I have asked several other people the same question, none has given me an answer. When discussing spiritual issues with Americans, their answers feel like scratching the itch from outside the boots. I am sure it is because they are simply unfamiliar with the Chinese culture, especially with mainland Chinese culture. Then, there are those "friends" from mainland China who claim to have had the "holy spirit" come into their heart, all they could do was shrug their shoulders. So, with great frustration, my conclusion is that Christianity has given us the world view, but has not handed down the methodology.

Is there really not a more concrete and active way of communicating with God? I think there is. Let us look into our own culture -- Taoism and Buddhism. Let me first say that I think "God coming into one's heart" in Christianity; "Finding the way" in Taoism; and "Enlightenment" in Buddhism are similar and comparable spiritual states. You have studied Taoism in depth, so you know that Lao Tzu points out repeatedly in the Tao Te Ching the principles and methods of finding the Way. Namely, "cultivating and preserving stillness"; "holding to the center"; "empty oneself of everything and let the mind rest in peace". Then, through "knowing the masculine, keeping to the feminine; knowing what is pure and white, yet watching over what is dark and black; become an example for the world; stay with an unerring virtue; so as to return to the infinite". "In cultivating and preserving stillness, one can appreciate the substance in the elusive; the image in the intangible; and the vitality in the dim and shadowy"; then, one can achieve a "state of keenness and goes on to profound awareness and understanding." In Buddhist scriptures, there are numerous mentions of how one can attain enlightenment through self cultivation and discipline. One is meditation. Another is incantation. And, also through the practice of the Three Secrets by the Esoteric school. These are all visible and feasible bridges for the human kind to connect with God. Even if not everyone can traverse the bridge, at least a way is provided. We are all mortals, in our coming to God's presence, these ways should not be ignored.

Now, the last question, also the most difficult one for me. In the New Testament, Jesus said "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father", "I am in the Father, and the Father is in me", "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me", "You may ask me for anything in my name, I will do it". I do admire and respect Jesus. That is why I like to go to church. However, let us, at this point come out of the mood of worship, but look at Jesus from the viewpoint of study and examination. I see the limitation of Jesus both in his speech and conduct, especially when compared with Lao Tzu. In Jesus' eyes, God is a person, and the person is his father......... In Lao Tzu's eyes, God is the form of the formless, the image of limitless image........

Xin Xin came from Beijing. He currently works in a university in the U.S.