True Nirvana
May 1, 2007
For Hindus, Nirvana is the supreme state free from suffering and individual existence. It’s the state of separation from the flesh. Jesus taught a similar concept of not living by the demands of one’s own flesh but instead by the Spirit of God. The accounts of Jesus’ life also exemplified this. The initial launch of Jesus’ ministry happened while fasting for 40 days in the desert where His first recorded interaction with Satan occurred. The interaction centered on the flesh. Satan tried to get Jesus to change rocks into bread to feed his starving body. Satan knew that if He could get Jesus to be led by the yearnings of His own flesh that Jesus would not make it through life without sinning, and probably not make it to the cross. Hunger, sleep, housing, sexuality, fame, power and wealth were all denied by Jesus as He chose a radically sacrificial life which seemed an aggressive and resolute denial of His own flesh. The difference between a Hindu’s idea of Nirvana and Jesus’ version is that Nirvana is for one’s own self, it’s a selfish endeavor of self-gratification. In contrast, Jesus’ denial of flesh was utterly selfless and outwardly focused. Humankind is drawn to acknowledge the greatness of selflessness. We may idolize and covet those with power and wealth, but we all hold far greater respect for those who have put aside their rights / their flesh, in order to serve others. Mother Teresa is a fine modern day example of this. On analyzing the flesh one finds more bad than good. Most atrocities against mankind derive out of the selfish gratification of flesh. In addition, our flesh is prone to disease and illness and eventually dies. Our bodies are never satisfied but continually hunger and thirst for sustenance to survive. We all yearn for things that cannot satisfy us. Those who have achieved fame or wealth are often more depressed and unhappy than those who don’t have, but aspire for, that way of life. Jesus’ comment affirms this: "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14 It’s not just a denial of flesh but it’s being led by the Spirit of God. It’s fascinating to note Jesus’ words in John 5:19 - “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” Jesus, who was altogether wise and intelligent did not live or make decisions out of His own capacity but instead relied fully on the Holy Spirit. True Nirvana is not as unattainable as Hinduism might imagine. In fact it’s sitting right there available to us all. We long to be free from being controlled by the passions and pains of flesh; we long to be like what history admires – the heroes who lay down their life for others; fighting death, we long to live in eternity here and now. The answer is two-fold: 1. Deny and lay aside the rights and passions of your flesh. 2. Follow Jesus and live in union with the Spirit of God, listening to His voice, obeying Him and living in His presence. This is an invitation for us all.
Brilliantly said, as always.
Comment by yourhotwife — May 4, 2007 @ 8:33 pm