Blog on The Diamond Sutra - by Barbara
The Diamond Sutra
I found a couple interesting patterns in the title story. One is wisdom. Humans have always sought wisdom; a quest for truth is universal and timeless. In this story, the seeker looks to Buddha for the answers. In the new testament, James offers a different source...James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Another element of the Diamond Sutra story is charity. Buddha explains that we should be blind to factors that may keep us from being charitable. We should not consider another person's appearance or other external factors when engaging in charity. Jesus taught this principal in the parable of the Good Samaritan...
…'Love your neighbor as yourself." 28...Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." 29..."And who is my neighbor?" 30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead... 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' 36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
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