Why Did Jesus Die Again?? 🤔 (Day 130)

We're talking about pain and suffering, and how to deal skilfully with the former so you don't have to deal with the latter! Yesterday we looked at the Buddha's framing of the issue, and today we'll see what Jesus has to say.

I'll start with a caveat that I'm no expert on Christianity, as written, but feel confident in my interpretation, as someone with a deep practice looking at the issues themselves, as experienced.

We'll look at the story of Easter, when Jesus was crucified and died for our sins. First of all, let's remember what a sin is – your emotional reactivity. It's a 'sin' – something you shouldn't do – because it's guaranteed to create suffering.

As Jesus is dying up on the cross, he offers kindness to those who are killing him ("forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing"), which is a maximum kindness-muscle flex – aka strong acceptance. He's giving the ultimate lesson (and his life!) in non-reactivity, and how to choose the path of peace (of mind).

I'll add that I think there's been a misinterpretation of this story wherein Jesus somehow wipes your sins clean, without you having to put much effort into it. This is impossible. Just like nobody else can breath, digest or experience the world for you, no one else can change your sinful habits and clean-up your suffering mess! The responsibility is 100% yours. Jesus, Buddha and a bunch of other people are only incredibly useful exemplars and guides. 😡😇

PRACTICE

Notice your reactivity and where you first place the blame for your suffering. How long does it take you to take responsibility?