(printer friendly PDF version)    (email this study to a friend)

January 3-10, 2007

The boy Buddha is back

Warm-up Question:

How do people know you are a Christian?

 

Thousands of people congregate daily in the Nepalese village of Ratanpuri, 95 miles east of Kathmandu, to watch Ram Bahadur Bamjon meditate. The boy, whose age is reported variously as 15, 16, or 17, sits without moving, his eyes closed, in a hollow formed by the roots of a large tree.

Bamjon began his practice in May of 2005, and attracted more than 100,000 visitors to his village in just 10 months. Onlookers were kept at a distance of 80 feet, to avoid disturbing him. Followers say the boy does not eat or drink. Many believe Bamjon is the reincarnation of Gautama Siddhartha, a Nepalese prince who lived more than 2,600 years ago and later became known as the Buddha.

Buddhist priests who visited Bamjon say he is not the reincarnated Buddha. Indeed, Bamjon himself has told inquirers he is not the Buddha, but a reincarnation of a lesser Buddhist monk.

The story became more intriguing in March of 2006 when, after 10 months of meditating, Bamjon disappeared. He was discovered in the jungle nine months later. He still maintains he has eaten only medicinal herbs since his meditation began. He also carried a sword, which he said was for his own protection.

Bamjon says he is engaged in a devotion that will last six years. He has also indicated he will move his meditation to another location, presumably to escape the noise from onlookers. Under the circumstances, this seems unlikely.

 

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you believe Bamjon could be a reincarnation of the Buddha, or another Buddhist monk? Why or why not?
  2. If the boy only sits silently, why do you suppose so many people have come to see him?
  3. What would you imagine a believer might take from this experience?
  4. Do you believe it’s possible for him to exist for months without food or water (eating only medicinal herbs)?
  5. Over time, many individuals have claimed to be Christ reincarnated. How can we tell if these claims are true?

Information on world religions

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, January 7, 2007.
(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection
The people were living under oppressive Roman occupation and anxious for the arrival of the Messiah, who would deliver them. John’s prophetic voice must have been encouraging.

In today’s Gospel, God uses John to share two important messages with his people. First, the Messiah is coming soon. Second, prepare yourself for the judgment to come. Later, in verses 21 and 22, God makes it clear, “You are my beloved son.” He’s telling the people their long wait is over.

The people didn’t necessarily understand the entire message. Many believed that the judgment and fire John foretold would be directed at their Roman oppressors. Today, we understand the scope of Christ’s covenant is much broader. Like the people of Israel 2,000 years ago, we await the (return of the) Messiah. So how does this ancient message speak to us?

First, John’s message was one of baptism and repentance of sins. We understand the importance of these in our relationship with God. Second, John, in Luke 3:10-14, tells us how to handle our relationships with one another. We’ve heard this before—compassion, generosity, and faith guiding all our actions— although we probably aren’t any better at following this advice than were the Jews of Jesus’ time.

This is why verse 22 is so important. Jesus is not a mere prophet calling on the people to change their evil ways; he is the son of God. We, who know of his incredible sacrifice, know that it assures us forgiveness when we fall short of his example.

Discussion Questions

  1. Read Isaiah 43:1-7. How does this message compare or contrast with today’s Gospel? Are the two passages consistent?
  2. What does John mean when he says Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire?
  3. Why would Jesus, who is without sin, need to be baptized?
  4. Are there contemporary equivalents to John the Baptist, calling on us to prepare for the return of the Messiah by repenting, having faith, and living according to God’s Word? How is his or her message received?
  5. Who do you tend to trust when it comes to your faith and God’s Word?

  Closing Prayer
Gracious Lord, thank you for the gift of your son, who died to give us all victory over sin and death. Help us remember with gratitude Christ’s sacrifice and the example he offers for righteous living. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
 

Contributed by Jocelyn Breeland
Fairfax, VA
 

Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2007 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA Youth Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses to Faith Lens, e-mail:  rod.boriack@elca.org.

Program Resources