Mindfulness of Jesus
Greetings, fellow seekers of a life without expectations! Welcome to Fishing Without Bait. Today let's delve into a unique perspective on mindfulness by exploring the teachings of Jesus from the Bible.
Embracing Different Perspectives: In our society, when we think of meditation and mindfulness, images of Buddhist monks and the Dalai Lama often come to mind. But today, I want us to consider the teachings of Jesus from a mindfulness perspective. How often do we neglect other philosophies and faiths in our exploration of mindfulness?
The Mindfulness of Jesus: Let's take a closer look at how Jesus began his ministry. After a 40-day fast in the desert, Jesus meditated and prayed, seeking a higher connection within himself. During this time, he faced temptations from the devil, which can be interpreted as the challenges of the ego. Jesus may have undergone a process of deflating his ego, preparing himself to spread his message to the world.
Surrounding Himself with Ordinary People: Contrary to expectations, Jesus did not gather rich or influential individuals around him. Instead, he chose twelve of the most hard-headed and obstinate people - his disciples. These disciples were constantly doubting, worrying, and living in fear. Jesus continually reminded them to let go of their anxieties and to be present in the moment.
Avoiding Ego Worship: When we assume to know God's will or speak on behalf of the Creator, we fall into the trap of worshiping our own thoughts and desires. Jesus repeatedly emphasized being still and knowing that he is. He pointed his followers towards finding the door and the way to their inner selves through inner peace and happiness.
Seeing with Mindful Eyes: In Luke 10:39, Jesus visited Martha and Mary. While Martha was busy with preparations, Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened. When Martha asked Jesus to scold Mary, he encouraged Martha to let go of envy and anxiety and join in listening. Jesus always challenged his followers to avoid worrying and to live in the present moment.
Awakening and Fearlessness: Jesus' disciples lived in fear until they became awakened or filled with the Holy Spirit. Their awakening meant enlightenment, a state without fear. Jesus constantly urged them to let go of worries and anxieties. Through a mindful perspective, we can reexamine the New Testament and observe Jesus' constant teachings about worry.
Seeking Inner Happiness: Jesus spoke about the Father, the Creator, taking care of the ravens and sparrows, assuring his followers that they, too, would be cared for. Seeking happiness becomes crucial in all aspects of life. By understanding Jesus' words through a lens of mindfulness, we can overcome the darkness of self-worship and live in the light of awakening.
Mindfulness and Love: Jesus consistently preached love, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and showing compassion to the marginalized. His ministry focused on awakening and calling others to experience spiritual awakening. By prioritizing love in the present moment, we can express faith in God regarding the future.
An Open Mind for Interfaith Harmony: As we move forward, let's avoid wearing blinders and adopting an expert's mind. Instead, let's cultivate a beginner's mind that appreciates the beauty in various faiths, including Buddhism, Christianity, and more. All these religions hold interconnected wisdom, and by embracing their teachings, we realize that our differences are minimal.
Final Thoughts: I hope this exploration of mindfulness through the lens of Jesus' teachings has provided you with a fresh perspective. In our upcoming series, we will continue to unravel the interconnectedness of various faiths, exploring Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and more. Remember, we are all on this journey together, seeking truth and enlightenment. Until next time, my dear friends, I remain with you in friendship and mindfulness.
To explore more of this concept, check out our related podcast episode.
