Blake Bailey Be Still; Know Nothing: Reflections on Zen & Christianity

Be still Know Nothing is an interfaith book that borrows from the languages of Zen Buddhism and Christianity in order to help us find that which is, as the author holds, is at the spiritual center of each in which place there is no Buddhism, no Christianity, no storyline whatsoever. Christian mystic John of the Cross wrote that "Silence is Gods first language." The Lankavatara Sutra states "As the ignorant grasp the fingertip and not the moon, so those who cling to the letter, know not my truth." These writings are not intended to teach, to give credence to a way, or to inspire one to emerge with a newfound spiritual path, only to by grace know the moon for ones self. This is the same as "My sheep know my voice", and "be still and know."Yet in Zen its said "Knowledge is not the Way." Its also said "A sacred transmission outside of the scriptures, not depending on words or letters." Cheekily, this is a book full of words and letters about this. Its my hope that it brings you peace and comfort but not borrowed peace or comfort wrapped up in handmedown theology or creeds, but a peace which is, in actuality, always right at hand. Its not reserved for the spiritual elite of special traditions, for some time or some life far away from this one, as the result of practice or knowledge. It is not exclusive to held theologies, creeds, religions, ones chosen spiritual expressions. Its here. Weve only to take a step back, be still, know nothing. | Blake Bailey Be Still; Know Nothing: Reflections on Zen & Christianity