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Document Details :

Title: The Body of Christ and the Two Truths of Buddhism
Subtitle: Divine Embodiment
Author(s): ENRIQUEZ, Karen B.
Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue
Volume: 22    Issue: 2   Date: 2012   
Pages: 147-157
DOI: 10.2143/SID.22.2.2965149

Abstract :
This article will look at the issue of divine embodiment from the perspective of gender. In particular, it will look to the two truths in Buddhism and to spiritual practices to argue that the Incarnation reveals a God who became human (both male and female) and yet remains divine (neither male nor female). On the ultimate level, the unique and singular event of the Incarnation is a transgressive event that breaks all assumptions about the body and point back to a God who is beyond gender. On the relative level, the Incarnation points to the communal nature of humanity, and the body of Christ as including male and female. The comparison with Buddhist meditation practices also reminds us that Christian spiritual practice and experience are an indispensable component in understanding the significance of the Incarnation, as the body of Christ is given new meaning through prayer and contemplation.

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