FEB 12 | UNITED STATES
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. – Colossians 2:8
Los Angeles is one of the most diverse Buddhist cities in the world, home to over 300 temples and meditation centers representing nearly every sect of Buddhism. The city reflects the full spectrum of Buddhist beliefs and practices, making it a significant hub for Buddhism in the West.
In Western societies, Buddhist ideas are often promoted through images of peace, calm, and wisdom, with little exploration of the worldview underpinning these concepts. For instance, the “Compassionate Schools” program is presented as secular but was developed by a professor of Tibetan Buddhist studies. Its curriculum is rooted in Tibetan Buddhist principles, particularly “mindfulness” and “contemplation.”
The influence of Buddhism extends into popular culture, where its worldview is celebrated in movies like Star Wars, Kill Bill, and Doctor Strange. Prominent figures such as the late Steve Jobs openly endorsed Buddhist meditation. Local garden centers are known to frequently sell Buddha figurines to evoke a sense of calm.
Buddhist meditation has also gained popularity on college campuses, offering a stark contrast to Christian meditation. While Buddhist meditation focuses on emptying the mind, Christian meditation seeks to fill the mind with Scripture and to reflect on God’s beauty.
While Buddhist meditation focuses on emptying the mind, Christian meditation seeks
to fill the mind with Scripture and to reflect on God’s beauty.
HOW YOU CAN PRAY
- Pray that God will open the eyes of those who do not understand that the ultimate goal of Buddhism is the annihilation of self, and that God will reveal to them the hope and purpose found in Christ.
- Ask that American Buddhists would experience freedom from the burden of merit-making and the spiritual bondage that holds them captive, and that they would instead encounter the liberating power of Christ.
- Pray that followers of Jesus in America will reach out to their Buddhist friends and neighbors with Christlike love, compassion, and boldness, sharing the truth of the gospel in both word and deed.
- Ask God to reveal Himself to Buddhists through loving Christians, Scripture, dreams, and personal experiences that draw them toward the peace and hope found in Christ.
- Pray that Christians in the U.S. would approach their Buddhist neighbors with humility, patience, and compassion—listening well, building trust, and sharing the gospel in ways that honor their stories and backgrounds.
- Many Buddhists value inner peace and relief from suffering. Pray that they experience Christ’s healing presence, emotional restoration, and true spiritual freedom—discovering in Him the peace they long for.
