Easter Comes Alive

I thought I would write briefly and wish everyone out there a Happy Easter. Everyone!

Easter is the Christian religious observance that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead, or was “resurrected.” This event proved that Jesus was the son of God, the Christ.

I have a slightly different take than most Christians (though I imagine that some will agree). I believe that the real “resurrection” of Jesus does not rely on whether he rose from the dead or not. I would think that the real “resurrection” occurs when the teachings of Jesus “comes alive” within our hearts and minds.

Now here's the interesting thing. It's the same for many other religions. For example: For Buddhists, when they receive the Buddha’s teachings in their hearts and minds, then the Buddha comes “alive” for them.

Buddhism is not as concerned with historical fact as it is concerned with religious truth. Religious truth stands beyond time.

If we focuses only on the historical event of Jesus rising from the dead, then it stands as just one event in time. If instead we focus on receiving the teachings of Jesus in our hearts, then it becomes a religion that “comes alive” and stands beyond time.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a well-known Buddhist Monk and prolific writer of Buddhist books writes:

“Redemption and resurrection are neither words nor objects of belief. They are our daily practice. We practice in such a way that Buddha is born every moment of our daily life, that Jesus Christ is born every moment of our daily life.” —from Going Home.

Thich Nhat Hanh has even written an excellent book titled, “Living Buddha, Living Christ” in which he discusses his appreciation of both Jesus and Shakyamuni Buddha, and how they must become living teachers for us today.

“When we understand and practice deeply the life and teachings of Buddha or the life and teachings of Jesus, we penetrate the door and enter the abode of the living Buddha and the living Christ, and life eternal presents itself to us.” —p. 56, Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh

On this day, no matter if you're celebrating or questioning, may your hearts and minds “come alive” with peace and love.

Sir Bowie of Greenbriar