This reading made me face my own belief system. I haven’t made a definitive decision to accept all the traditions and beliefs of any one religion. When I look at their fundamental beliefs, I see sincerity and goodness. However, when I look at their scriptures and followers, I see contradiction and hypocrisy. Two passages inspired a great introspective moment for me.
“In what concerns divine things, belief is not appropriate. Only certainty will do. Anything less than certainty is unworthy of God.” I have a difficult time believing the universe is the creation of an all powerful God, let alone being certain of it. I’m absolutely certain that the universe exists, but not certain in the existence of God. I find myself morphing the universe and God together which leaves me with an idea that God is neither omnipotent or anthropomorphic. I find myself thanking both God and the universe for blessings and praying to both for strength and guidance. I cannot see the line of separation between the two, so in my mind they are interchangeable.
“Perfect and infinite joy really exists within God. My participation can add nothing to it, my non-participation can take nothing from the reality of this perfect and infinite joy. Of what importance is it then whether I am to share in it or not? Of no importance whatever.” I don’t believe faith in God is the only path that leads to perfect and infinite joy. I believe faith in humanity brings joy as well. I also feel that our participation is of great importance. Our actions have an immense impact in the universe and on all forms of life. I’ve certainly seen love and hope grow exponentially. I’ve also seen hate and fear grow. Either way, all forms of participation, including apathy, are essential for every individual to find their path to happiness and joy.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Albert Einstein
This was a fantastic reading. I’ve always been intrigued with Albert Einstein, but I’ve never been exposed to anything other than his contributions to science. It was such a pleasure to see a different side to this 20th century icon. I’d like to comment on two passages in this reading.
“The true value of a human being can be found in the degree to which he has attained liberation from the self.”
“A human being is a part of the whole that we call the universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest-a kind of optical illusion of his consciousness. This illusion is a prison for us….Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings…”
Freedom comes to those who don’t live to satisfy their ego. We’ve seen this theme before. In fact, it’s a theme that has survived for thousands of years. However, in our daily lives and interactions with each other, our ego and personality are what drives our actions. Even the laws that govern us are based on ego and personality, which ultimately creates an environment of ‘us’ and ‘them’. This can be seen in our views of male & female, black & white, gay & straight, rich & poor, and Christian & non-Christian citizens. Are we really separate from each other or is it an illusion as Einstein suggests? I believe the latter and hope that we will be able to transcend the imaginary lines that separate us by achieving emancipation from “the self” and remember what we all have in common, we are all human.
“The true value of a human being can be found in the degree to which he has attained liberation from the self.”
“A human being is a part of the whole that we call the universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest-a kind of optical illusion of his consciousness. This illusion is a prison for us….Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings…”
Freedom comes to those who don’t live to satisfy their ego. We’ve seen this theme before. In fact, it’s a theme that has survived for thousands of years. However, in our daily lives and interactions with each other, our ego and personality are what drives our actions. Even the laws that govern us are based on ego and personality, which ultimately creates an environment of ‘us’ and ‘them’. This can be seen in our views of male & female, black & white, gay & straight, rich & poor, and Christian & non-Christian citizens. Are we really separate from each other or is it an illusion as Einstein suggests? I believe the latter and hope that we will be able to transcend the imaginary lines that separate us by achieving emancipation from “the self” and remember what we all have in common, we are all human.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Heraclitus
I have only two words for this passage, short and sweet. I enjoyed this reading so much I read it a few times in a row. It was both lighthearted and deep. Some of my favorites follow:
“All things flow.” The idea of change is less frightening as I learn more about the cycles of life in this class. I’ve learned that even inanimate objects have a life cycle, as Professor File pointed out in our discussion about the pen. I never would have thought about what that pen was 10 years ago or what it will be in 100 years from now. I see the fluidity of life more clearly now and this passage has communicated this idea in such a simple way.
“Opposition brings together, and from discord comes perfect harmony.” I have experienced the first part of this passage personally and I hope with all my heart that the second half is true also. Recently, I’ve been participating in politics and realized that I’ve had many opportunities to talk to people that I normally wouldn’t associate with. I’ve sat in person and on the phone for hours with people who’s beliefs oppose my own. I’ve been able to talk to people who support issues that affect my livelihood in a negative way. Opposition brought us together and I hope that our future brings harmony, not only as Americans, but as humans.
I completely enjoyed the sweet simplicity of this passage. It wasn’t preachy or difficult to grasp. I was able to apply the verses in a personal way which gave me a feeling of inclusion.
“All things flow.” The idea of change is less frightening as I learn more about the cycles of life in this class. I’ve learned that even inanimate objects have a life cycle, as Professor File pointed out in our discussion about the pen. I never would have thought about what that pen was 10 years ago or what it will be in 100 years from now. I see the fluidity of life more clearly now and this passage has communicated this idea in such a simple way.
“Opposition brings together, and from discord comes perfect harmony.” I have experienced the first part of this passage personally and I hope with all my heart that the second half is true also. Recently, I’ve been participating in politics and realized that I’ve had many opportunities to talk to people that I normally wouldn’t associate with. I’ve sat in person and on the phone for hours with people who’s beliefs oppose my own. I’ve been able to talk to people who support issues that affect my livelihood in a negative way. Opposition brought us together and I hope that our future brings harmony, not only as Americans, but as humans.
I completely enjoyed the sweet simplicity of this passage. It wasn’t preachy or difficult to grasp. I was able to apply the verses in a personal way which gave me a feeling of inclusion.
Philo
I thought this week’s readings were a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed most of them very much and this one made it to my top two. It’s becoming rare for me to read about God from a Western standpoint and be moved. But the God described in this passage had many qualities that I could appreciate.
“God loves to give, and freely bestows good things on all people, even the imperfect…” It sounds like this God would love me for me. In fact, I don’t think this God would even exclude my wife and I from the rights and privileges associated with marriage.
“For all the beautiful things in the world would never have been what they are if they hadn’t been modeled after the archetype of true beauty, the Uncreated, the Blessed, the Imperishable.” This passage was pretty powerful to me. All beautiful things come from a model that was never created, always blessed and indestructible. It’s especially interesting to think of an archetype that has no beginning or end, and is solely responsible for all beautiful things. It makes me wonder what is responsible for all of the ugly.
“…the goal of wisdom is laughter and play.” This is my favorite, hands down. I think laughter is a fantastic goal to have for attaining wisdom. It usually seems (from a western religious standpoint) the more knowledge you have about the world, the less playful and happy you are. The saying is, “ignorance is bliss”, not wisdom. But maybe we’ve had it backwards all this time. Perhaps laughter and play do follow true wisdom.
“God loves to give, and freely bestows good things on all people, even the imperfect…” It sounds like this God would love me for me. In fact, I don’t think this God would even exclude my wife and I from the rights and privileges associated with marriage.
“For all the beautiful things in the world would never have been what they are if they hadn’t been modeled after the archetype of true beauty, the Uncreated, the Blessed, the Imperishable.” This passage was pretty powerful to me. All beautiful things come from a model that was never created, always blessed and indestructible. It’s especially interesting to think of an archetype that has no beginning or end, and is solely responsible for all beautiful things. It makes me wonder what is responsible for all of the ugly.
“…the goal of wisdom is laughter and play.” This is my favorite, hands down. I think laughter is a fantastic goal to have for attaining wisdom. It usually seems (from a western religious standpoint) the more knowledge you have about the world, the less playful and happy you are. The saying is, “ignorance is bliss”, not wisdom. But maybe we’ve had it backwards all this time. Perhaps laughter and play do follow true wisdom.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Abu Yazid Al-Bistami
This was my favorite reading by far this week. This passage was a break from the contradictions I saw in the others that focused on an omnipotent God full of love and goodness, without addressing the cause of evil in the world. This reading crossed the boundaries of religion and spoke to the heart.
“Nothing is better for a man than to be without anything, having no asceticism, no theory, no practice. When he is without everything, he is with everything.” This is a common belief in Eastern religions as well. The idea of letting go of everything you Think you know along with all of your earthly possessions to gain something much greater is so powerful to me. I always stop and think about what that would literally mean for me. Could I leave the comfort of my home and my concepts of religion behind to gain the real truth? There is definitely something about this path that is very appealing to me. More so than listening to someone else’s interpretation of God’s word and telling me it’s the truth.
“Anyone whose reward from God is deferred until tomorrow has not truly worshiped Him today.” Any form of worship should renew your body, spirit and mind. It should be an opportunity to stop and smell the roses per se. Take a moment to count your blessings so that they may continue to flow in your life. Take some time to fill up at the gas station of love by remembering those you love and those who love you. There’s a reward every single time. This passage seems to speak to a specific group of people who think that worship is a chore to be completed to ensure a seat in heaven. But I believe the God Christians speak of would let a sincere, faithful & good-hearted idol worshiper into heaven before an insincere Christian that only goes through the motions of religion.
“Nothing is better for a man than to be without anything, having no asceticism, no theory, no practice. When he is without everything, he is with everything.” This is a common belief in Eastern religions as well. The idea of letting go of everything you Think you know along with all of your earthly possessions to gain something much greater is so powerful to me. I always stop and think about what that would literally mean for me. Could I leave the comfort of my home and my concepts of religion behind to gain the real truth? There is definitely something about this path that is very appealing to me. More so than listening to someone else’s interpretation of God’s word and telling me it’s the truth.
“Anyone whose reward from God is deferred until tomorrow has not truly worshiped Him today.” Any form of worship should renew your body, spirit and mind. It should be an opportunity to stop and smell the roses per se. Take a moment to count your blessings so that they may continue to flow in your life. Take some time to fill up at the gas station of love by remembering those you love and those who love you. There’s a reward every single time. This passage seems to speak to a specific group of people who think that worship is a chore to be completed to ensure a seat in heaven. But I believe the God Christians speak of would let a sincere, faithful & good-hearted idol worshiper into heaven before an insincere Christian that only goes through the motions of religion.
Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali
This reading took me on an interesting rollercoaster ride. First, I came across a beautiful passage which addressed why humans are drawn to God. Then, I read how all things good in nature come from God and felt frustrated because it left me with a longing to understand why evil exists in our world.
“Finally, man loves God because of the affinity between the human soul and its source, for it shares in the divine nature and attributes, because through knowledge and love it can attain to eternal life and itself become Godlike.” I felt a quiet satisfaction as I read this passage. I thought this was an excellent explanation of our need connect with God. It’s human nature to be drawn to the source of our existence. For instance, many people who have been adopted find it necessary to seek out their biological parents. It’s so important to find and/or connect with the source that is responsible for creating their life in this world.
“In truth, there is nothing good or beautiful or beloved in this world that does not come from his lovingkindness and is not the gift of his grace…For all that is good and just and lovely in the world, …is just a particle from the treasure of his riches and a ray from the splendor of his glory.” Does this mean that all things bad and unjust just illustrate a smidgen of his wrath and malevolence towards us? These types of passages frustrate me deeply. It’s very difficult to read that all things good are of God without needing an explanation for all things bad. The words in this passage are poetic, but I cannot ignore the underlying contradiction. If God is the creator of all, doesn’t that include things evil in nature as well as good? If God doesn’t have anything to do with evil, is he really ALL powerful? When we look at war, poverty, genocide and disease, what solace do we have if He is ALL powerful? Do we just say, “That’s God’s will”?
If anyone is able to answer any of my questions, I’ll be most grateful. I only want to increase my understanding. Thank you in advance.
“Finally, man loves God because of the affinity between the human soul and its source, for it shares in the divine nature and attributes, because through knowledge and love it can attain to eternal life and itself become Godlike.” I felt a quiet satisfaction as I read this passage. I thought this was an excellent explanation of our need connect with God. It’s human nature to be drawn to the source of our existence. For instance, many people who have been adopted find it necessary to seek out their biological parents. It’s so important to find and/or connect with the source that is responsible for creating their life in this world.
“In truth, there is nothing good or beautiful or beloved in this world that does not come from his lovingkindness and is not the gift of his grace…For all that is good and just and lovely in the world, …is just a particle from the treasure of his riches and a ray from the splendor of his glory.” Does this mean that all things bad and unjust just illustrate a smidgen of his wrath and malevolence towards us? These types of passages frustrate me deeply. It’s very difficult to read that all things good are of God without needing an explanation for all things bad. The words in this passage are poetic, but I cannot ignore the underlying contradiction. If God is the creator of all, doesn’t that include things evil in nature as well as good? If God doesn’t have anything to do with evil, is he really ALL powerful? When we look at war, poverty, genocide and disease, what solace do we have if He is ALL powerful? Do we just say, “That’s God’s will”?
If anyone is able to answer any of my questions, I’ll be most grateful. I only want to increase my understanding. Thank you in advance.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Gospel of Thomas
It is hard for me to read a quote from Jesus without wondering how accurate the words really are since they were written at a time when he couldn’t confirm, deny or defend them. The other thought hurdle I encounter is trying to envision how Jesus looked since there are so many depictions of him, but most do not match the written descriptions in the Bible. I finally realized I was standing in my own way of discovering some of the beautiful truths this passage had to offer.
“Jesus said, ‘Recognize what is in your sight, and what is hidden will become clear to you.’” I had to read this a few times before realizing that the passage has more than one meaning. The most significant for me was the concept of gratitude. I believe by being grateful for the things and circumstances you have ‘in your sight’ can lead to an unveiling of new wonderful things that were previously ‘hidden’ from you. I also believe the quote was also referring to concepts in our ‘sight’. Concepts we can grasp such as morality, honor, and love. I believe that once we recognize these then the ‘hidden’ concepts such as God and eternal life become illuminated.
Christianity has been a difficult religion to study this week because it is the only religion I’ve had negative personal experiences with. It’s so difficult, for humans in general, not to judge an entire group based on the distasteful actions of individuals within that group. However, it is absolutely necessary to set all prejudices aside so that we don’t perpetuate spread of hate and ignorance. Once I got over my own obstacles and preconceived ideas about Christianity, I was able to appreciate these passages very much.
“Jesus said, ‘Recognize what is in your sight, and what is hidden will become clear to you.’” I had to read this a few times before realizing that the passage has more than one meaning. The most significant for me was the concept of gratitude. I believe by being grateful for the things and circumstances you have ‘in your sight’ can lead to an unveiling of new wonderful things that were previously ‘hidden’ from you. I also believe the quote was also referring to concepts in our ‘sight’. Concepts we can grasp such as morality, honor, and love. I believe that once we recognize these then the ‘hidden’ concepts such as God and eternal life become illuminated.
Christianity has been a difficult religion to study this week because it is the only religion I’ve had negative personal experiences with. It’s so difficult, for humans in general, not to judge an entire group based on the distasteful actions of individuals within that group. However, it is absolutely necessary to set all prejudices aside so that we don’t perpetuate spread of hate and ignorance. Once I got over my own obstacles and preconceived ideas about Christianity, I was able to appreciate these passages very much.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Jesus of Nazareth
Christianity is considerably younger than the other religions we’ve studied, and I found that the readings contained many similar themes. Even though the passages didn’t contain many new ideas, one difference did strike me. One must accept certain myths and irrational beliefs as truths to receive the blessings and awards of eternal life with God in heaven.
Although the following is not an original concept, the words were still inspiring to me: “For the measure by which you give is the measure by which you will receive.” This strongly resembles Karmic Law, which I am completely fascinated with because it’s manifested so clearly in many areas in my life. It makes me wonder though, in the context of Christianity, does this quote mainly apply to ‘giving’ in this life and ‘receiving’ in the afterlife? If we give love or hate on earth, will we receive the same in heaven or hell respectively? I cannot wrap my head around this concept. What are the benefits of being a faithful believer right now? Perhaps it’s our need for forgiveness for the mistakes we make as humans. If I break one of God’s rules, we’re square if I repent, and if I don’t, I have to wait to die before I receive my punishment. If I broke one of my mother’s rules at home, she didn’t accept my repentance (no matter how heartfelt), and she punished me immediately. It might take me a long time before I gain my mother’s favor again, whereas with God, favor and forgiveness can be regained right away.
Another thought provoking passage was, “Unless you change your life and become like a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is somewhat logical and twisted to me. When I read ‘child’, I envisioned a baby. A perfect being full of love that hasn’t been corrupted….yet. They don’t know the differences between the concepts of boy and girl, black and white, gay and straight, or rich and poor. The passage was sort of logical because only a child is capable of showing love across all of these lines all of the time, so it makes sense that they could enter heaven. The passage is twisted to me because it seems impossible for anyone to change their life to get back to an uncorrupted childlike state. If that is really a prerequisite to getting in to heaven, then I’m sure I’m out of luck.
Although the following is not an original concept, the words were still inspiring to me: “For the measure by which you give is the measure by which you will receive.” This strongly resembles Karmic Law, which I am completely fascinated with because it’s manifested so clearly in many areas in my life. It makes me wonder though, in the context of Christianity, does this quote mainly apply to ‘giving’ in this life and ‘receiving’ in the afterlife? If we give love or hate on earth, will we receive the same in heaven or hell respectively? I cannot wrap my head around this concept. What are the benefits of being a faithful believer right now? Perhaps it’s our need for forgiveness for the mistakes we make as humans. If I break one of God’s rules, we’re square if I repent, and if I don’t, I have to wait to die before I receive my punishment. If I broke one of my mother’s rules at home, she didn’t accept my repentance (no matter how heartfelt), and she punished me immediately. It might take me a long time before I gain my mother’s favor again, whereas with God, favor and forgiveness can be regained right away.
Another thought provoking passage was, “Unless you change your life and become like a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is somewhat logical and twisted to me. When I read ‘child’, I envisioned a baby. A perfect being full of love that hasn’t been corrupted….yet. They don’t know the differences between the concepts of boy and girl, black and white, gay and straight, or rich and poor. The passage was sort of logical because only a child is capable of showing love across all of these lines all of the time, so it makes sense that they could enter heaven. The passage is twisted to me because it seems impossible for anyone to change their life to get back to an uncorrupted childlike state. If that is really a prerequisite to getting in to heaven, then I’m sure I’m out of luck.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Dogen
I liked the theme of change in this passage. Nothing can ever be permanent since time moves forward and no two moments are alike. We’re constantly evolving into something new physically and mentally.
“Wood burns and there are ashes; the process is never reversed. Just as wood doesn’t become wood again after it has turned into ashes, a person doesn’t return to life after death.” I imagined a piece of wood used to build a home and a piece used to build a slave ship. Neither the home nor the ship is permanent, and both pieces of wood, if burned, will become ash. The same is true for humans. A man can live his life spreading love or live it spreading hate. When both die, their physical bodies return to the earth and not back to life. This quote made me think of connections I never would have considered before. The pieces of wood and humans have an ability to leave a legacy of comfort and love or pain and hate.
I’ve always heard, “You can’t go back in time”, “What’s done is done” and “This too shall come to pass”, but these saying never brought me much comfort in my times of distress. I appreciate Dogen’s quote because it makes me feel like if life’s good, cool, enjoy it! But when the good passes and life sucks, don’t worry, you only have to do this life once and you’ll be relieved with death one day.
“Wood burns and there are ashes; the process is never reversed. Just as wood doesn’t become wood again after it has turned into ashes, a person doesn’t return to life after death.” I imagined a piece of wood used to build a home and a piece used to build a slave ship. Neither the home nor the ship is permanent, and both pieces of wood, if burned, will become ash. The same is true for humans. A man can live his life spreading love or live it spreading hate. When both die, their physical bodies return to the earth and not back to life. This quote made me think of connections I never would have considered before. The pieces of wood and humans have an ability to leave a legacy of comfort and love or pain and hate.
I’ve always heard, “You can’t go back in time”, “What’s done is done” and “This too shall come to pass”, but these saying never brought me much comfort in my times of distress. I appreciate Dogen’s quote because it makes me feel like if life’s good, cool, enjoy it! But when the good passes and life sucks, don’t worry, you only have to do this life once and you’ll be relieved with death one day.
Padmasambhava
The section that moved me from this passage was from The Book of the Great Liberation. I often find myself trying to wrap my brain around the words of these scared texts, and it either makes me dizzy or it strikes a cord and brings me beautiful clarity.
“When you realize that all phenomena are as unstable as the air, they lose their power to fascinate and bind you. To know whether or not this is true, look inside your own mind.” I thought of phenomena such as wealth, poverty, success and failure when I read this passage. These things do fascinate and bind me. In fact, much of my life revolves around these phenomena even though they aren’t things I can hold in my hand or even concepts can fully grasp with my mind.
“All phenomena are your own ideas, self-conceived in the mind, like reflections in a mirror. To know whether or not this is true, look inside your own mind.” This makes perfect sense to me. I have measured wealth, poverty, success and failure in different ways depending on my stage in life. When I was younger, I measured wealth and poverty in dollars. Now, I measure them in a less tangible way. I think a wealthy person is full of love, patience and compassion. And I believe a person living in poverty is full of fear and consumed by hate and intolerance. I used to measure success and failure with external cues, like if others perceived me as a winner or a quitter. Now, I know not to look to others for validation because these things are too complex and personal for anyone to judge.
This reading helped me look into my own life and recognize phenomena that are based on my perceptions alone. Perceptions that have changed over my lifetime. I know that wealth, poverty, success and failure, are very real for some and a state of mind for others. Now it’s time to ask myself, how can I consciously move forward and continue be fascinated and bound by something so unstable and counterproductive to my growth and well being?
“When you realize that all phenomena are as unstable as the air, they lose their power to fascinate and bind you. To know whether or not this is true, look inside your own mind.” I thought of phenomena such as wealth, poverty, success and failure when I read this passage. These things do fascinate and bind me. In fact, much of my life revolves around these phenomena even though they aren’t things I can hold in my hand or even concepts can fully grasp with my mind.
“All phenomena are your own ideas, self-conceived in the mind, like reflections in a mirror. To know whether or not this is true, look inside your own mind.” This makes perfect sense to me. I have measured wealth, poverty, success and failure in different ways depending on my stage in life. When I was younger, I measured wealth and poverty in dollars. Now, I measure them in a less tangible way. I think a wealthy person is full of love, patience and compassion. And I believe a person living in poverty is full of fear and consumed by hate and intolerance. I used to measure success and failure with external cues, like if others perceived me as a winner or a quitter. Now, I know not to look to others for validation because these things are too complex and personal for anyone to judge.
This reading helped me look into my own life and recognize phenomena that are based on my perceptions alone. Perceptions that have changed over my lifetime. I know that wealth, poverty, success and failure, are very real for some and a state of mind for others. Now it’s time to ask myself, how can I consciously move forward and continue be fascinated and bound by something so unstable and counterproductive to my growth and well being?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Chuang-Tzu
Chuang-Tzu wrote of “that” and “this” in a matter meant to boggle the mind. At first glace, I felt dizzy, but soon realized it could be quite simple. I interpreted “that” to mean one or self and “this” to mean whole, higher-self or God. The labyrinth of words he used to describe the Tao was deep and shallow, wisdom and gobbledygook. I enjoyed trying to keep up.
There were a couple of verses that moved me deeply. They were, “How do I know that loving life is not a delusion? How do I know that in hating death I am not like a man who, having left home in his youth, has forgotten the way back?” And, “How do I know that the dead do not wonder why they ever longed for life?” I’ve attended 9 funerals of very close family members in the last few years and pondered the very same questions. I feel that life is a journey, but not the final destination in my existence, so I don’t have a fear of dying. This life feels temporary, almost like a vacation. Now, a vacation can be fabulous and fun or completely rotten. If it’s rotten, you’re more likely to want it to end because you feel home sick. If it’s fabulous, you don’t ever want it to end. Maybe you even decide to relocate and eventually forget your first home. This may be like the man Chuang-Tzu mentioned that left home and forgot his way back. Either way, this world doesn’t quite feel like home to me, especially since my family has moved. I say moved because it feels strange like they’re on the outskirts of the Milky Way and I can only get my outer-galactic passport and meet them again when I die too. It’s also possible that I’ll be like the atheist who prays to God on his deathbed and finally feel fear of death and intense longing for life on mine.
There were a couple of verses that moved me deeply. They were, “How do I know that loving life is not a delusion? How do I know that in hating death I am not like a man who, having left home in his youth, has forgotten the way back?” And, “How do I know that the dead do not wonder why they ever longed for life?” I’ve attended 9 funerals of very close family members in the last few years and pondered the very same questions. I feel that life is a journey, but not the final destination in my existence, so I don’t have a fear of dying. This life feels temporary, almost like a vacation. Now, a vacation can be fabulous and fun or completely rotten. If it’s rotten, you’re more likely to want it to end because you feel home sick. If it’s fabulous, you don’t ever want it to end. Maybe you even decide to relocate and eventually forget your first home. This may be like the man Chuang-Tzu mentioned that left home and forgot his way back. Either way, this world doesn’t quite feel like home to me, especially since my family has moved. I say moved because it feels strange like they’re on the outskirts of the Milky Way and I can only get my outer-galactic passport and meet them again when I die too. It’s also possible that I’ll be like the atheist who prays to God on his deathbed and finally feel fear of death and intense longing for life on mine.
Tzu-Ssu
This reading contained two passages that were incredibly thought provoking. The first was, “The mature person accepts his situation and doesn’t desire anything outside it. If he finds himself rich and honored, he acts as a rich man should act; if he is poor, he acts as a poor man should act; if he is in trouble, he acts as someone in trouble should act. Life can present him with no situation in which he isn’t master of himself.” Maybe this means that no matter what your lot in life is, rich or poor, in trouble or carefree, you don’t need a guide to tell you how to exist in that way and be content. For instance, if I lost my job and my home tomorrow, I would suddenly know how to exist as a homeless person. It may not seem like I possess the knowledge to live my life in this way, but if it became my new reality, I’d be the master of my homeless self just as I’m the master of my sheltered self now. But is it really possible for a person to be homeless, accept it, and not have any desires? Maybe, if I let go of my perceptions of what life is supposed to be I could grasp this concept. If I accept life as a journey, then I wouldn’t feel like my life is off track because I find myself homeless. Being homeless is the track which is a part of the same journey.
The second passage, “He makes sure that his own conduct is correct and seeks nothing from others; thus he is never disappointed. He has no complaints against heaven and no blame toward other people.” This made me think of life as a game in which I can always choose to have the ball in my court. If the ball is in my court, then I have the power, and if I throw the ball away, I lose my power. So, if I keep the ball and have the power to be peaceful, loving and kind, then why would I ever choose to toss my ball to feel the pain of disappointment, guilt or jealousy? This passage shows that our choices to use correct conduct along with disengaging in negative emotions, can produce inner harmony.
Bad feelings diminish the power we have left to do good and be well, but having these feelings are still choices that we make. From moment to moment we can choose happiness over sadness, delight over bitterness, and acceptance over disapproval. I feel empowered already.
The second passage, “He makes sure that his own conduct is correct and seeks nothing from others; thus he is never disappointed. He has no complaints against heaven and no blame toward other people.” This made me think of life as a game in which I can always choose to have the ball in my court. If the ball is in my court, then I have the power, and if I throw the ball away, I lose my power. So, if I keep the ball and have the power to be peaceful, loving and kind, then why would I ever choose to toss my ball to feel the pain of disappointment, guilt or jealousy? This passage shows that our choices to use correct conduct along with disengaging in negative emotions, can produce inner harmony.
Bad feelings diminish the power we have left to do good and be well, but having these feelings are still choices that we make. From moment to moment we can choose happiness over sadness, delight over bitterness, and acceptance over disapproval. I feel empowered already.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Shmelke of Nikolsburg
This reading was incredibly thought provoking. I think that the message of, “…love our neighbor as ourself” is powerful, but I cannot agree that one should be honored with love if they have wronged me.
Over time I’ve found that forgiveness is the key to overcoming people that have wronged me, not necessarily loving them. I know that I cannot control others and what they do, but I do have control over myself. I also know that when someone does me wrong, doing them wrong doesn’t work for me. It makes me feel like I’ve been sucked into their world of hate and nastiness, and this makes me feel unhappy and out of control. Therefore, forgiveness is the key to maintaining happiness and control in my life. I once heard that not forgiving someone is like taking the poison and expecting the other person to die. This hit me hard because I imagined how physically ill I get when I'm mad or hold a grudge against someone, yet they go on seemingly unaffected. I’m taking the poison and waiting for them to drop dead, and it’s never going to happen. For this reason, forgiveness isn’t optional, it’s essential to my being.
I agree with Rabbi Shmelke when he said, “If you punish him, you only hurt yourself.” when referring to a neighbor who has wronged you. I can appreciate the idea (not necessarily agree with) that we all come from God so we should love each other the way we love God no matter what. I wish I were a bigger person, but the idea of honoring someone with love goes way beyond what I’m willing to commit to. But maybe one day, the idea of loving the wicked will be as necessary to my existence as forgiveness is now.
Over time I’ve found that forgiveness is the key to overcoming people that have wronged me, not necessarily loving them. I know that I cannot control others and what they do, but I do have control over myself. I also know that when someone does me wrong, doing them wrong doesn’t work for me. It makes me feel like I’ve been sucked into their world of hate and nastiness, and this makes me feel unhappy and out of control. Therefore, forgiveness is the key to maintaining happiness and control in my life. I once heard that not forgiving someone is like taking the poison and expecting the other person to die. This hit me hard because I imagined how physically ill I get when I'm mad or hold a grudge against someone, yet they go on seemingly unaffected. I’m taking the poison and waiting for them to drop dead, and it’s never going to happen. For this reason, forgiveness isn’t optional, it’s essential to my being.
I agree with Rabbi Shmelke when he said, “If you punish him, you only hurt yourself.” when referring to a neighbor who has wronged you. I can appreciate the idea (not necessarily agree with) that we all come from God so we should love each other the way we love God no matter what. I wish I were a bigger person, but the idea of honoring someone with love goes way beyond what I’m willing to commit to. But maybe one day, the idea of loving the wicked will be as necessary to my existence as forgiveness is now.
Bakhya Ibn Pakuda
The author summed religion up perfectly in his statement, “Do good; avoid evil.” This sounds so easy to follow, but what happens when you throw money into the equation? This simple and obvious statement becomes way easier said than done. I loved how this reading shed light on this dilemma.
Bakhya Ibn Pakuda said that wealth is a blessing from God. A man with money is able to focus on caring for himself, his family and society, but money does not exclude him from his religious and ethical duties. Wealth and ethics don’t usually go hand in hand in our world (or religion and ethics for that matter). In fact, whether you read the Bible or not, you’re probably familiar with the passage, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” (Timothy 6:10). Everywhere we see someone suffering, we can find someone else getting rich in connection with that suffering. In war, soliders and civilians may suffer injury or death while individuals get rich producing the equipment and weapons used. In free trade, a ten year old in Tailand may suffer in a sweatshop making ten cents an hour while others get rich when they sell the garments at a 5000% + markup. What possesses people to exploit others for their own gains? So many people believe you can’t take your possessions with you to the afterlife, yet place so much energy in acquiring wealth. Even if you don’t agree with Bakhya Ibn Pakuda’s opinion that wealth is a blessing from God that is only entrusted to a man for a limited amount of time, couldn’t you agree that you can’t take it with you when you die, therefore it could never be worth the suffering, death and destruction caused while attaining it?
The absence of wealth is also a blessing according to Bakhya Ibn Pakuda. “…and if he is poor, he will consider the absence of money as a blessing from God, relieving him of the responsibilities its possession involves, and from the labor of guarding and managing it.” I love the simplicity of the point, if you have no money, you don’t have the worries and problems associated having money.
I can appreciate the idea that being poor and wealthy are both blessings. When it comes to money, I’ve experienced both sides to some extent. I know that money contributes to your livelihood when you use it to pay your mortgage, or buy food and clothes. But being poor makes you grateful for the things you take for granted when you do have money, like your family, the sunshine and the rain. Money may make life more easy, but being poor may make it more meaningful.
Bakhya Ibn Pakuda said that wealth is a blessing from God. A man with money is able to focus on caring for himself, his family and society, but money does not exclude him from his religious and ethical duties. Wealth and ethics don’t usually go hand in hand in our world (or religion and ethics for that matter). In fact, whether you read the Bible or not, you’re probably familiar with the passage, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” (Timothy 6:10). Everywhere we see someone suffering, we can find someone else getting rich in connection with that suffering. In war, soliders and civilians may suffer injury or death while individuals get rich producing the equipment and weapons used. In free trade, a ten year old in Tailand may suffer in a sweatshop making ten cents an hour while others get rich when they sell the garments at a 5000% + markup. What possesses people to exploit others for their own gains? So many people believe you can’t take your possessions with you to the afterlife, yet place so much energy in acquiring wealth. Even if you don’t agree with Bakhya Ibn Pakuda’s opinion that wealth is a blessing from God that is only entrusted to a man for a limited amount of time, couldn’t you agree that you can’t take it with you when you die, therefore it could never be worth the suffering, death and destruction caused while attaining it?
The absence of wealth is also a blessing according to Bakhya Ibn Pakuda. “…and if he is poor, he will consider the absence of money as a blessing from God, relieving him of the responsibilities its possession involves, and from the labor of guarding and managing it.” I love the simplicity of the point, if you have no money, you don’t have the worries and problems associated having money.
I can appreciate the idea that being poor and wealthy are both blessings. When it comes to money, I’ve experienced both sides to some extent. I know that money contributes to your livelihood when you use it to pay your mortgage, or buy food and clothes. But being poor makes you grateful for the things you take for granted when you do have money, like your family, the sunshine and the rain. Money may make life more easy, but being poor may make it more meaningful.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Shankara
“This universe is nothing but God: what else is new?” I agree with this statement made by the author. The claim that God is everywhere was not an original idea presented in this selection. However, I still enjoyed how they spoke of bliss in a light-hearted way and the importance silence.
“Supreme bliss”, “ever-blissful”, and “unmingled bliss” were a few ways ultimate pleasure through enlightenment was described. I felt a playful tone in their descriptions of bliss. As I read, I reflected on what bliss means to me. I realized that my bliss-inspiring moments were all things that occur in nature. For instance, bliss to me equals rainbows, puppy breathe and the blue time of day (the time of day right before the sun sets completely and everything is enveloped in blueness). I’m happy to simply know that these things exist and I’m happy to see or experience them first hand.
I could relate to, “Remain absorbed in the joy which is silence.” I love how silence is equated to joy. Silence has been my salvation on many occasions. It’s empowering and satisfying, but it doesn’t come easy, especially in our culture. It was refreshing to read about the benefits and beauty of silence.
“Supreme bliss”, “ever-blissful”, and “unmingled bliss” were a few ways ultimate pleasure through enlightenment was described. I felt a playful tone in their descriptions of bliss. As I read, I reflected on what bliss means to me. I realized that my bliss-inspiring moments were all things that occur in nature. For instance, bliss to me equals rainbows, puppy breathe and the blue time of day (the time of day right before the sun sets completely and everything is enveloped in blueness). I’m happy to simply know that these things exist and I’m happy to see or experience them first hand.
I could relate to, “Remain absorbed in the joy which is silence.” I love how silence is equated to joy. Silence has been my salvation on many occasions. It’s empowering and satisfying, but it doesn’t come easy, especially in our culture. It was refreshing to read about the benefits and beauty of silence.
The Upanishads
I thoroughly enjoyed this passage. I smiled while I read it, and when I came to the end, I smiled and read it again. Their interpretation of God seemed fluid and intangible.
“The Self” was an interesting way to refer to God. This implied that God flows through, myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, themselves and so on. This idea that God is a part of everything and everything is a part of God illustrates infinite fluidity. This reminded me of something else I once read. There was a comparison between God and man’s soul to the vast ocean and a cup of ocean water. It said that a soul is made up of God so both have always existed since God has always existed. Now, consider that like God, the ocean has always existed. Doesn’t it continue to exist as ocean even in a cup? This was the visual I had as I read the passage, “Take perfect from perfect, the remainder is perfect.” I also had this visual when Professor File held up a pen in class and asked everyone to consider the essence of the object. Was it a pen or a pluma? What was it 30 years ago and what will it be 100 years from now? I could picture the cycle of how everything continues to exist and never really ceases to exist. It only exists in different forms.
The intangible for me was the path to ‘eternal life’. Although the path didn’t include mysticism, magic or miracles, in order to grasp it we must go beyond our senses. This made me wonder, what senses can comprehend God if not the five we know of? Perhaps, the being that possess nothing and doesn’t attempt to articulate the ineffable will develop this extra sense and be on the path to ‘eternal life’.
I could appreciate many of the beliefs I read in this passage. Mostly, the idea that once you stop searching for God and trying to wrap your head around the concept of God you will realize nothing you can point to is either void of God or full of God. Nothing is good or bad, it’s simply perfect.
“The Self” was an interesting way to refer to God. This implied that God flows through, myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, themselves and so on. This idea that God is a part of everything and everything is a part of God illustrates infinite fluidity. This reminded me of something else I once read. There was a comparison between God and man’s soul to the vast ocean and a cup of ocean water. It said that a soul is made up of God so both have always existed since God has always existed. Now, consider that like God, the ocean has always existed. Doesn’t it continue to exist as ocean even in a cup? This was the visual I had as I read the passage, “Take perfect from perfect, the remainder is perfect.” I also had this visual when Professor File held up a pen in class and asked everyone to consider the essence of the object. Was it a pen or a pluma? What was it 30 years ago and what will it be 100 years from now? I could picture the cycle of how everything continues to exist and never really ceases to exist. It only exists in different forms.
The intangible for me was the path to ‘eternal life’. Although the path didn’t include mysticism, magic or miracles, in order to grasp it we must go beyond our senses. This made me wonder, what senses can comprehend God if not the five we know of? Perhaps, the being that possess nothing and doesn’t attempt to articulate the ineffable will develop this extra sense and be on the path to ‘eternal life’.
I could appreciate many of the beliefs I read in this passage. Mostly, the idea that once you stop searching for God and trying to wrap your head around the concept of God you will realize nothing you can point to is either void of God or full of God. Nothing is good or bad, it’s simply perfect.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Hum 10 ~ 2pm Chief Seattle
The author posed a question, “Can any decent white American read this speech without feeling great shame?” My answer is, yes. Some people indeed can read this with no shame at all. But I also think that everyone should feel shame regardless of race since we’re all a part of the human race. Shouldn’t this question be asked of any decent human being? The shame comes from knowing what happened next. Knowing historically what happened next over and over again. Is this story an example of how white Americans behave, white people behave or how humans behave? I feel this story demonstrates a travesty against humanity. Not white Americans against Indians, but human against human.
I found it unsettling that the white people had recently fled their land to escape the unfair rule of their king, but now are unfair in their dealings with the Indians. It seems like their experience with the king would have made them more sympathetic towards the Indians and allowed them embraced their differences and live in peace. Instead, they perpetuated the behavior that they encountered in Europe. They made the Indians suffer wrongly as they had suffered by forcing them off of their land and slaughtering them. Unfortunately, this is the path chosen throughout the history of mankind.
Our past shows that the wrongs done onto us, we commit against others. Many ill acts are committed in the name of religion, even though it is incredibly difficult to find support for these acts in religious doctrines. It seems that the persecuted will always eventually become the persecutors. However, I’m keeping hope alive that we’ll come to the conclusion that this cycle of wrong against our fellow man must be broken so that a new cycle of peace and tolerance can emerge. Is this blind faith on my part or naivety?
I found it unsettling that the white people had recently fled their land to escape the unfair rule of their king, but now are unfair in their dealings with the Indians. It seems like their experience with the king would have made them more sympathetic towards the Indians and allowed them embraced their differences and live in peace. Instead, they perpetuated the behavior that they encountered in Europe. They made the Indians suffer wrongly as they had suffered by forcing them off of their land and slaughtering them. Unfortunately, this is the path chosen throughout the history of mankind.
Our past shows that the wrongs done onto us, we commit against others. Many ill acts are committed in the name of religion, even though it is incredibly difficult to find support for these acts in religious doctrines. It seems that the persecuted will always eventually become the persecutors. However, I’m keeping hope alive that we’ll come to the conclusion that this cycle of wrong against our fellow man must be broken so that a new cycle of peace and tolerance can emerge. Is this blind faith on my part or naivety?
Hum 10~2pm Sa-go-ye-wat-ha
This passage inspired feelings of anger and frustration, but ultimately hope within me. First, anger welled up in me as I read about the vile hypocrisy of the young Christian missionary. I tried examine this feeling, but became frustrated quickly. I find it incredibly difficult to understand or relate to an individual that identifies as a Christian, but does not practice the fundamental beliefs found within that religion. Perhaps, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you”, Matthew 7:1-2 and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, Mark 12:31, weren’t verses the missionary was familiar with. If he was, how could he have the audacity to insist the Indians lived their lives in error and refuse to part in a friendly manor after being shown hospitality and treated with respect?
I had an experience not unlike that between the Senecas and the young Christian missionary. I was visited at my home, well, my front porch, by two religious young men that explained to me that my “lifestyle” would lead to an eternity in hell if I didn’t become saved. Fortunately, the young men I met weren’t rude like the missionary the Senecas came in contact with, but their views were very judgmental. Although I could appreciate their dedication to saving others, I had to let it be known that I didn’t require their services. I told them that I’m confident I live my life in a manner pleasing to my god because my good intentions and the content of my heart is what matters. I also told them that I believe that all people come into ours lives for a reason, no matter how brief the encounter. I thanked them for coming into mine and offered them a cool drink before sending them on their way. They politely declined, but didn’t turn to leave. Instead, they surprised me and offered to stay and help with my chores around the house. It was my turn to decline politely, but I was moved by this gesture.
Sa-go-ye-wat-ha’s speech to the young Christian missionary and my experience with the young religious men on my porch both gave me hope. Hope that we can agreed to disagree about god but still be kind to one another. Hope that we don’t have to live segregated by our religious or ideological beliefs forever. And hope that there will be a time that the human bond between us will trump the religious bonds that separate us.
I had an experience not unlike that between the Senecas and the young Christian missionary. I was visited at my home, well, my front porch, by two religious young men that explained to me that my “lifestyle” would lead to an eternity in hell if I didn’t become saved. Fortunately, the young men I met weren’t rude like the missionary the Senecas came in contact with, but their views were very judgmental. Although I could appreciate their dedication to saving others, I had to let it be known that I didn’t require their services. I told them that I’m confident I live my life in a manner pleasing to my god because my good intentions and the content of my heart is what matters. I also told them that I believe that all people come into ours lives for a reason, no matter how brief the encounter. I thanked them for coming into mine and offered them a cool drink before sending them on their way. They politely declined, but didn’t turn to leave. Instead, they surprised me and offered to stay and help with my chores around the house. It was my turn to decline politely, but I was moved by this gesture.
Sa-go-ye-wat-ha’s speech to the young Christian missionary and my experience with the young religious men on my porch both gave me hope. Hope that we can agreed to disagree about god but still be kind to one another. Hope that we don’t have to live segregated by our religious or ideological beliefs forever. And hope that there will be a time that the human bond between us will trump the religious bonds that separate us.
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