[RobbyS]

I gather that the Christian monk is neither a gnostic nor an agnostic. The Buddhist monk seems to be one or the other, or both.

[D-fendr]

Certainly a Christian monk who is a gnostic would be delving into heresy; one who is an agnostic would be in a crisis of faith probably.

As for the Buddhist monk, a diety could be a manifestation - I'm thinking of Tibetan here - or would likely more often be closer toward gnostic or agnostic as you said.

What is interesting, in this context, is what the Buddha taught about the ground of being - that it was compassionate. I.e., being is not absolute nothingness, but is grounded in compassion. So, if you conceive of God as being, the ground of being, and God's prime attribute as compassion; then, whether Buddha was or a buddhist monk achieving buddha mind is agnostic?

Well, in a way, perhaps not so.

MHO of course. Thanks very much for your reply.

[D-fendr]

I guess what I'm saying in a way is that many Buddhists could easily become Christian - cultural problems aside - if they had the understanding and experience of the presence of God as known by the Christian contemplatives.

This is what I was referring to earlier. There is a popular appeal of Eastern religion in America today. I believe a great many of those so attracted have an incorrect understanding of Christ and Christian practice and prayer. Christian contemplation in the Catholic tradition could easily be the bridge to help them come back home.

[D-fendr]

Oops. I babbled on again. Your orginal reply:

the Christian monk is neither a gnostic nor an agnostic. The Buddhist monk seems to be one or the other, or both.

was a very good synopsis of the differences I saw in the two meditative approaches. Thanks.