Drinking From the Source: A Reflection on Thomas 13
Jesus said to his disciples, “If you were to compare me to someone, who would you say I am like?”
Simon Peter said to him, “You are like a just angel.”
Matthew said to him, “You are like a wise philosopher.”
Thomas said to him, “Teacher, I am completely unable to say whom you are like.”
Jesus said, “I am not your teacher. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated by the bubbling spring I have measured out.”
He took him aside and told him three things. When Thomas returned to his companions, they asked, “What did Jesus say to you?”
Thomas said to them, “If I tell you one of the things he said to me, you will pick up stones and cast them at me, and fire will come out of the stones and burn you up.” — Thomas 13
I’ve been reading The Way of Zen by Alan Watts. This scenario plays out much like that of a Buddhist teacher testing their students. The teacher looks for the student who answers on instinct with authenticity.
Zen Buddhism draws a lot from the rich history of Taoism. One of the main concepts of both of these traditions is that you cannot name or define the Tao — the force that moves the universe — because once you do you put limits on the limitless.
