*Before reading, if you’d like to learn more about Buddhism, read part 1*
Fresh off the plane in Thailand, I was warned of how serious the Buddhist religion is and how I must respect that “to be Thai is to be Buddhist”. I greatly expected to see and experience how Buddhism permeates every aspect of Thai life, and while this has happened to a certain extent, I saw something else that I didn’t expect—to see and experience how God has permeated Buddhism.
Part of my ministry here has been to go to “Monk Chat” sessions and spend an hour talking to Buddhist monks. For the monks, the purpose is to practice their English with native speakers, but for me, my purpose is to learn more about God. I know that seems kind of contradictory, going to a Buddhist temple to learn about God, but let me explain with the help of my friends Karan and Gao.
Karan
He’s 24 and has been a monk since he was 16. He became a monk because his family wanted him to get an education, but he’s not sure if he will be one for the rest of his life. What stuck out in our conversation were two things: (1) He believes in the goodness of people and repeatedly stated that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as your intentions are good. (2) He wanted to reach Nirvana and spends hours mediating on it. He described how he tries to empty himself of love, anger, and desires for earthly possessions. Yet, he also felt like it was so difficult because it’s hard to not care about your family and think about how they’re doing.
Gao
He’s 21 and has been a monk since we has 11. He is finishing his studies in a semester and then will be off to complete a year of internship. After that, he has the choice to either become a layman (leave monkhood and be a regular citizen) or continue as a monk who teaches in a temple or village. He asked us two very interesting questions that gave us a chance to share our beliefs: (1) Do we hear a voice that speaks to us about what is happening or what to do in a situation? (2) If we could go anywhere in the universe, where would we go? He said he’d go to one of the Buddhist dimensions where everything is perfect and there is no pain, suffering, or bad people/spirits.
As they talked to me, all I could think about was God. The Holy Spirit brought to mind things in their religion that looks so much like Christianity yet is missing the best part: Jesus. It’s as if they were teaching me about Jesus without even knowing it. Karan talked about everyone being equal as long as your intentions are good; I thought of everyone being part of God’s family and keeping our mind fixed on the good things of God (Phil. 4:8). Karan didn’t like his inability to clear his mind of worry for his family’s health and well-being; I thought he was simply living out the love God placed in him (1 Cor. 13:4-7). Gao wanted to live in a land where everything was perfect and there was no suffering or evil; Jesus is preparing a place called heaven for us (John 14:2-3). Gao questioned if there’s a voice that guides you into good things; the Holy Spirit is a Counselor and friend (John 14:26).
During every monk chat I wanted to make them understand that they were talking about Jesus without even knowing it. I wanted them to realize that what they really needed was Jesus, but we couldn’t plainly tell them this. We were allowed to continue visiting them as long as we didn’t offend them by telling them that what they thought was wrong. So I carefully shared my beliefs and my story and tried to work as much of Jesus in as I possibly could. Now I pray that He touches their hearts and lets the truth stir inside of them.
I end my visits to Monk Chat feeling privileged that I was allowed to meet God there. It not only challenged my faith and pushed me to see God in every situation and every concept, but it ultimately gave me hope that even in the places that seem to be devoid of God, He is present and He is working and ANYTHING or ANYONE can be redeemed for Him.
Thank you God for using those monks to teach me more about you!
I challenge you to find God in the most unlikely of places. He is present and working and moving in every situation, even when it looks dark on the surface. Ask God to reveal Himself to you today!
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