Buddhist Convert to Orthodoxy

[Marjorie]

Along the lines of the discussion on Orthodox outreach to non-Christians, I thought I'd share this link:

http://strannik.com/watchful_gate/Through_the_Eastern_Gate.html

which is one of my favorite converstion stories and probably the most non-polemical as well. The convert is fair and loving towards his old faith (Buddhism) without compromising the singular truth of the Orthodox faith.

In IC XC,
Marjorie

[elizabethevangeline]

tears are streaming down my face & neck...

Thanks for sharing that.

[Dust and Ashes]

I know a very dear brother from my Church who used to be Buddhist and it is so fascinating to hear him talk about what a loving faith it is and was for him yet he still wasn't fulfilled until he found his way to Christ in the Holy Orthodox Church.

[Moros]

Y'all should give this a read:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0938635859/104-9418235-7429569?v=glance

[MariaRegina]

Along the lines of the discussion on Orthodox outreach to non-Christians, I thought I'd share this link:

http://strannik.com/watchful_gate/Through_the_Eastern_Gate.html

which is one of my favorite converstion stories and probably the most non-polemical as well. The convert is fair and loving towards his old faith (Buddhism) without compromising the singular truth of the Orthodox faith.

In IC XC,
Marjorie

I too read this story with tears running down my cheeks.

Thanks for sharing it.

Lovingly in Christ,
Elizabeth

[Marjorie]

I know a very dear brother from my Church who used to be Buddhist and it is so fascinating to hear him talk about what a loving faith it is and was for him yet he still wasn't fulfilled until he found his way to Christ in the Holy Orthodox Church.Fr. Seraphim Rose, a former Buddhist, once said something to the effect that Buddhism is true as far as it goes, but it just doesn't go far enough.

Also, Aria and Elizabeth, I also had tears running down my cheeks when I read this... I cry at everything but this was worthy of it. :)

In IC XC,
Marjorie

[countrymousenc]

Thanks for sharing this, Marjorie. I have a cousin who's been into Taoism for a long time; perhaps he'd be interested in reading this, and maybe even the book.

[Marjorie]

Thanks for sharing this, Marjorie. I have a cousin who's been into Taoism for a long time; perhaps he'd be interested in reading this, and maybe even the book.I also really want the book; I've heard really good things about it. I was interested in Taoism for a little while... not seriously though.

In IC XC,
Marjorie

[OrthodoxServant86]

Let me just say, I have that book and have read it; it has completely revolutionized my mindset and faith in terms of understanding and application. Most notably, it has given me insights into the nature of tradition in human civilization, the role of Christ in the transfiguration of tradition/philosophy, the origins of man's revolt against God and the nature of the universe (wow!).

For some reason I could never find myself able to comprehend Orthodox spirituality and philosophy until I read this book; it was like my mind always thought like a Daoist's and then this book moulded it so as to understand Orthodoxy. I still think much like a Daoist would when I approach the faith, it helps everything make sense. I guess then you could say this book is like a decoder ring, lol :P .

In peace,

-Justin

[jkotinek]

The woman who was baptized with my wife and I was raised as a Buddhist. I thought one of the most insightful comments she made on the difference was that while Buddhist philosophy stresses becoming one with everything by annihilating the self, Orthodox Christianity teaches us Communion with all of creation through Christ while affirming our individual personhood.

[MariaRegina]

The woman who was baptized with my wife and I was raised as a Buddhist. I thought one of the most insightful comments she made on the difference was that while Buddhist philosophy stresses becoming one with everything by annihilating the self, Orthodox Christianity teaches us Communion with all of creation through Christ while affirming our individual personhood.

Thanks for that thought.

Yes, we cannot hate ourselves and call ourselves good Orthodox Christians. We must accept ourselves as God created us. So I leave my hair with its greying attributes (Irish premature grey) and I don't wear lipstick.

I guess the part of the Liturgy I appreciate the best is seeing my brothers and sisters receive Holy Communion, and becoming one in Christ -- the Mystical Body of Christ.

Lovingly in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

[Thomas_Didymus]

I'll keep a look out for Damascene's book - I must say that I'm usually very wary of anything linking eastern mysticism to anything else (as an ex-physicist I've seen too much junk peddled with "amazing" links to quantum mechanics :scratch: ), but as this one comes so highly recommended...

Great OP marjorie - I also looked at buddhism for a time. Emotionally it didn't quite sit right with me - something felt lacking. But the emphasis on the here-and-now was (still is) beneficial - one of the attractions of orthodoxy for me is that, at times, it does seem to say "just get on with things" :)

[Eusebios]

Wow, so interesting! I too was received into the Church along with a former buddhist! He is quite fond of "Christ The Eternal Tao" and he has helped me a good deal in terms of coming to grips with the idea of being "present" if you will, though I am often less than so.
I haven't looked at the article yet, but will now.
In Xp,
Eusebios.
:bow:
went back and read the article, very moving!