(overgetypt uit: "Teaching of the Great Mountain", zen talks by Taizan Maezumi.
Dit stukje had ik ook op 13 december 2003 geplaatst en doe dat nog een keer omdat Aukje vandaag een stukje over geloof heeft geplaatst.)
Do you believe in God?
That's a very interesting question, more than interesting,
it's a quite serious question.
When we as Buddhists are asked,
how do we answer?
It can happen to any of you, anytime.
How do you answer it?
Most of you were raised in the Judeo-Christian tradition
and people expect you to have some understanding
and maybe even faith of belief.
But for me too, if I'm asked that question,
how am I supposed to answer, see?
In fact, it happened twice very recently.
One time I answered that I definitely believe in God,
at another time I said, definitely I do not believe in God.
Why?
Because I always tell the truth!
I mean it.
Do you know what I mean?
Since the question is posed
from a relative perspective or sphere,
the answer is always yes and no.
And either way is true.
So I quite happily say yes one time
and I say no another time.
Nothing wrong with it.
Is it right or wrong?
Is anyone right or wrong?
That's my joke!
When we are asked whether God exists or not,
our belief makes a difference, of course.
Whether you answer yes of no
depends on your belief or understanding
of who God is.
But we understand everything
in a way as much as we understand,
and that isn't necessarily true understanding
of who God is.
It rather openly invites arguments and questions.
What did Buddha say about this?
If Buddha was asked the same question
what would he answer, and why?
He himself was born in a rather high class
and his family followed the Hindu tradition.
They had of course the god Brahman.
Nobody denied his existence.
But do you know what kind of attitude Buddha took?
We can definitely learn from him.
He said, we don't really know what God is
and I will not spend any time trying
to know what is unknowable.
So he had a very pragmatic attitude.
Many people talk about God
and of course for those who believe
in the fact that God exists,
sure, God exists.
Why not?
But what about those who don't?
And we shouldn't mix things up.
Whether we have faith or belief in God or not
and whether God exists or not,
are two different things.
Some believe in God and some don't
it's none of our business.
In a way yes, in a way no.
And if I do not know what God is,
if I don't have faith in God
as it is usually understood, that's fine too.
I can survive without having faith in God.
But it has nothing to do with whether God exists or not.
Personally, I'm quite happy and content
without having the blessings of God.
The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are enough for me.
I'm sure, here in Salt Lake City
you encounter questions about God constantly,
since you're almost a neighbor of the Mormon Temple.
Everybody knows this is a very strong center of the LDS church.
And I want you to have very clear answers.
Not everyone of you needs to say the same thing -
then it sounds fishy!
You all have your own very distinct understanding
or appreciation of who or what God is,
and whether you believe in Him or not.
However you answer,
it's fine.
But you should have faith
in what you say!
Just don't say, "I am God,"
because it is not true!
Buddha never said that kind of thing.
How you phrase your answer is a very delicate matter.
With words you can so easily hurt other people
and that much you hurt yourself.
So be careful about that.
And even Buddha -
if you're asked by anybody
"Who is Buddha?"
how do you answer?
It's not easy, see.
And if you're asked further,
"What's the difference between Buddha and God?"
how do you answer?
If you grew up in the Judeo-Christian tradition,
you are supposed to believe in God.
Just one God!
So what is Buddha?
Buddha is not only Shakyamuni Buddha,
he is one of the transformations of Kannon Bodhisattva.
So I disagree if you say, "I am God."
but if you say, "I am Kannon Bodhisattva,"
I will smile.
Whether or how you believe in God
is a very serious question for all of us.
Especially here for Kanzeon Sangha.
since you live so close to the Mormon temple.
How do we coexist with other religious groups?
- even on the same street!
So I think it's wise to be well prepared
And if you have any excellent answers
before I leave,
please let me know!