Siddhartha and Jesus (1/7)

In this first iteration of the seven-part series, we will explore the universal human quest for meaning and purpose. Drawing inspiration from the story of Siddhartha and the teachings of Jesus, we will delve into the challenges of finding fulfillment in a world that often leaves us longing for something more. Together, we will discover how both Siddhartha and Jesus offer insights and guidance on how to navigate our own search for meaning and find true fulfillment that transcends the empty pursuits of the world.

Join us as we begin this insightful journey together and enjoy wonderful music and fellowship with like-minded people.

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Sermon Notes

Learn more about this talk series on its dedicated page.

Main Scripture

“Your soul is the whole world.” (ch. 1, p. 6; Upanishads)

Supporting Scriptures

“Truly, the name of the Brahman is satyam—verily, he who knows such a thing, will enter the heavenly world every day.” (ch. 1, p. 7; Chandogya-Upanishad)

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

“Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents were unaware of this. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished, and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for you.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them, and his mother treasured all these things in her heart. —Luke 2:41–52

The Proclamation of John the Baptist

“As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’” —Luke 3:15–16

Quotes

“But he, Siddhartha, was not a source of joy for himself, he found no delight in himself.” (ch. 1, p. 5)

“Were the gods not creations, created like me and you, subject to time, mortal?” (ch. 1, p. 5–6)

“Who but the Atman is capable of removing the bonds of ignorance, passion and self-interest action?” —Adi Shankara

“A goal stood before Siddhartha, a single goal: to become empty, empty of thirst, empty of wishing, empty of dreams, empty of joy and sorrow.” (ch. 2, p. 13)

“It took me a long time and am not finished learning this yet, oh Govinda: that there is nothing to be learned! There is indeed no such thing, so I believe, as what we refer to as ‘learning’. There is, oh my friend, just one knowledge, this is everywhere, this is Atman, this is within me and within you and within every creature. And so I’m starting to believe that this knowledge has no worser enemy than the desire to know it, than learning.” (ch. 2, p. 18)

Concepts, Ideas, Etc.

“Truth abides in fullness at the very core of [one’s] being. As [their] consciousness (awareness) expands, [they touch] the everlasting Truth. What seems new is but the unveiling of that which always has been.” —Charles Fillmore (Revealing Word)

“asceticism—The practice of severe self-denial; the attempt to deny the body itself as an evil thing instead of beholding it as the sacred temple of the living God to be revered, respected, and loved.” —Charles Fillmore (Revealing Word)