I thought it would be kind of interesting to end the path of religion blogging with the oh so famous Albert Einstein. A man with a powerful and intellectual brain. A man who realized that he must imagine the impossible. Strive to look outside the box of reality and figure the impossible. He has the science kind of view towards religions. He believes that the real beauty is in our own self and thoughts. That pretty much we must remember that we are part of the entire universe. Just because we are a mere billionth of a molecule of the universe, we are still part of it. All living things exist together and we wouldn't be here if it weren't here for the animals and plants in this world.
"The true value of a human being can be found in the degree to which he has attained liberation from the self." (191)
That basically he feels that we must appreciate the world and universe and everything around us. From every living soul, if its your next door neighbor, your pet dog, or even the flowers in your front yard. That we get so caught up in our selves that we forget about the beauty of the souls around us. That he feels that our own thoughts causes an illusion that gets us caught up in only our personal desires and a few select around us. That we need to learn to love the world and life and not for get the beauty of life is unimaginable.
"Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of nature" (192)
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
Thanks for all the comments this year class, It has been awesome reading all your blogs and getting insights from all of you.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Henry David Thoreau
An interesting writing and a very intellectual individual. Times throughout the writing I had to reread some sentences to understand what he was saying. I'm not sure if i truly understand what is being said, but if you have insights feel free to give your insights in the comments. The first quote that caught on to me was:
"If men would steadily observe realities only, and not allow themselves to be deluded, life, to compare it with such things as we know, would be like a fairy tale and the Arabian Nights' Entertainments. "(182)
If everyone looked at everything at its surface and took it as it appears, we wouldn't fully grasp the meaning. Its like looking at a huge mansion, sure it looks beautiful on the outside, but the inside could be trashed and empty. Same goes with human beings, we have evolved as a society where people often get to caught up on outer beauty. That Henry feels our society can be cruel because we only percieve reality as to what we see. We forget to truly use our brains and hearts and souls to truly see the inner beauty things. That just because societies are growing bigger, richer, prettier, and more independently doesn't mean that God is more or less around us. The inner beauty of our souls have existed will always exist all around us.
" God himself culminates in the present moment, and will never be more divine in the lapse of all the ages."(183)
I love this quote, because its so true in my opinion. God is still here now and will be thousands of years from now. It doesn't matter if your the prettiest, or the richest, or live on the streets, God is just as divine for every thing and everybody. We tend to forget that live itself is beauty, we lose our imagination and keep a narrow mind towards reality. We have to let our minds think of things that would exist out of reality.
"The universe constantly and obediently answers to our conceptions; whether we travel fast or slow, the track is laid for us." (183)
"If men would steadily observe realities only, and not allow themselves to be deluded, life, to compare it with such things as we know, would be like a fairy tale and the Arabian Nights' Entertainments. "(182)
If everyone looked at everything at its surface and took it as it appears, we wouldn't fully grasp the meaning. Its like looking at a huge mansion, sure it looks beautiful on the outside, but the inside could be trashed and empty. Same goes with human beings, we have evolved as a society where people often get to caught up on outer beauty. That Henry feels our society can be cruel because we only percieve reality as to what we see. We forget to truly use our brains and hearts and souls to truly see the inner beauty things. That just because societies are growing bigger, richer, prettier, and more independently doesn't mean that God is more or less around us. The inner beauty of our souls have existed will always exist all around us.
" God himself culminates in the present moment, and will never be more divine in the lapse of all the ages."(183)
I love this quote, because its so true in my opinion. God is still here now and will be thousands of years from now. It doesn't matter if your the prettiest, or the richest, or live on the streets, God is just as divine for every thing and everybody. We tend to forget that live itself is beauty, we lose our imagination and keep a narrow mind towards reality. We have to let our minds think of things that would exist out of reality.
"The universe constantly and obediently answers to our conceptions; whether we travel fast or slow, the track is laid for us." (183)
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Hermetic Writings
I know this writing is very short, but I truly did like how much insight was involved in this quick message. I love how the writing gives the idea of what god is, and that we must think as god as being us to percieve God. It contradicts the other religions in a way, because many other enlightened minds from other religions believed that you cant percieve God and Heaven. But, I like this writing because it doesn't give a real definition of who God is, but that he is everything. He is everything around us, in our thoughts, our sleep, our dreams. That it basically says to percieve god you must think as that anything is possible. It's true though, our mortal bodies and minds can't even come close to that of God. That we must know that God is what we see, what we hear, our powerful mind we think with, our gentle heartbeat that we live with.
"God will come to meet you everywhere, he will appear to you everywhere, at times and places when you don't expect it, while you are awake and while you are asleep, while you are speaking while you are silent; for there is nothing in which God does not exist"(34).
EVERYWHERE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, YOU, YOU, ME, ME!!
He is every living soul on this earth, involved with every dead living thing, and like i said everything. I love how it says that don't think god is invisible, basically meaning that what you see with your two eyes around us is God. From the trees to the animals to your best friend that you partied with this week. That basicsally when you realize all this you can percieve God.
"Who is more evident than God? That is why he made all things, so that through all things you can see him"(34).
"God will come to meet you everywhere, he will appear to you everywhere, at times and places when you don't expect it, while you are awake and while you are asleep, while you are speaking while you are silent; for there is nothing in which God does not exist"(34).
EVERYWHERE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, YOU, YOU, ME, ME!!
He is every living soul on this earth, involved with every dead living thing, and like i said everything. I love how it says that don't think god is invisible, basically meaning that what you see with your two eyes around us is God. From the trees to the animals to your best friend that you partied with this week. That basicsally when you realize all this you can percieve God.
"Who is more evident than God? That is why he made all things, so that through all things you can see him"(34).
Plato
Life is a wonderful and beautiful thing. I think sometimes we all take that for granted. We live in a society filled with greed, hunger for wealth, physical looks and technology driven. We get so wrapped up in everyday life, sometimes we forget about ourselves. Although, Plato writing is a little tough to read and comprehend ill give it a shot. By reading this short writing, the word beauty just kept repeating itself in my head. We all have our own feelings and definition of beauty. If its the beautiful physical attractions in the opposite sex or possibly the personality of someone. Possibly you look at beauty is being the world around us and everything involved with it. I liked this writing because it talks about beauty coming from within. A constant repitition from religion to religion about coming from within. Its so true, it deals with anything in life, we percieve the world through our own two eyes and our own powerful brain.
Diotima explains that life itself is beauty. Our own living soul that god has gifted us with is beauty. We get so worried about the physical aspect of beauty, that we forget about the beauty of our gentle heartbeat that continues day in and day out. There is one quote that really stood out to me.
"Nor will his vision of the beautiful take the form of a face, or of hands, or of anything that is of the flesh. It will be neither words, nor knowledge, nor a something that exists in something else, such as a living creature, or the earth, or the heavens, or anything that is--but subsisting of itself and by itself in an eternal oneness, while every lovely thing partakes of it in such sort that, however much the parts may wax and wane, it will be neither more nor less, but still the same inviolable whole"(15).
In a way this writing opened my mind up a little bit. That basically the definition of beauty is something that you cant grasp or define. Reminds me of how religions repeatedly say that about heaven and God. That the only way you find the universal beauty, "Heaven", is to find the beauty within ones self. I enjoyed this writing because the time difference is so large and its interesting to read the insights of these great historic figures. We must realize that we won't always find real beauty on the outside of things or materialistic things.
"Man's life is ever worth the living, it is when he has attained this vision of the very soul of beauty"(16).
Diotima explains that life itself is beauty. Our own living soul that god has gifted us with is beauty. We get so worried about the physical aspect of beauty, that we forget about the beauty of our gentle heartbeat that continues day in and day out. There is one quote that really stood out to me.
"Nor will his vision of the beautiful take the form of a face, or of hands, or of anything that is of the flesh. It will be neither words, nor knowledge, nor a something that exists in something else, such as a living creature, or the earth, or the heavens, or anything that is--but subsisting of itself and by itself in an eternal oneness, while every lovely thing partakes of it in such sort that, however much the parts may wax and wane, it will be neither more nor less, but still the same inviolable whole"(15).
In a way this writing opened my mind up a little bit. That basically the definition of beauty is something that you cant grasp or define. Reminds me of how religions repeatedly say that about heaven and God. That the only way you find the universal beauty, "Heaven", is to find the beauty within ones self. I enjoyed this writing because the time difference is so large and its interesting to read the insights of these great historic figures. We must realize that we won't always find real beauty on the outside of things or materialistic things.
"Man's life is ever worth the living, it is when he has attained this vision of the very soul of beauty"(16).
Friday, October 17, 2008
Abu-Yazid Al-Bistami
This very first line kind of caught my eye right away, "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 everything. " (75). Sounds a little like Buddhism, doesn't it? I read it over and and over and tried to grasp what he really means by that. I came up with that trying to figure out a theory or what practices you should do will have you running in circles. Find it within yourself, you dont need facts and materials to determine faith. WITHIN ONESELF, over and over, each religion is shouting this out. It was a little tought to understand but I enjoyed reading it. I like it when you really have to go deep in your mind and try and comprehend what these great men are trying to show.
"A single atom of the sweetness of wisdom in a man's heart is better than a thousand pavilions in Paradise"(76).
He probably was referring to his wisdom or something, ha ha just kidding. I agree with that for sure. Great wisdom is like a good song on the radio. If you like the song, you rock out and keep it on the station. If you don't like it you move on to the next station. If you like the wisdom its something that you will keep listening to and will always be in your mind, like the lyrics of the song. To be honest a lot of these little short sayings, confused me. Its hard to fully know what he is trying to get at. I got out of it a bunch of confusion. I could try and tell you what it all means but would fall real short.
I noticed that I seem to enjoy pretty much every reading. Thats why religion is so great, because you can interpret it the way you want. From within your own mind and heart is the answer. This was a good quote, "For thirty years I used to say, "Do this" and "give that"; but when i reached the first stage of wisdom, I said, "O God, be mine and do whatever You want"(76). I liked it because you definitly notice that a lot do ask or say what god should do. The real important thing is to have faith and take God in your heart and expect everything your praying for. Man wouldn't that be great if I could look up and tell god to put a million dollars under my bed in the morning. Thats not what its all about, its about having faith and God will continue doing things, and maybe you won't agree but it doesn't mean to stop believing and loving.
"This thing we tell of can never be found by seeking, yet only seekers find it".
"A single atom of the sweetness of wisdom in a man's heart is better than a thousand pavilions in Paradise"(76).
He probably was referring to his wisdom or something, ha ha just kidding. I agree with that for sure. Great wisdom is like a good song on the radio. If you like the song, you rock out and keep it on the station. If you don't like it you move on to the next station. If you like the wisdom its something that you will keep listening to and will always be in your mind, like the lyrics of the song. To be honest a lot of these little short sayings, confused me. Its hard to fully know what he is trying to get at. I got out of it a bunch of confusion. I could try and tell you what it all means but would fall real short.
I noticed that I seem to enjoy pretty much every reading. Thats why religion is so great, because you can interpret it the way you want. From within your own mind and heart is the answer. This was a good quote, "For thirty years I used to say, "Do this" and "give that"; but when i reached the first stage of wisdom, I said, "O God, be mine and do whatever You want"(76). I liked it because you definitly notice that a lot do ask or say what god should do. The real important thing is to have faith and take God in your heart and expect everything your praying for. Man wouldn't that be great if I could look up and tell god to put a million dollars under my bed in the morning. Thats not what its all about, its about having faith and God will continue doing things, and maybe you won't agree but it doesn't mean to stop believing and loving.
"This thing we tell of can never be found by seeking, yet only seekers find it".
Muhammad
Simple words of wisdom can give a great insight. Thats why I liked what muhammad had to say about God. He keeps it simple and something we can understand and grasp. Again seeing the similiarties from religion to religion. God is ALL AROUND US. Hes everything and anything. Hes you, hes your house, hes your everything. Okay, maybe your computer screen is literally not god, but you get what Im going for. That is why I liked this writing, is that i relate and agree with what he had to say. You know i do like to write what i feel about or agree with in the book. But, that doesn't mean Im right or wrong, its about knowing withing oneself.
"All that is the heavens and in the earth magnifies god"(45).
Oh wouldn't those science gurus out there love reading this book. I love this quote because it made me realize something that I don't think about often. God is everywhere, he is everything and the reason I am sitting here writing about the way I feel about him and Muhammad. Another marvelous quote that I enjoyed was, "Whoever knows himself knows God"(46). The reason why, is because its such a simple sentence but it gets your brain flying at a hundred miles an hour. What does he really mean by this? I feel that he is trying to say that it comes from within. If your out searching and questioning everyone else about the knowledge, and never give your chance to really think about it yourself. God is you, he is the reason your here, you finding yourself and knowing who you are and what you believe in, God wants you and your powerful brain to have faith.
We can't always look for exact answers, who knows if the earth is 40 million years old, or what it derives from, there is a reason we don't know. Because thats what faith is all about. If you knew all the answers would everyone be as faithful. I sure don't think so. What I think Muhammad is trying to get across is that God is everything and sometimes we take things for face value. I'm not trying to preach and say that what I'm saying is the way you should think, thats why religion is so great, because you can put it in your own words and thoughts. That is what god wants us to do. FIND IT FROM WITHIN.
"Do Not despise the world, for the world too is god"(46).
"All that is the heavens and in the earth magnifies god"(45).
Oh wouldn't those science gurus out there love reading this book. I love this quote because it made me realize something that I don't think about often. God is everywhere, he is everything and the reason I am sitting here writing about the way I feel about him and Muhammad. Another marvelous quote that I enjoyed was, "Whoever knows himself knows God"(46). The reason why, is because its such a simple sentence but it gets your brain flying at a hundred miles an hour. What does he really mean by this? I feel that he is trying to say that it comes from within. If your out searching and questioning everyone else about the knowledge, and never give your chance to really think about it yourself. God is you, he is the reason your here, you finding yourself and knowing who you are and what you believe in, God wants you and your powerful brain to have faith.
We can't always look for exact answers, who knows if the earth is 40 million years old, or what it derives from, there is a reason we don't know. Because thats what faith is all about. If you knew all the answers would everyone be as faithful. I sure don't think so. What I think Muhammad is trying to get across is that God is everything and sometimes we take things for face value. I'm not trying to preach and say that what I'm saying is the way you should think, thats why religion is so great, because you can put it in your own words and thoughts. That is what god wants us to do. FIND IT FROM WITHIN.
"Do Not despise the world, for the world too is god"(46).
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Gospel of Thomas
Oh, don't we all want to know how to enter the kngodom of heaven. The believe and faith that we all have can vary in different ways. We all like to the sky in hopes that there is a better life when you leave this world. "Recognize what is in your sight, and what is hidden will become clear to you"(29). A quote that may seem a little wonderous when you first read it. I got out of it that we must all realize the reality around us and believe and have faith and the things hidden will come within. We all try and figure out the different ways that will be able to go to heaven. Trying to find answers, but in reality there isn't answers, you do good, avoid evil, and know that god is all around you, you will go. A lot of these short quotes in the writing in a way I had to read them a few times to fully appreciate them.
I basically got of it that all the searching and questioning will get you know where. That we must find our answers from within and know that Jesus is ALL. He is there when we are eating, there at our weddings, basketball games, dinner tables, and funeral. The list would be non stop. Believing and knowing will make you fully comprehend that you will not grasp jesus with your sight but with your heart. I really do like the gospels and thought they were very intelligently written. I know not everyone believes in god, or jesus or whatever religion there is. That's what makes it so special, practically every religion we will experience will say it comes from within. The power of our brain is so powerful, that in a way we all under appreciate how much power we have. If you want Jesus to be there, he will, if you don't he won't. We all have our own chooses and beliefs and one isn't right over the other.
You know growing up I always thought that it was crazy there is so many different religions. In a way it kind of scared me away from religion, because i thought there is no way there could be that many religions. But the more I grow up and learn about religion the more i realize without religion we are nothing. We all have our choices and decisions in life. USE OUR BRAINS, Believe in what you want, but know the spirit is always around us. One of my favorite quotes to pretty much sum up kind of what I was trying to say, "If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don't bring forth what is inside you, what you don't bring forth will destroy you"(29).
I basically got of it that all the searching and questioning will get you know where. That we must find our answers from within and know that Jesus is ALL. He is there when we are eating, there at our weddings, basketball games, dinner tables, and funeral. The list would be non stop. Believing and knowing will make you fully comprehend that you will not grasp jesus with your sight but with your heart. I really do like the gospels and thought they were very intelligently written. I know not everyone believes in god, or jesus or whatever religion there is. That's what makes it so special, practically every religion we will experience will say it comes from within. The power of our brain is so powerful, that in a way we all under appreciate how much power we have. If you want Jesus to be there, he will, if you don't he won't. We all have our own chooses and beliefs and one isn't right over the other.
You know growing up I always thought that it was crazy there is so many different religions. In a way it kind of scared me away from religion, because i thought there is no way there could be that many religions. But the more I grow up and learn about religion the more i realize without religion we are nothing. We all have our choices and decisions in life. USE OUR BRAINS, Believe in what you want, but know the spirit is always around us. One of my favorite quotes to pretty much sum up kind of what I was trying to say, "If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don't bring forth what is inside you, what you don't bring forth will destroy you"(29).
Jesus of Nazareth
I'm sure a large percentage of our class is going to respond to the writings of Jesus. Growing up as a kid i attended church very little and was never baptised. I learned about god and jesus and learned to believe and love. My family not being strict on religion has kind of made me wonder and think on my own about it. Kind of like a Buddha you could say. I have always believed and always will. "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you...."(26). Something that may bring question to some people. Am I really suppose to love someone who rapes a family member, drinks and drives and kills a family member, forgiveness has been a mystery to me. I understand that violence and rage against another human being isn't right, but i do believe justice.
I love all these little short writings brief and to the point. Basically if you believe and go to god, and not lust in material things before him, you will enter the kingdom of God. We all must treat one another like we want to be treated. One line that i particularly like was, "Don't Judge, and you will not be judged; don't condeemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be fogiven; give, and it will be given to you: they will pour into your lap good measure..."(27). So true, basically like karma, if you do bad you will recieve bad. Forgiveness is basically inscripted all over this writing. We must be able to forgive like we are forgiven for our sins.
"The kingdom of God does not come if you watch for it. Nor will anyone be able to say, "It is here" or "It is There." For the Kingdon of God is within you"(28). One of my favorite quotes in the writing. Notice the similiarities to practically every religion we have learned about. That we have to believe that jesus and god almight is within all of us. We can't grasp it with our hands but got to have faith it's there.
I love all these little short writings brief and to the point. Basically if you believe and go to god, and not lust in material things before him, you will enter the kingdom of God. We all must treat one another like we want to be treated. One line that i particularly like was, "Don't Judge, and you will not be judged; don't condeemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be fogiven; give, and it will be given to you: they will pour into your lap good measure..."(27). So true, basically like karma, if you do bad you will recieve bad. Forgiveness is basically inscripted all over this writing. We must be able to forgive like we are forgiven for our sins.
"The kingdom of God does not come if you watch for it. Nor will anyone be able to say, "It is here" or "It is There." For the Kingdon of God is within you"(28). One of my favorite quotes in the writing. Notice the similiarities to practically every religion we have learned about. That we have to believe that jesus and god almight is within all of us. We can't grasp it with our hands but got to have faith it's there.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Huang-Po
The mind is so powerful. The first thing I thought of when I started to read the writing. To be completly honest, this wasn't the easiest writing to comprehend. An almost repetitive style of writing used. It basically says that the mind is uncomprehendable. If we try and figure it out we will get know where. It compares Buddha and all ordianary beings in the first part of the writing. I got out of it that it is saying that the two are basically the same thing. Basically saying that the only difference is that the ordinary mind searches outside of its body and mind for buddahood (65). Really he's saying that we underestimate the power of our mind.
The writing talks about how the ordinary person, uses way too much conceptual thinking. That if we didn't focus so much on what he hear, feel, and see that the real truth would be exposed. The way Huang-Po thinks is almost out of my realm, and it's something I don't fully comprehend. One quote that caught me was, "When most people hear that the Buddhas transmit the teaching of the one mind, they suppose that there is something to be attained or realized apart from mind, and they use mind to seek the teaching, not realing that mind and the object of their search are one"(66). It says that too many people make the mistake to search for answers about the mind. That really all along its up in your head.
You know honestly, I could be interpreting this all wrong, but I see it as a way of almost explaining that the Buddha is an ordinary person like all of us. It's almost confusing for me, because it explains how to free from the Buddha; but saying that the Buddha is the entire visible universe. Feel free to comment if you have an idea to explain what is being said. I basically feel that what he hear, see, and feel can't fully explain the reality of the mind.
The writing talks about how the ordinary person, uses way too much conceptual thinking. That if we didn't focus so much on what he hear, feel, and see that the real truth would be exposed. The way Huang-Po thinks is almost out of my realm, and it's something I don't fully comprehend. One quote that caught me was, "When most people hear that the Buddhas transmit the teaching of the one mind, they suppose that there is something to be attained or realized apart from mind, and they use mind to seek the teaching, not realing that mind and the object of their search are one"(66). It says that too many people make the mistake to search for answers about the mind. That really all along its up in your head.
You know honestly, I could be interpreting this all wrong, but I see it as a way of almost explaining that the Buddha is an ordinary person like all of us. It's almost confusing for me, because it explains how to free from the Buddha; but saying that the Buddha is the entire visible universe. Feel free to comment if you have an idea to explain what is being said. I basically feel that what he hear, see, and feel can't fully explain the reality of the mind.
The Buddha
A complex but so simple understanding of life is explained. The reason why this religion attracts me so much is because of nonchalant attitudes towards life. It says in the italicism, "In all those years, and in all the hundreds of thousands of teaching words that he uttered, his message was simply this: 'You are all Buddhas. There is nothing you need to achieve. Just open your eyes" (10). I love this quote becaue it explains what i said earlier about being complex but simple. You may wonder what it means to just open your eyes. I look at it as being simple, that you have to read between the lines. Everything is stamped into your own mind and its up to you to figure it out.
I can almost bet that when some of you read the first paragraph you were kind of set back by it. The Buddha says, "It is proper to doubt. Do not be led by holy scriptures, or by mere logic or interference, or by appearances, or by the authority of religious teachers" (10). Basically, saying that you must be led by your own mind to achieve what your looking for in life and religion. The Buddha is saying that you got to use your common sense. If something is bad, avoid it;and if something is good, do it.
When The Buddha is talking about the metaphor of the river it attracted to me. He basically is saying to build the raft to get across the river but leave it for it is no longer needed.(10-11) Basically, saying that there is a copious amount of knowledge and insights you will learn in life. That once you achieve what you want, leave the past behind. Reminds me of the great belief of not dwelling. A great concept in my view. "Be a lamp to yourself. Be your own confidence. Hold to the truth within yourself, as to the only truth" (11).
I can almost bet that when some of you read the first paragraph you were kind of set back by it. The Buddha says, "It is proper to doubt. Do not be led by holy scriptures, or by mere logic or interference, or by appearances, or by the authority of religious teachers" (10). Basically, saying that you must be led by your own mind to achieve what your looking for in life and religion. The Buddha is saying that you got to use your common sense. If something is bad, avoid it;and if something is good, do it.
When The Buddha is talking about the metaphor of the river it attracted to me. He basically is saying to build the raft to get across the river but leave it for it is no longer needed.(10-11) Basically, saying that there is a copious amount of knowledge and insights you will learn in life. That once you achieve what you want, leave the past behind. Reminds me of the great belief of not dwelling. A great concept in my view. "Be a lamp to yourself. Be your own confidence. Hold to the truth within yourself, as to the only truth" (11).
Friday, September 26, 2008
HUI-HAI
You know the first thing that popped in my head after reading this, was the bald guy in the full white cloak. The monks walking around so swiftly and peacefully, but in a way look brain dead. When seeing in movies, the monks being so quiet and almost separated from the world, made me wonder. Reading this short speech and questionnaire gave me a little more insight. Wouldn't it be nice to live like this. Never worrying about anything in your past or future. Practically meditating everyday, 24 hours a day. One only wishes they didn't have to worry about the future. As much as I liked the writing, I can't agree with it. Don't get me wrong I would love to be able to live my days with zero worries and dwell on nothing. But, Hui-Hai saying you can't dwell on absolutely nothing is a little far fetched these days.
Hui-Hai explains that we have nothing to search for. That all the answers come within your own mind. What I do like is how he talks about how you should never dwell on the past. We all try to do this in our lives, and we should. If you dwell on something it only brings stress and hardships to your well being. When asked what it means to non-dwell Hui responds by saying, "Dwelling upon nothing means that the mind doesn't remain with good or evil, being or non-being, inside or outside, emptiness or non-emptiness, concentration or distraction" (57). Basically saying that you shouldn't dwell on absolutely nothing. Oh man would i love to be able to do that. I think I might try doing that more when I'm trying to sleeep. HA HA.
"As long as your mind dwells upon nothing, there is nothing you can attach yourself to" (58). Well theres a true statement if ever saw one. I think that we need attachment to things. Maybe less at certain times or to certain things. But I almost look at Hui thinkings of your mind and non-dwelling as a state of being asleep. You know when you have had a long day and you lay down to go to sleep and everything kind of goes away for the next 6 to 8 hours. What Hui is saying is that we should be like that when we are awake. Most certainly do I think that we should definitly dwell on things less. But, its rather almost impossible to live with no dwelling whatsoever. The quote that made me laugh a little bit was, "If your mind wanders away, don't follow it; your mind will stop wandering by itself" (58).
Hui-Hai explains that we have nothing to search for. That all the answers come within your own mind. What I do like is how he talks about how you should never dwell on the past. We all try to do this in our lives, and we should. If you dwell on something it only brings stress and hardships to your well being. When asked what it means to non-dwell Hui responds by saying, "Dwelling upon nothing means that the mind doesn't remain with good or evil, being or non-being, inside or outside, emptiness or non-emptiness, concentration or distraction" (57). Basically saying that you shouldn't dwell on absolutely nothing. Oh man would i love to be able to do that. I think I might try doing that more when I'm trying to sleeep. HA HA.
"As long as your mind dwells upon nothing, there is nothing you can attach yourself to" (58). Well theres a true statement if ever saw one. I think that we need attachment to things. Maybe less at certain times or to certain things. But I almost look at Hui thinkings of your mind and non-dwelling as a state of being asleep. You know when you have had a long day and you lay down to go to sleep and everything kind of goes away for the next 6 to 8 hours. What Hui is saying is that we should be like that when we are awake. Most certainly do I think that we should definitly dwell on things less. But, its rather almost impossible to live with no dwelling whatsoever. The quote that made me laugh a little bit was, "If your mind wanders away, don't follow it; your mind will stop wandering by itself" (58).
TZU-SSU
I think that we all get kind of the same feeling by the reading. In a way I think that we all kind of go by the Tao's beliefs. Trying to be sincere to our fellow humans and treat one like you want to be treated. Tzu explains that the Tao is everywhere, all over nature and inside of yourself. That basically if you let it be and understand Tao it is there. Now honestly, I don't know too much about Tao but, in a way i like what Tzu has to say about the human being. One quote that really stood out to me was, "Thus, in dealing with people, we already have the perfect model of behavior inside of us" (13). I think this is said beautifully, because in a way we do have the perfect model. Maybe there are rapist, murderers, child molestors, or just plain out wacky people. But, deep down in there head they know they are doing something wrong. Maybe its altered a little bit by substances, but its there. In other words, in most cases, think about how you act when you are around elders, for example your Grandparents. In my thinking, its a perfect model behavior that we are indistinctively have inside us.
Anyways, lets move back to Tzu and cut off my interpretation of the quote. What I like about the reading is that it basically says to be sincere and true to everyone. Don't try and be something that your not to try and prove something. Thus, worry about your own sincerity and not so much everyone else around you. Of course we all have are times when we aren't being sincere. Another quote that stood out to me was, "The sincere person does the right thing without trying, understands the truth without thinking, and acts always in keeping with the Tao" (14). Maybe we don't act within the Tao but we all should act as the first part of the quote. If your always sincere then it will always come to you unconciously. Have you ever noticed that lying of some sort brings a lot of stress to your brain. And in a way when your being sincere it flows easily when speaking about something.
Maybe, Tao is a concept that i would never fully comprehend or know the slightest amount of Information. But, I do know that in a way Tzu is telling everyone to live peacefully. That being a liar or unsincere, just brings chaos and stress to your life. Don't be something your not and don't treat people ways that you wouldn't treat yourself. "Sincerity is the fulfillment of our own nature, and to arrive at it we need only follow our true self." (14)
Anyways, lets move back to Tzu and cut off my interpretation of the quote. What I like about the reading is that it basically says to be sincere and true to everyone. Don't try and be something that your not to try and prove something. Thus, worry about your own sincerity and not so much everyone else around you. Of course we all have are times when we aren't being sincere. Another quote that stood out to me was, "The sincere person does the right thing without trying, understands the truth without thinking, and acts always in keeping with the Tao" (14). Maybe we don't act within the Tao but we all should act as the first part of the quote. If your always sincere then it will always come to you unconciously. Have you ever noticed that lying of some sort brings a lot of stress to your brain. And in a way when your being sincere it flows easily when speaking about something.
Maybe, Tao is a concept that i would never fully comprehend or know the slightest amount of Information. But, I do know that in a way Tzu is telling everyone to live peacefully. That being a liar or unsincere, just brings chaos and stress to your life. Don't be something your not and don't treat people ways that you wouldn't treat yourself. "Sincerity is the fulfillment of our own nature, and to arrive at it we need only follow our true self." (14)
Friday, September 19, 2008
Schmelke of Nicholsburg
Well this was a very short but interesting writing. I can guess that we all kind of got the same feeling out of this writing. In a way we agree but disagree. I think in a sense i agree that we all came from a creator and may be connected as "one". But i disagree that sense we may all be a part of the soul of the creator we must not punish each other. A quote that caught my eye was "Love your neighbor like something which you yourself are"(156). I almost think that they're always people that you are not going to get along with. That basically i believe that you don't have to love them but respect them as a human. Yes, this world would be a lot better of a place if we could all love and treat each other better.
Do i personally believe that we are all part of one soul? You know I'm not completely sure to that question. When i was a kid i always thought that everyone was Gods kids and that we were all brothers and sisters. The more I have grown up the more I move away from that. The writing says, "For all souls are one. Each is a spark from the original soul, and this soul is wholly inherent in all souls, just as your soul is in all members of your body. I get that it's saying we are all one and that we must love each other. But, to be honest I feel that God gave us our own soul and that we become one soul in the after life. Whether or not you go to hell or heaven, your soul travels with you to afterlife. Maybe you disagree with me, but I thought I would share an insight to my beliefs.
Another quote that caught my eye was, "It may happen that your hand makes a mistake and hits you. But would you then take a stick and punish your hand because it lacked understanding, and so increase your pain?"(156). Honestly, I disagree with this idea. I don't believe that because we are all "one", we must not hurt another because they hurt you. I think that you have the right to stick up for yourself and protect you and your loved ones from harm. That the people doing bad is part of evil and we should protect ourselves from evil. We must punish the people doing crimes in this world. If we didn't punish people for their wrongdoings this world would be in complete chaos. Love who you may, but always respect any living thing in this world.
Do i personally believe that we are all part of one soul? You know I'm not completely sure to that question. When i was a kid i always thought that everyone was Gods kids and that we were all brothers and sisters. The more I have grown up the more I move away from that. The writing says, "For all souls are one. Each is a spark from the original soul, and this soul is wholly inherent in all souls, just as your soul is in all members of your body. I get that it's saying we are all one and that we must love each other. But, to be honest I feel that God gave us our own soul and that we become one soul in the after life. Whether or not you go to hell or heaven, your soul travels with you to afterlife. Maybe you disagree with me, but I thought I would share an insight to my beliefs.
Another quote that caught my eye was, "It may happen that your hand makes a mistake and hits you. But would you then take a stick and punish your hand because it lacked understanding, and so increase your pain?"(156). Honestly, I disagree with this idea. I don't believe that because we are all "one", we must not hurt another because they hurt you. I think that you have the right to stick up for yourself and protect you and your loved ones from harm. That the people doing bad is part of evil and we should protect ourselves from evil. We must punish the people doing crimes in this world. If we didn't punish people for their wrongdoings this world would be in complete chaos. Love who you may, but always respect any living thing in this world.
BAKHYA IBN PAKUDA
I'm sure we all have heard the saying, "Everything happens for a reason." Well this is what i personally got out of this short reading. That basically it says always try and do good and avoid evil. Well we all know its almost impossible to avoid evil. If it involves having sex before marriage, maybe drinking under age, or committing any kind of sin. It basically trust God no matter what happens in your life. Honestly i agree with what the beliefs are in the writing. Basically, just because something bad happens in your life does not mean that god is not there. The quote, "He who trusts in God is able to remove his attention from worldly anxieties and devote it entirely to doing what is right"(87), is almost a little over the top in my opinion. I think in today's society it is a lot harder to live off that quote. The world has evolved so much for the last 1000 years and the worries and troubles were a lot different.
I like how the writing basically explains that you must take what you have and worship god for it. Meaning that if your rich, you fulfill all the religious obligations, and if your poor you will take it as a blessing from god.(87) The reason why i like this idea is that just because you have different situations in your life, you should always still love and believe in God. Personally, i believe that everyone has a chance to get where they want in life and that you must live to your potential. If you sit around waiting and praying to God, most likely nothing will happen. God put people on this world to achieve happiness in everything and anything while worshiping and loving him.
I'm sure we all agree with the writing in some way. No matter what the religion you believe in. We all try and do the best we can to avoid evil and do good. Whenever something bad happens in your life, you look to god and ask why? That's what this article is explaining, that good or bad, God is always there for you. Yes, life is unfair, we all know that and wish it different sometimes. But, once you lose your faith in God is when you have given up in life. I know some have different views about this idea, but maybe everything does happen for a reason. "The Master makes everything seem easy..."(86), basically nothing comes easy you have to work at it.
I like how the writing basically explains that you must take what you have and worship god for it. Meaning that if your rich, you fulfill all the religious obligations, and if your poor you will take it as a blessing from god.(87) The reason why i like this idea is that just because you have different situations in your life, you should always still love and believe in God. Personally, i believe that everyone has a chance to get where they want in life and that you must live to your potential. If you sit around waiting and praying to God, most likely nothing will happen. God put people on this world to achieve happiness in everything and anything while worshiping and loving him.
I'm sure we all agree with the writing in some way. No matter what the religion you believe in. We all try and do the best we can to avoid evil and do good. Whenever something bad happens in your life, you look to god and ask why? That's what this article is explaining, that good or bad, God is always there for you. Yes, life is unfair, we all know that and wish it different sometimes. But, once you lose your faith in God is when you have given up in life. I know some have different views about this idea, but maybe everything does happen for a reason. "The Master makes everything seem easy..."(86), basically nothing comes easy you have to work at it.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Ramana Maharshi
You know its tough for me to grasp the reading. Ill give it my best shot on interpreting what the message is. Ramana is obviously are very intelligent and enlightened man. Don't you all wish we could think like Ramana and enjoy life in the simplist form. I really do like the Hindu point of view. In a way i relate a little bit in what is being said. The first quote that really stuck out to me was,"affection toward the good, compassion toward the helpless, happiness in doing good deeds, forgiveness toward the wicked..."(193). Now wouldn't the world be just an awesome place to live if everyone did this. That is why this world is so complex we all don't have same brain. What i do like is that the reading really kind of states that you have to find god in yourself. That the Hindu believe he is a part of everything in this world.
I really love the line on page 194 i believe. It talks about how if your mind is happy, that your body and the world will be happy. I think this is so true. If you live your life with being mad all the time or think the world hates you; it won't be a fun time. To gain happiness around you, you need it within. I like how the passage talks about finding god in yourself. That we are all apart of god and everything else around us also. It sounds a lot like the Upanishad doesn't it. In a way I kind of agree with this saying. That everything on this earth is because of god. I also love how it talks about ego in the writing. That in a way having a big ego can hurt you in a way. You don't need a huge ego to be happy. You don't need to be better than other people to be happy.
What i really got from this writing may be different than your ideas. You know you live your life everyday trying to find ways to be happy. We have our different ways. God gave us a powerful brain to conflict with us emotionally. We have the ability to love, hate, cry, and wonder. I just like how the reading says that god is in everything around us. Remember that god is apart of you and is always swirling around in your life. Being able to accept and believe in what you want makes everyone a happier person. "God's grace is in the beginning, the middle, and the end."(196).
I really love the line on page 194 i believe. It talks about how if your mind is happy, that your body and the world will be happy. I think this is so true. If you live your life with being mad all the time or think the world hates you; it won't be a fun time. To gain happiness around you, you need it within. I like how the passage talks about finding god in yourself. That we are all apart of god and everything else around us also. It sounds a lot like the Upanishad doesn't it. In a way I kind of agree with this saying. That everything on this earth is because of god. I also love how it talks about ego in the writing. That in a way having a big ego can hurt you in a way. You don't need a huge ego to be happy. You don't need to be better than other people to be happy.
What i really got from this writing may be different than your ideas. You know you live your life everyday trying to find ways to be happy. We have our different ways. God gave us a powerful brain to conflict with us emotionally. We have the ability to love, hate, cry, and wonder. I just like how the reading says that god is in everything around us. Remember that god is apart of you and is always swirling around in your life. Being able to accept and believe in what you want makes everyone a happier person. "God's grace is in the beginning, the middle, and the end."(196).
The Upanishads
I read the writing and thought that i wasn't going to use this as my blog entry. But you know what i decided to give it a shot. I thought maybe their is a reason this is the first one in the book. I thought it was a very opinionated writing. Did i disagree with it, honestly i don't know. In a way I saw some very similar thoughts of mine in the writing. I agree and love the first line in the writing, "Whatever lives is full of the lord. Claim nothing; enjoy, do not covet His property"(3). What i got out of this quote is a very unselfish thinking by the writer. That god gave us life and pleasures in this world but we must take care of it and not take it for granted. Another line that stood out to me was, "Of a certainty the man who can see all creatures in himself, himself in all creatures, knows no sorrow"(3). We all should remember that we are animals just like every other animal. The only difference is that we have the brain power to separate our self from other animals. We think and wonder and try to grasp on whats real.
I love how the speech talks about how thinking or trying to grasp what god really is not realistic. That is truly why I think us humans lack the ability to not wonder and grasp. So many people look to god or ask god for help. Wanting to see him or hear him, For some kind of hope and answers to the unknown. Thats why i like this writing because it basically says, believe in god but keep your mind open to accept unknown part of it. You have to be able to admit in not knowing. We have our ideas, our hopes, different religious scriptures with unknown answers. Are they wrong? No and they aren't right in a way either. That is what i got from the Upanishads. You got to be able to understand that it will always be an unknown that our powerful brains have to deal with.
You know I am not trying to say what is right, I am just trying to relate to what the writer said. I love on page 4 when it talks about god giving us a tongue to speak but he won't speak. Or eyes to see, that won't be able to see him. Also the ears to hear, that won't hear him. It just very truthful and a realistic point of view. Am i trying to say not to wonder and try to grasp it, not at all. But to remember and take the view points of upanishad and think about it for a minute. Some or all of you may disagree with what i said about the writing, but in a way it relates to how i feel about god. "The ignorant think that God can be grasped by the mind; the wise know it beyond knowledge.
I love how the speech talks about how thinking or trying to grasp what god really is not realistic. That is truly why I think us humans lack the ability to not wonder and grasp. So many people look to god or ask god for help. Wanting to see him or hear him, For some kind of hope and answers to the unknown. Thats why i like this writing because it basically says, believe in god but keep your mind open to accept unknown part of it. You have to be able to admit in not knowing. We have our ideas, our hopes, different religious scriptures with unknown answers. Are they wrong? No and they aren't right in a way either. That is what i got from the Upanishads. You got to be able to understand that it will always be an unknown that our powerful brains have to deal with.
You know I am not trying to say what is right, I am just trying to relate to what the writer said. I love on page 4 when it talks about god giving us a tongue to speak but he won't speak. Or eyes to see, that won't be able to see him. Also the ears to hear, that won't hear him. It just very truthful and a realistic point of view. Am i trying to say not to wonder and try to grasp it, not at all. But to remember and take the view points of upanishad and think about it for a minute. Some or all of you may disagree with what i said about the writing, but in a way it relates to how i feel about god. "The ignorant think that God can be grasped by the mind; the wise know it beyond knowledge.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Chief Seattle
This statement to Governor Stevens is strong and very opinionated. I also liked this reading because it gave a different insight than SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA did. This reading talks about the disappearance of the "red man" and the land dispute, with the connection of religion and Christianity. Yes, i know it talks about the white mans religion a little bit, but not so much in depth. What i like is when Chief Seattle says "But i will not mourn the passing of my people"(173). It just shows how unselfish the Natives were. Saying that he doesn't believe that it was just the white mans fault is strong hearted. In this writing it shows how the indians in a way have given up on trying to fight back and realize they are over powered. What i didn't like is that he says "Your god loves your people and hates mine"(174). I just don't like how he thinks that just because he has to negotiate with the white man that he has to accustome to their beliefs.
To continue with, I particularly don't like how Chief blames the religion and god of the white men for the tradegies. What he really does this whole time is bash on the whites. Almost in a way saying that their religion is wrong. The opposite of SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA beliefs in the last writing. Saying things like they don't care about their fathers graves and the holiness of the land(175). Thats why i liked the writing because it gave a different view of the Native. In a way he is comparing the two religions and showing them they are wrong. Yes, I believe that they should have been able to worship what ever they wanted but not butt heads so much the whites. Am I being unfair by saying this, ya i think so. I am just very opiniated on the belief that you shouldn't judge other religions. Yes, the Natives were killed, betrayed, and taken advantage of; but some are taken it out on the "white mans god".
Finally, I like how the writing explains that the indians have given up on fighting and will accept reservations. It also talks about the dead of the indians. I like how it talks about the passion of the land and holiness of the land the Natives had. What i don't like is how he says to the white man the dead will always be their. Almost in a way that the Natives will always be their to haunt the white. I like that he believes the spirits will always live their but not the way he portrays it to the white man. To conclude, i liked the writing because of the different insight compared to SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA. What i didn't like is that Chief was comparing the religions so much. Bashing on the whites religion and saying that his religion was right. This writing definitly gave me a different perspective on what i think about how the Natives viewed religion.
To continue with, I particularly don't like how Chief blames the religion and god of the white men for the tradegies. What he really does this whole time is bash on the whites. Almost in a way saying that their religion is wrong. The opposite of SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA beliefs in the last writing. Saying things like they don't care about their fathers graves and the holiness of the land(175). Thats why i liked the writing because it gave a different view of the Native. In a way he is comparing the two religions and showing them they are wrong. Yes, I believe that they should have been able to worship what ever they wanted but not butt heads so much the whites. Am I being unfair by saying this, ya i think so. I am just very opiniated on the belief that you shouldn't judge other religions. Yes, the Natives were killed, betrayed, and taken advantage of; but some are taken it out on the "white mans god".
Finally, I like how the writing explains that the indians have given up on fighting and will accept reservations. It also talks about the dead of the indians. I like how it talks about the passion of the land and holiness of the land the Natives had. What i don't like is how he says to the white man the dead will always be their. Almost in a way that the Natives will always be their to haunt the white. I like that he believes the spirits will always live their but not the way he portrays it to the white man. To conclude, i liked the writing because of the different insight compared to SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA. What i didn't like is that Chief was comparing the religions so much. Bashing on the whites religion and saying that his religion was right. This writing definitly gave me a different perspective on what i think about how the Natives viewed religion.
SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA and the Great Spirit
The white men versus the Native Americans. The mysteries and stories that go along with this topic is so great. But I believe this writing gives a great insight on how the Native Americans really felt. It shows the Native Americans as being genuine and honest about how they feel about religion. They were not trying to persuade anyone to follow what they believed in like the white people were. So why does the white men have to demand so much? That's why i love this story because it shares the true feelings of the Natives and how they weren't selfish, but were willing to leave each other alone. It just shows how narrow minded and selfish the white men and the Christian Society was. Now I'm not saying that the Natives religion is the right one, but that they bring up a good point they should get their own beliefs.
Now, your wondering if i believe in the Native Americans religion; that's not what I'm saying at all. I mean i loved the writing and thought it gave some good insight. Do i think that the Natives are focused on nature and heritage and not moving on in technology advances, yes i do. SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA is speaking and says, "Their was a time when our forefathers owned this great continent"(159). I thought this was a great quote, because it is statement that shoves what the white man said right back in his face. One thing i don't believe in is that, SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA, believes that the land was created for the "red man". I understand they owned the land, but it doesn't mean they get to keep it forever. I do believe that the white men were cruel for not negotiating on land. Life is unfair and will always be unfair. With the different languages and religions and beliefs it is almost impossible to be at peace. Also, I love how SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA explains the story of when the white men came over the seas into their land. Talks about how they accepted the white men as friends only to get betrayed, killed, and deprivation of land.
Finally, this writing is a very touching insight to me. I am part Indian but don't know very much about the heritage. Do i believe in the Great Spirit of the Natives now, no. The reason why this writing appealed to me so much is that i feel the same way SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA feels about religion. That you should have the right to believe in what you want and who you want. Yes, we get that privilege now, but it's sad that the Natives were take advantage of so much. I also like how he says that you don't need a book to worship your god. I love this statement because it's so true, Just because certain religions have books, doesn't mean everyone needs to. All in All, I think this writing gave good insights, and was moving for me.
Now, your wondering if i believe in the Native Americans religion; that's not what I'm saying at all. I mean i loved the writing and thought it gave some good insight. Do i think that the Natives are focused on nature and heritage and not moving on in technology advances, yes i do. SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA is speaking and says, "Their was a time when our forefathers owned this great continent"(159). I thought this was a great quote, because it is statement that shoves what the white man said right back in his face. One thing i don't believe in is that, SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA, believes that the land was created for the "red man". I understand they owned the land, but it doesn't mean they get to keep it forever. I do believe that the white men were cruel for not negotiating on land. Life is unfair and will always be unfair. With the different languages and religions and beliefs it is almost impossible to be at peace. Also, I love how SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA explains the story of when the white men came over the seas into their land. Talks about how they accepted the white men as friends only to get betrayed, killed, and deprivation of land.
Finally, this writing is a very touching insight to me. I am part Indian but don't know very much about the heritage. Do i believe in the Great Spirit of the Natives now, no. The reason why this writing appealed to me so much is that i feel the same way SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA feels about religion. That you should have the right to believe in what you want and who you want. Yes, we get that privilege now, but it's sad that the Natives were take advantage of so much. I also like how he says that you don't need a book to worship your god. I love this statement because it's so true, Just because certain religions have books, doesn't mean everyone needs to. All in All, I think this writing gave good insights, and was moving for me.
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