Friday, October 26, 2007

Confucianism



















(Top from left to right: picture of confucius grave, picture of Confucius, Picture of a conservative confucianist woman, another picture of confucius.)

(Bottom from left to right: Picture of a temple, Picture of confucianism symbols.)


The Confucianism Religion is often said to be more of a system of social and ethical philosophies rather than a religion.
Confucius was a famous thinker and social philosopher of China, whose teachings have deeply influenced East Asia for centuries. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, and justice and sincerity. This religion is one that did not attain world wide recognition but have impacted the lives of individuals in some way or another. Some of the beliefs that I practice regarding Confucianism is listening to my elders, expecting my elders to look out for my well being and I also follow the rules of government.


Some of Confucius quotes I admire and try to live by and hoping one day to achieve:
*Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes. (Confucius)
*Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it. (Confucius)
*It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. (Confucius)
*Respect yourself and others will respect you. (Confucius)
*He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the northpolarstar, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it. (Confucius, Analects)
*Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. (Confucius, Analects)

Visit to Hindu Temple



eg.Hindu Temple
My personal experience during my visit to the Hindu temple was enlightened. This was
my very first exposer to a Hindu temple, and of course I had plenty of questions hoping to get all the answers for myself and my class project. My friend and I started on our journey, we were fortunate to be driven by her husband, which gave me a sense of security knowing that a male figure was with us. As I mentioned earlier this was new to me.
Upon entering the compound my first admiration was the building, the architectural designs reminded me of those fairytale castles you read about in story books. The walkway to the main entrance had steps that had paintings on them. As we opened the main door there was a strong aroma of incense and the sound of male voices could be heard talking. The door to the inner temple was open we took the liberty to peek inside, of course I was unsure what to do, a bit nervous because I did not want to do any thing to offend their religion or their gods. There were about five pairs of shoes at the side of the side, we took ours off and waited.
As we waited a medium built men partially dress from waist down with painting on his mid fore head, and his right arm approached us. He wore a long bead and a string around his neck. He gave us a warm welcome; we then explained to him our reason for being there, he offered us chairs to sit which were very few, I counted about four. I was very appreciative of his offer because I was not in the frame of mind to sit on the floor especially on a rainy day like it was. Slowly I find myself less tense and my attention was drawn to the colorful paintings and statues, confirming the things I learnt in class regarding Hinduism their practices and rituals. I could not but notice the painting of Kushner dancing with the beautiful ladies, there were several alters with different statues, a total of about nine.
The statues were beautifully decorated with vibrant colors, they all had black faces both males and females. As a black woman I was curious, I could not but wonder why all the faces were black. In that very moment I reflected on my Christian faith and the paintings that are usually in the church they all had white faces. I was determine to find the answers. As we waited we were told that the clergy would be with us shortly. I was anxious to speak to him, but I was enjoying my visit by looking at the different paintings and statues. I felt like I was in an art museum. The clergy was ministering to a couple from the main alter in the middle of the temple. I noticed that the couple had something in their hands looking like a container of some sort. By this time I could actually taste and felt the numbness from the strong aroma of incense on the tip of my tongue.
The atmosphere was peaceful; they sat on the floor with their feet cross, with hands clasped in such humble position. I intensely observed their way of worship and comparing theirs with mine thinking how different. My god is supernatural cannot be seen by the natural eyes only by faith and here I was in the presence of their gods admiring them, the way they are dressed, the color of their faces, and how they are shaped. In that short moment I felt as though I was transformed into another world, it was then the main clergy approached us. He greeted us and of course me being from an English background I extended a hand shake while asking him permission to do so, which he accepted. My friend and I took turns to ask questions about his religion, the different alters and the different gods. He willingly explained as we went to each alter I noticed there were offerings of apples, banana, broken coconuts, and rice. He explained that this was a way of offering offerings to the gods. I saw this in a natural sense, that’s when I asked myself the question “how can a statue eat” that question I refrained from asking out loud fearing that I would offend his religion. There was the god of wisdom the one that they pray to during their studies. I thought I could use some knowledge while studying at Mercy. Finally there was the god of wealth and immediately I hope for some blessings of wealth for an early retirement, but as fast as these thoughts pop into my head they were out as fast because of my Christian faith. I felt as though there was a strong debate between my Christian faith and Hinduism. I quickly dismissed these thoughts and focus on the information the clergy was giving.
Upon completing our tour I asked the infamous question “why are all the faces black?” My question was answered in a simple and humble way, because we are from the southern part of India where the people have darker skin. We offered him an offering which he accepted in a humble manner. He did not verbally extend a return invitation, but his poster gave us the approval that we would be welcome to return. My experience was wonderful, I enjoyed my visit and the experience was awesome.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Shrine




*I have a cross in my shrine because it means a lot to me, as a Christian the cross represents the washing away of my sins. Jesus was crucified on the cross for my sins. His blood was shed to redeem me. It helps me to remember God’s love towards human kind, it is also a daily reminder of my forgiveness so that I can forgive others.


*The candle represent energy, purity, it is a pathway to my success and a guiding light to follow as I live my life on this Earth. “ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”.



*The bible represents the blue print for my Christian religion. It guides me on how to live as a Christian, the words of the bible is also comforting in times of despair, it is a manual for my life with direction and instruction which I read and follow daily.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Dalai Lama

Watching the interview with the Dalai Lama was extremely enlightening, before this class if I was asked who is the Dalai Lama? my answer would be a monk.I found the Dalai Lama to be an extraordinary man bursting with energy for life,great sense of humor, humble, he said "I am no one special" he is forgiving, embracing all religion. His answer to the question regarding the fighting between the Jews and the Palestinian was "There is too much anger,emotion, negative emotion in religion.
I will forever remember some of his quotes, my favorites are, "quality is more important than quantity,the power of gun can't prevail peace is more powerful, the power of truth must come through openness,destruction of your neighbour, enemy, eventually will be destruction of yourself, destroying your enemy is old fashion and outdated.These are quotes are powerful if fallowed, there would be no war, Tibet has been fortunate to have had such a spiritual and temporal leader.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Sikhism

The Sikhism has similar believes as Hinduism,Islamic Buddhism and Jainism.Sikhism tried to reformed certain elements of Hinduism.Nanak the founder of the Sikhism religion had some qualities like the other religious leaders, Gandhi and Buddha. Total devotion, giving up of material things, when Nanak received the vision he went throughout India preaching unity of Islam and Hinduism. He even wore clothing of both religion trying to organized both religion knowing that these two religions were always hostile and violent to each other.Sikhism rejected several elements of Hinduism, regarding people as the primary creation and are free to kill and eat meat. Totally different belief of Jainism, who will not kill anything. Sikhism also agrees with Islam, that there is one God.karma is recognized. People continue to acquire karma and live again and again until they are free.Ceremonial and rituals of Hinduism and Islam are rejected.Buddhism also believes in karma and rebirth. Their teaching is that god has power, but people should find their enlightenment then appeal to the gods for help and support, and that there is no soul.Jainism believes in coronation, people live, die and born again.All living beings owe their present form of life to their karma.

The poems of Kabir reflects the teachings of Sikhism. I believe that the Kabir was relating to Hindus and Muslims and the way they despise each other, yet they preach love. "Mohammed's son pores over words, and point out this and that, but if his chest is not soaked dark with love, then what?The teaching of Sikhism reflects the poem. without inner love everything else that is done is useless. "then what"

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Observing my community as it pertain to religion, it is predominantly Christian.I have noticed that Christianity is practice in a less restrictive way, moving away from most of those strict rules, like issues on marriage, divorce, and attire. Considering themselves very liberal, calling themselves Reform Christian.
This week my compassion was focus on the medical community, how decisions are made regarding life, death, and removal of life support. A patient I had to care for was removed from all life support system except morphine for comfort. This was the wish of this patient prior to admission,except that this information was presented to the hospital long after the patient was placed on a ventilator and was ween. Ten days after no food or water, here I was caring for this patient. I felt like I had taken on myself the burden of suffering for this patient, watching the journey of the final days of ones life in such manner. This was far from Hinduism regarding the final stage of life giving oneself totally to meditation and devotion. I felt that this was misery at it's worse,and of course my feelings could be influence by my strong Christian believes.I thought of karma,moksha, atman, and reincarnation and wonder how is this patient handling all this.

The things that I find that affect and trouble most community including mine is the desire to receive,most people focus on commercial things, competition to win, and the world of cell phone, electronic has totally consume our community. People are unaware of their surroundings. There is no time for spiritual devotion, the admiration for nature, like the changing of the leaves how colorful and beautiful. The desire for things (tanha) is of the highest priority which most times caused misery (dukkha).

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Bedwardism

Religion; a belief in the supernatural power regarding a creator.It's Study has enable me to embrace varies cultures,and choice of religions.This course has open my eyes to other religions,and to be less prejudice towards their practices, Bedwardism other wise known as The Jamaica Native Baptist Free Church. Budwardism is a religious denomination of very distinguishing features.
The origin of the cause of Bedwardism is unknown.It is believed that it was founded by H.E.S. Woods also known as Shakespeare. An American who migrated to Jamaica W.I. in 1876 where he lived in a cave in the wilderness of Spanish Town. In 1888 he went to Augustown preaching and prophecing, there he established the religion in 1889. They believed in Trinity. The three persons in the God-head which is indivisible ,Father, Son, Holy Ghost,. There believes are that Judaism was succeeded by Christianity, and Christianity is succeeded by Bedwardism.
Fasting is considered a sacrifice and is frequently practice two to three times weekly, there is also a vow ceremony which is the first formal step from the world into the church.A common thread which links all religion is the quest for spiritual connection with the supernatural and Bedwardism is no different.