h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Your version cuts it to the bones, doesn't it?

I'm curious... why did you put it there on your page? What do you think of a prayer of that nature?

Hi g,

To me, Jesus and Buddha are the greatest spiritual teachers who ever lived. Personally I rank them alongside each other; they had very different teaching styles in some ways but I think those were equally good.

So I wanted to put up a couple of short verses to capture the teachings of each in a poetic sort of way.

The Lord's Prayer seemed an obvious choice for Jesus. I think that it contains important elements of prayer generally - a wish for a better world, run in accordance with sound and loving principles, today, a desire for forgiveness for past wrongs and a commitment to avoid causing harm to others.

I also wanted to highlight particular features which could show the prayer in a new light for those familiar with it already -

"Our Daddy" because the Jews already had a concept of God as a father-type figure, but in a very formal way. Jesus' difference was that he took the approach of seeing God more as a loving and caring parent than an authoritative figure.

"Debts" rather than "trespasses" because that's what the original words were. I think our capitalist world has a problem with that correct interpretation, and I wonder whether conservative Christians' approach to such issues as Third World Debt would be different if the Pope were to announce a change to that version?

"Do not put us to the test" rather than "Do not lead us into temptation" because James states in the bible that God does not tempt people. The difference is subtle but important. To tempt is to encourage to do something (wrong). To test is to see what choice you will make without undue influence or pressure to go in a particular direction.

You'll have gathered that I have serious doubts about the existence of a personal God, but find the concept of "Godhead" appealing - cf post 1185 in the God: fact or fiction thread.

I do think that prayer is beneficial.

Does this answer your questions?

Bod

It does. Thank you for taking the time to explain.

One thing I wonder about sometimes is the bit about asking not to be put to the test. Seems to me that that's one thing that makes people human, that they have a mind capable of analytical thought, that they can project the effects of their behaviors on the future, that they can make choices and really apply themselves to making good ones. To me it seems as if asking not to be put to the test is asking not to be accountable or responsible for actions. I think the response to tests are what determine character. I also think that if people saw the challenges in their lives as a gift, an opportunity to pursue the happiness inside themselves that they'd view tests differently. Do you really think it would be better to have it be easy to be human? I think it would remove any possibility for greatness.

Good point. I have to say I think you're right. That ties in nicely with a bit of Buddhist philosophy which, for example, sees 'enemies' as special gifts because they provide the best opportunity for us to cultivate positive qualities such as patience.

Perhaps some might argue that the point of that part of the Lord's Prayer is to request that we don't be tested beyond our ability; but I think that approach would foist a meaning onto the prayer which isn't actually there.

So, god, having observed the various religious / spiritual approaches that people have, is there a particular tradition that you find is especially helpful to you personally?

Bod

I'm a semi-Buddhist and in this present incarnation gently rub elbows with SGI. The main thing that attracted me to that particular practice was the idea that I can choose my reactions to stimuli rather than be a slave to my initial emotional responses. I like the idea that it's not things that cause unhappiness/anger etc. but rather how I prefer to process them. I never wanted to find some kinda nirvana through a lack of desire because I'm a sensually oriented critter, but it's very helpful to remind myself that all possible states of mind are 'normal' and 'acceptable', though not necessarily desirable. And I loved the good friend/ bad friend concept. Makes the world a much friendlier place when I look at it in those terms. The reason I practice with SGI is that their objective is to achieve world peace on an individual basis. That's an organizational goal that doesn't give me the willies. I have an inherent distrust of organized religion in general.

Hi g,

Yup, I can relate to that. Kenneth S Leong (author of Zen Teachings of Jesus) is opposed to all forms of institutional religion because institutional life filters out "soul competency", the ability to feel and intuit Jesus rather than rotely understanding him.

I get the feeling I should know this, but - what does SGI stand for?

Bod

Sorry for the delayed reply, got busy in other parts of the universe.

Tell me, do you feel and intuit Jesus? How would you describe that?

Here's what SGI stands for. Click on the 'About SGI' tab on top for the nutshell version.
http://www.sgi.org/english/index.htm

Thank you kindly for the link.

As for whether I "feel and intuit Jesus", that depends upon your interpretation of the phrase...

In terms of feeling Jesus, if that means perceiving his presence then my answer is that I have at times thought that I felt his presence, but that could be explained as something else - see my God theory in the God: Fact or Fiction thread (if you haven't seen it and want to, let me know and I'll find out where it is; I have a bookmark somewhere.)

As for intuiting Jesus (did I just create a verb there?), if this means being able to read a piece of text purporting to report a saying by him and think "no way did JC say that", ie. knowing him independently of what the scrpiture says, then I think yes - although I'm not sure that this is testable.

Bod