Zen And The Kingdom Of Heaven

Using the teachings of Christ and the writings and stories of Christian spiritual masters, Chetwynd delves into the history of the tradition of meditation within Christianity. "Zen & the Kingdom of Heaven" offers provocative insights into the role of meditation in the East and the West.

The Zen of Jesus Christ (from the Foreword): 'Jesus was the first Zen master of the west. His teachings as revealed through the writings of the Gospel of Thomas show ample evidence of this. The parallel elements and points of similarity be-tween Jesus' sayings in this context and those of zen Buddhism in general are more than notable, they are remarkable, almost incredible. Clearly they are using different terms, but when one realizes that, for example, the Kingdom of the father is formally equivalent to the way of the Tao, it is obvious that they are referring to the same thing. Of utmost interest and import is not only what Jesus says in these writings, but also what he is not saying. Throughout the 114 sayings, Jesus does not speak about faith. He does not talk about beliefs. Jesus makes no reference to eternal life, except in the present moment; he does not speak about salvation nor talk about the resurrection. Jesus does not present himself as an object of adoration. The emphasis of his sayings is, quite simply, how to open your eyes and see, how to recognize and accept the present moment, how to stand up on your own two feet and how to be. If these things seem too simple or subtle, it may be because doing these things properly is apparently amongst the most difficult things to achieve in the world. Maybe we here in the West have forgotten how to look within. Maybe we never learned how to do it correctly. Maybe we have forgotten, with our rat race lives, running ever faster to every destination for what we know not why, the obsession of the cell phone stuck to the ear and the sickness of consumerism, blindly obtaining more and more money or material things without end. If these things truly made us happy and fulfilled, we would not see so much sadness, depression, anxiety, drug abuse, desperation and violence as we do amongst the general population. It is a huge irony that despite living in the midst of the greatest resources, with all the material benefits, conveniences and riches afforded to us by our 'modern industrial civilization', many still find themselves feeling incomplete, restless, anxious, confused and not exactly happy in our lives. In this sphere, zen may be able to come to our aide, not only to better understand the sayings of Jesus but also to learn something of Buddhism as well, because what zen represents is something so urgently needed in our society today. Perhaps it is the cultivation of our mindfulness in order to better recognize the difference between quality and quantity, and to help us develop the power to increase the positive while diminishing the negative in our busy lives. Perhaps it is the real possibility of discovering Jesus' Kingdom of Heaven in the very center of the Tao, in the here and now.

A study of the Gospel of Thomas, exploring what Jesus was really like and what he stood for. It demonstrates that Jesus's teaching is akin to Zen, in that it has an emphasis on direct seeing rather than endless cognition.

Brought up within a Zen Buddhist tradition and later becoming a Jesuit priest and professor of philosophy, Kakichi Kadowaki's spiritual path bridges the gap between Eastern and Western approaches to religion. In Zen and the Bible he offers an enlightening personal analysis of some central aspects of Christianity, based on his experience of Ignatian spirituality and on the ways of Zen monastic life. Western Christian readers interested in Eastern philosophy will fred their own faith refreshed and strengthened from the insights and illuminations in this classic book, now back in print with a new Introduction by William A. Johnston.

Applying the Kingdom 40-Day Devotional Journal provides important context to living an abundant life through absolute priority for the Kingdom of God. Pastor, author, and teacher Dr. Myles Munroe shares secrets of success through establishing Kingdom priorities for your life. Throughout this 40-Day Devotional Journal, you are given the keys to living a fulfilled life. Based on biblical principles, you will discover how the greatest; Tragedy in life is not death, but life without purpose. Challenge in life is knowing what to do. Mistake in life is being busy but not effective. Failure in life is being successful in the wrong assignment. The principles from Applying the Kingdom will bring an exciting new sense of belonging to your spiritual, emotional, and physical life.

Apophatic theology, or negative theology, attempts to describe God, the Divine Good, by negation, to speak only in terms of what may not be said about the perfect goodness that is God. It is a way of coming to an understanding of who God is, which has played a significant role across centuries of Christian tradition but is very often treated with suspicion by those engaging in theological study today. This book seeks to introduce students to this oft-misunderstood form of spirituality. Beginning by placing apophatic spirituality within its biblical roots, the book later considers the key pioneers of apophatic faith and a diverse range of thinkers, including C. S. Lewis and Keats, to inform us in our negative theological journey. A final section explores what difference a negative theological approach might make to our practice and our liturgy.

Are you seeking inner peace and spiritual enlightenment? Look no further than "Zen Supremacy: Being, Acknowledging, Perceiving, Changing and Achieving." This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive exploration of zen philosophy, providing readers with valuable insights and practical guidance for integrating zen principles into their daily lives. With over 20 years of experience practicing zen meditation and studying various Buddhist perspectives, the author delves into the realms of spiritual identity, the acknowledgement of God, the perception of happiness, the transversality of pureness, and the achievement of immortality. Each chapter offers a unique perspective on these subjects, drawing from the rich traditions of Buddhism in India, Tibet, Japan, and China. What sets "Zen Supremacy" apart is its approach to zen philosophy. Rather than advocating for one particular branch of Buddhism, the author takes a holistic viewpoint, exploring the intersections between zen and other spiritual traditions. Through personal experiences living among monks in a temple in China, the author realized the need for a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding and embracing zen in everyday life. Zen is often described as a path rather than an end, making it challenging for individuals to grasp its true meaning and application. This book fills that void, providing clear explanations and practical advice for those on their spiritual journey. Whether you're a beginner or experienced practitioner, "Zen Supremacy" offers the guidance and insights you need to deepen your understanding of zen and its transformative potential. In a world filled with confusion and false teachings, this book stands out as a beacon of clarity and authenticity. By combining the wisdom of zen with multiple other spiritual perspectives, the author encourages readers to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace a more inclusive and open-minded approach to spirituality. While not promoting any specific branch of Buddhism, "Zen Supremacy" has the power to enhance your interpretation of any spiritual belief system. Embark on a life-changing journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Dive into "Zen Supremacy: Being, Acknowledging, Perceiving, Changing and Achieving" and unlock the transformative power of zen in your daily life. Don't miss out - order your copy today and experience the profound wisdom of zen for yourself.