Re: [Zen] Zen in The Middle East?

[Kathleen Knight]

David, Your comments on Christianity and mysticism are right on the mark.  I am not a Christian myself, but one of Zen's greatest assets, I believe, is its ability to gel with other religions. Kathleen (abodhi2b) ----- Original Message ----- From: David Isaac Barclay To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 5:42 AM Subject: Re: [Zen] Zen in The Middle East? Hello, My name is David Barclay, I am new here. Alot going on here as opposed to other groups. I might as well jump right in..... In regards to the following... > There is no mystical Christianity that I have ever heard of, especially not in any reputable Church. You can find marginal sects in any religion. The study of enlightenment is definitely not something that Christians are ever taught. Salvation comes directly from accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour. Why then would a Christian need enlightenment too?< This is very interesting. In my studies of Christianity I have found numerous ties to mystical worship. From Charismatic assemblies of God to Apostolic Pentecostal, many of these churches have very mystical leanings. Although they may be "marginal" they still represent hundreds of thousands of Christians. You are right that enlightenment is never taught in Christian circles. And that is a very sad thing. I have known many Christians who deeply suffer because of attachments and desires. But I have found that the core of what Jesus and the New Testament taught was indeed "enlightenment". This is true that Salvation comes directly from accepting Jesus as your personal saviour. But the "salvation" is from sin and death as well as guilt and worry etc.. And "acceptance" would be a complete trust in the will of God that you would only be left with a clear and aware mind. One who is born again is like a child pure and innocent, mind "heart" clear and loving. Peace and Kindness, David Barclay http://www.christianzen.com Noble Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right  Action, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration, Right Livelihood Noble Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right  Action, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration, Right Livelihood Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ADVERTISEMENT Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.