Tucked away in the rolling hills and jagged peaks just outside the ever-booming megalopolis of Seoul, South Korea rests a solemn man. He is sitting on the edge of a gently purring waterfall, looking into the massive expanse of forest lying below him. On his face is a deservedly accomplished smile. It’s Sunday evening and he has just finished leading a weekend retreat for tourists interested in experiencing the monastic lifestyle of Korean Buddhists. And even though his guests have all now departed, he can quietly sit in lush tranquility and still feel the warmth from their enthusiasm, interest and appreciation for his way of life.
Across the globe in Tempe, Arizona, the sun is shining and the birds are singing the prelude to what the congregation of Faithful Word Baptist Church is hoping to be a powerful and inspiring sermon. And they are not disappointed. Pastor Steven Anderson delivers what he believes to be a message from God. Instead of covering the Beatitudes or touching on the details of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he opts for telling his congregation that he not only hates the 44th President of the United States, but that he is in fact praying for his death. After the service has concluded, the pastor returns to his office and smiles. He, too, can feel the warmth from his congregations’ enthusiasm, interest and appreciation for his way of life.
The dogmatic and karmic differences between Christianity and Buddhism need not be rehashed here. Anyone with a basic understanding of world religions can identify the core differences in each faith. And it would also be dishonest to pose that either antidote is in anyway representative of its respective religion, but there are some key factors working here that, in my opinion, tell a larger story.
The great expansionist religions of this world typically fall under the guidance of Abraham. He was, in effect, the father of modern monotheism. And as expansionist religions, each faith tasks its adherents to spread their version of their concept of their god. That undertaking, however, has led to some of the bloodiest and most violent episodes in human history. On the other hand, many Eastern religions favor a more subtle and internal modus operandi which, of course, makes expansion a bit more difficult. Nonetheless, all faiths do make some sort of effort to share their perspective with humanity. This trait, however, misses the larger point of faith and what spirituality is supposed to be aiming for.
These weekend retreats at local Buddhist temples in South Korea are very restrained attempts at spreading the practicality of Buddhism to both international and domestic tourists. They do not spend time condemning others or proselytizing. Instead, visitors are shown a small sample of what it takes to live as a practicing Buddhist. In most cases, people leave with sore legs, and an empty stomach, but they learn the simplistic beauty of self-reflection and detachment. No matter what your faith is before attending the retreat, your understanding of and appreciation for nature, your body and your soul are lifted in many ways. That is why the pious monk is able to smile after finishing his job.
Back in Temple, the members of that particular congregation also feel as though they have a greater understanding of their soul, but –and here’s the difference- they also get the idea that they know and understand the souls of others. In fact, even the most peaceful, loving and compassionate of Christian congregations probably claim to have some knowledge as to what the soul of non-Christians –or even other denominations– look like and, in particular, what it needs. This, to me, corners the wonderful faith of Christianity and limits its positive effects.
Rather than working so hard on identifying the spiritual flaws of others, taking some time to evaluate our own standing seems much more worthwhile. Each religion on this globe offers brilliant insight and wisdom that very well might be otherworldly, but if we refuse to allow that knowledge sink deeply into our souls, nothing can ever be truly understood, appreciated and loved.
I chose to discuss Christianity and Buddhism because, for me, they offer a perfect world-view and solution to my life. However, I could have selected two others and arrived at the same conclusion. In fact, I could have even switched the roles that each played in this article and reached the same outcome and it is this: self-reflection, understanding and honesty are keys to absolute happiness. When all humanity does this, then we can collectively sit back, smile and feel the warmth and enthusiasm of all our common man.
George Hogan - Originally from the United States, I have been calling South Korea my home for the past five years. I'm currently based out of Seoul where ...
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