Orthodox prayer and buddhist mindfulness

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By Fr. Brendan Pelphrey

Thank you for the invitation to take part in this weeks’ conference. My task is
to compare the Orthodox tradition of silent prayer, or “watchfulness” (nipsis),
as described by the Hesychasts, with the Buddhist practice of “mindfulness”
(sati) in its various traditions, as we explore how these things may be
beneficial to healing. To be done well I believe the topic would require
someone who is experienced in monastic life, whether Orthodox Christian or
Buddhist, or both.

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Compassion, transformation, and unity

“We were created and saved to have the same mind as that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5), i.e. we were created for compassion and serving love and are set free by Christ’s serving love to once more be stewards of God’s creation with Christ and “to bring good news to the poor, … to bring release to the captives,” … to bring healing to the diseased, and “to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18), as Christ baptizes us with God’s Spirit.”
“Our personal transformation starts with the assurance of being a child of God because Christ is with me, and the process towards maturity goes on as Christ through the Holy Spirit cleanses our heart and he lives in me so that I may be Christ-formed and have the same mind as Christ, being motivated by a will to serve others in love.”
These quotes are from a talk given to Hong Kong pastors.

You will find the full talk here

Diakonia

Diakonia is essential to Christfulness; it’s the marking practice of the Christ-in-you-aspect of Christfulness, because we meet others looking for God’s image in them, looking for Christ in them. Diakonia is the common mark of being a follower or disciple of Christ. “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to… Continue reading