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helpful lives? In my opinion, the answer is a very positive yes. There is plenty of room for both religions.

Both Christianity and Zen embrace positive dynamic thinking. Jesus Christ was an adherent of the power of Belief. He knew the tremendous power the subconscious has when it comes to turning our desires into reality. For example, in Matthew 17.20, He said, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Likewise, the Buddah addressed the same subject of positive thinking, "A monk who is skilled in concentration can cut the Himalayas in two." Anguttara Nikaya 6.24

"The practice of Zen has been found useful for people wanting improved physical well being and coordination. For example those practicing the martial arts, musicians, actors and anyone who would benefit from an increased body awareness would find Zen useful. It is also useful for people seeking psychological well being and for creative people who wish to heighten their creativity. However, Zen is taught at the Montreal Zen centre primarily for those people who are looking for a spiritual way to come to terms with the complexities of life."-Montreal Zen Center.

What does Christianity offer us today? Personally speaking, I am an admirer and follower of Jesus. I get my inspiration and insight from the Bible, which I don't take as literal truth, but rather, as a book of wisdom and insight. The Old Testament gives me great comfort and insight into human nature, especially the Book of Proverbs, authored by King Solomon.
I believe Christ was a radical spiritual leader, that possessed the wisdom and courage to afford humanity the idea of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. He took the bold initiative of leaving behind the old belief of "an eye for any eye and a tooth for a tooth".

I believe a lot of humanity's problems would be solved today, if we would take more seriously the wisdom of the Buddah and Christ. I think of recent historical giants like Ghandi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandella and what they achieved with the concept of Passive Resistance, which both the Buddah and Christ, I am sure, would appreciate.

I believe, both Zen and Christianity offer great resources of personal empowerment. They should be considered as serious possibilities for helping anyone that is bent on self improvement and reaching their potential. Many of our contemporaries have already discovered, the ardent pursuit of either of these disciplines is well worth the time and effort. And most interesting and compelling, the combining of the positive aspects of both Christianity and Zen, should be given serious consideration.

Learn more about this author, Jack Marinchek.
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