by Stephanie Bucklin
As a long-time Buddhist practitioner, I’ve often marveled at humanity’s fascination with elevating spiritual teachers to divine figures, while overlooking the transformative practices they embodied. With the holiday season upon us—a time when many reflect on the life of Jesus—I want to invite a deeper discussion about the essence of these figures, not as objects of worship but as guides to higher states of consciousness.
Beyond the Historical Figures
Jesus of Nazareth and Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, were men who walked the Earth. They were seekers, teachers, and ultimately, exemplars of what is possible when the human spirit transcends its limitations. But what often gets lost in their veneration is the profound truth that the Christ and the Buddha are not people; they are states of consciousness.
The state of Christ is an awakening to divine unity, unconditional love, and the transcendence of ego. It is the realization that the divine is not separate, but within and all around us.
The state of Buddha is an awakening to the nature of reality, liberation from suffering, and the direct experience of absolute truth.
These states are not exclusive. They are not reserved for the select few. They are paths laid out for all who seek liberation and peace.
The Invitation
Both Jesus and the Buddha issued the same invitation: Walk the path.
Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” The Buddha taught, “Be a light unto yourself.” Both point inward, urging us to seek the divine, the truth, and the peace that lie not in external rituals or beliefs but in direct experience.
Yet, what do we see today? We build monuments to the men and forget their message. We debate theology while ignoring practice. We cling to dogma while neglecting the inner work required to awaken.
Higher Consciousness in the Holiday Season
As Christmas approaches, I challenge you to look beyond the nativity scenes, carols, and candlelight services. What would it mean to embrace the state of Christ this season? What would it mean to awaken to Buddha-nature in the midst of holiday chaos?
It might mean choosing kindness over being right, stillness over distraction, or gratitude over stress. It might mean stepping back from the consumerist frenzy and asking, How can I embody unconditional love or seek truth today?
Challenging the Status Quo
I know this is not a popular perspective. It’s far easier to venerate the men than to emulate their practices. It’s comforting to believe in saviors who will fix everything, rather than accepting that we must do the inner work ourselves.
But the invitation remains. Both Jesus and the Buddha remind us that peace and enlightenment are not found in the external world but within us. If we listen, if we practice, we too can embody the consciousness they demonstrated.
Finding Inner Peace
Inner peace is not a gift bestowed by a divine figure; it is cultivated through practice, reflection, and surrender. For the Buddha, it was meditation and the Noble Eightfold Path. For Jesus, it was prayer, forgiveness, and radical love.
What practices bring you closer to inner peace? How can you cultivate higher consciousness in your daily life?
Let’s Reflect Together
As we celebrate, contemplate, and perhaps wrestle with these ideas, I invite your thoughts. Are we focusing too much on the men and not enough on the consciousness they represent? What steps can we take to embody their teachings, not just admire their stories?
Let’s use this holiday season to reflect, connect, and grow. After all, the path to higher consciousness is one we walk together.
What are your thoughts? How do you see the teachings of Jesus or the Buddha in your life? Share below—I’d love to hear from you.
Namaste,
~S
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Whether you’re exploring inner peace, uncovering deeper truths, or seeking connection with the divine, I’m here to walk this path with you. Together, we’ll cultivate the practices that align with your unique journey.
Let’s take the next step—together.
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