A Call to Wake the Sleeper

by Jesse Gentilin

Jesus’ Sayings Read as Zen Koans

____________________________________________________________________

            This problem is easily recognized by Zen Buddhism. It is for this reason that Zen does not ask the practitioner to earn their own enlightenment, for how can enlightenment come from the self when the self lies sleeping in the vale of illusion? Rather, the practitioner is asked to empty the self, to surrender conscious thought and purpose, and make room for enlightenment to enter from without. The study of koan, the Zen parables of paradox, is intended to help the sleeping mind let go of the dream, and prepare to receive the sudden blow that wakes and brings light to what was once dark.

We walk through our lives most often with eyes closed and mind asleep. The world is eager to lull us with its rules and its promises, its pleasures and treasures. Even the pains of life do not wake us up, only turn the dream from time to time into a nightmare. And though we all know that the dream will one day end for all of us, we avert our closed eyes and look inward, outward, away, anywhere but upon the truth of our mortality. We cling ever tighter to illusion and delusion, causing harm to ourselves and our fellows in the process, and lash out in fear and pride at anything that dares challenge our slumbers.

            Jesus Christ, I believe, does a similar work in His sayings in His ministry on Earth. Not all of the sayings of His that are recorded are parables, but it seems to me that all of them call us, the listeners, to wake up from our slumbers and take hold of the truth. I wish to examine a few of Christ’s sayings in this way, and from them to derive a way to read all of His teaching as a call to wake and to follow Him into the light of truth.

            When I was twenty years old, I lived asleep in the performative hypocrisy the American Protestant Church. Pride and fear allied in me to keep me cleaving to the arbitrary rules of early-2000’s Christian culture, while any voices calling to me that I was asleep I blocked out, unwilling to hear, and desperately afraid that my own performance might be unmasked for the fraud it was.

            And then I read this old Zen story, known as“Gutei’s Finger.

            Gutei raised his finger whenever he was asked a question about Zen. A boy attendant began to imitate him in this way. When anyone asked the boy what his master had preached about, the boy would raise his finger.

            Gutei heard about the boy’s mischief. He seized him and cut off his finger. The boy cried and ran away. Gutei called and stopped him. When the boy turned his head to Gutei, Gutei raised up his own finger. In that instant the boy was enlightened.

            As I sat there, insecure and proud, mind muddled and spirit confused, I read this “pagan” text and found my own truth written there as if waiting for me. When the boy raised his finger, I saw myself enacting “Christian” culture in unexamined imitation of my elders. When the finger was cut off, I winced, fearing my own exposure as a fraud before my community.

            And when the fingerless boy was invited to participate in the practice of the finger, something rang in me like a distant, insistent whisper: wake up.

            All in a flash, and without words, I realized that the true practice of my faith did not require performance, did not ask for imitation, or enactment, or anything in advance. That if I had nothing, no job, no education, no money, no reputation, no, not even my own body, I could still follow Jesus. And in fact until I lost everything, until my own finger was cut off, I could never really begin to follow Him; for He Himself laid down everything for my sake.

            In the reading of this koan, I became enlightened. I began to wake up.

            Jesus’ teachings have come down to us across millennia, and time has not dulled their sharpness nor decreased their urgency. One day, early in His ministry, Jesus saw the multitudes, and went up on a mountain; and when His disciples came to Him, He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3-10)

            The beginning of waking is to know that we are asleep. The beginning of the search for meaning is to recognize that we do not know what our lives mean, and to ask. Into our sleepwalking lives Jesus comes, descending from ultimate reality into the doubt and confusion of our world, calling us to wake up and to follow Him out of night and into the brightness of day. If we listen, really listen, to Jesus’ words and take them seriously, we will ask ourselves, “How can this be so?” In that moment, our false certainty cracks open wide enough for His truth to enter in and begin its work. And we begin to wake.



– azotus / beauty / connection / counter sub-culture / discipleship / gratitude / hidden life / humanmeaning.org / jesus / meaning / relationships / scripture' / transformation / Uncategorized / / / / / /

Comments

  1. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading
    it, you are a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and may come back from now
    on. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your
    great work, have a nice afternoon!

    Reply

  2. Right here is the right blog for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic.
    You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with
    you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that’s been written about for decades.

    Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

    Reply

  3. Hello! I’ve been following your blog for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Tx!
    Just wanted to say keep up the good job!

    Reply

  4. Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening.
    I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this short article together.
    I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments.
    But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply

  8. Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you finding
    the time and energy to put this informative article together.
    I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading
    and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    Reply

  10. Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you
    are just too great. I really like what you’ve
    acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and
    the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible.
    I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a
    wonderful website.

    Reply

  12. Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it
    from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my
    blog shine. Please let me know where you got your
    design. Thanks

    Reply

  31. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed
    browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be
    subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

    Reply

  35. I’m now not certain where you’re getting your information, however great topic.

    I needs to spend some time finding out much more or working out more.
    Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info
    for my mission.

    Reply

  39. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any
    problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My site has a
    lot of unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it
    is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement.
    Do you know any methods to help protect against
    content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    Reply

  45. You could definitely see your expertise in the article you write.
    The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
    Always follow your heart. adreamoftrains web hosting companies

    Reply

  49. Thank you for some other wonderful post. The place
    else may anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal method of writing?
    I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search
    for such info.

    Reply

  50. This is the perfect blog for everyone who wants to find out about this topic.

    You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you
    (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).
    You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that’s been written about for years.

    Excellent stuff, just excellent!

    Reply

  51. First off I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you
    don’t mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing.
    I have had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.

    I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first
    10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to figure out
    how to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Cheers!

    Reply

  56. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive
    a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My
    apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.

    I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

    Reply

  61. It’s really annoying as a reader and a blog owner to have a conversation going — only to have someone come in and ask the same question that has been asked five comments ago, 
     because the writer didn’t read all of the comments. Make sure you’re a part of the conversation, not just a drive-by commenter.
    바카라사이트

    Reply

  62. As I mentioned earlier, if you have a question about the writer’s post, ask that question. Chances are, if you’re confused, someone else will be, as well. Most blog authors will welcome your questions, and the opportunity to clarify their messages.
    Make sure you’re polite, and that your intention is to understand better, not to point out faults or argue. (That said, some bloggers love to argue, so you’ll need to read the blog and other comments to get a feel for each site and what is acceptable.)
    카지노사이트

    Reply

  63. If you have a unique perspective to offer, a story to further illustrate the blogger’s point, or a point to add to what is already being said, 
    then by all means, respectfully contribute your thoughts. While writing “Great Site!” in the comments is nice and respectful,
    우리카지노

    Reply

  65. I’m excited to find this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones
    time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and i
    also have you saved to fav to see new information on your web site.

    Reply

  70. Hi there every one, here every one is sharing such knowledge, so it’s fastidious to read this webpage,
    and I used to pay a quick visit this web site every day.
    3gqLYTc cheap flights

    Reply

  73. Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your website in internet explorer,
    might check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a huge component to other folks
    will pass over your wonderful writing because of this problem.

    Reply

  76. Hi! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from
    an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog?
    I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
    I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks

    Reply

  78. Heya! I realize this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does building a well-established website such as yours take
    a lot of work? I’m brand new to writing a blog but I do write in my journal daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my experience and views
    online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog owners.
    Appreciate it!

    Reply

  79. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favourite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest thing
    to bear in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same
    time as other folks think about concerns that they plainly don’t
    know about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as smartly as defined out the whole
    thing without having side-effects , folks can take a signal.

    Will probably be again to get more. Thank you

    Reply

  80. Attractive portion of content. I simply stumbled
    upon your weblog and in accession capital to say that I get actually enjoyed account your weblog posts.
    Any way I’ll be subscribing on your augment or even I success
    you get admission to constantly rapidly.

    Reply

  82. I know this site offers quality depending articles or reviews and other
    material, is there any other site which provides these kinds of information in quality?

    Reply

  85. Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious
    if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you reduce it,
    any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very much appreciated.

    Reply

  88. When I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can take away me from that service? Thanks!

    Reply

  89. After research a few of the weblog posts on your web site now, and I actually like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and will probably be checking back soon. Pls check out my site as nicely and let me know what you think.

    Reply

  91. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing somewhat evaluation on this. And he in truth purchased me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love reading extra on this topic. If attainable, as you become expertise, would you thoughts updating your blog with extra particulars? It’s extremely helpful for me. Massive thumb up for this blog post!

    Reply

  92. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don抰 know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting an identical rss drawback? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply

  93. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing subject with ur rss . Don抰 know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss downside? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply

  96. There are some attention-grabbing cut-off dates on this article but I don抰 know if I see all of them heart to heart. There’s some validity but I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

    Reply

  97. This is the precise weblog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You notice a lot its almost arduous to argue with you (not that I actually would need匟aHa). You undoubtedly put a new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, just nice!

    Reply

  99. Can I simply say what a reduction to find someone who really knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. Extra individuals have to learn this and understand this facet of the story. I cant consider youre no more popular because you positively have the gift.

    Reply

  102. Good post. I learn something tougher on totally different blogs everyday. It would all the time be stimulating to read content material from different writers and apply a little something from their store. I抎 favor to make use of some with the content material on my weblog whether or not you don抰 mind. Natually I抣l give you a link in your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  104. Thank you for every other magnificent post.
    Where else could anyone get that type of information in such an ideal way
    of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am at the look
    for such info.

    Reply

  106. A lot of thanks for your entire effort on this website. Kate takes pleasure in managing research and it’s simple to grasp why. A lot of people know all about the lively ways you create priceless information through the web blog and invigorate contribution from other ones on this issue plus our own child is truly becoming educated so much. Take advantage of the remaining portion of the new year. You are doing a first class job.

    Reply

  107. My spouse and i got really fortunate Chris managed to do his survey using the precious recommendations he gained through the web pages. It’s not at all simplistic to just find yourself freely giving information that a number of people could have been selling. We really consider we’ve got the website owner to be grateful to because of that. The entire illustrations you made, the easy website navigation, the friendships you make it possible to engender – it’s many unbelievable, and it is aiding our son in addition to the family reckon that that topic is enjoyable, which is exceptionally essential. Thank you for the whole lot!

    Reply

  108. I simply wanted to send a word in order to say thanks to you for all the wonderful solutions you are placing on this website. My considerable internet investigation has finally been paid with beneficial concept to talk about with my company. I would believe that we website visitors actually are rather lucky to live in a very good website with very many awesome professionals with helpful things. I feel somewhat fortunate to have come across your website and look forward to really more fabulous moments reading here. Thank you once again for a lot of things.

    Reply

  109. I am also writing to let you know of the outstanding experience my friend’s child enjoyed checking your site. She noticed a lot of issues, with the inclusion of what it’s like to possess an incredible teaching nature to let others with no trouble learn some extremely tough subject areas. You truly exceeded readers’ desires. Thanks for showing those necessary, trustworthy, informative and cool thoughts on your topic to Jane.

    Reply

  110. I want to point out my passion for your kind-heartedness supporting folks who need help on this important area. Your very own commitment to getting the message along appears to be exceptionally useful and has really permitted women just like me to attain their objectives. Your amazing useful useful information means a whole lot a person like me and still more to my fellow workers. Warm regards; from each one of us.

    Reply

  112. I and my guys have already been taking note of the best strategies on your web blog and so unexpectedly developed a terrible suspicion I never thanked the blog owner for those strategies. Those boys came thrilled to read through them and have now quite simply been using these things. Appreciation for indeed being considerably helpful and also for making a decision on some essential topics most people are really wanting to be aware of. My very own sincere apologies for not saying thanks to earlier.

    Reply

  113. I wanted to put you that little bit of observation so as to say thanks over again regarding the precious guidelines you have documented above. This is really pretty open-handed of people like you to provide freely just what a few individuals would have made available for an ebook to help with making some dough for their own end, especially given that you could have tried it if you ever decided. The tips as well worked to be the easy way to be sure that most people have the same desire the same as my own to know significantly more related to this matter. I know there are a lot more pleasurable situations ahead for people who go through your website.

    Reply

  114. I simply wanted to send a brief message to be able to express gratitude to you for all of the pleasant tips and hints you are giving here. My particularly long internet investigation has at the end of the day been rewarded with beneficial points to share with my friends and classmates. I ‘d tell you that most of us readers actually are quite lucky to live in a magnificent network with very many special professionals with good hints. I feel rather blessed to have encountered your entire webpages and look forward to many more cool moments reading here. Thanks once again for everything.

    Reply

  118. I must voice my gratitude for your kindness supporting men and women that have the need for help on the question. Your personal dedication to passing the solution throughout appears to be particularly effective and has always empowered most people just like me to realize their pursuits. Your own important instruction indicates a lot a person like me and even more to my fellow workers. Many thanks; from all of us.

    Reply

  119. I just wanted to jot down a quick word to say thanks to you for those remarkable facts you are giving on this site. My incredibly long internet search has at the end been rewarded with high-quality suggestions to exchange with my company. I would assert that most of us visitors are rather fortunate to be in a really good website with so many wonderful people with useful hints. I feel somewhat privileged to have discovered your webpage and look forward to some more pleasurable moments reading here. Thanks again for everything.

    Reply

  128. 온라인바카라 When it comes to Craps, it uses two dice and a betting layout that can strike you as overwhelming. Just like in the game of Sic Bo, in Craps you should predict the outcome of each round by placing bets. A Craps round starts with a come-out roll which requires placing a Pass Line or the Don’t Pass Line bet.

    Reply

  131. 샌즈카지노 Some Sic Bo bets are highly risky but, at the same time, they award large prizes. For instance, specific triple bets award 180 to 1 but their house edge sits at 16.2%. Another type of bet in Sic Bo you should avoid is a specific dice combination. While it pays a prize of 50 to 1, it has a huge house edge of 29.2%.

    Reply

Leave a comment