Christianity, Buddhism and Yoga: They Do Not Save You Unless You Make Some Effort Over the last three and a half years this writer has become involved with Cambodia and its people in increasingly intimate ways. Part of this process has involved teaching English and Yoga on a volunteer basis. Another part has been in making an attempt to learn and use the Khmer language whenever possible. Still another way has been to become involved with and knowledgeable about all aspects of the society, culture and the people who make it up. And still another way has been to look over the multitude of writings on Cambodia’s past and more recent and tragic history. One interesting aspect of this recent history has been the idea that many people lost faith and belief in Buddhism because it failed them, this being in respect to the wars that plagued Cambodia in addition to the murderous and culturally destructive policies of the Khmer Rouge. In reality, it was not Buddhism that failed the Cambodian people. Instead it was the failure of all elements of Khmer society to fully examine, understand and apply the teachings of Buddhism that led to the many problems that Cambodia experienced. At the same time, it is true that many of the problems that Cambodia had were related to its history, the policies of its neighbors and wars in those countries and the very unchristian and unbuddhist behaviors on the part of the U.S. government in their own confusion, desire to win and not lose face as regards the Vietnam war. The point of all of this is that if one wants to experience the wise, skillful, wholesome and healthy living that Christianity, Buddhism and Yoga promises them, they have to make some kind of effort in order to get them. This is true of someone in America, someone in Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar or Laos, or someone in India. It is not enough to just say that “I believe” or bow down to an icon and worship, or to attend weekly satsangs. It is about making an ongoing and consistent effort to learn, understand and apply, putting aside one’s own ego, attachments and aversions and desire to be different or a rebel. It is notoriously difficult to make changes, especially regarding our behaviors and how our mind works. And any kind of change will come slow, so to expect quick results is unwise and can lead to disappointment or cynicism. Sometimes in order to bring about the change that these disciplines promise us, we need support. Not only do we need support, but we may need to spend time in quiet reflection in a mindful and humble manner, seeing and acknowledging our weaknesses while making an attempt to cultivate our strengths further. It is not enough to just say that one believes, or just make merit, or just go to church. Progress in any religion or spiritual discipline requires an ongoing and consistent commitment, in addition to acceptance, effort, discipline and humility. ©2006 John C. Kimbrough
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 01:04:01 +0000
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