...Astrologer...Counseler...Healer...Tarot Reader...
Exploring the Path to Spiritual Enlightenment: My Journey from Christianity to Buddhism
Journey from slavery, inferiority, mental abuse to Freedom!
Cristián L de la Paz
3/7/20245 min read
Mind Games to No Mind
Get one thing straight, religion says it is godly, it says it is spiritual, if so why does it play psychological warfare on our minds?
Defy society, is to defy religion
To walk alone, scares everyone, they say it is suicide, they say it is unhealthy
So why then did Buddha walk alone? Every person who has left society, religion & found enlightenment… has ALWAYS done it alone!
Do you know what the hardest part about unbecoming religious-christian & becoming Buddhist has been?
Meditation - was so hard at first! All English speaking people giving opinions on meditation - buddhism advise to clear your mind, to think on, to focus…
Bullshit - Finally found a true Buddhist Monk, who said the simplest and most important words of my life…. I calm my body… I calm my mind… Fuck! Nothing created indescribable fucking peace!
Next, was Bruce Lee’s book.. although careless about fighting, to old to worry about defending myself… but his quotes are NOT only for fighting… They are a reflection of his life work!
Being Water… Becoming Buddha!
Tough to grasp until you let go!
Nam My Oho Renge Kyo - Now Nichiren Symbols Tattooed on my skin!
Tina Turner was told if she wanted to break free from abuse, to simply chant Nam myoho renge kyo 108x morning & night for 30 days!
God damn… it fuckin worked!
Finally was able to face my demons, abuse, sexual abuse, laundry list of shit & trauma endured as a wee bitty blue eyed toe headed kid from LA…
Wanna hear the rest? Keep reading!
Ever since I was a young boy, I have always had a deep curiosity about the mysteries of life and a profound connection with something greater than myself. Growing up in a Christian country and attending a Christian school, I was exposed to the teachings of Christianity from an early age. However, as I developed deeper into my faith and sought answers to my burning questions, I found that the traditional teachings of Christianity were unable to satisfy my Spiritual thirst for knowledge and understanding.
Like many others, I was forced to attend Sunday school, where I would learn about the stories and teachings of the Bible. While these lessons provided a foundation for my understanding of Christianity, they failed to address the existential questions that plagued my mind, my soul was searching for. I yearned for a deeper understanding of the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the connection between humanity and the divine.
As I grew older, I realized that the answers I sought could not be found solely within the confines of organized religion. I began to explore various spiritual traditions and philosophies, hoping to find the enlightenment and clarity that had eluded me for so long. At first it was so daunting of a task to not let the cognitive dissonance Christianity forced within my consciousness.
Example, I was lead to many beautiful and wonderful people in my journey. However it was difficult to open as the guilt, fear and horrid mental hell Christianity had enslaved my mind. I finally found a counselor I could trust, a great man whom I could finally open to without backlash or feeling like a dog peeing on the carpet! You see I got high with my friends as a teenager which lead to consequences and when turning to church they said, yes they are evil and going to hell, instead get high on God with us!
I wrestled for many years as this was not right, trading one addiction for another is never the answer! I finally opened to this great man and said I used to get high on drugs and then got high on God and neither is right! He just sat calmly, smiled and agreed. That was the greatest moment of my life!
The poison of Christianity virtually made it impossible to Heal, Learn, Grow and Love Myself.
As I found Astrology, I felt like I was comitting a great crime! Yet, The more I read, the more I studied I could not deny the profound accuracy which lead to 14 years of study.
Then the hardest of all was accepting Tarot! In Christianity that is the unforgiveable sin! taboo... Yet my spirit felt wonderful. I landed in a group of ordinary but amazing women!
Then later I set out on a journey, you see when I was 20 years old I received a prophecy. "I was one of a kind, a wounded lion with a broken heart, journey the rainbow to find my heart of gold"
I used a tarot deck for 2 years, making all important decisions, sold everything I owned and bought a one way ticket!
Scared? no....I was liberated! Over those years it was incredible how precise the Tarot was and most of all it opened me to possibilities I never would have prior!
Developing these spiritual gifts within was finally acheiveable! Along with amazing insight from Philosophy.
The hardest part was not trusting, not accepting the keen and insightful direction in which it lead my path, it was that the hardest part of any healer is to heal yourself! Easy to read for someone else! Had read for over 500 people with Astrology and myself. It is nerveracking to read for yourself!
Having successfully lived solely on the Tarot gave great confidence to read for other people! The astonishing part is how intertwined it is with Buddhism and ironically with Christianity! All the hype, guilt and fear Christianity had enslaved my mind was just nonsence!
It was during this search that I stumbled upon Buddhism, a spiritual path that resonated with me on a profound level. Buddhism offered a fresh perspective on life and spirituality, one that encouraged self-inquiry and personal exploration. Unlike the strict dogmas of Christianity, Buddhism emphasized the importance of finding truth through direct experience and inner reflection.
One of the aspects of Buddhism that immediately captivated me was its focus on mindfulness and meditation. Through the practice of meditation, I learned to quiet my mind, observe my thoughts and emotions, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity. This practice allowed me to connect with my own inner wisdom and intuition, enabling me to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and understanding. Liberated my soul to thrive, grow, cultivate what it had been urging within me since a young boy.
Another fundamental principle of Buddhism that deeply resonated with me was the concept of impermanence. Buddhism teaches that everything in life is in a constant state of flux, and clinging to attachments and desires only leads to suffering. This understanding helped me to let go of my own attachments and expectations, allowing me to live more fully in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life as it unfolds. Ironically Tarot teaches the change is stability and we all know we cannot resist change.
Unlike the rigid dichotomy of belief or damnation that I had encountered in Christianity, Buddhism offered a more inclusive and compassionate worldview. Buddhism teaches that all beings possess the potential for enlightenment and that liberation from suffering is attainable by anyone, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
Through my exploration of Buddhism, I found the answers that had eluded me for so long. Buddhism provided a framework for understanding the nature of existence, the interconnectedness of all things, and the path to spiritual awakening. It offered practical tools and teachings that allowed me to cultivate greater self-awareness, compassion, and wisdom in my daily life.
My journey from Christianity to Buddhism has been a transformative one. It has allowed me to embrace a more holistic and inclusive approach to spirituality, one that transcends the boundaries of any particular religious tradition. While I respect the teachings of Christianity and the faith of those who follow it, I have found my own path to spiritual enlightenment through the teachings of Buddhism.
In conclusion, my search for answers and a deeper connection with the divine led me on a journey from Christianity to Buddhism. Through the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and the teachings of impermanence and compassion, I have found a profound sense of peace and understanding. Buddhism has provided me with the tools and wisdom to navigate life's challenges with grace and to cultivate a deeper connection with the divine within myself and all beings. Compassion is the driving force to continue Holistic Healing to those fate puts in my path!