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Once, a Zen Buddhist and a Christian were arguing about the existence of God. The Zen Buddhist argued, essentially, “God does not exists.” Essentially, the Christian argued, “God does exists.” After they had marshaled all their arguments to prove their respective points, each had failed to convince the other.
Both were aware of an esteemed Spiritual Teacher who lived in a nearby forest and was known as a very wise and holy man. Though this man lived alone and seemed content being a recluse, he had won a reputation over many years and often persons would go to him to receive spiritual guidance, have questions answered, or to settle disputes on points of religion or spirituality. So, the Christian and Zen Buddhist agreed to present their argument to the wise Teacher.
When they entered the Teacher's little, one room hut, the Christian spoke, “Sir, I believe that God exists, but this friend of mine argues God does not exists.” The Zen Buddhist said, “So, we thought we would ask your opinion on this important matter. Which one of us do you believe is right?” “Neither,” replied the wise Teacher. “Neither!,” gasped the Christian. “We can’t both be wrong! Why do you say neither of us is right?” The wise Teacher spoke, “Friends, both of you are wrong, for you both are arguing about an object. One says that God exists, which makes God an object whom you can believe in. God not being an object, he cannot be right. Then, the other says that God does not exists. He, too, is wrong, for he likewise treats this that he does not believe in as an object.” “Then,” asked the Zen Buddhist, “do you believe God exists, or not?” The wise Teacher spoke, “Sirs, I neither believe that God does or does not exists, for whatever God is or is not would be the subject of my belief and not the object. Therefore, though I rarely share this, for most men and women would not even begin to understand, believing in God or not believing in God is no longer possible for me. There is no longer a need for me to have an object to believe in.”
Both the Zen Buddhist and Christian left befuddled, still not grasping the contemplative teachings of their own respective Paths. Oh, yes, by the way, they never settled their argument, either.
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