Christianity, Zen Buddhism, and New Age Philosophy

Dogen, a 13^th century patriarch of the Soto Zen school (see Smith and Novak’s Buddhism: A Concise Intro.) said, “In pursuit of the Way, the prime essential is [meditation]. Just to pass time in sitting straight, without any thought of acquisition, without any sense of achieving enlightenment—this is the way of the patriarchs. It is true that our predecessors recommended both the koan [a meaningless phrase] and sitting, but it was the sitting they particularly insisted upon. Truly the merit lies in the sitting. Simply to go on sitting is the method by which the Way is made an intimate part of our lives. Thus the attainment of the Way becomes truly attainment through the body. That is why I put exclusive emphasis on the sitting.”

Zen Buddhism motivates people to become enlightened and achieve self-realization by emptying themselves of themselves. In other words, it calls on people to empty their minds. It also motivates people to find their true selves (or non-selves) within (i.e. to reach nirvana). This self-centered motivation is remarkably similar to the motivation appealed to by New Age spirituality. New Age challenges people to connect with their own inner God or goddess. Once again, the motivation is self-centered. Furthermore, New Age challenges people to develop an inward, individualistic, self-focused, and self-aggrandizing experience that is fulfilling.

How does all of this relate to Christianity? If you are a Christian, ask yourself why you do what you do? Do you read the Bible, pray, worship, attend church, serve, etc? All of these are good and biblically mandated. But why? Is it to gain a spiritual high and a fulfilling inward experience? If so, your motivation is selfish and no different than that of Zen Buddhists and New Agers. As Christians, we must be motivated by the love of Christ in all that we do. The inward fulfilling experience of Christ’s love and presence flows in and out of a Christian whose life is built on the biblical foundation of love for Christ (go to myrenovatus.com to hear the sermon on this entitled Christian Zen and Biblical Spirituality dated 02/26/12).