Reflection Question #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk

       After visiting the Zen Buddhist Temple, Bongwonsa and attempting to see nature as a Taoist, I think finding the true or meaningful life prompts humans to seek out religion. Because humans believe the facts that aren’t proven scientifically actually exist such as Gods. In Buddhism and Hinduism, people believe in reincarnation and in Christianity, people believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. Also there is no evidence how the universe was created. I think people spend their lives seeking out religious truth, nurturing faith or worshipping creation to go to heaven in Christianity or reincarnate to a higher status in Hinduism and Buddhism after their death. In order to be capable of doing this is reaching nirvana. In Christianity, people believe that present life on earth is just a dream because they can procure eternity after death in heaven. In addition, we should worship, praise, and live a meaningful life for God.

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation

During 20 minutes of silent meditation inside the bathroom, I was able to accomplish many things without being disturbed. I was able to empty my mind to seek life’s truths. The answer of life’s truth was focused on God. During my silent meditation, I had one trouble controlling my mind. The trouble was being disturbed by the thoughts of games and other thoughts that weren’t relative to the life’s truths. Instead of focusing only on my own life’s truths, I began to think about school work, games, and etc. Eventually, I was able to receive on inspiration. The inspiration was taking actions to help others and to myself. Since God gave me the spirit to live, I should use that special gift for God’s work. Silent meditation gave me new experiences with new significant thoughts to myself.

Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist

       In the movie, Gandhi’s idea of Hinduism was Indians showing non-violent actions to convert people’s heart and their mind while fighting against the British. Gandhi thought violence wouldn’t solve any conflicts, but to remain in revenge again. However, non-violent actions from the Indians must be performed first against the British. For example, the British soldiers were guarding the gate where Indians procured salt. The British thought it was their territory and the Indians didn’t have the right to use their resources. In order to fight off, the Indians stood in a row of men and marched towards the guard without any violent actions. The women prepared medical supplies to cure the men. The British kept hitting the Indian men with their weapons and this kept on continuing. Another example took place at Amritsar Massacre. Numerous Indians gathered together at the garden to protest about the arrest of two Indian leaders who were significant. The Indians were unarmed, but the British soldiers shot all of the Indians including babies, women, and men. Even though the Indians were getting shot, they didn’t show any violence. These two examples showed non-violence against the British in the movie.

       One of Gandhi’s quotes, he said, “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks; he becomes.” The quote exemplifies the way Gandhi lived out his faith because in his thoughts and ideas, nonviolence took the first priority. He wanted to convert people’s thoughts and mind by showing in a way where violent actions don’t have to exist. Eventually, he became the greatest political/religious leader in India. He was even called as the father of India. People began to follow Gandhi’s idea and influenced a lot of people. The Indians for example, didn’t use any violence against the British and a journalist got inspired by that idea. So, nations around the world knew that the actions British took were unacceptable along with violence. As a result, India became independent through Gandhi’s idea of nonviolence. Gandhi’s thoughts and ideas later on gave a significant impact for the Indians and which the result became the way Gandhi expected to be.  

Sacred Poetry Assignment "Ankh"

Ankh! The only key of life!
Allow us eternal life for we need to live!
Every single breathe comes from the power of Ankh!
Oh! Feel the gift of life!

Ankh! Shine and let us picture the bright sun!
Shine with gold beauty! Gold! How beautiful can it be!
Show the tremendous power with blessings!
Purfiy us like transparent water!

Anh! Protect us through Sa!
Block the magical spells!
God, shelter us from this world like a magnificent shield!
Link and combine Djed and Was for the powerful amulet!

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1:

Inside the religious systems, my religion, Christianity, had contributed toward my personal history positively. Having both of my parents strong Christians, I was grown by going to church every Sunday and participating in church activities. I read the bible daily and sometimes have a quiet time with God. Every time I pray during hardships, God gives me a very peaceful heart. I'm very thankful for everything he had done for me. So, even though formulas or rituals exist in this world, I put God as my first priority along with believing that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself to wash our sins away.
From scientific evidences in this world along with technology, significantly impacting the world, people tend to think or meditate less on their particular religion. Very often, whenever I watch TV, there are programs about these special magic powered people coming out to heal the sick people. However, I don't believe in those things, but I stand strong and focus on God not to lose my relationship with him. It's amazing how God provided love to me and made a person I am right now.

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1: "According to Mircea Eliade religion has 'not vanished without a trace; [it] has contributed toward making us what we are today and so, after..."