Advent

Today Christians celebrated Advent -- the beginning of a new year in the Church.

The main themes of Advent are of preparation and expectation. We must stay awake, alert. This nicely parallels how Eastern religions encourage Mindfulness.

At this time of year, it's easy for us in the Northern Hemisphere to daydream or even nap. All is dead and brown outside. The cold and darkness of our Winter Solstice creeps over us like an oppressive fog. Christianity keeps us occupied by promising a Savior whose arrival will vanquish darkness.

This second theme of light replacing darkness can be found in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. After you die, you're supposed go toward the brilliant white light to break the cycle of rebirths.

It comforts me when such diverse religions as Buddhism and Christianity have something in common.