Sparks

When we act selfishly, when we crave, when we try to keep something as our own and, when we refuse to let go, in all these occasions we are acting in a manner contrary to the natural functioning of things. It 's like trying to swim upstream or grab and hold a bird in flight. Selfishness produces friction and painful sparks fly when it rubs against the reality in the wrong way, so that in Buddhism it is not so sinful, how stupid. (But, just as for Christians, it leads to suffering for oneself and for others). It is not that Buddhists are opposed to the enjoyment of the company of other persons or property, they only put us on guard to try keeping them from thinking that they are our property. As soon as we will act so, in fact, sparks will fly, with the result of injuring persons. 

This beautiful reflection, on the consequences of selfishness, is written by Paul Knitter in his book "Without Buddha I could not be a Christian".

The author is a Catholic priest converted to Buddhism and then back to Christianism, bringing in dowry, in the "back across the border", the whole depth of Buddhist spirituality in the light of which the figure of Christ is enriched with meaning.

The reflection on the harmful effects of selfishness comes from the awareness that, in the continuous becoming of reality, all human and sentient beings are connected to each other and with nature, in a continuous motion that can not be stopped, otherwise create "sparks" of suffering .

Jesus also often referred to his disciples, as a recipe for happiness, the choice of "letting go" (a word most familiar to Christian spirituality would "give up"), things and situations that, on one hand give us a sense of security, from other side make us slaves and unhappy.

In this regard it is illuminating the story of the rich man.

10:17 Now as Jesus was starting out on his way, someone ran up to him, fell on his knees, and said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 10:18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 10:19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 10:20 The man said to him, “Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.” 10:21 As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 10:22 But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich. (Mark 10.17-22)

The protagonist is a "good" guy who tries to live his life of faith generously, but can not give up the securities identified with his many assets that will become his prison of unhappiness.

It's hard to choose not to defend our positions, leaving scroll in the direction of reality, yet it is the way that both Buddha and Jesus Christ tell us to live a fulfilled life.

As result of this reflection the words of Jesus acquire a new meaning:

17:33 Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. (Luke 17:33)