The Great Debate



Truth is One. The essence of Zen and the essence of Advaita are the same. Atleast as far as i can see it. The Buddhists and the Hindus are debating this for 2500 years now. Over which is 'greater'. Many times resulting in violent purges and counter-purges all over South East Asia. But there is no difference at all. The essence of both is the same.

i first came across this debate at the Abhishiktananda Centenary Conference, when Fr. AMA Swamy made some provocative statements on the superiority of Zen. It was a lil surprising to hear these coming from the 'only ordained Zen master in the Country'. We don't know what his real intentions were in making them, but i have come across this divide often since, and wondered why?

And its not that i have only seen these two sides clash. Recently some Buddhist Monks had to be put up in Chennai , en route their pilgrimage to Sri Lanka. Since the number was slightly large, we had requested the Samvit Sagar Ashram in Utthandi if they'd be able to host them. They readily agreed, and apparently when Swami Suddhananda heard that these were monks, directed his ashramites not to charge any money for the stay. The Buddhists for their part, touched by the hospitality, insisted on paying more than required as a donation towards the Ashram proceedings. Even though the stay was only for a night, it was clear both sides were touched by the contact. The next morning i got a call from the Ashram, thanking for the link-up. And the Buddhist friends left behind some thoughtful gifts in appreciation.

I AM. And even the I AM dissolves into a Silence.