From Guru to God - The Experience of Ultimate Truth, by Michael Graham

Michael Graham is an Australian who was among the first Westerners to seriously submit himself to the spirituality of India's most respected gurus. His 28 years of disciplined - and dramatic - practice of Eastern (New Age) religion led Michael to a surprising conclusion.
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Spiritual Quote

‘In the midst of Gurudom there stands a figure. He is active all around the world and commands a following far greater than all the other gurus put together. His devotees claim that he is always present with them personally. He guides, protects and comforts them like a friend and rules over them like a king (Maharaj). They claim that they can communicate with him whenever they wish, wherever they may be. Though living in an invisible transcendental dimension he is literally drawing thousands of devotees each day to himself. At times he meets ‘visibly’ with his devotees, though generally he meets with them spiritually. Yet whenever a person has an encounter with him, he or she is transformed into a new creation.’ -Vishal Mangalwadi
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In Search of the True Light, by Mike Shreve

A former New Age Guru and Yoga teacher at 4 Universities, Author Mike Shreve compares 20 World Religions of the world.
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Buddhism

What are the teachings and beliefs of Buddhism?

It is important to understand the core values, beliefs, and teachings of Buddhism, so that you can evaluate whether it is the right path for you to walk.

Buddhists believe that there is no “God”. Personal mortality is followed by reincarnations after better or worse “rebirths” depending upon merit attained in previous lives.

Buddhism’s goal is the attainment of Nirvana, a state where cravings, desires and even “egos” cease and where, because of the associated merit, one can hope to be freed from the endless chain of rebirths into suffering lives.

Core Values, Beliefs, and Teachings of Buddhism

1. The Four Noble Truths:
These are the foundational teachings of Buddhism, which state that life is suffering (dukkha), suffering has a cause (the craving and attachment to pleasure, existence, and self), suffering can cease (nirvana), and there is a path to the cessation of suffering (the Eightfold Path).

2. The Eightfold Path:
This path consists of eight practices that guide individuals towards enlightenment and the cessation of suffering. These practices include right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

3. Karma and Rebirth:
Buddhism teaches that one’s actions in this life will determine the quality of their next life. Good deeds lead to a better rebirth, while bad deeds lead to a worse rebirth. The goal is to break the cycle of rebirth and achieve nirvana.

4. The Four Noble Truths:
These are the foundational teachings of Buddhism, which state that life is suffering (dukkha), suffering has a cause (the craving and attachment to pleasure, existence, and self), suffering can cease (nirvana), and there is a path to the cessation of suffering (the Eightfold Path).

5. The Eightfold Path:
This path consists of eight practices that guide individuals towards enlightenment and the cessation of suffering. These practices include right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

6. Karma and Rebirth:
Buddhism teaches that one’s actions in this life will determine the quality of their next life. Good deeds lead to a better rebirth, while bad deeds lead to a worse rebirth. The goal is to break the cycle of rebirth and achieve nirvana.

What does this mean?

While Buddhism offers valuable insights into the nature of suffering and suggests a path to overcoming it, it does not provide salvation or eternal life. Buddhism teaches that one can achieve enlightenment and escape the cycle of rebirth, but this does not equate to eternal life with God.

Moreover, Buddhism does not recognize the existence of a personal God, and it does not teach that Jesus is the Son of God or the Savior of humanity. Buddhism focuses on the individual’s journey towards enlightenment, without the need for a divine savior.

Do all paths lead to enlightenment, Nirvana or God?
In contrast to Buddhist teachings and beliefs, the Bible teaches that Jesus is the only way to eternal life with God. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, God loves us and has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Jesus’ death and resurrection offer us the opportunity for forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God. By placing our faith in Jesus, we can experience the transformative power of God’s grace and be saved from the consequences of our sin.

Whilst Buddhism offers some teachings on the nature of suffering and a suggested path to enlightenment, it does not provide salvation or eternal life with God. Jesus is the only way to experience God’s love, forgiveness, and eternal life.

 Buddhist beliefs may help you in this life to have a sense of calmness, humility and peace, but will they help you in the life to come? How does Buddhism deal with the cleansing of past and current sin? Comment via https://www.facebook.com/Faith-of-Choice-120683331279588