Sermon On True Power

“You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing everything with logic; true power is restraint. If words control you, that means everyone else can control you; breathe and allow things to pass.” These words have been accorded to several, but the true origin is difficult to ascertain. Buddhism in its autochthonous context, has been acknowledged to include wisdom, philosophy and spiritual development. Siddhartha Gautama, the Pre-sectarian founder of Buddhism who later became known as “The Buddha,” was born into a wealthy family as a prince in present-day Nepal during the 5th century B.C.E.

Although Buddhism does not recognize a specific god or deity of any kind, which is in stark contrast to the presence of "The Almighty" in Christianity, it does focus on enlightenment. However, fundamentally there are certain similarities and relationships to the Christian faith. Gautama, in his wisdom, had the guidance to realize that seeing people poor and dying, reflected sufferance in human life. Psalm 34:19 confirms: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

One of the many definitions of power stated in the dictionary is the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events. Just as Christian ethics primarily reflect morality, so Buddhism, in many respects, constitutes a similar principle. The five main Precepts where Buddhism advises abstinence are stated as: Harming living beings, Taking things not freely given, Sexual misconduct, False speech, and Intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness. If we relate these concepts to the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, we can immediately assimilate certain resemblances relating to the two religions: "Thou shalt not kill." "You shall not commit adultery." "Thou shalt not steal." and, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour."

Perhaps one of the prominent differences between Buddhism and Christianity is that Buddhism focuses on meditation and mindfulness, whereas Christianity is a monotheistic religion that places greater importance on the benefits and power of prayer. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 confirms: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Some would maintain that both religions have their own individual and beneficial lifestyles. However, Hebrews 2:1-5 reminds us: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Now it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.”

Radar is a detection system that uses radio waves to determine the exact position of aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations and terrain. It locates with pinpoint accuracy and can constantly monitor any deviation in a planned or intended route or activity. In adverse weather conditions, it can guide and correct an unintended digression of a ship or aircraft on a former appropriate path, back to one of safety.

Bats are defined by Wikipedia as mammals of the order Chiroptera. With their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more agile in flight than most birds, flying with their very long spread-out digits covered with a thin membrane or patagium. They are capable of powered flight. Just as radar can help and guide significantly in times of adversity, so God can do the same for us in our mortal lives. Mark. A. Cooper, a British author and entrepreneur once remarked: “His faith was like the radar of a bat, it took him through the darkness that surrounded him. It would guide him through everything that evil would throw at him. When his body gave up, God’s powers lifted him up and kept his heart thumping.” Joshua 1:9 confirms: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Bats are nocturnal creatures that are predominantly active at night. They are said to navigate by making calls and listening to the sounds that bounce back. It is a type of biological sonar known as echolocation. Contrary to the beliefs of some, bats are not blind. They are known to have small eyes with very sensitive vision that help them see in conditions that could be considered as "Pitch-Black." Indeed, they do not have the sharp and colourful vision that humans possess, but these attributes are not considered as necessary for their particular lifestyle. Dependent on the task at hand, a common bat has been known to avoid detection by "Flying below the radar." They achieve this by exchanging normal calls for brief "Micro Calls." Some unscrupulous people in life have been known to adopt a similar stance for deceptive purposes. They believe that if they remain demure by not attracting attention to a particular task or intention, like a bat seeking prey or food, they will become unnoticed in their endeavours.