daved@academy.westford.ccur.com (508-392-2990) (03/04/90)
Recently, while reading the Bhagavadgita (in the Penguin translation)
and I seemed to hear strong echoes of many New Testament verses,
mostly concerning, I suppose, a person's devotion to their Lord.
In another translation, perhaps more literal, some of these 'echoes'
(the metaphor points in the wrong direction, chronologically!) soften
or disappear. But, not all; for instance:
Abandon all the Laws and instead seek shelter with me
alone. Be unconcerned, I shall set you free from all
that is evil. (last chapter)
Sanskrit--> sarvadharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja
aham tva sarvapapebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah
Realize that all creatures have their source therein
[in Krsna's 'higher nature' D/ ] : I am the origin
of the entire universe and its dissolution. There is
nothing at all that transcends me. (ch.7)
If one disciplined soul proffers to me with love a
leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, I accept this offering
of love from him. Whatever you do, or eat, or offer, or
mortify... make it an offering to me.
- What do folks think about about these consonances, if they hear
them as well?
- As far as practice, what do we as Christians make of the
spiritual sensibilities of others, without going over
into syncretism?
Dave Davis
daved@westford.ccur.com
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