The Day Buddha and Jesus Met in Heaven
A Dream About a Divine Encounter of Ageless Wisdom and Compassion
An ink sketch of a wooded lake in New Hampshire, where I grew up.
If Buddha and Jesus were to meet in Heaven, here is precisely how I imagine the conversation would go.
This article hit me like a dream, a vision, but the words are real.
I imagine …
I’m walking in the woods on a clear, sunny day. The air temperature is perfect. I’m alone, with the trees, animals, and sun. I am on my way to the lake near my house.
As I walk, lost in my thoughts, I see a clearing in the woods. It’s about fifty yards away. The sunlight strikes through the tall, white pine trees.
And there, in the light, sit two men talking.
I wonder if it’s real. I walk closer.
The two men are still there. I get even closer.
I feel a God chill down my spine. A God chill is both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. I get them once in a while. I never know why, but I am always alone, lost in my thoughts, thinking about things most don’t think about.
Soon enough, I’m standing in front of Buddha and Jesus. If you see them, you know them, even if you’ve never met these two men before.
I’m close enough for them to stop speaking, notice me, and smile in a way I can’t describe.
I felt safe, loved, and at ease.
As they smile, they motion for me to sit beside their fire. It is still late morning, and the air is cool enough for the fire to be comforting.
As I sit, they speak to me without saying the words. I could hear them. I could feel the love flowing from them to me.
“Wowza,” I thought, “This is unreal.”
The bright green forest glowed around us. The sunlight was blinding in a good way.
I sat down. Buddha and Jesus looked at me, and I knew to be still and listen.
“How could this be real?” I thought.
Yet, clear as day, and before my eyes sat Buddha and Jesus. I have studied their teachings for decades and tried to find the similarities.
They don’t look like any of the pictures I’ve seen of them other than in a general sense. Both are dark-skinned. Their eyes glow with eternal brilliant light.
Their smiles penetrate the layers of ego that keep me in the dark.
They had just begun to talk when I showed up.
Here’s what I heard:
Jesus: (smiling) It's a pleasure to see you, Gautama. I have heard so much about your teachings and the wisdom you shared with humanity.
Buddha: (nodding) Likewise, Jesus. Your love and compassion for all beings have left a lasting impact on the world. It is an honor to be in your presence.
Jesus: (reflective) You know, Gautama, it saddens me to see how humanity has failed to recognize the profound similarities among all the world religions. They have become focused on the differences instead.
Buddha: (calmly) Indeed, Jesus. The fundamental principles of love, compassion, and inner transformation are at the core of every spiritual tradition. Yet, people often become fixated on the rituals and doctrines, losing sight of the universal truth.
Jesus: (nodding) I once said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This teaching emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings; a concept echoed in your teachings of non-harming and compassion for all living beings.
Buddha: (smiling) Your words remind me of the verse from the Dhammapada: "Hatred does not cease by hatred; hatred ceases by love. This is an eternal law." It is a call to abandon ill will and embrace love and forgiveness.
Jesus: (thoughtfully) Yes, Gautama. And you spoke about the importance of overcoming suffering through enlightenment and detachment from worldly desires. It resonates with my teachings about finding inner peace and the kingdom of Heaven within.
Buddha: (nodding) The essence of our teachings lies in transcending the ego and realizing our true nature. As you said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." It is akin to attaining enlightenment and realizing the ultimate truth.
Jesus: (smiling) I remember your teaching about the Middle Way, finding balance, and avoiding extremes. It echoes my words, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." It emphasizes the importance of balance and humility in our spiritual journey.
Buddha: (reflective) It's remarkable, isn't it? The striking similarities in our teachings are the emphasis on love, compassion, and inner transformation. If only humanity could recognize the common threads that unite us rather than focusing on superficial differences.
Jesus: (softly) We can only guide them, Gautama, but it is up to humanity to embrace the profound truths at the heart of all religions. The path to unity and enlightenment is paved with love, understanding, and an open heart.
Buddha: (gently) May our teachings inspire and guide those seeking truth, peace, and liberation. Let us send our blessings to humanity and hope they awaken to the shared essence that unites us all.
As their conversation ended, Buddha and Jesus sat together in silence, emanating a profound sense of unity and compassion, sending their love and blessings to the world they both sought to uplift.
The end.
I’ve never understood how people could fight so much over religion. Over time, I’ve accepted that humans have always fought over crazy things.
It all boils down to our egos and doing things that are selfish, greedy, lustful, and so on. These are the ways we miss the mark of virtue in life. And we suffer dearly.
Until we see the way of the ageless wisdom revealed by all the saviors, saints, sages, mystics, and monks over the centuries.
We need to follow the right people; hopefully, we don’t get too lost.
Choose wisely, and see the similarities in all things.