I'm curious what others thoughts are on using both in your life? Zen focusing on bringing enlightenment to ones self and decluttering ones mind in order to do so. And Christianity where the individual is enlightened by Gods word and living in such a manner.
Zen does not worship anything, so "no false Gods" doesn't apply here, neither would the Occult because the individual is not drawing from an outside spiritual force. Everything comes from within. I've seen books on Meditating on the Scriptures, so I don't feel there's any conflict here. If one were an actual Buddhist then I would see a conflict, but that doesn't apply here.
You pose an interesting question which actually is ...Is Zen and Christianity compatible?
Now, I am not judging you and I am not perfect. Cute as an English bulldog so beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I post a responce to yours simply as a teaching tool and nothing more.
You said.........
"Zen does not worship anything, so "no false Gods" doesn't apply here, neither would the Occult because the individual is not drawing from an outside spiritual force."
Since "you" are the one to post this info we must then assume you have a working knowledge of Zen. Now for simply a matter of conversation and not confrontation, may I say to you what I believe you already know and that is that the scholarly answer to that question is that
Zen is a school of teaching from Mahayana Buddhism.
The
Buddhist concept of Zen refers to a meditative state sought as a means of spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
From what you are saying it appears that you are promoting "sitting meditation" as a compatible position with the Christian faith.
Please feel free to correct me here if I have misstated your position or agenda.
I would say to you to consider the actual differences and not my opinions.
#1.
Zen seeks self-enlightenment.
However, the Bible tells us that Christian prayer in contrast, seeks
Godâs enlightenment of the believer.
Zen Buddhism teaches one to empty the mind of all thoughts.
However, the Bible teaches us that the Christian should be filled with thoughts of Godâs greatness and worship of Him.(Ps. 63:6).
#2.
Zen Buddhist meditative focus is upon looking inward for inspiration and direction.
In contrast, the Bible teaches that our search for direction should be founded upon Godâs Word. God instructed Joshua.
Josha 1:8 says......âKeep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successfulâ.
Ps. 1:2 says the âblessed manâ is the one âwhose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.â
#3. Zen Buddhist focus is upon living in the moment, being fully aware of all that is taking place in daily life.
While there is nothing wrong with being aware of oneâs surroundings, it is incomplete as a means of fulfillment.
Ps, 77:12 notes a focus on remembering Godâs work in the past:.......
âI will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.â
Many passages also teach us to live with an eternal perspective, looking ahead to our future home with Christ. Paul noted,
Philippians 1:23 says......âI desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by farâ.
Now then a question for you????
Zen Master Ruth Fuller Sasaki says.......
"Zen masters do attack the Christianâs faith in God because in Zen the very concept of God in Christianity is a delusion preventing enlightenment."
Your thoughts????