I did not know Buddha was a Catholic saint. Apparently Saint Josaphat's story is based on Siddhartha Gautama life. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
And while I was looking for links on the Buddha, I found Killing the Buddha, the site for “people both hostile and drawn to talk of God.” Some sincere, insightful commentary by heretics with a sense of humor — my favorite kind!
Posted by Mike at November 11, 2003 03:15 PM | TrackBackWell.. welcome to the wonders of Saint Josaphat!! Heh.. Personally while I agree that this fellows story seems a little too linked to a specific peaceful prince.. If you really want to do a mix blend of those religions consider this… Jesus of Naz in his earliest period is said to have conducted this nebulous pilgrimage in the deserts east of the Holy Lands.. prior to returning to Jerusalem to begin his philisophical movement..(I am not convinced Jesus was trying to establish himself as a religion so much as promote changes in the current religious doctorine.) So where was he? What was he doing.. Was he sitting under a tree in meditation? If you consider the time,a nd the average noviciate's time serving to become a pakow (Buddist Layman/Laywoman) and consider the tone of the teachings that ole Jesus brought with him in his reforms.. I think you will find a serious Buddist philosopher!! Just my opinion though..
Posted by: Val on November 14, 2003 11:46 AMHey Val!
I've read similar reflections about Jesus' 'Lost Years.' I like the idea that Jesus studied Buddhism very much, and I'm inclined to agree that there is a lot in his teachings that reflect Buddhist philosophy. Whether it's because they were both realizing truths independently or Jesus was influenced by the Buddha is an interesting debate. There is one Buddhist sect in Nepal that actually claims to have some record of Jesus' journey to the East. I do find it interesting that Buddhist and Christian monks can find a genuine dialogue more easily than their lay brothers and sisters.
Hmm, had to google and found this:
Jesus Lived in India?
It has been a great debate between Jesus and the Buddha. Here, I believed with the “vision” i saw after my meditation and the recitation of Lord Jesus's prayer for one year continuously for He had come and brought me to this “Great Mountain” and saying “The question about the Buddha has been with you for such a long time, Listen! and Look! As I standing in the centre of this Great Mountain, the Buddha stood on the top of the peak” Thus, the light shines and shines to all direction…
Posted by: Eric on December 23, 2003 01:27 AM