Junee Kim

REFLECTION #3: FOLLOWING THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT

             When exploring Hinduism, I felt that there were a lot of principles or concepts that I really agreed with and therefore tried harder to experience them and apply them to my daily life. I saw Hinduism as a religion of practical significance. However with Buddhism, it was hard for me to agree with some of its core principles, specifically the Four Noble Truths. Buddhism seems, to me, to be a religion of resignation. I feel that the idea of giving up all desires in order to avoid suffering seems to embody a defeatist attitude (by Western standards). Yes, I agree that the world has a lot of suffering. But I believe that suffering is a natural part of life and that it is crucial for learning and growth. I see suffering as something that should be experienced and overcome, not merely avoided. And this is reflected in my opinion of Siddhartha Gautama’s quote regarding attachment. “You only lose what you cling to,” is something that I cannot agree with because I feel that not clinging to anything in life better fits my definition of losing. Although I did not necessarily agree with the overarching ideas of Buddhism, there were aspects of its Eightfold Path and way of life that I found enlightening. 

            Meditation was difficult for me for two main reasons. One being that I wasn’t feeling well that day and was coming down with a cold. Secondly, I found it hard to meditate upon principles that I didn’t necessarily agree with. I would definitely like to redo this exercise on my own time. The meditation reinforced my self-awareness in that I acknowledge that I am a rather opinionated person. I felt that the principles were really absolute and they used words such as all, only, and nothing. I feel that there should always be a balance in life. I hold the view that all things are good in moderation, even bad things such as greed and anger. Desire is good. Ambition is better. Sometimes harsh words need to be spoken. There is a place in this world for everything.

            I loved the trip to the temple. It embodied tranquility and although I don’t believe in the principles of Buddhism it made me think that maybe, “Enlightenment is tranquility.” I feel as if I’ve constantly been saying that I don’t believe in Buddhist principles throughout this reflection but just because it’s not for me doesn’t mean that it isn’t a significant positive influence in this world. Buddhism as a faith system has beautiful values that when applied correctly has the potential to bring about an equally beautiful life. However, I felt that Buddhism as a religion was too idealistic for my standards. The temple visit was a really different experience for me in comparison to the meditation. I experienced Buddhism at a deeper level. When I go to a Christian retreat, a large worship gathering, or even just Sunday service, I am often deeply touched by witnessing so many people who worship so fervently. It is inspiring. The temple visit was a similar experience. The dedication that some of the people had was truly inspiring. Buddhism for these people was a way of life. Tranquility and right concentration, for them wasn’t just something elusive and far off, it was a real life goal.  The temple itself was so beautiful. The colors, the detail, and the stories painted on the walls. The temple was a symbol of the practical significance of Buddhism. Bongwonsa is Right Livelihood at its best. 

REFLECTION #2: HINDUISM IN ACTION


Gandhi Movie Reflection
 

Choose two of Gandhi’s quotes. Describe how Gandhi’s actions in the movie support this statement. Summarize the movie scene and supplement your answer with information from the book, the NY Times article, or discussion from class.

           Gandhi drew upon the Christian faith when he observed, “A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.” Although Gandhi is a Hindu, he believes that there is a value in learning from other major religions. This is because Hinduism is a panentheism. Judaism, Islam and Christianity are simply alternative ways of striving towards the One Reality. Gandhi clearly identified with Jesus Christ to a considerable extent. He once stated, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” In many ways, Gandhi modeled his life after that of Jesus Christ. He identified himself with the meek, believed in nonviolence, and practiced character evangelism. He was referencing Jesus Christ in his quote but in hindsight, after his assassination, he might as well have been referring to himself. He, an innocent man, offered himself up for the good of others, for the independence of India. He loved his enemies and showed compassion to all, even the murderers of children. He forgave easily and offered ways of redemption. Gandhi may not have been a perfect man, as the NY Times article clearly tried to demonstrate, but it was the existence of his imperfections that made his act even more extraordinary and perfect.

            Religion should be a way of life. Gandhi made that clear when he stated, “A religion that takes no account of practical affairs and does not help to solve them is no religion.” He believes that a religion needs to have a practical significance; it must be applied to our daily lives. Gandhi was a good model of how to incorporate beliefs into everyday life. Throughout his life we can see elements of the Hindu faith. In his civil disobedience, he demonstrated nonviolence. Through his accommodations for Muslims, following the independence of India, he displayed toleration for differences of opinion as well as a respect for alternative ways of striving towards the One Reality. He practiced self-discipline to the point of austerity. He loved his enemies and the spiritually misguided. In doing so, he used his religion to solve his problems and more importantly, he taught others to do the same. 

Yoga Reflection 

Reflect on your experience of yoga. How did you feel while doing it? Could you understand the purpose of these rituals within the Hindu religion? Why? 

            At first I was a bit skeptical about what I would gain from practicing yoga because after my spine surgery I lost a lot of my range of movement. In addition I felt that my chronic pain and bad joints would keep me from assuming certain positions. And my wariness was well warranted. Throughout the sun salutations, I struggled and to an extent gave up. I think the picture above, with the flaming head and eyes, is an accurate depiction of myself in some of the positions! However, this didn’t keep me from experiencing the benefits and values of yoga. I may have blundered my way through the physical aspects, but mentally and spiritually I may have left the room just a tiny bit enlightened.

Upon further research I found that I might have had a slightly misguided interpretation of yoga. Hinduism emphasizes identifying with one’s true self. According to Hinduism, at our innermost soul, we have a hidden greatness called the Atman. However we are not aware of this connection with Total Being due to ignorance, selfishness, illusion, and other worldly things. Yoga, in its four forms, is meant to peel away at our worldly selves until Utter Reality is reached. The ultimate goal of Yoga is human awareness. I’ve realized that, yoga isn’t simply about the exercises. You could go through all the motions but, much like a religion, if you don’t feel it, breathe it, and live it then you won’t get much out of it. It becomes simply a way of exercise like swimming or jogging. The way I understand it, yoga is about self-discipline and control, physically, mentally, and spiritually. By becoming aware of yourself through controlled exercises, you also harness the soul. This discipline, emphasized in the Hindu religion, shouldn’t just be present when assuming yoga positions however, it should transcend into all aspects of daily life.

            Although I went through the motions, I didn’t truly feel that I was practicing yoga until my fourth cycle of sun salutations. It was only then that I felt warmth in my body, relaxation in my muscles, and a sense of peace. Warmth. Relaxation. Peace. This was a profound experience, because second semester of last year was a tough time for me. My confidence crumbled and thoughtful melancholy was my constant companion. Over the summer, as I resolved my conflicts and reached out for emotional/spiritual healing, I felt an inner peace that I hadn’t felt in a very long time. After that, I became preoccupied with finding things that brought tranquility into my life. I experimented with aromatherapy and meditation. I exercised regularly. And spent a lot of down time laughing and conversing with friends. I think I still felt unstable and therefore overcompensated in my search for peace. I’ve since realized that my inner peace doesn’t come from the things that I do. It comes from my mindset and outlook on life. Yoga essentially reflects that. It’s not about the movements; it’s about being in control of the mind and spirit. 

           

REFLECTION #1: The Merry Maidens (Dans Maen) 

Men’s inquisitiveness consumes mind and soul

And seeks to unearth mysteries. But to acquire

The answers of significant questions proved futile.

With worldly views, many were left unanswered

Uncertainty breeds unrest, unrest breeds danger

And soon, in a attempt to restore order,

Assurance and confidence and reliance

For the people, a deity was born.

Afterlife, the natural mysteries past and future

The questions answered, minds satisfied with faith

Or the simple assurance, of peace within.
Now the soul lives, only plagued by sorrows and laments

Sorrows followed by laments; and the rest 

Is prayer, assurance, discipline, questions answered.
The questions answered, the assurances given, is Religion.

Place of worship, symbols to honor
Of holy stones erected

That are here to stand now and forevermore

Are where once people came,

To wonder wonders that may afflict us all

Of which here now became beliefs

And so wonders turn into beliefs, convictions.

Driven by ponderous thoughts,

Meditations, and the enlightenment that follows

For from knowledge begets peace.

For these stones, this is the aim

Why? Why this, why that

Always to be answered

Because power internal and external

Comes with understanding.

We, satisfied at the last

To gladly greet all sorrows and laments of life

To live and die with content.

Works Cited 

"Access to Monuments - Merry Maidens Stone Circle." Access to Monuments - Merry 

                 Maidens Stone Circle. Historic Environment Service of Cornwall County 

                 Council, 14 Sept. 2007. Web. 01 Sept. 2012. <http://www.historic-

                 cornwall.org.uk/a2m/bronze_age/stone_circle/merry_maidens/merry_

                 maidens.htm>