Catholicism & Buddhism?

[Colombe]

After having spent many years studying and practicing Tibetan Buddhism, receiving all so-called “empowerments” from the most famous Lamas, having been initiated to Hinduism, and having lived with a Swami, having done all kinds of esoteric practices, New Age thérapies (rebirth, holotropic breathwork etc …) ; I came out a few years ago from this depersonalization thanks to an act of faith through which I put myself, thanks undoubtedly to my baptism and to all the other sacraments of the Catholic Church I had received in my childhood. A big thanks to Monsignor François Marty, Archbishop of Reims from 1960 to 1968, who chrismated me at confirmation.
I wish to share what I lived through with all people who are in search of spiritualism and sometimes, because of ignorance or fascination, are involved in all kind of sects or therapy, yoga, méditation groups, etc … I am coming back from far away. I went to India in search of meaning and I am now finally free in Christ ; I do not need any more idols nor gurus, what a relief ! I am in the hands of The One Who has always been faithful to me, the one who had lost His sheep …
I must add that I undoubtedly had to go through all these paths, but for nothing in the world would I go back ! I am not here to stone the ones who are fascinated with orientalism because I have been myself. I wish only to remind them that our culture is rich and interesting for the one who has a thirst of spirituality and has forgotten his baptism.

To conclude, no, one cannot worship at the same time Jesus and Buddha and Krishna, once one has taken refuge with a Lama and received baptism, one is automatically in syncretism which cannot contribute to unifying the human being, the choice of God is not compatible with the Heart Sutra, as for Christians there is an Alpha and an Omega, and this is not the case for all the ones who believe in karma !

Is it true that Catholicism & Buddhism is compatible so that a Catholic could be a Buddhist? The reason I ask is because I have heard people call themselves Catholic Buddhists?

Pax

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

I have not seen any other interpretation. Mine is the only valid one.

I’m abit confused by your response. Why is your interpretation the only valid one?

May the peace of the Lord be with you,
Prodigal Son1

 

[Lion_of_Narnia]

Quote:
Originally Posted by algebra forums.catholic-questions.org/images/buttons_cad/viewpost.gif
I have not seen any other interpretation. Mine is the only valid one

I’m abit confused by your response. Why is your interpretation the only valid one?

Because its becoming obvious algebra likes to start flame wars

 

[Colombe]

I’m abit confused by your response. Why is your interpretation the only valid one?

May the peace of the Lord be with you,
Prodigal Son1

As a

Senior Member
Prayer Warrior
Forum Supporter

of this site which is a Catholic one (if it is not the case, let me know), I am schocked by your comment, I am not talking of interpretation, I am talking of what I have been living through. I suppose you do not know anything about esoterism to speak this way !

Pax et Bonum

I’ll leave this forum, I have too !

 

[LilyM]

As a

Senior Member
Prayer Warrior
Forum Supporter

of this site which is a Catholic one (if it is not the case, let me know), I am schocked by your comment, I am not talking of interpretation, I am talking of what I have been living through. I suppose you do not know anything about esoterism to speak this way !

Pax et Bonum

I’ll leave this forum, I have too !

His comment was directed at algebra, not at you,

 

[Colombe]

Oh, I see !

His comment was directed at algebra, not at you,

 

[Lilyflower]

I would posit that both catholicism and buddhism seek the truth, yet approach it differently.

Neither catholicism nor buddhism are in themselves the truth.

The truth is jesus, for catholics, the church and the religion are paths.

The truth is nirvana for buddhists, meditation and the teachings of buddha the path.

the bible itself cannot reveal the fullness of truth, since it is distinct from jesus, who one has to experience personally to understand the Truth.

Many Christians including Catholic Priests have respect for Zen meditation, some practice and teach it.

We have such a Priest. Many of his parishioners have moved to other parishes in the mistaken believe he is into something un-godly. Yet he is very right wing in Catholic matters and very much dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament.

Blessings and peace.

 

[Colombe]

Many Christians including Catholic Priests have respect for Zen meditation, some practice and teach it.

We have such a Priest. Many of his parishioners have moved to other parishes in the mistaken believe he is into something un-godly. Yet he is very right wing in Catholic matters and very much dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament.

Blessings and peace.

Zen meditation is in no way compatible with Christian practice ! Zen meditation comes from buddhism and zen koans which are inherent to this practice are completely in opposition with Christian faith.
It is common and fashionable in the interreligious dialogue to see Catholic monks and nuns practicing zen meditation with kind of western zen practicioners such as Deshimaru’s disciples, I really cannot stand this and I know what I am talking about because of all my past experiences !
This syncretism just creates more confusion and the parishioners were right to move to other parishes !

 

[vee8]

Zen meditation is in no way compatible with Christian practice ! Zen meditation comes from buddhism and zen koans which are inherent to this practice are completely in opposition with Christian faith.
It is common and fashionable in the interreligious dialogue to see Catholic monks and nuns practicing zen meditation with kind of western zen practicioners such as Deshimaru’s disciples, I really cannot stand this and I know what I am talking about because of all my past experiences !
This syncretism just creates more confusion and the parishioners were right to move to other parishes !

Amen!

1. I often refer people who have questions like the OP`s to go to the ewtn audio library and listen to Paul Williams on the Journey Home.
2. To do practices of another religion reminds me of the Israelites who started worshiping Baal while waiting for Moses to come back down the mountain. We are waiting for the return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead. Do we want him to find us doing practices from other religions?

 

[swariffin]

Is it true that Catholicism & Buddhism is compatible so that a Catholic could be a Buddhist? The reason I ask is because I have heard people call themselves Catholic Buddhists?

Pax

Dear Rosary Girl and Algebra,

With respect to the second command of Jesus (Thou shalt love thy neighbors), you are correct. Even in this modern century, Buddhism practices in term of interhuman relationship is remarkable. But, don’t ask them about Trinity or the Theology of Creation, for instance. They don’t care much about it.

 

[Colombe]

Amen!

1. I often refer people who have questions like the OP`s to go to the ewtn audio library and listen to Paul Williams on the Journey Home.
2. To do practices of another religion reminds me of the Israelites who started worshiping Baal while waiting for Moses to come back down the mountain. We are waiting for the return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead. Do we want him to find us doing practices from other religions?

Deo gratias !
I do not know Paul Williams, is there a related website (my mothertongue is French and I might not be able to read his book in English).
Father Joseph-Marie Verlinde who was in the sixties a cloth disciple of Maharishi guru (the one of the Beatles) came back home too, after a long journey, he is a “specialist” of antichristian impostors, as a Catholic priest and monk, he was of a great support and help in my journey back to the Lord among other Catholic monks and nuns !
parresia.fr/-Chaine-final-age-net-.html

 

[rossum]

With respect to the second command of Jesus (Thou shalt love thy neighbors), you are correct. Even in this modern century, Buddhism practices in term of interhuman relationship is remarkable.

“Love others as you love yourself” - Bhadramayakaravyakarana sutra 91.

But, don’t ask them about Trinity or the Theology of Creation, for instance. They don’t care much about it.

Correct, they are all seen as irrelevant. The parable of the man shot with an arrow applies:[The Buddha said:] 'It is as if, Malunkyaputta, a man is shot with an arrow thickly smeared with poison, … and the wounded man were to say “I will not have the arrow taken out until I know the caste of the man who shot it, … his tribe … his clan … his village … his height etc.” [many questions omitted here] That man would die Malunkyaputta, before he learned all that he wanted to know.

'In exactly the same way, Malunkyaputta, any one who says “I will not lead the religious life under the Blessed One until the Blessed One explains to me whether the universe is eternal, whether the universe is not eternal, whether the universe is finite, whether the universe is infinite etc.” [many questions omitted here] That person would die Malunkyaputta, before I had ever explained all this to that person.

‘The religious life, Malunkyaputta, does not depend on the dogma that the universe is eternal, nor does it depend on the dogma that the universe is not eternal etc. [many dogmas omitted here] Whatever dogma obtains there is still birth, old age, death, sorrow, lamentation, misery, grief and despair, of which I declare the extinction in the present life.’

(Cula-Malunkyovada sutta, Majjhima Nikaya 63)

As to meditation, the bare technique can be compatible with Christianity. Sitting and breathing may be all that is involved. The theoretical background is of course not compatible with Christianity, but the bare techniques themselves are often neutral. For a specifically Christian meditation try the Jesus Prayer.

rossum

 

[Colombe]

“Love others as you love yourself” - Bhadramayakaravyakarana sutra 91.

Correct, they are all seen as irrelevant. The parable of the man shot with an arrow applies:[The Buddha said:] 'It is as if, Malunkyaputta, a man is shot with an arrow thickly smeared with poison, … and the wounded man were to say “I will not have the arrow taken out until I know the caste of the man who shot it, … his tribe … his clan … his village … his height etc.” [many questions omitted here] That man would die Malunkyaputta, before he learned all that he wanted to know.

'In exactly the same way, Malunkyaputta, any one who says “I will not lead the religious life under the Blessed One until the Blessed One explains to me whether the universe is eternal, whether the universe is not eternal, whether the universe is finite, whether the universe is infinite etc.” [many questions omitted here] That person would die Malunkyaputta, before I had ever explained all this to that person.

‘The religious life, Malunkyaputta, does not depend on the dogma that the universe is eternal, nor does it depend on the dogma that the universe is not eternal etc. [many dogmas omitted here] Whatever dogma obtains there is still birth, old age, death, sorrow, lamentation, misery, grief and despair, of which I declare the extinction in the present life.’

(Cula-Malunkyovada sutta, Majjhima Nikaya 63)

As to meditation, the bare technique can be compatible with Christianity. Sitting and breathing may be all that is involved. The theoretical background is of course not compatible with Christianity, but the bare techniques themselves are often neutral. For a specifically Christian meditation try the Jesus Prayer.

rossum

I did practice with the most famous Tibetan lamas and attended their teachings during many year, Tibetan Buddhism is not very open to other religions, I can remember perfectly well that we were told to be among us (kind of Western Tibetan disciples together with the lamas) to protect the Dharma and above all, not to mix with people from other religions !

 

[peary]

Is it true that Catholicism & Buddhism is compatible so that a Catholic could be a Buddhist? The reason I ask is because I have heard people call themselves Catholic Buddhists?

Pax

**No. Buddhism does not have Christ. That in itself makes it defective in its ability to save one’s soul. I also disagree with Buddhism’s assertion that we are not comprised of a soul but rather ever-changing aggregates (pancakkhandha) that give us the illusion of having a self (atman). Buddha was not a savior or a God as Christ clearly is.

On a more positive note, Buddhism is peaceful, charitable, intellectual, and kind, but it lacks Christ, a recognition of the need for grace, and an appreciation of selfhood. **

 

[Lion_of_Narnia]

Said about 100 years ago:

"Buddhism and Christianity are very much alike–especially Buddhism"–Gilber Keith Chesteton

 

[SedesDomi]

I did practice with the most famous Tibetan lamas…I can remember perfectly well that we were told to be among us (kind of Western Tibetan disciples together with the lamas) to protect the Dharma and above all, not to mix with people from other religions !

You can find this idea of “not mixing with people of other religions” in the New Testament, the Torah, the Qur’an, and in pretty much all religious texts; probably due to the fact that some individuals of those religions would find it best to focus on their chosen religious path, and just forget (at least for the time being) about the teachings of other religions.

But there is nothing in Buddhism that demands that all Buddhists (of whatever level of practice) not mix with people of other religions. Indeed, the Buddha mixed with a whole lot of non-Buddhists.

 

[Varghese]

You are right Paul, Im from India and mediatation is common out here usually the chant is ‘OM’ which is chanted in deep & long decibel from the stomach, it kind of sends vibration inside ur body, but when I did it I didnt feel comfortable, as if my soul was revolting inside, so I stopped later through research I found out that OM was one of the pagan Gods, continous chanting creates such high decible of vibration it heats up the atmosphere around it & creates an untolerable noise, (u can compare it to hard rock) by invoking it deep inside your body, which is your temple of God you are throwing out the diety of that temple that is the Spirit, which the bible says is like a little child who likes to dwell simple, clean, quiet places.
the other eg of this in CHANDA a group of 10-15 men in stand together in temple and beat the drums starting slowly & building up the sound byte it takes 10 to 12 hrs & u can imagine the condition they are creating to diety who dwell in such atmosphere

The Bible also very clear that which ever faith u r called upon u said stay in that…

I have a profound respect for Buddhists, primarily because of their pacifism and their respect for all life, including the simplest of animals. My patron saint is Saint Francis of Assisi.

In 1993, while in early recovery from alcohol and drugs, I thought it would " enhance" my recovery to study Buddhist meditation. I brought this up in confession with my confessor, a conservative Tridentine rite priest. He said Buddhism is primarily a philosophy and if meditation helps calm my mind and helps relax me that’s fine. But keep the Catholic Sacraments the center of my life and devotion. I failed to tell this priest that the center that I was going to meditate at was a Tibetan Meditation center. After meditation they would chant invoking a number of Tibetan “boddhisatvas” (enlightened beings- some would say that they are just " metaphors") . During the chaniting, they would offer incense out of an open window. I asked one of the members what that was all about. She said that they were giving an offering to the " Mahakala". She didn’t explain what the " Mahakala" was, probably deliberately because she knew that I was a Roman Catholic. Through research, I learned that the " “Mahakala” was originally a Mongolian diety that governed doorways and entry ways! Another name invoked during the chants was Vajrayogini…I learned that this " boddhisatva" is also called the " Sow Goddess"! I stopped going to this center and stopped this form of meditation, after attending their sessions for about a month. Theravada Buddhism and Zen are essentially non- theistic, unlike Tibetan Buddhism, but I would avoid these schools of Buddhism, also. Primarily because they are unecessary if one is living a sacramental life in the Church.

I have been trained in two yoga techniques, and three Eastern meditation techniques (during my " pagan" 20’s & early 30’s). I haven’t practiced these techniques for years. I receive a more profound peace from 15 minutes of the Rosary than I ever received from spending 2 hours meditating on my breath, “emptying my mind”, walking in a circle or chanting. I receive more “enlightenment” from 7 minutes of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy than 20 minutes of repeating a two syllable Sanskrit mantra that I paid $60 to receive 34 years ago. And the greatest gift is the " peace that passes all understanding" that I receive from a simple wafer of unleavened wheat called not the " Buddha Field" but the Body of Christ.

If somebody tells me they use the adjective " Buddhist" before Catholic…I say they are confused and in spiritual danger like I was.

Paul

P.S. I dont practice “Centering Prayer” either!

 

[Colombe]

You can find this idea of “not mixing with people of other religions” in the New Testament, the Torah, the Qur’an, and in pretty much all religious texts; probably due to the fact that some individuals of those religions would find it best to focus on their chosen religious path, and just forget (at least for the time being) about the teachings of other religions.

But there is nothing in Buddhism that demands that all Buddhists (of whatever level of practice) not mix with people of other religions. Indeed, the Buddha mixed with a whole lot of non-Buddhists.

Well, this is your opinion but let me remind you that I’m talking about Tibetan Buddhism (vajrayana) which includes esoteric tantric shamanic practices which are far away from supernatural christianism. leads to spiritual ego and is really not in coherence with the Cathechism of the Catholic Church !
By the way, do you know Tibetan lamas, did you live together with them, did you attend their teachings, did you take refuge, did you receive tantric empowerments ?

 

[Colombe]

No. Buddhism does not have Christ. That in itself makes it defective in its ability to save one’s soul. I also disagree with Buddhism’s assertion that we are not comprised of a soul but rather ever-changing aggregates (pancakkhandha) that give us the illusion of having a self (atman). Buddha was not a savior or a God as Christ clearly is.

On a more positive note, Buddhism is peaceful, charitable, intellectual, and kind, but it lacks Christ, a recognition of the need for grace, and an appreciation of selfhood.

Again in Buddhism there is no alterity, you are supposed to reincarnate, you do not exist to God’s eyes, you have the nature of Buddha and you have to accumulate merits not to fall in samsara !
There is no hope. You are not considered as Philip or Paul or Sarah, you just do not exist, read the Heart Sutra !
As a Catholic,I, Colombe, prefer Saint Bonaventure and his approach, today is Saint Bonaventure acording to the Tridentine Calendar !

 

[SedesDomi]

By the way, do you know Tibetan lamas, did you live together with them, did you attend their teachings, did you take refuge, did you receive tantric empowerments ?

I don’t deny that your Lamas gave you certain guidelines for spiritual practice, guidelines that required you to focus exclusively on your own sadhana and to relinquish interest in any other practices. My point is that this sort of perspective and practice is not a universal nor a necessary part of Buddhist practice.