Dharma Wheel. The dynamics of change. My New Year thoughts plus a picture.

I am moving away from mainstream western

 Christianity back to Mahayana Buddhism, particularly Japanese and Vietnamese schools. But I have not given up on the original teachings of Jesus as a real man in Roman occupied Palestine. Like the Buddha he came from a prominent family and chose, or allowed himself to be chosen, to be a wandering spiritual seeker turned teacher. Buddha was the son of a king, while Jesus, as the biological son of Joseph, was descended from kings. Both were highly educated and spoke more than one language. Jesus could read and write, and probably knew Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic very well.  To suggest that he was an illiterate inhabitant of a backward rural community living with step brothers and sisters is pure whimsy, and not strong enough to build dogmas on. Galilee was at that time at the western end of the Silk Road and was an international hub of trade and ideas. He probably did travel both east and west, believed in reincarnation, but was not a Buddhist monk. He remained a Jew, but was deeply influenced by Eastern philosophies and religions. No one suggested that he was born via a mystical interaction between a virgin and the Holy Spirit until after his mother and close relatives were dead and gone. Sadly I have had to accept that the Christmas stories were a late addition to script6ure, and not a secure foundation to base a faith on. But the Sermon on the Mount is a firm and secure foundation, as are the Four Noble Truths.  And I should point out that God has -  since my childhood - been a difficult word for me to use in a serious conversation, it has just far too many meanings, beliefs and superstitions attached to it. The Ground of Being is far better, but still not large enough a concept. OM and I AM work for better for me, they resonate deep into both inner and outer space. We must never forget that we are star dust and therefore at one with all that Is, knowable and yet to become known. Both Jesus and Buddha knew this, and we must not forget that in the Old Testament God is not static but is on a journey of self discovery, just like humanity as a whole. Buddha said that the gods themselves were seeking self knowledge and enlightenment. Looking back to the Christmas Story, I do believe that Mary sensed that she was bearing a special child, as many mothers do. She was right of course, and perhaps an Epiphany did happen. Being Chosen often means to be fully in touch with ones true nature, something both Buddha and Jesus certainly were, and probably Mary also.

Trevor John Karsavin Potter. January 6th. 2024.