Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts

2022/02/09

Jesus and Buddha by Marcus Borg (Author) - Ebook | Scribd Start reading

Jesus and Buddha by Jack Kornfield - Ebook | Scribd

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Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings 
by Marcus Borg (Author)
By Jack Kornfield

4.5/5 (4 ratings)
149 pages
2 hours

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Description

Discover the teachings of Jesus and Buddha with over 100 examples presented side by side to reveal striking similarities. A perfect book for anyone interested in Christianity, Buddhism, mindfulness, meditation, and all ways of seeking enlightenment.

This stunning collection is perfect for those curious about the influential teachers, Jesus and Buddha, and their lessons of peace, love, patience, and kindness. Witness as two of the most holy beings meet in a thought-provoking encounter of the spirit.

Compare the Bible verse: “Jesus knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone” (John 2.24-25) to the Buddhist scripture: “He was expert in knowing the thoughts and actions of living beings” (Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 2).

Jesus and Buddha is a timeless testament to what makes us similar rather than different. This enlightening book also makes a great gift.
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Top reviews from other countries

Lee K. Freeman
5.0 out of 5 stars Just what the doctor ordered
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2013
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This book is exactly what I was looking for and is exactly what it says. There are many books out there that faff about with reams of dissemination and discourses on things regarding these sayings, but all I wanted was the sayings without any judgement. I wanted to decide (lol). I am sick and tired of a persons' considered opinion on the parallel sayings, I just wanted to see them side by side.

This book would be ideal for anyone seeking parallel Buddhist & Christian daily devotions due to its format.

All in all a superb little book
6 people found this helpful
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Christine Hacklett
3.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully presented book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2009
Verified Purchase
This book is beautifully done, but a little large for handling easily. The content is interesting, but I didn't persevere to the end. I had seen the close parallels between the two faith founders, and felt I had seen enough examples before I got anywhere near the end of it. A coffee table book, perhaps.
10 people found this helpful


Claudette Rochon-Kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars Compare similarities in different religions and philosophy
Reviewed in Canada on 24 December 2018
Verified Purchase
Compare the similarities in the writings of different prophets and philosophers


John Polacok
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Purchase
Reviewed in Canada on 21 August 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my partner who was curious as to how Jesus and the Buddha's teachings compared. She absolutley loves it and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful photographs that accompany each set of sayings.


mac
5.0 out of 5 stars キリスト教は仏教が起源か。
Reviewed in Japan on 13 February 2011
Verified Purchase
仏教がキリストの言説に影響を与えたのではないか、ということについては、もちろんいろいろな説があります。しかし、福音書と仏説がよく似ているところがあるのは間違いがないと思います。本文は右のページに１ページにキリストの言葉がひとつ、左のページにお釈迦様の言葉がひとつで、ページがもったいないくらいの使い方ですが、これがじっくりと考えながら読めてよいと思います。小形の本で、持ち歩くにも便利です。
One person found this helpful

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===
Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings
by Marcus J. Borg (Editor),
Jack Kornfield (Goodreads Author) (Introduction)
 4.02  ·   Rating details ·  1,089 ratings  ·  85 reviews
JESUS & BUDDHA
THE PARALLEL SAYINGS

This remarkable collection reveals how Jesus and Buddha—whether talking about love, wisdom, or materialism—were guiding along the same path. Jesus & Buddha also delves into the mystery surrounding their strikingly similar teachings and presents over one hundred examples from each.
As a Christian, I grew up with Jesus and have lived with him all my life. I have not lived with the Buddha. Similarly my work on this book was from the vantage point of a Jesus scholar. But my experience has led me to the conclusion that their teachings about ‘the way’ are virtually identical and that together they are the two most remarkable religious figures who ever lived.”
—Marcus Borg
You hold in your hand a remarkable and beautiful book. Jesus and Buddha are now meeting in an encounter of the spirit. When we listen deeply to their words we find that in many ways, they speak with one heart. If we could enact even one verse from these teachings, it would have the power to illuminate our hearts, free us from confusion and transform our lives.”
—Jack Kornfield
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Paperback, 160 pages
Published December 8th 2004 by Ulysses Press (first published 1997)
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 Average rating4.02  ·  Rating details ·  1,089 ratings  ·  85 reviews
Write a review
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Lee Harmon
Feb 01, 2011Lee Harmon rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Three thousand miles from where Jesus was born, another miraculous birth occurred: the Buddha. As the Buddha walked on water, passed through walls, and raised the dead, so did Jesus in his day. As the Buddha fed 500 with a few small cakes, so did Jesus work with loaves and fishes. Five hundred years after a terrible earthquake marked the death of the Buddha, the earth shook again when Jesus breathed his last.

Given the eerie parallels between these two lives, one naturally wonders if their teachings were also similar. In a book that is probably best read as a daily devotional, Borg provides a “Jesus” saying on the left side of each page, and a parallel “Buddha” saying on the right side. Here are some of my favorites:

Jesus: “There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” Buddha: “Stealing, deceiving, adultery; this is defilement. Not the eating of meat.”

Jesus: “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in a steal.” Buddha: “Let the wise man do righteousness: A treasure that others cannot share, which no thief can steal; a treasure which does not pass away.”

Jesus: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” Buddha: “Do not let there be a schism in the order, for this is a serious matter. Whoever splits an order that is united will be boiled in hell for an aeon.”

What is going on, here? Were Jesus and Buddha spiritual masters inspired by a single cosmic source? Is the Christian “very God of very God” one with the Buddhist “God of gods?” You can’t help but be inspired as you contemplate the similarities of these two great religious leaders. (less)
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Kristal
Jul 25, 2011Kristal rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: reviewed, tag-it-to-the-max, 2011-reads, theology
A selection of sayings taken from the Bible and from the teachings of Buddha, showing how these two holy men were very similar in their teachings of kindness and good will toward all mankind.

The mystery lies in the fact that how does Jesus, born five hundred years after Buddha and three thousand miles away, share the same underlying message in his teachings? To what degree, if any, did Jesus know of Buddha or are they simply sharing a universal message: that as humans, we should love each other, turn the other cheek and not judge someone else?

I have found myself on the outskirts of most all major regions, yet I would recommend this book for just about anyone, as the universal messages it brings are so profound for just living a good life. (less)
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Carla
May 04, 2013Carla rated it really liked it
I bought this book because I had developed a list of Buddhist sayings which were the same message as I have heard from Jesus. I have been pondering why so many people think that somehow being a Buddhist is wiser and more peaceful (and preferred) to being a Christian when the wisdom is the same. I fear it's because too many Christians are basically ignorant of the true Jesus. The USA style of Might-Makes-Right or the Fire-and-Brimstone style of religion has overshadowed the love, peace, joy and the other fruit of the Holy Spirit which Jesus brings to humanity. This book was refreshing to read because someone else out there - Jack Kornfield - reveals publicly what I have only pondered to be true! I personally would not say Buddha is equal to Jesus because I still believe Jesus is The Son of God - The Messiah. Buddha was a child of God but not The Son: my belief...but At least now Jesus can be seen in a more positive light where Buddhists are concerned! (less)
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Robert
Jun 07, 2009Robert rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
This is a great idea for a book, but the execution wasn't what I had hoped for. It was as if Kornfield was matching on words rather than meaning. Many of the "parallel sayings" have similar words but appear to be expressing very different ideas. Moreover, missing from the book are some profound teachings that, though worded very differently, are present in Buddhist and Christian scriptures.

I suggest skipping Kornfield's take and read the source material yourself. The Dhammapada and the Book of John in the New Testament are a great place to start. See for yourself what teachings they have in common and what teachings are unique to one or the other.
(less)
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Jason
Nov 06, 2007Jason rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

I've often been struck on how similar all the Salvationist religions seem to be. It's unfortunate that most of the world chooses to ignore the similarities and instead wishes to hate each other based on doctrinal differences. Just look at the current Middle Eastern situation. No doubt there are many points of difference but it appears that all the major world religions share many common points as well.

This little book is a nice reminder of how the moral and ethical systems of all major world religions run sort of parallel to each other when compared. For instance, in Buddhism as well as Christianity there are admonishments such as: do unto others as you would want them to do to you, practice compassion, contentment, do not worry about material riches, practice kindness and so forth.

In this book each chapter starts with a short commentary on the material that will follow. These are divided into headings like compassion, wisdom, salvation, etc. Then on opposite sides of the pages sayings of Jesus are put up against sayings of the Buddha. These sayings sit alone on the white page so you can read them slowly and savor them. Many people in America are probably pretty familiar with the messages of Jesus but will be surprised to find many of the Buddha's teaching use parables like we find with Jesus and contain the same messages that we find in Christianity.

Some people have bashed this book for its supposed lack of great scholarship. I believe these people are missing the point. The point of this book is to emphasize the universal element that all experiences of the sacred seem to promote. It doesn't matter if you are studying mystical Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism or Christianity-they all point to the same Truth. That is, the untalkable, unthinkable Beingness that everything comes from and is a part of. Call it Godhead or God but it's the nonduality and Oneness of everything. It makes no difference if these sayings actually came from a real person with the title of Buddha or not. What matters is the path to freedom and liberation that they express. Does not being a work of great scholarship detract from the value people can gain by reading these sayings?

For these reasons I highly recommend the book. Anyone can pick it up and read these little quips and experience a better mood right off. What greater source of inspiration and enlightenment than to read sayings from two of the greatest men that ever lived and their commitment to serve and better humanity all of their lives? Their timeless messages and teachings will continue to live on and change those that embrace them. (less)
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Jill
May 20, 2010Jill rated it it was amazing
I read this entire book in an hour on the elliptical.

The intro to the book and chapter intros were more interesting than the actual quotes.

Act on truth.
Be compassionate.
flag2 likes ·


Trey Nowell
Jan 04, 2015Trey Nowell rated it it was amazing
An excellent fast read you can reflect on and contemplate. I've hear many try to argue Jesus and Buddha were vastly different. If you read the quotes here and the intro's to each chapter, that can easily be refuted. I continue to be amazed with how far ahead of the time their knowledge was beyond others, and if they existed today, it would still be far beyond. I would encourage anyone to read this book and see how much both had to offer, where both were movement initiators of their time....so many parallels. (less)
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Andrew
Dec 28, 2007Andrew rated it really liked it
Shelves: religion
Why are so many Americans (read cultural Christians) drawn to Buddhism? Well, because it sure seems like Jesus was exposed to Buddhist teachings and incorporated them into his own ministry. Gasp! Something today's fundamentalists could never imagine or conceed, even after seeing how closely the wisdom teachings match.

The "Sermon on the Mount" was beautiful, both when Jesus gave it, and when the Buddha gave it 300 years earlier. (less)
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Kevin Orth
Dec 30, 2018Kevin Orth rated it it was amazing
I love when authors mash up two systems and demonstrate how parallel and similar in many regard spiritual paths are. Truly there are many paths to the garden and what is most important is we invest in a path that resonates most sincerely and welcome others to do the same.
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Kurt
Jul 15, 2015Kurt added it
Brilliant explains a lot.
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Michael
Mar 20, 2021Michael rated it it was amazing
Shelves: life-lessons, nonfiction, buddhism, religion, the-examined-life
Brief book; I read in a little more than an hour, but very good. Buddha predates Jesus by half a millennia, but it's pretty astonishing how many of their teachings, and the stories told about them, are so similar. I guess it makes sense, right? Two human beings living in antiquity would have the same sort of stuff to draw on: the natural world, metaphors using agricultural tropes, and--most important of all--human behavior. Even 2,500 year ago, the rich dominated the poor, violence caused terrible suffering, people struggled with the 'right' way to live, and people got sick, died, and otherwise...did the same things as us.

Buddha, of course, did not depend on god for his insights, while Jesus did. There are--or so it seems to me--many more supernatural accretions associated with Jesus than Buddha. Buddha was the son of a king, Jesus was a poor man born to poor people in a conquered land. Christianity is predicted on the belief that Jesus died and returned to life, initiating some kind of metaphysical algorithm where your sin is processed through his suffering, and is changed into salvation. Not so much with Buddha.

Still, compassion is the name of the game, and both Jesus and Buddha made that their primary teaching. Good stuff. I loved Marcus Borg, and I miss his insights. (less)


 
Will Thorpe
Jul 05, 2020Will Thorpe rated it really liked it
Shelves: christianity, religion, buddhism
An easy and eye opening read. I am an atheist and former evangelical (20+ years in the faith) and found the connections quite interesting. I still study the Bible historically and textually and this side by side gave me some motivation to study Buddhism further.

I did find some of the connections to be quite a stretch though. Knowing the biblical text very well (I was one of those Christians who actually studied their bible) I found the supposed connection disingenuous at times but this was rare, forgivable and worth another look from a different perspective whether I agreed with it or not.

The miracles section was probably my favorite but mostly because I work with former Christians deconstructing their faith. Knowing the Buddha was famous for similar miracles 500 years before Jesus is quite handy... (less)


 
Enrique 
Jul 13, 2021Enrique rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Excellent and short book.

It is a simple read of parallel sayings, of course, the similitudes between Jesus and Buddha words are striking.

Is beyond chance: there is no way to say that is a coincidence that they said the same words and did similar miracles, and used similar parables.

The research is still small, but if almost 9000 years before Jesus and Buddha there was a way that connected the lapis lazuli from India to Egypt, is pretty sure that the Buddhist writings and teachings reached the Mediterranean.

How was it possible? Is not clear, and we don't know much about this path, but is possible that some Buddhist text reached old Persia, and some jews master carefully take with them some of the teachings.

Excellent introduction.
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Janis
Sep 04, 2021Janis rated it really liked it
Jesus and the Buddha: The Parallel Sayings compares the lives of Jesus and Buddha as well as their teachings. As the title suggests, there are many parallels. “The path of which they both speak is a path of liberation from our anxious grasping, resurrection into a new way of being, and transformation into the compassionate life.” This book is a high-level comparison, but provides plenty to ponder.
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Bob
Sep 22, 2020Bob rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
500 years and 3000 miles apart, they had the same message. As the author writes "...if the Buddha and Jesus were to meet, neither would try to convert the other - not because they would regard such an effort as hopeless, but because they would recognize one another." This is a wonderful book for daily meditation and contemplative prayer. (less)
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Trisha Georgiou
May 13, 2017Trisha Georgiou rated it it was amazing
I picked this book up on a whim for .25 cents at my library's bookshop, I am so glad I did.
It was fascinating. Marcus J. Borg wrote an exceptional editor's preface. The parallel sayings
of these two great religious leaders are remarkable. (less)
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Erika Powers
Mar 28, 2018Erika Powers rated it it was ok
Meh. The argument or parallels drawn are made in the first 2 chapters. The rest is verses taken from bible and whatever buddah books juxtapositioned for comparison. I thought it would be more exciting/interesting.
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Jason Comely
Nov 18, 2017Jason Comely rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: jesus-in-books
I review this book (and speculate on whether Jesus learned from Buddha) in my Jesus in Books podcast: http://jesusinbooks.com/episode-5-jes... .


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Cate
Jan 28, 2019Cate rated it liked it
Side by side selections from the sacred texts of both Christianity and Buddhism. Interesting, but I’ve seen and read far more compelling comparisons of the two.
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Linda
Oct 09, 2019Linda rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spirituality
Very interesting comparison of Jesus and Buddha, seems reasonable that Jesus could reasonably have been influenced by Buddha’s teachings.
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One
Dec 04, 2021One rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: 2021
Well worth reading!
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Toby
Mar 15, 2017Toby rated it it was amazing
What a beautiful read!
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ms.petra
Apr 29, 2020ms.petra rated it liked it
so many parallels between two holy men. a good little book to remind us we have more in common than we usually want to believe.
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Glen Schroeder
May 20, 2020Glen Schroeder rated it really liked it
An absolute syncretic delight.

“When we compare the attributes of the Godhead as they are understood by the more mystical tradition of Christian thought with those of Nirvana, we find no difference at all.” —Edward Conze
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Chanita
Oct 22, 2007Chanita marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: non-fiction, spirituality, to-read-own, the-historical-jesus, progressive-theology, the-jesus-seminar, post-christian, buddhism, world-religions, comparative-religion
"A fascinating anthology of key beliefs within two of the world's great religions. ... If Jesus and Buddha were to meet, they would recognize one another as fellow prophets because they were teaching the same truths. This is the spirit conveyed, both in words and images, by this lavishly illustrated gift book.

Readers will cherish both the book's message and presentation. Here are two great spiritual teachers from two very different traditions guiding us - whether talking about love, wisdom, or materialism - along the same path.

Using meditative color photos to complement the universal truths these two charismatic figures proclaimed, this - the first trade paper edition of the illustrated edition - is an important and illuminating oracle of wisdom for all who believe that the spiritual outweighs the material."
(adapted from Amazon)

From Mom's bookshelf (less)
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Keith
Jan 06, 2017Keith rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Marcus Borg sets up the parallel sayings by order of category. It's rather surprising when you see the shared wisdom and teachings of both of these wisdom teachers side-by-side. You actually get a deeper sense of the meaning of both by hearing them say many of the same principles in similar yet varied ways. One tends to help interpret the other. It is a marvel when you consider the similarities of these two teachers who were separated by five hundred years and lived worlds apart. At one point Gautama Buddha looks forward and says that one is coming after him who will be the embodiment of light and life. While Christianity is highly suspect of any tradition apart from it's own, i think most Christians would be amazed that five hundred years before Christ, there was a man who both adhered to and taught much of the same wisdom Jesus himself declared. (less)
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Benjamin
Feb 23, 2014Benjamin rated it really liked it
Walk where there may be life ahead. Fix your eyes on that hope and then see all that is living come before your glance as a gift - the eternal and perfect come to you in this moment, now.

This is the Way. It is to see God and Life as we are meant to see them - freed from distraction and self-preoccupation.

This book is a meditative collection of that sort of seeing. Though stripped from their greater stories of faith and wisdom, what's here is entirely livable, entirely freeing, yet it must be chosen to be lived.

And, what is here is only a beginning. As a practicing journeyman with Christ, this wisdom anchors me to Jesus' story and the hope of God's Kingdom being fully present. I do not know what story a practicing Buddhist would be sent toward - at least I don't know yet.

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Ruth
Feb 05, 2017Ruth rated it really liked it
Shelves: the-copious-family-bookshelves, religion
When the proselytizers come to our door, the boys know to come get me. I tend to speak to the preachers long enough that THEY are the ones looking at their watches... gee, look at the time...

This is one of the books I show them to counter the books they show me. I thought I'd give it another complete read-through this year.

On the left page is what Jesus said. On the right page is what Buddha said about 500 years earlier. They are rather astonishingly similar.

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Christopher
Feb 11, 2008Christopher rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Recommends it for: the ghost of martin luther king jr.
While this book was a little different than what i was expecting it is still excellent.
I was expecting an analysis of Jesus and Buddha's sayings. A book that explored the similar teachings of these two men and placed them in context to their lives, times and other sayings. However, this book is more of a reference book. Each facing page contains one Jesus quote and one Buddha, with no commentary or analysis, except briefly in the introduction.
Still, this book is excellent and valuable to have and study, and had I not been expecting it to be as i explained above I likely would have awarded it five stars. five stars of david no doubt. (less)
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EunSung
Oct 16, 2008EunSung rated it it was ok
i think the editor devalues the differences in jesus and buddha. if we are looking specifically at the text, some instances do correspond, but the context in which the texts of buddha and jesus arose from were not really talked about. also, you cannot abstract the teachings from the life of the people who have applied them. it is not so clear cut to reduce message of Christ and Buddha to mere ethics. there has been justification on both fronts for using their beliefs to justify oppression and violence. yes, buddhists have been violent too and not just Christians. look at zen buddhism and world war 2 and the role of thai monks as military advisers.

(less)
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2022/02/03

The Eternal Now: Paul Tillich 1963 ch 10. The eternal now -- The challenge to man. Do not be conformed

The Eternal Now: Paul Tillich: Amazon.com: Books


The Eternal Now 1963
by Paul Tillich  (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars    27 ratings
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The eternal nowby Tillich, Paul, 1886-1965


Publication date 1963Topics Sermons, American, Sermons américainsPublisher New York, ScribnerCollection inlibrary; printdisabled; internetarchivebooks; americanaDigitizing sponsor Internet ArchiveContributor Internet ArchiveLanguage English

  1. The human predicament. Loneliness and solitude ; 
  2. Forgetting and being forgotten ; 
  3. The riddle of inequality ; 
  4. The good that I will, I do not ; 
  5. Heal the sick, cast out the demons ; 
  6. Man and earth -- The divine reality. Spiritual presence ; 
  7. The divine name ; 
  8. God's pursuit of man ; 
  9. Salvation ; 
  10. The eternal now -- The challenge to man. Do not be conformed ; 
  11. Be strong ; 
  12. In thinking be mature ; 
  13. On wisdom ; 
  14. In everything given thanks

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Print length
185 pages
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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribner (January 1, 1963)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 185 pages
Customer Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars    27 ratings
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 4.17  ·   Rating details ·  181 ratings  ·  23 reviews
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These sixteeen sermons, like jewels, contain in brilliant and concentrated form some of Tillich's most familiar themes. 
Discussing among other topics, wisdom, salvation, loneliness and solitude, the author gives free reign to the discreet and compassionate intelligence that everywhere is a hallmark of his thinking. 
'There is not one of these addresses that does not deserve careful scrutiny.' 
Times Literary Supplement
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Paperback, 144 pages
Published February 1st 2010 by SCM Press (first published 1956)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Tillich
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Chris
Jun 18, 2008Chris rated it it was amazing
Startling, terrifying, amazing. Tillich is to Christian theology what a small, ancient Chinese master is to judo. He takes one sentence of Scripture and flexes it, twists it, exerts pressure on its most critical angle, and slams you down on the mat with it, your head spinning and all the stars and blinding rush of pain and wind as the real evidence you've met the master. You can get up of course, dust yourself off and go at him again, but nothing will be the same. Heroic, epic, inspiring. A true master and the intellectual giant of 20th century Christian theology. (less)
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Matt
Jul 24, 2016Matt rated it really liked it
Shelves: philosophish
Forget that this book is religious in nature or was written by a theologist--it is relevant for any person regardless of your religious beliefs. I myself am not a particularly religious person and I found no issue with this book's wisdom or ideas due to its religious basis. The chapter entitled "The Riddle of Inequality" has been one of the most powerful and influential things I have ever read. 
It changed the way I view the world. I was assigned it in high school eight or so years ago, and I still find myself coming back to it every year. (less)
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Eric Harrill
Aug 05, 2010Eric Harrill rated it it was amazing
I was glad to find this at a used book sale so I could read through it fully. This is a spiritual read. Chp. 6 Man and earth is ahead of its time (written in 60's):

 "...man’s relation to the earth and the universe will, for a long time, become the point of primary concern, for sensitive and thoughtful people. Should this be the case, Christianity certainly cannot withdraw into the deceptive security of its earlier questions and answers..." 

Chp. 8 The divine name- humbling.
online - http://www.religion-online.org/showbo... (less)
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Marianna
Mar 18, 2013Marianna rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: christianity, eternal, theology
An excellent example of a honest, daring, compassionate Christian thought. No difficult question is avoided, the language is incisive, analytical and rich without being ornate. People no longer think with such brilliance nowadays...
flag2 likes · Like  · comment · see review


John
Mar 27, 2008John rated it liked it
Think that the "eternal" might not just mean "forever and ever?" This guy really means it. (less)
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Brandt
Feb 25, 2017Brandt rated it it was ok  ·  review of another edition
Recommends it for: Ontological Inquisitors and Metaphysical Skeptics

In The Eternal Now, Paul Tillich's intent is to answer a variety of questions that are concomitant with Ontology and Theology. It is written in a direct style that is free of the characteristic rhetorical frills of many religious works. Make no mistake Tillich is a sincerely religious man who frames his philosophical thinking in the Weltanschauung of Christianity. Nonetheless, in Tillich’s mode of existentialist manifestation, ideation of being-and Being - saturates the mundane milieu of religion.


Throughout the pages, Tillich provides an alternative ontological examination of the necessity in a belief of the Ultimate. The emblematic apologetic approach, as articulated in the works of Anselm of Canterbury, William of Ockham and Duns Scotus is destabilized by Tillich’s radical exposition that: If God is being – viz., the highest being-in-itself – then God cannot be the “Creator”. Consequently, God must be understood as the ground of Being-Itself. This analysis should not be considered all that radical. Many historical theologians expressed analogous views of God as the agennetos [non-original ground] of all Being (Cf. J. N. D. Kelly, Early Christian Doctrines, p. 128).


What this text presents is a culmination of Tillich’s sermons [lectures] delivered to answer explicit questions relating to biblical passages. As an example, Chapter Three, "The Riddle of Inequality" – incidentally, my favorite chapter – starts with the following verse from Mark 4:25:

“For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away”

What Tillich then attempts to explicate, is the historical significance of this passage apropos the expression of meaning. Through a cursory trace of self-reflection, Tillich layers the historical meaning onto modernity by exclaiming, “There are many things that we seemed to have, but that we really did not have, and that were therefore taken away from us”. As an example, Tillich uses the widespread belief in childhood innocence as something that cannot be used or increased. “The growth of our lives is made possible only by the sacrifice of the original gift of ignorance”. Hence, there are many things we had [have] that are constantly being taken away because of “taking them too much for granted”.
The real inequalities, according to Tillich, are:

“[T]he inequality of talents in body and mind; the inequality created by freedom and destiny, and the inequality of justice deriving from the fact that all generations before the time of such equality would by nature be excluded from its blessing”

Therefore, Tillich's argument is that we must not confound the imbroglio of inequality with the understanding that each person is a “unique and incomparable self". We should be defending the uniqueness and individuality of humanity, while at the same time, understand that this is not the solution to inequality. Hence, maxims like “The Golden Rule,” and Immanuel Kant’s "Categorical Imperative" have their place, but it is not to help solve the riddle of inequality.
Ultimately, I appreciate Tillich’s style of writing and his exposition of some problems inherent to humanity. Although I must admit, I would prefer to highlight a great portion of the text with a black highlighter, his thoughts are intriguing. As a path forward, I would like to research the connection between Tillich and Martin Heidegger; concentrating on the ways in which their ideas are similar, but find different inspiration and results.


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Bronx
May 23, 2019Bronx rated it really liked it
Full disclosure: Prior to reading this I would’ve boldly declared my disdain for Tillich. Having a BA in Religion, I read Tillich 15 yeas ago when my theology was much more conservative and found him mushy at best.

The Eternal Now did not change my opinion initially. Tillich is verbose and heady, his theology much more in the clouds than it is on the ground. He uses the third person and makes assumptions about the human experience that are not always accurate, nor does he justify or cite them. In essence, it seems he is projecting his experience onto the rest of us.

At some points, in spite of his headiness, he touches on some truths in a new and enlivening way. For example, in one sermon Tillich expounds on the word sin. He discusses how sin in its current understanding is a distortion from the original intent to the word. Rather than sin being something humans do, sin was originally intended as a force that drives humans. He draws on Paul’s experience when Paul wrote “I do what I don’t want to do and I don’t do what I want to do.” In the context of my experience, this insight brought hope and clarity to some theological questions I’ve been asking for the last few years.

I still do not consider myself a Paul Tillich fan; however after giving The Eternal Now an honest chance I can say it’s given me access to some serenity and wisdom I did not formerly have. (less)
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Karen Berlin
Aug 15, 2021Karen Berlin rated it liked it
Sixteen of Paul Tillich sermons cover a wide variety of topics, (the riddle of inequality, "the good that I will, I do not," salvation, loneliness, solitude, wisdom, gratitude and more) providing thought-provoking and spirit inspiring material. A thin book for heavy contemplation, the collection is likely best read one message at a time, allowing ample for reflection and pondering before moving onto the next. (less)
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Daniel Pardieck
Nov 25, 2021Daniel Pardieck rated it it was amazing
An inspirational and deep series of sermons by the great 20th century theologian, Paul Tillich. Careful and meditative reading will bring out the depth of this collection. Both Christians and non-Christians can find much of value, here.
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David
Jun 15, 2013David rated it really liked it
The great thing about reading Paul Tillich is that one can choose between two very distinct types of material. There is first the dense technical writing one can find in his Systematic Theology. In these volumes, the reader is treated to a comprehensive review of the development of existential philosophy and then is guided masterfully through how those ideas relate to the Christian faith. These volumes are challenging, and much is demanded in terms of exertion on the reader's part. Then on the other hand, there are his sermon collections such as The New Being and this book, The Eternal Now. The density and structure gives way to a much more relaxed type of reading. The change of pace is very welcome to someone who has wrestled through his systematic theology. It's nice to put the notebook away and just read...but I think most people will end up jotting down quotes. The insightful gems keep coming one after the other in this book.

Tillich behind the pulpit is considerably different from Tillich at his study desk, but that doesn't mean this is watered down material. The major tenets of his system still shine through. What I like about his style of sermon writing is that he constantly pushes for a dynamic faith which challenges boundaries. Too many times, faith is thought of as a passive quality, one that is based almost solely on trust. It certainly has that element as well, but the active phase cannot be left out. Tillich surely recognizes this potential problem, and it shows again and again in his work. His sermons focus a glaring spotlight on traditional tenets of Christianity, and he makes the reader challenge his own concepts of sin, wisdom, and faith.

Only people of a certain level of dedication will commit themselves to Tillich's systematic theology. I think most Christians and curious non-believers can enjoy his sermon collections.

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Sarah
May 22, 2011Sarah rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Paul Tillich is one of those theologians I've seen mentioned and quoted here and there by other theologians I respect, and now I know why. While I don't think they're all equally successful, this book of sermons is a wonderful picture of, well, I don't know what to call it, really. Deep Christianity? The one on "The Riddle of Inequality" was especially moving, telling me something about the Cross I'd never heard before: "It is the greatness and heart of the Christian message that God, as manifest in the Christ on the Cross, totally participates in the dying of a child, in the condemnation of the criminal, in the disintegration of a mind, in starvation and famine, and even in the human rejection of Himself. There is no human condition into which the divine presence does not penetrate" (p. 46). He speaks to Christians and non-Christians, and in no way defines what he calls "the Christian message" as the only message. He wants to go deeper than superstitions and rituals, and I respect that. I like that I could figure out that he's Protestant but nothing more about his particular denomination from this book, only that he believes that God is the eternal Ground of being from which we all spring naked, to which we all return, and in which we may rest. (less)
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Steven Bullmer
Oct 27, 2014Steven Bullmer rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: theology, sermons
These sermons won't preach now; way too much deep theology for post-moderns. But I sure appreciated them when I was in seminary!
Read this book again. Still love everything Tillich has written that I've read. His Christian existentialist approach to life speaks to my soul; and there were many times I thought of Job, the book of the Bible I'm currently reading, and how God helped Job find "the courage to be" in the face of a life of pain and absurdity.
Actually, I think these sermons could preach now; because they address tensions people still experience and mysteries of life people are still trying to solve. But they would have to be preached in the hands of a "translator" who knew how to take these eternal questions and communicate them for today. (less)
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Josh
Dec 30, 2015Josh rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
A re-read following Christmas last year. I thought a sermon a day would be a good way to close out 2020 and begin 2021. Little did I know how relevant Tillich's ideas concerning power (and its overreach), wisdom (and foolishness), and dignity (or complete lack thereof) would be. Reading these meditations on the problems faced by humankind and the way the divine seeks to lead us in the context of Trump's despicable phone call to Brad Raffensperger and the ensuing Capitol insurrection was chilling. It's almost as if Tillich looked into a crystal ball in the early 1960's and sent a message in a bottle to us. Too bad we didn't read and heed the warnings sooner. (less)
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Helene
Jul 12, 2016Helene rated it really liked it
A friend told me that this is a very accessible work by Tillich and I agree. You don't need to know much about existentialist philosophy to enjoy this book. I think the three main divisions of the book are a very helpful way to organize the chapters (sermons) on various topics. I especially liked his chapters on Solitude versus Loneliness and The Presence of God. The parts that I liked least were the ones dealing with the future, since his views were influenced by political events of the day and are less relevant today. All in all, I loved his insights and new perspectives of God and His ways. (less)
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John
Jul 03, 2012John added it  ·  review of another edition
A wonderful companion to moments of solitude and loneliness, Tillich's sermons resonate in the 21st century. Only one or two sermons in this collection were dated. The remainder take you to psychological applications of Tillich's method of correlation (philosophy poses the questions, religion provides the answers, and not always answers one would expect). (less)
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Evan Kostelka
Dec 20, 2015Evan Kostelka rated it liked it
Shelves: 2015
I had heard a lot of good things about Tillich and he had good things to say but for me I had a tough time following his points. ultimately I felt he left things too esoteric for me. Words cannot come close to describing the Ground of our Being as he calls it yet other theologians speak to me more than Tillich.
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Charles Bell
Aug 08, 2009Charles Bell rated it really liked it
A series of lectures and sermons. Great thoughts.
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Donovick
Aug 19, 2012Donovick rated it it was amazing
Import, especially during times of introspection.
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Michael Chrobak
Sep 03, 2014Michael Chrobak rated it it was amazing
I absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading more of his work.
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Rick
Jan 25, 2017Rick added it
Reading Tillich is like scrubbing your mind and letting it absorb more light. I was fascinated with the 'eternal now' and 'stronger' discussions. It touched my intellect and my.heart. (less)
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Kent Raymond
Nov 19, 2017Kent Raymond rated it it was amazing
Very profound. In spite of being written in the 50's most is very relevant and timeless.

They are a collection of sermons so you get a complete thought in reading one chapter. The Eternal Now is both the title and one of the chapters. The other chapters are not connected in an overarching theme but stand alone.

You need to be reflective and philosophical to get the most from this book. I often read a page or two as part of my personal devotions, then going to the scripture or scriptures highlighted in the chapter for further consideration. This is why it took me 3 weeks to read.

I suspect I will re-read chapters again in the future. (less)


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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
Ross James Browne
5.0 out of 5 stars A very important but readable book from Paul Tillich
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2010
Verified Purchase
This is another excellent volume of live sermons from Tillich. Easier than Systematic Theology, this book is recommended for seminarians and theologians wishing to prepare to read Systematic Theology. Very important in its own right for Tillich;s distinctive style of blending ontology, theology, and even the psychology of the unconscious. Very enlightening on the subject of Spirit, Christ, and pantheism. Unconditionally recommended.
7 people found this helpful
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romano pagliarani
5.0 out of 5 stars Professor Tillich, in his book the Eternal Now, ...
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2015
Verified Purchase
Professor Tillich, in his book the Eternal Now, expressed an interesting Anthology of human mind, in state of mind, in his personality, in his will.
Tillich state that human mind, can be in a state of assertiveness with God, but consequently from is personality state of mind, and the psychological factor that human my find at that moment, The mental capacity the serenity of the spirit to seek a connection not Idolatry with
God, humans can have a sincere and peaceful approach, spiritually and harmoniously to create question of modern man and women,
2 people found this helpful
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Steven H Propp
TOP 100 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars THE THIRD VOLUME OF TILLICH’S PUBLISHED SERMONS
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2017
Paul Tillich (1886-1965) was a German-American theologian and Christian philosopher, who was dismissed from his teaching position in Germany after Hitler came to power in 1933. He came to America, where he taught at Union Theological Seminary and the Harvard Divinity School. Tillich's major work was his three-volume  Systematic Theology, vol. 1 , Systematic Theology, vol. 2: Existence and the Christ , and  Systematic Theology, vol. 3: Life and the Spirit: History and the Kingdom of God , but he also published books such as  A History of Christian Thought , The Courage to Be , Dynamics of Faith , etc. The other volumes of his sermons (many given during chapel at Union Theological Seminary) are:  The Shaking of The Foundations  and  The New Being .

The psychologist Rollo May [a close friend of Tillich’s] wrote a sympathetic biography of him ( Paulus ) and Tillich’s wife Hannah wrote a much less-friendly account ( From Time to Time ). [NOTE: page numbers below refer to the 179-page paperback edition.]
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He wrote in the Preface to this 1963 book, “Most of these sermons were delivered in university and college chapels… The present collection dates from 1955 to 1963. The title … indicates that the presence of the Eternal in the midst of the temporal is a decisive emphasis in most of the sermons. I could have chosen ‘The Spiritual Presence’ as the general title, but the many unfavorable connotations with which the word ‘Spiritual’ is burdened excluded this possibility. Only for a particular sermon in which every sentence interpreted the meaning of ‘Spiritual,’ could the word be used. It is my hope that this collection… will show that the Christian message… is relevant for our time if it uses the language of our time.”

In the first sermon, he points out, “man and woman remain alone even in the most intimate union. They cannot penetrate each other’s innermost center. And if this were not so, they could not be helpers to each other; they could not have human community. This is why God Himself cannot liberate man from his aloneness: it is man’s greatness that he is centered within himself. Separated from his world, he is thus able to look AT it. Only because he can look at it can he know and love and transform it. God, in creating him the ruler of the earth, had to separate him and thrust him into aloneness. Man is also therefore able to be spoken to by God and by man. He can ask questions and give answers and make decisions. He has the freedom for good and evil. Only he who has an impenetrable center in himself is free. Only he who is alone can claim to be a man. This is the greatness and this is the burden of man.” (Pg. 17)

He observes, “there is a forgetting, to which Paul witnesses, that liberates us not from the memory of past guilt but from the pain it brings. The grand old name for this kind of forgetting is repentance. Today, repentance is associated with a half-painful, half-voluptuous emotional concentration on one’s guilt, and not with a liberating forgetfulness. But originally it meant a ‘turning around,’ leaving behind the wrong way and turning towards the light. It means pushing the consciousness and pain of guilt into the past, not by repressing it, but by acknowledging it, and receiving the word of acceptance in spite of it. If we are able to repent, we are able to forget, not because the forgotten act was unimportant… but because we have acknowledged our guilt and can now live with it. For it is ETERNALLY forgotten.” (Pg. 31-32)

He states, “we cannot applaud every act of moral self-restraint, knowing that its cause may be cowardice preventing a revolution against inherited, though already questioned, rules of behavior. Nor can we praise every act of daring non-conformism, knowing that its reason may be the inability of an individual to resist the persuasive irresponsibility of a group of noncomformists. In these and countless other cases, we experience a power that dwells in us and directs our will against itself. The name of this power is sin.” (Pg. 50)

He notes, “Evil in the divine order is not only mystery; it is also revelation. It reveals the greatness and danger of life. He who can become sick is greater than he who cannot, than that which is bound to remain what it is, unable to be split in itself. He alone who is free is able to surrender to the demonic forces that turn his freedom into bondage. The gift of freedom implies the danger of servitude; and the abundance of life implies the danger of sickness. Man’s life is abundant life, infinitely complex, inexhaustible in its possibilities, even in the vitally poorest human beings. Man’s life is most open to disease.” (Pg. 61)

He argues, “We therefore have to deal with an astonishing fact: the same events that pushed man from his place in the center of the world, and reduced him to insignificance, also elevated him to a God-like position both on earth and beyond! Is there an answer to this contradiction?... Man is rooted in the same Ground in which the universe with all its galaxies is rooted. It is this Ground that gives greatness to everything, however small it may be… and it is this that makes all things small, however great---the stars as well as man. It gives significance to each individual man, and to mankind as a whole. This answer quiets our anxiety about our smallness, and it quells the pride of our greatness.” (Pg. 72)

He points out, “What the Christian message does tell us is that the meaning of history lies above history, and that, therefore, its length is irrelevant to its ultimate meaning. But it is not irrelevant with respect to the innumerable opportunities time affords for creation of life and spirit, and it is for these that we must right with all our strength. Furthermore, if history should end tomorrow, though mankind’s self-annihilation, the appearance of this planet and of man upon it will NOT have been in vain. For a being shall have appeared at least once, in the billions of years of the universe, towards whose creation all the forces of life on earth worked together, and in whom the image of the divine Ground of all life was present. At least once, a living being shall have come into existence, in whom life achieved its highest possibility---spirit. This is the ultimate source of man’s greatness… the depth of all things became manifest in ONE being, and the name of that being is MAN, and you and I are man!” (Pg. 76)

He says, “For this is what the Divine Spirit means: God present to our spirit. Spirit is not a mysterious substance; it is not a part of God. It is God Himself; but not God as the creative ground of all things and not God directing history and manifesting Himself in its central event, but God as present in communities and personalities, grasping them, inspiring them, and transforming them.” (Pg. 84)

He admits, “Doubt, and not certitude, is our human situation, whether we affirm or deny God. And perhaps the difference between them is not so great as one usually thinks. They are probably very similar in their mixture of faith and doubt. Therefore, the denial of God, if serious, should not shake us. What should trouble everyone who takes life seriously is the existence of indifference. For he who is indifferent, when hearing the name of God, and feels, at the same time, that the meaning of his life is being questioned, denies his true humanity.” (Pg. 97-98)

The Eternal Now 1963
by Paul Tillich  
He observes, “The New Testamen speaks of eternal life, and eternal life is not continuation of life after death. eternal  life if beyond past, present, and future: we come from it, we live in its presence, we return to it. It is never absent---it is the divine life in which we are rooted and in which we are destined to participate in freedom---for God alone has eternity. Man should not boast of having an immortal soul as his possession for, as the letter to Timothy says, God alone has immortality.’ [1 Tim 6:16] We are mortal like every creature, mortal with our whole being---body and soul---but we are also kept in the eternal  life BEFORE we lived on earth, WHILE we are living in time, and AFTER our time has come to an end.” (Pg. 114-115)

He advises, “‘Stand firm in your faith’ means---don’t give up that faith that alone can make you ultimately strong, because it gives you the ultimate Ground on which to stand. Standing firm in one’s faith does not mean adhering to a set of beliefs; it does not require us to suppress doubts about Christian of other doctrines, but points to something which lies beyond doubt in the depth in which man’s being and all being is rooted. To be aware of this Ground, to live in it and out of it is ultimate strength.” (Pg. 151)

Tillich’s sermons are a much more accessible and “personal” side of his theology/philosophy, and will be of great interest to anyone seriously studying modern theology.
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Top reviews from other countries
Tsila
5.0 out of 5 stars The best of his 3 sermon books
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
I guess if you are considering buying this book you might already be a Paul Tillich devotee. I found this and his other two sermon books some time after I had read the first two volumes of his systematic theology books. Many folks think you should read the sermons first before systematic theology, though I don't think this is necessarily so.
Anyway, this book (like his others) has gradually transformed the way I view Christianity, and for the better. I am not a Christian, yet I almost could feel like one now after reading his books. Bear in mind this book was written in the 60's, and is he not trying to make it easy for you like a modern day self help book. He is honest and direct and in his language yet encourages you towards overcoming all that baggage you may have over the not- so -attractive characteristics of dogmatic religion.
Paul Tillich has become for me a very essential writer and I thank him for what he has done in writing these books. Of the 3 sermon books, this one is my favourite and I would recommend it wholeheartedly. Each sermon is a few pages long and can be read at the start or end of the day; In my opinion it is best to read this book this way and not in one run. Give it time, read it often if you can.
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Paulx
5.0 out of 5 stars Dad likes it - easier than Courage to Be
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
I heard of Paul Tillich thrpugh the Courage to Be which I found heavy going.
I bought this book for myself but ended up giving it to my Dad so now I'm going to buy it again.
I'm sure it will be much easier because of being Bitesize sermons.
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Carlos Faria
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully clear and inspirational
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2013
Verified Purchase
Each chapter deals with a different subject and each subject is explored in a unique and enlightened way. What is beautiful about Paul Tillich is that he explores the Christian faith within a very spiritual context. He is a mystical Christian.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars i am very pleased with it
Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2015
Verified Purchase
Finally i have recieved the book. i am very pleased with it. excellent reading with many great ideas.
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The Timeless Now




Moojiji
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This Satsang is a direct transmission: Heart to Heart! No notebooks, no learning, no intellectual understanding needed. Just listen with an open heart...


"This day that I speak about is not a 24 hour day… it is a God day. Which is timeless.


With your mind you can only imagine time, we can only feel time. When I say timeless what do I mean? 
That which is aware of time and sees time as phenomenal."


8 September 2021
Monte Sahaja, Portugal


~


The full version of this Satsang is available on Sahaja Express here:
https://mooji.tv/sahaja-express/must-...


If you would like to support the sharing of Satsang, you can donate here:
https://mooji.org/donate?tcode=mtv7

===

Mooji

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Mooji

Mooji (born Anthony Paul Moo-Young, January 29, 1954)[1] is a Jamaican spiritual teacher based in the UK and Portugal. He gives talks (satsang) and conducts retreats.[2][3] Mooji lives in Portugal, at Monte Sahaja.[3]

Biography[edit]

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Mooji was born Tony Paul Moo-Young in Port Antonio, Jamaica in 1954.[4] His mother migrated to the UK as one of the windrush generation when he was one year old. He was raised by his father and his mother's cousin (who became his father's lover and had more children).[3] Mooji's brother Peter went on to become one of Jamaica's top table tennis players.[4] Mooji's father died when he was eight, and he was raised by a strict uncle until he moved to London to be with his mother as a teenager.[3]

By age 30, Mooji was working as a street artist supporting his wife and child.[3] In 1985, Mooji's sister, Cherry Groce, was shot and paralysed during a police raid on her home, sparking the 1985 Brixton Riot.[4] In 1987, Mooji had an encounter with a Christian which began his spiritual quest.[5] Mooji continued to work as an art teacher until 1993, when he quit and went traveling in India, and attended the satsangs of the Indian guru Papaji.[4]

He returned to England in 1994 when his son died of pneumonia.[4] He continued to travel to India, each time returning to Brixton, London to sell chai and incense,[4] as well as give away "thoughts for the day" rolled up in straws taken from McDonald's.[3][4] He became a spiritual teacher in 1999 when a group of spiritual seekers became his students, and began to produce books, CDs, and videos of his teachings.[4] On Tony Moo becoming known as Mooji, Mooji said, "What can I say, except that’s life." Mooji's brother Peter said that people had always followed him wherever he went.[4]

Mooji continues to give satsangs at various locations around the world, regularly attracting over a thousand people from fifty nationalities.[2][4] He also holds meditation retreats, sometimes with up to 850 people, each paying between €600 and €1000 for seven days, including the cost of satsang.[2] He purchased a 30-hectare property in the parish of São Martinho das Amoreiras, in the Alentejo region of Portugal, and created an ashram called Monte Sahaja.[6] According to Shree Montenegro, the General Manager of Mooji Foundation, there are 40 to 60 people living full-time in the ashram.[2] A fire at the ashram in 2017 required the evacuation of close to 150 people.[7] Activities at the ashram are funded through the UK-based charity Mooji Foundation Ltd., which reported an income of £1.5 million in 2018 (of which nearly £600,000 came from 'donations and legacies'), as well as through income from its trading subsidiaries Mooji Media Ltd. in the UK, and Associação Mooji Sangha and Jai Sahaja in Portugal.[8][9][10][11]

Teachings and reception[edit]

Mooji’s followers describe satsang as a “meeting in truth” where people come from all around the world, to ask questions about life, and seek peace and meaning.[6] The BBC described attendees as mostly well-off whites.[4] One follower describes Mooji’s teaching as spiritual food that is neither esoteric nor hard to understand.[2] Attendees come up one by one in front of a large crowd and ask personal questions that Mooji answers or uses for “riffs on faith.”[12] The BBC described Mooji’s satsang as a “five hour spiritual question and answer session,” where devotees can ask how to find spiritual contentment.[4] Followers are seeking a more meaningful and less troubled life through connecting to their true nature, or “self.”[3] Comparing the satsang to a public therapy session, The Guardian describes Mooji as “one of those people who focuses in on you, making you feel like you really matter.”[3] According to Outlook, Mooji has one simple philosophy, centred around the search for “I am”, not contingent on any religious or political influence.[5] One New York Times journalist who attended a satsang described being moved and confused as one young man approached Mooji onstage and buried himself in his lap.[12] Devotees compare Mooji to Jesus, and often line up to receive a hug from him after his talks, and follow him as he leaves.[4] Critics say most people seek out gurus in bad times when they need answers and guidance.[5] Mooji describes his teaching as the easy path to enlightenment.[4]

Rationalist Sanal Edamaruku argues that western gurus like Mooji promote a simple formula that appeals to gullible people seeking an easy awakening.[5] Mooji was called a "Global peddler of metaphysical mumbo-jumbo" in a 22 May 2017 article in Indian publication Outlook.[5]

Books[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Mooji Official Site Bio". Mooji.org. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  2. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e Costa, Rita (30 September 2018). "There are more and more people meditating in groups. And they pay for it". Público. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  3. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h Moorhead, Joanna (9 September 2018). "The Buddha of Brixton whose spiritual quest started when his sister was shot". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
  4. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Mooji – the guru from Jamaica". BBC News. 14 February 2008. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  5. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e "A Quick Visa To Nirvana". Outlook India. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  6. ^ Jump up to:a b "Last Stop Alentejo". Noticias Magazine. August 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  7. ^ "Comunidade com cerca de 150 pessoas evacuada devido a incêndio". Jornal de Noticias. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  8. ^ "Mooji Foundation". Mooji Foundation. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  9. ^ "UK Charity Commission Report Mooji Foundation". UK Charity Commission. December 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  10. ^ "Associação Mooji Sangha". Jornal de Negocios. May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  11. ^ "Mooji Media Ltd". UK Companies House. May 2018. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  12. ^ Jump up to:a b Pilon, Mary (19 June 2014). "Unplugging in the Unofficial Capital of Yoga". The New York Times. Retrieved 6 October 2018.

External links[edit]


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