what often strikes us most is not that these teachers are telling us something new, but that they are reminding us of something we already knew but, perhaps, had forgotten! It is as if we had always known these truths at some deep level, so we respond with, “Aha!” “Yes, of course! I knew that all along!” These teachers
reveal the truth that has always been within us.

The Words of the Teachers

Jesus

The Kingdom is not coming with signs to be observed. The Kingdom of God is within you.
-The Gospel of Luke
Krishna

Those who seek oneness ceaselessly find the Lord
dwelling in their own hearts.
-The Bagavad Gita

Buddha

To begin the journey in the Way…First, set yourself straight. You are the only Master.
-The Dhhammapada


Lao Tsu

The Way is empty, yet contains all. Words cannot describe it. Better that one should look for it within.
-The Tao Te Ching


Second Monologue

The Way spoken of by the world’s great teachers is not one single path, yet all paths lead to the same destination. Traveled by the pilgrim, the Way is the path to Life. It is the quest for our own personal holy grail. The Way stretches out before us, endless. It leads beyond the horizon, yet it begins with a single step.

Once the Way is chosen, there is no turning back. We may stop and rest awhile. We may tarry here and there for as long as necessary. We may even fall asleep by the side of the road. But we will eventually awaken no matter how long we sleep. Then, recognizing that the day’s shadows are falling long across the path, we stir ourselves, cinch up our belts, and continue on.


The Words of the Teachers

Jesus

I am the way, the truth, and the life.
- The Gospel of John

Krishna

Many are the paths of men, though all those paths end in Me for those who love Me.
- The Bagavad Gita

Jesus

I am a beacon to those who see Me. I am a mirror to those who look at Me. I am a door to those who knock on Me. I am a Way to you the traveler.
- The Hymn of Jesus from the Acts of John

Krishna

I am the Way, and the Master who watches in silence – your friend, your shelter, your dwelling of peace. I am the beginning and the end of all things – the seed of eternity, and the treasure supreme.
- The Bagavad Gita

Buddha

The most supreme among humanity are those who have eyes to see. This is the Way, and there is no other that leads to purifying the intellect. Take that path!
- The Dhammapada

Lao Tzu

When the wise man hears of the Way, he works hard to apply it. When the mediocre person hears of it, he keeps it then loses it. But when the ignorant hear of it, they laugh. If they did not laugh, it would not be the Way.
- The Tao Te Ching

Jesus

The kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen. No one will say: “Here it is” or “There it is!” Because the kingdom is within you.
- The Gospel of Luke


Buddha

The Way is not in the sky. The Way is in the heart.
- The Buddha

All readings and sayings are from Richard Hooper, ed. Jesus Buddha Krishna Lao Tzu:
The Parallel Sayings (Sedona, AZ: Sanctuary Publications, 2007)

A reading from the Gospel of Mary (trans. Karen King)

When the Blessed One had said these things, he greeted them all. “Peace be with you!” he said. “Acquire my peace within yourselves! “Be on your guard so that no one deceives you by saying, ‘Look over here!’ or ‘Look over there!’ For the child of true Humanity exists within you. Follow it! Those who search for it will find it.


Call to Conversation