Christian Critique of A Daily Dose of Dharma
Chapter 1 – Dharma (The Truth)Page 6:
Everything is like a mirage. You think it is real. But when you look at
it up close, it is not. It is not what you think it is. In fact, it is
empty. Form is empty.
Note: Jesus Christ was real before and after His death.
Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” Luke 24:36-39.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 7: Everything that is seen in form is an illusion. Dharma, the truth, can only be experienced, not seen. What is experienced lasts for only a brief moment. Just a conscious moment is about 1/10 of a second, and it is gone. By the time we are aware of that moment of consciousness, the Dharma, the truth, is gone.
Note: Jesus Christ will be with Christians always.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 8: “Right Now” has passed by the time one finishes saying, “Right Now.” That’s why, to truly experience Dharma, one must learn to “anticipate,” to experience it at all times, so that one can be “in time” to experience it as it (Dharma) happens, and not later. To anticipate itself is not experiencing Dharma yet. True Dharma is the experiencing of what happens at that moment, not before, not after.
Note: Christians invite Jesus Christ into their lives for lasting moments.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 9: By the time one thinks of the Dharma it has happened; it is gone. Therefore, it’s “nowhere.” But there is still a lot of Dharma moments to come. Therefore, it is “everywhere.”
Note: Christians will focus on Jesus Christ for lasting moments of hope.
But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:68-69.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 10: Because the Dharma appears only moment to moment, it is dynamic. Because it appears moment to moment, it “appears” to be moving and not static.
Note: Christians become dynamic witnesses for Jesus Christ.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 11: If Dharma is stuck in one mode, one place, and static, it is NOT Dharma. Each Dharma (or Truth) occupies a brief conscious thought moment and disappears. If it exists all the time, it is not the truth or Dharma. Dharma, the truth, is always on the move, making way for new Dharma to appear.
Note: The truth of God never disappears or changes.
The Elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 1:1-3.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 12: Dharma can’t be looked for in the past. Dharma can’t be seen in the future. It is what happens at this moment in time, the present. Experience the Dharma in the present.
Note: Christians have in all generations put their faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 13: Dharma, the Truth, exists only for the moment. It does not exist for two moments. Dharma may be transmitted from moment to moment but no two Dharma moments are identical. What is the Truth for the moment, based on the conditions for that moment, can’t possibly be replicated exactly with all the same conditions causing the Truth.
Note: Christians have confidence in Jesus Christ being the same forever.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 14: Dharma does not and cannot exist on its own. It arises from the right combination of conditions for the moment. It goes away at the cessation of one of all of those conditions. When the conditions are right, the Dharma for these conditions appears for that moment, only to be replaced by another Dharma for the next moment conditioned by another combination of conditions. Conditions also last only from moment to moment.
Note: Christians will grow into the truth of Jesus Christ who is forever.
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 15: When all the right conditions come together, the Dharma of that moment is born for that moment and then disappears. Dharma is dependent on the conditions at a particular moment of time, like a mother giving birth to her baby. Once the baby is born, that moment of birth with that baby can never be replicated.
Note: Christians are born again spiritually and are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:3-8.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 16: He who experiences Dharma, tastes freedom for the moment. He who experiences Dharma, is a free person for the moment. The more one is familiar with the Dharma, the more one is free.
Note: Jesus Christ sets people free from religious slavery to rules and regulations.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:31-36.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 17: Dharma can’t be bound by convention. Whatever happens for the moment happens regardless of conditions. Whatever happens can’t possibly follow spiritual authority. Whatever happens is due to all the conditions that are there for the moment.
Note: All spiritual authority is vested in Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:1-3.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 18: Dharma happens moment to moment. Dharma is to be experienced. To study and memorize words from books is not the same as experiencing Dharma.
Note: Christians are equipped for good works through Scripture.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Note: Have you noticed that there are no Buddhist outreaches for the poor?
Page 19: With the practice and mastering of meditation, especially Vipassana or mindfulness meditation, Buddha is able to experience Dharma and “points” the Dharma for us to be experienced.
Note: All Christians should experience mindful prayer.
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:7-13.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 20: Dharma is “as is.” It is experienced “as is” by only one person “as is” at that moment. What a person experiences as Dharma at that moment is possibly NOT the same as another person who experiences Dharma at that same moment, unless these two persons are on an identical levels of spiritual enlightenment.
Note: Spiritual enlightenment is given to every Christian who loves Jesus Christ.
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:4-9.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 21: Dharma is not one. It is NOT many. It is The One for that moment. Within The One there may be just one or there may be many.
Note: The truth of God is eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 1:1-4.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 22: Dharma can’t be broken down or broken apart. If a person can experience Dharma well, that person may be able to experience more than one component present in the Dharma at that time.
Note: Christians will experience God through their love for Jesus Christ.
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 23: Once a person experiences Dharma for the moment, that Dharma can’t be kept or possessed. One continues to learn and to practice and so experience more of Dharma from moment to moment.
Note: Christian truth is sincere belief in Jesus Christ resulting in love for another.
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 1 John 3:18-23.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 24: Once you try to hold on to the “Dharma,” it is not Dharma anymore. Let go and it is the Dharma you just experienced.
Note: Christians are given the Holy Spirit forever who is a Helper in this lifetime.
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:16-18.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 25: Dharma becomes no Dharma once you try to hold on to it, like food becomes stale when you keep it for too long. Eat the food and it’s gone, but it’s food. Let go of Dharma, it’s gone, but it’s Dharma.
Note: Christians will not use food to make a spiritual statement.
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 26: Clinging, studying, learning does not lead to Dharma. Dharma can only be experienced. Meditation practice paves the way to experiencing Dharma.
Note: Christians will learn from Jesus Christ and find rest for their souls.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 27: Meditation teaches one to be able to form one’s mind and to be aware of the present. The ability to focus and be aware of the present allows one to experience Dharma more at the moment.
Note: The word of God is truth that leads to eternal life in Jesus Christ.
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:13-17.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 28: Don’t look at the form; the Dharma is not there. Form is the pointing finger. Be aware of the experience of what is seen, or what is heard or smelt or trusted or felt and that is Dharma for the moment.
Note: Christians have eternal life not fleeting moments of satisfaction.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Note: Jesus Christ was real before and after His death.
Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” Luke 24:36-39.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 7: Everything that is seen in form is an illusion. Dharma, the truth, can only be experienced, not seen. What is experienced lasts for only a brief moment. Just a conscious moment is about 1/10 of a second, and it is gone. By the time we are aware of that moment of consciousness, the Dharma, the truth, is gone.
Note: Jesus Christ will be with Christians always.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 8: “Right Now” has passed by the time one finishes saying, “Right Now.” That’s why, to truly experience Dharma, one must learn to “anticipate,” to experience it at all times, so that one can be “in time” to experience it as it (Dharma) happens, and not later. To anticipate itself is not experiencing Dharma yet. True Dharma is the experiencing of what happens at that moment, not before, not after.
Note: Christians invite Jesus Christ into their lives for lasting moments.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 9: By the time one thinks of the Dharma it has happened; it is gone. Therefore, it’s “nowhere.” But there is still a lot of Dharma moments to come. Therefore, it is “everywhere.”
Note: Christians will focus on Jesus Christ for lasting moments of hope.
But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:68-69.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 10: Because the Dharma appears only moment to moment, it is dynamic. Because it appears moment to moment, it “appears” to be moving and not static.
Note: Christians become dynamic witnesses for Jesus Christ.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 11: If Dharma is stuck in one mode, one place, and static, it is NOT Dharma. Each Dharma (or Truth) occupies a brief conscious thought moment and disappears. If it exists all the time, it is not the truth or Dharma. Dharma, the truth, is always on the move, making way for new Dharma to appear.
Note: The truth of God never disappears or changes.
The Elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 1:1-3.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 12: Dharma can’t be looked for in the past. Dharma can’t be seen in the future. It is what happens at this moment in time, the present. Experience the Dharma in the present.
Note: Christians have in all generations put their faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 13: Dharma, the Truth, exists only for the moment. It does not exist for two moments. Dharma may be transmitted from moment to moment but no two Dharma moments are identical. What is the Truth for the moment, based on the conditions for that moment, can’t possibly be replicated exactly with all the same conditions causing the Truth.
Note: Christians have confidence in Jesus Christ being the same forever.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 14: Dharma does not and cannot exist on its own. It arises from the right combination of conditions for the moment. It goes away at the cessation of one of all of those conditions. When the conditions are right, the Dharma for these conditions appears for that moment, only to be replaced by another Dharma for the next moment conditioned by another combination of conditions. Conditions also last only from moment to moment.
Note: Christians will grow into the truth of Jesus Christ who is forever.
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 15: When all the right conditions come together, the Dharma of that moment is born for that moment and then disappears. Dharma is dependent on the conditions at a particular moment of time, like a mother giving birth to her baby. Once the baby is born, that moment of birth with that baby can never be replicated.
Note: Christians are born again spiritually and are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:3-8.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 16: He who experiences Dharma, tastes freedom for the moment. He who experiences Dharma, is a free person for the moment. The more one is familiar with the Dharma, the more one is free.
Note: Jesus Christ sets people free from religious slavery to rules and regulations.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:31-36.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 17: Dharma can’t be bound by convention. Whatever happens for the moment happens regardless of conditions. Whatever happens can’t possibly follow spiritual authority. Whatever happens is due to all the conditions that are there for the moment.
Note: All spiritual authority is vested in Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:1-3.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 18: Dharma happens moment to moment. Dharma is to be experienced. To study and memorize words from books is not the same as experiencing Dharma.
Note: Christians are equipped for good works through Scripture.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Note: Have you noticed that there are no Buddhist outreaches for the poor?
Page 19: With the practice and mastering of meditation, especially Vipassana or mindfulness meditation, Buddha is able to experience Dharma and “points” the Dharma for us to be experienced.
Note: All Christians should experience mindful prayer.
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:7-13.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 20: Dharma is “as is.” It is experienced “as is” by only one person “as is” at that moment. What a person experiences as Dharma at that moment is possibly NOT the same as another person who experiences Dharma at that same moment, unless these two persons are on an identical levels of spiritual enlightenment.
Note: Spiritual enlightenment is given to every Christian who loves Jesus Christ.
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:4-9.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 21: Dharma is not one. It is NOT many. It is The One for that moment. Within The One there may be just one or there may be many.
Note: The truth of God is eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 1:1-4.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 22: Dharma can’t be broken down or broken apart. If a person can experience Dharma well, that person may be able to experience more than one component present in the Dharma at that time.
Note: Christians will experience God through their love for Jesus Christ.
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 23: Once a person experiences Dharma for the moment, that Dharma can’t be kept or possessed. One continues to learn and to practice and so experience more of Dharma from moment to moment.
Note: Christian truth is sincere belief in Jesus Christ resulting in love for another.
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 1 John 3:18-23.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 24: Once you try to hold on to the “Dharma,” it is not Dharma anymore. Let go and it is the Dharma you just experienced.
Note: Christians are given the Holy Spirit forever who is a Helper in this lifetime.
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:16-18.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 25: Dharma becomes no Dharma once you try to hold on to it, like food becomes stale when you keep it for too long. Eat the food and it’s gone, but it’s food. Let go of Dharma, it’s gone, but it’s Dharma.
Note: Christians will not use food to make a spiritual statement.
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 26: Clinging, studying, learning does not lead to Dharma. Dharma can only be experienced. Meditation practice paves the way to experiencing Dharma.
Note: Christians will learn from Jesus Christ and find rest for their souls.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 27: Meditation teaches one to be able to form one’s mind and to be aware of the present. The ability to focus and be aware of the present allows one to experience Dharma more at the moment.
Note: The word of God is truth that leads to eternal life in Jesus Christ.
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:13-17.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.
Page 28: Don’t look at the form; the Dharma is not there. Form is the pointing finger. Be aware of the experience of what is seen, or what is heard or smelt or trusted or felt and that is Dharma for the moment.
Note: Christians have eternal life not fleeting moments of satisfaction.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
Note: Christianity is focused on a Person while Buddhism is focused on false concepts.