Samadhi Practice in The Gospel of Thomas, The Apostle of India

DescriptionThis is perhaps the first commentary on the Gospel of Thomas presented in the context of the practice of samadhi/shamatha meditation. It explores the idea that Jesus spent his “lost years” from the age of 14 to 28-in India, where he studied the Yoga of Patanjali and the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, both of which culminate in samadhi meditation.In both Yoga and Buddhism, the ability to perform miracles is said to arise only as a result of attaining superconsciousness or Buddhahood through the practice of samadhi/shamatha. Jesus demonstrated miraculous powers, yet references to meditation practice were later removed from his teachings.The analysis suggests that Jesus, speaking through parables, explained to his disciples the methodology of samadhi/shamatha practice, including ekagrata (one-pointedness) and its guardian efforts smriti and samprajnata, as well as distractions and weakening of collectedness of the mind, and the concept of reincarnation.Stone cross carved by St. Thomas, found in 1547 and installed in 1551 in St. Thomas Church, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, India. The inscription around the cross, made in Nagari Palidu language, means “Through cross-suffering the Messiah-Jesus Christ-brought salvation to the world”.