1. Why is the pronouncement of the shahada central to a Muslim’s identity and
practice of the Islamic faith?
The Shahada pronounces the two main tenets of Islam, God's monotheism and Muhammad being his prophet. This is central because it outlines that there is one God and Muhammad is the prophet who outlines everything Muslims must do in order to submit to Allah. According to Muslims, this pronouncement answers all questions and is said often. The Muslim identity is monotheism and the practice was taught by Muhammad the prophet.
2. How does the practice of the salat both mentally and physically help Muslims to
live in obedience to the will of Allah?
Muslims are encouraged to be in a constant state of prayer so that they are never distracted from God. Salat is the opportunity to pray and show physical submission to Allah in the prayer five times a day. Mentally, Muslims are constantly focused on God and Salat outlines a physical ritual to accompany their prayer and show total submission.
3. In what ways does the practice of zakat influence Muslims as a community of
faith? In other words, what does this practice say about the Muslim community
and its commitment to the poor and marginalized?
Muslims recognize the people in need through their faith because there is a pillar of faith that directly deals with the poor. It influences them to help those in need and form a close community. This practice shows that the Muslims are devout and show a constant commitment to the poor.
4. How does the practice of sawm both mentally and physically help a Muslim to
live in obedience to the will of Allah?
Muslims fast during Sawm and believe that the fasting makes them think and practice self-discipline all in order to live in obedience. Fasting in the physical approach and the fasting leads to a greater mental reflection, fulfilling the mental approach.
5. Why do you think that the hajj is a pillar of the Islamic faith? How is this practice
similar and different from other world religions?
The Hajj completes all the mental and physical practice that a Muslim does. It provides Muslims with a tangible shrine and part of history affirming their faith in Muhammad and Allah. The pilgrimage often makes Muslims more devout and consumed in their religion. This is unique because most other religions do not have a place that so many people congregate at least once in their lifetime and retrace the footsteps of the founder. But it is similar to things like the vatican and the trips people make there or the birth place of Jesus or Siddhartha, all in order to strengthen devotion and feel the presence of God.
6. What do you think are some of the challenges of practicing a life in relationship to
the Five Pillars?
Balancing a constant devotion to Allah and having a job, family, kids, and parents to care for.
-mainly that because praying and charity become so woven in with daily life that it isn't an inconvenience when you are devout to Allah. But it still might be hard to balance relationships with others when you are so constantly focused on your relationship with God.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Blog Post 26 - 99 Names of God
The Sustainer –
Masculine
“The
Sustainer” has a masculine connotation towards it because of the typical male
roles in society. Men work in order to care for or sustain the family’s
well-being. In the same way this title is attributed to men it can also be
attributed to God. God is the sustainer of the giant human species family. He
sustains the universe in order to fulfill his divine plan and have humans
recognize him.
The Protector –
Masculine
“The
Protector” can be a title for God because of its meaning. A protector can be of
any relation to man or woman; he or she protects from evils and harm out of
love. God assumes this role according to most monotheistic religions. Good and
evil have been defined because of the existence of good and evil and therefore
God protects humans from evil.
The Responder –
Feminine
Women often
show greater signs of empathy and emotion towards any heart-striking event.
When taking care of children, the mother responds to her child’s cry and then
comforts it. God does the same for his children, he responds to prayers and
worship so that he might help his children through life. God listens and
responds like a mother and her child.
The Restorer –
Feminine
Females often
take care of the sick such as sick children, husband, or parents. They play the
role of a restorer to nourish and rejuvenate the sick. God is a restorer in the
same way, restoring the mental, physical, and spiritual sick. He works to
restore all people and make them understand his goodness and care. God restores
the earth so that humans might come to know him and follow him.
Sustainer, Protector,
Responder, and Restorer
The same God heralds all of
these attributes. It is one God that protects against evil, responds if evil
strikes, restores from the striking evil, and sustains the restored person. God
takes on both masculine and feminine roles because He is the ultimate
sustainer, protector, responder, and restorer. He does everything for people
because he loves them and wants them to know him and have faith in his mission.
God is caring and therefore does all of these things for people and embodies
all the attributes or ninety-nine names Muslims give him.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Blog Post 24 - Islam WebQuest
Task #1: The World's Muslim Population
1) What is highest estimate for the total number of Muslims that live in the world today?
2.1 Billion
2) List 10 countries who have a Muslim population of 86% or greater.
Afghanistan
Algeria
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Comoros
Djibouti
Egypt
Gambia
Iran
Iraq
3) What country has the largest Muslim population?
Morocco
4) How many Muslims are there in the United States?
2,595,000
Task #2: Key Beliefs of Islam
Summarize each of the key beliefs below in a COMPLETE sentence.
1) Muslims believe in one and only one God who is the creator.
2) God has angels that live in harmony with him.
3) The Bible and Qur'an are divine scriptures God bestowed on people such as Muhammad.
4) Muslims believe in prophets, the last on being Muhammad whose word is the ultimatum of God's message.
5) There will be a day of judgement determining one's afterlife destination.
6) God's will is supreme and predestined.
TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD Go to the following website and put 3 of Muhammad’s sayings in your own words.
1) Those who believe in God and the Day of Judgement should be just with their neighbor.
2) Pay a man for his work before his has finished.
3) Until you love your neighbor as yourself, you do not believe completely.
Task #3: The Qur'an
1) What does the Quran provide?
Guidance, direction, and a means of salvation.
2) In what language(s) does the Quran exist? Why?
Only in Arabic, if it is not in Arabic then it is not valid because the Quran was bestowed on Muhammad in Arabic.
3) During which month was the Quran sent down from Heaven?
The ninth month, the month of Ramadan.
4) What did the angel Gabriel command Muhammad to do? What happened next?
To read, but when Muhammad told Gabriel he could not read, Gabriel began to teach Muhammad the verses that would become the Quran.
Task #4: Five Pillars of Faith
1) List and explain the 5 Pillars of Faith.
-Shahada (testimony of faith): the most important pillar that converts to Islam must state with conviction.
-Salat (prayer): Muslims pray five times a day facing Mecca (or to the East).
-Zakat (almsgiving): a requirement of faith like tithing in the Church in which Muslims give to charity.
-Siyam (fasting): ritual fasting during the month of Ramadan.
-Hajj (pilgrimage): pilgrimage to Mecca at the end of the Islamic calendar.
2) Why are they important?
They strengthen faith and service to Allah and they can be performed anywhere by anyone.
3) Why is cheating on the 5 Pillars impossible?
Because it is a matter between Allah and the Muslim, God cannot be fooled and it would be useless to cheat.
4) Compare the 5 Pillars with similar activities in other religions.
Christians practice fasting, almsgiving, prayer, and testimony of faith. The five pillars are similar to a set of guidelines such as the 613 laws in Judaism and Ten Commandments.
Task #5: Ramadan
1) What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar during which Muslims fast.
2) What restraints are placed on Muslims during Ramadan?
Muslims cannot eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting.
3) What can destroy the good acquired during Ramadan?
telling a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath and greed or covetousness.
4) Why is the 27th day of Ramadan significant?
Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). This was the night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Qur'an.
5) What happens when Ramadan ends?
There is a three day celebration called Id-al-Fitr (Feast of Fast Breaking). Families and friends pray and feast.
6) What are the 3 reasons Ramadan is important?
-The Qur'an was revealed during this month
-Gates of Heaven are open
-Gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell
7) Why is easier to do good during Ramadan?
The devils are chained up in Hell thus less likely to interfere with reverence and doing good.
Task #6: Fun Facts
List 5 interest facts you learned from the websites above.
1) Charity, Knowledge, and Prayer helps someone in the afterlife after they are deceased.
2) Islamic art is not exclusively religious but includes other aspects of Muslim culture.
3) Muslims systematically give 2.5% a year of their wealth to help the poor.
4) Muslims accept the Bible but view it as corrupted and translated inaccurately.
5) Islam has only few holidays in comparison to other religions.
1) What is highest estimate for the total number of Muslims that live in the world today?
2.1 Billion
2) List 10 countries who have a Muslim population of 86% or greater.
Afghanistan
Algeria
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Comoros
Djibouti
Egypt
Gambia
Iran
Iraq
3) What country has the largest Muslim population?
Morocco
4) How many Muslims are there in the United States?
2,595,000
Task #2: Key Beliefs of Islam
Summarize each of the key beliefs below in a COMPLETE sentence.
1) Muslims believe in one and only one God who is the creator.
2) God has angels that live in harmony with him.
3) The Bible and Qur'an are divine scriptures God bestowed on people such as Muhammad.
4) Muslims believe in prophets, the last on being Muhammad whose word is the ultimatum of God's message.
5) There will be a day of judgement determining one's afterlife destination.
6) God's will is supreme and predestined.
TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD Go to the following website and put 3 of Muhammad’s sayings in your own words.
1) Those who believe in God and the Day of Judgement should be just with their neighbor.
2) Pay a man for his work before his has finished.
3) Until you love your neighbor as yourself, you do not believe completely.
Task #3: The Qur'an
1) What does the Quran provide?
Guidance, direction, and a means of salvation.
2) In what language(s) does the Quran exist? Why?
Only in Arabic, if it is not in Arabic then it is not valid because the Quran was bestowed on Muhammad in Arabic.
3) During which month was the Quran sent down from Heaven?
The ninth month, the month of Ramadan.
4) What did the angel Gabriel command Muhammad to do? What happened next?
To read, but when Muhammad told Gabriel he could not read, Gabriel began to teach Muhammad the verses that would become the Quran.
Task #4: Five Pillars of Faith
1) List and explain the 5 Pillars of Faith.
-Shahada (testimony of faith): the most important pillar that converts to Islam must state with conviction.
-Salat (prayer): Muslims pray five times a day facing Mecca (or to the East).
-Zakat (almsgiving): a requirement of faith like tithing in the Church in which Muslims give to charity.
-Siyam (fasting): ritual fasting during the month of Ramadan.
-Hajj (pilgrimage): pilgrimage to Mecca at the end of the Islamic calendar.
2) Why are they important?
They strengthen faith and service to Allah and they can be performed anywhere by anyone.
3) Why is cheating on the 5 Pillars impossible?
Because it is a matter between Allah and the Muslim, God cannot be fooled and it would be useless to cheat.
4) Compare the 5 Pillars with similar activities in other religions.
Christians practice fasting, almsgiving, prayer, and testimony of faith. The five pillars are similar to a set of guidelines such as the 613 laws in Judaism and Ten Commandments.
Task #5: Ramadan
1) What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar during which Muslims fast.
2) What restraints are placed on Muslims during Ramadan?
Muslims cannot eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting.
3) What can destroy the good acquired during Ramadan?
telling a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath and greed or covetousness.
4) Why is the 27th day of Ramadan significant?
Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). This was the night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Qur'an.
5) What happens when Ramadan ends?
There is a three day celebration called Id-al-Fitr (Feast of Fast Breaking). Families and friends pray and feast.
6) What are the 3 reasons Ramadan is important?
-The Qur'an was revealed during this month
-Gates of Heaven are open
-Gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell
7) Why is easier to do good during Ramadan?
The devils are chained up in Hell thus less likely to interfere with reverence and doing good.
Task #6: Fun Facts
List 5 interest facts you learned from the websites above.
1) Charity, Knowledge, and Prayer helps someone in the afterlife after they are deceased.
2) Islamic art is not exclusively religious but includes other aspects of Muslim culture.
3) Muslims systematically give 2.5% a year of their wealth to help the poor.
4) Muslims accept the Bible but view it as corrupted and translated inaccurately.
5) Islam has only few holidays in comparison to other religions.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Blog Post 22 - Ancient Western Religions
1. When and where did Zoroastrianism begin to flourish?
Zoroastrianism began to flourish in what is modern day Iran during the Persian Empire, dated around the fourth or fifth century B.C.
2. How did Zoroastrianism spread beyond its place of origin?
Zoroastrianism spread beyond its place of origin after conquest by the Greeks, specifically, Alexander the Great. Thus, people began to move the culture and religion of Persia.
3. Briefly describe the religious experience Zarathustra had at about age thirty.
At age thirty, Zarathustra was taken by an angel to the Wise Lord, Ahura Mazda. Zarathustra saw Ahura Mazda and acknowledged him as the one God.
4. Name the sacred text of Zoroastrianism. What is the oldest material in this text and who wrote it?
The sacred text of Zoroastrianism is the Avesta, its oldest material is the Gathas that were written by Zarathustra.
5. Summarize the characteristics and actions associated with Ahura Mazda.
Ahura Mazda is the creator and determinant of destiny and control of the universe. He is goodness who opposes evil.
6. What is ethical dualism?
Ethical dualism is belief in the conflict between good and evil forces.
7. What is the Lie and how does it relate to Ahura Mazda?
Lie is the evil force that combats with Ahura Mazda, the good force.
8. What must humans choose between in the Zoroastrian cosmic scheme?
The truth and the Lie, or the beneficent spirit and the hostile spirit.
9. Summarize Zarathustra's understanding of human destiny.
Zarathustra believes in a judgement after death leading either to torment or paradise based on the life lived. He also believes in bodily resurrection for all, the good will pass and the evil with burn (however this may have been an idea later added).
10. What are the general ethical demands of traditional Zoroastrian life?
Ethical demands are focused on agriculture, raising livestock and fields. Avoid evil and follow truth. Prayer is required five times a day with rituals like fire.
11. Who are the Parsis, and where do most of them live today?
The Parsis are those who practice Zoroastrians and most of them live in India today.
12. What are commonly regarded as having been the Bible of the ancient Greeks?
The epic poems the Illiad and the Odyssey by "Homer".
13. Explain the meaning of this sentence: The gods of the Olympian pantheon are anthropomorphic.
The Olympus gods were given human attributes and acted like humans both in the obvious actions and also physical features and characteristics.
14. What was Aeschylus's main contribution to the understanding of the gods of the Olympian pantheon? Give an example.
Aeschylus contributed to the more theological understandings of the gods. For instance, he wrote about Zeus's wisdom and affiliation with justice more so than focusing on the human aspects of the gods. This gave the gods more dignity.
15. What is an oracle? What is the most famous oracle of ancient Greece, and why was it consulted?
An oracle is a sanctuary favored by a particular god who communicated to those who visited it. The most famous was the oracle at Delphi, who was favored by Apollo. Apollo was consulted for his widsom on anything from private to public issues, such as military decisions.
16. Briefly identify the three basic aspects of the mystery religions.
People chose to join and were intitiated by some ritual.
A personal encounter with the deity was experienced.
Spiritual renewel was acquired and hope for a better afterlife.
17. What mystery religion honored Demeter and Persephone?
The Eleusinian Mysteries.
18. What is the god Dionysus associated with, and how is he often depicted in Greek art?
Dionysus is associated with fertility and the vine. He is depicted in Greek art with vines and grapes.
19. Name the goal of the ascetic practices of the Orphics.
For the soul to escape the body and realize the divine, Dionysian nature.
20. What is Plato's theory of knowledge?
Plato's theory of knowledge is that knowledge is recollection; the things we know in this life come from previous lifetimes.
21. What is Platonic dualism?
Reality consists of eternal and perfect Forms, or ideas, and that the material, bodily world is an imperfect reflection of the world of Forms.
22. Why did Jesus seem to have much in common with the ancient Asclepius?
Both were called Savior and had strong healing powers and relationships with followers.
23. What were the numina, and what sorts of things were they thought to inhabit?
The numina were supernatural powers inhabiting things such as Roman homes, towns, and the countryside.
24. Who was the most powerful Roman deity?
Jupiter, the sky god.
25. Identify the six planets of our solar system that are named after Roman deities.
Mars, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury
26. Why did the Roman state consider it essential to maintain official worship practices?
It kept peace of the gods and helped the welfare of the Roman state.
27. Which mystery religions were the main rivals of Christianity in the later Roman Empire?
Mithraism and the religion celebrating Isis.
28. Briefly summarize the Egyptian myth of Isis and Osiris.
Isis and Osiris were husband and wife. Osiris was killed by his brother and Isis found him in pieces and put him back together; he became god of the underworld.
29. Briefly describe the sort of emperor worship encouraged by Augustus.
Worship of his genius/guardian spirit which was like worship of Rome because of the emperor's responsibility of the welfare of the state.
30. Why did Christians and Roman rulers clash over emperor worship?
They clashed because worshipers of the emperor could not be considered Christians. The Romans thought it was suspicious the Christians wouldn't worship the emperor and thus caused conflict.
Zoroastrianism began to flourish in what is modern day Iran during the Persian Empire, dated around the fourth or fifth century B.C.
2. How did Zoroastrianism spread beyond its place of origin?
Zoroastrianism spread beyond its place of origin after conquest by the Greeks, specifically, Alexander the Great. Thus, people began to move the culture and religion of Persia.
3. Briefly describe the religious experience Zarathustra had at about age thirty.
At age thirty, Zarathustra was taken by an angel to the Wise Lord, Ahura Mazda. Zarathustra saw Ahura Mazda and acknowledged him as the one God.
4. Name the sacred text of Zoroastrianism. What is the oldest material in this text and who wrote it?
The sacred text of Zoroastrianism is the Avesta, its oldest material is the Gathas that were written by Zarathustra.
5. Summarize the characteristics and actions associated with Ahura Mazda.
Ahura Mazda is the creator and determinant of destiny and control of the universe. He is goodness who opposes evil.
6. What is ethical dualism?
Ethical dualism is belief in the conflict between good and evil forces.
7. What is the Lie and how does it relate to Ahura Mazda?
Lie is the evil force that combats with Ahura Mazda, the good force.
8. What must humans choose between in the Zoroastrian cosmic scheme?
The truth and the Lie, or the beneficent spirit and the hostile spirit.
9. Summarize Zarathustra's understanding of human destiny.
Zarathustra believes in a judgement after death leading either to torment or paradise based on the life lived. He also believes in bodily resurrection for all, the good will pass and the evil with burn (however this may have been an idea later added).
10. What are the general ethical demands of traditional Zoroastrian life?
Ethical demands are focused on agriculture, raising livestock and fields. Avoid evil and follow truth. Prayer is required five times a day with rituals like fire.
11. Who are the Parsis, and where do most of them live today?
The Parsis are those who practice Zoroastrians and most of them live in India today.
12. What are commonly regarded as having been the Bible of the ancient Greeks?
The epic poems the Illiad and the Odyssey by "Homer".
13. Explain the meaning of this sentence: The gods of the Olympian pantheon are anthropomorphic.
The Olympus gods were given human attributes and acted like humans both in the obvious actions and also physical features and characteristics.
14. What was Aeschylus's main contribution to the understanding of the gods of the Olympian pantheon? Give an example.
Aeschylus contributed to the more theological understandings of the gods. For instance, he wrote about Zeus's wisdom and affiliation with justice more so than focusing on the human aspects of the gods. This gave the gods more dignity.
15. What is an oracle? What is the most famous oracle of ancient Greece, and why was it consulted?
An oracle is a sanctuary favored by a particular god who communicated to those who visited it. The most famous was the oracle at Delphi, who was favored by Apollo. Apollo was consulted for his widsom on anything from private to public issues, such as military decisions.
16. Briefly identify the three basic aspects of the mystery religions.
People chose to join and were intitiated by some ritual.
A personal encounter with the deity was experienced.
Spiritual renewel was acquired and hope for a better afterlife.
17. What mystery religion honored Demeter and Persephone?
The Eleusinian Mysteries.
18. What is the god Dionysus associated with, and how is he often depicted in Greek art?
Dionysus is associated with fertility and the vine. He is depicted in Greek art with vines and grapes.
19. Name the goal of the ascetic practices of the Orphics.
For the soul to escape the body and realize the divine, Dionysian nature.
20. What is Plato's theory of knowledge?
Plato's theory of knowledge is that knowledge is recollection; the things we know in this life come from previous lifetimes.
21. What is Platonic dualism?
Reality consists of eternal and perfect Forms, or ideas, and that the material, bodily world is an imperfect reflection of the world of Forms.
22. Why did Jesus seem to have much in common with the ancient Asclepius?
Both were called Savior and had strong healing powers and relationships with followers.
23. What were the numina, and what sorts of things were they thought to inhabit?
The numina were supernatural powers inhabiting things such as Roman homes, towns, and the countryside.
24. Who was the most powerful Roman deity?
Jupiter, the sky god.
25. Identify the six planets of our solar system that are named after Roman deities.
Mars, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury
26. Why did the Roman state consider it essential to maintain official worship practices?
It kept peace of the gods and helped the welfare of the Roman state.
27. Which mystery religions were the main rivals of Christianity in the later Roman Empire?
Mithraism and the religion celebrating Isis.
28. Briefly summarize the Egyptian myth of Isis and Osiris.
Isis and Osiris were husband and wife. Osiris was killed by his brother and Isis found him in pieces and put him back together; he became god of the underworld.
29. Briefly describe the sort of emperor worship encouraged by Augustus.
Worship of his genius/guardian spirit which was like worship of Rome because of the emperor's responsibility of the welfare of the state.
30. Why did Christians and Roman rulers clash over emperor worship?
They clashed because worshipers of the emperor could not be considered Christians. The Romans thought it was suspicious the Christians wouldn't worship the emperor and thus caused conflict.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Judaism WebQuest
Holy Items
1. A synagogue serves as a place of gathering, study, and prayer that all involve meeting, communicating, and praying with others who practice the faith.
2. In a synagogue, the Ark is located on the eastern wall side and serves to house the Torah Scrolls when they aren't being used or the focal point of prayers. The Torah Scrolls are read from during worship or study. Men and women are separated in the synagogue. It appears that the Ten Commandments are located on the outside of the synagogue above or incorporated in the door frame and serve to remind people of G-d's laws given to Moses.
3. A rabbi is a Torah expert persay and guides those of the Jewish faith. He also does the basics such as weddings, funerals, and sermons on "High Holidays". A Jew becomes a rabbi by taking many tests based on the Torah and Talmud usually studied in a special school, "yeshiva" and receives ordination after passing these tests. The rabbi doesn't have to dress in special clothes like other clergymen of other faiths, he can dress like a Jew and does not have to practice abstinence (he can marry and have kids). The rabbi is like a consultant of Jewish law and can answer many questions about rules and behaviors. He also counsels those who need it and encourages all his community to strive to be better.
4. The Shabbat is a special day for Jews in which they can feast and enjoy the day and become more spiritually enriched. It occurs once every week on the seventh day.
5. The Torah is the law and teachings for Jews comprised of the Old Testament for Jews. Talmud refers to interpretation and meaning of the Torah and is called the "Oral Torah". The two Talmuds are the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmud.
6. Orthodox- follow the Torah and Talmud, believing the Torah is the orginal text (hasn't been edited)
Reform- The Torah was a work in progress (it became what it is over time); they are free as to what they believe and can change (hence "reform").
Conservative- a mixture of qualities that describe Reform or Orthodox facets such as G-d sending a Torah but humans contributing to it. Obedience but change is acceptable.
Zionist- a branch created by Theodor Herzl and a few years later became a response to the Holocaust and Jews sought a place in Palestine. More of a political branch.
Language
7. Hebrew- language of the early jews (a Semetic language) which stopped being used for communication for ahwile but continued as a language read for rituals and tradition like Latin. Many people speak Hebrew today.
8. Yiddish- language of Ashkenazic Jews (a Germanic Language). Yiddish means "Jewish" and is spoke by majority ordinary people (as opposed to the extraordinary scholars).
9. Mazal Tov- Congratulations!
Shalom- Hello! Peace! Goodbye
Mitzvah- Precept/Commandment
10. Brit Milah (Bris)- circumcision! on the eighth day after birth, a boy is circumcised to illustrate the covenant
Bar/Bat Mitzvah- "age of responsibility for the commandments" at thirteen a boy's initiation into the faith as an adult, at age twelve for girls. They recite from the Torah.
Jewish Marriage- with the help of a shadchan (matchmaker), Jews get married after many traditions leading up. (not to be married on Shabbat or holidays b/c they don't mix special ocassions)
11. Rosh Hoshanah-"head of the year"-celebration of the new year (a no work day!)
Yom Kippur- "day of atonement"-most important holiday in order to "atone" all the sins and repent for sins against God (no work again! but no eating or drinking either)
Hanukah- a sort of Jewish Christmas celebrating eigth days and candle lighting
Passover- celebration of the passing over of the Jews in Egypt celebrated on teh 15th day of the month of Nissan.
12. I knew a primary language of scripture was Hebrew
13. I like the dynamic of Judaism and how helpful and cool a rabbi seems for Jews (I thought it interesting that he dresses like any other Jew to show he is equal)
14. A similar tradition is probably the shabbat as it is correlated with the Sabbath as a day of rest and joy.
15. Something different is the Bar/Bat Mitzvah because although I have Confirmation, I don't have anything like the Mitzvah.
1. A synagogue serves as a place of gathering, study, and prayer that all involve meeting, communicating, and praying with others who practice the faith.
2. In a synagogue, the Ark is located on the eastern wall side and serves to house the Torah Scrolls when they aren't being used or the focal point of prayers. The Torah Scrolls are read from during worship or study. Men and women are separated in the synagogue. It appears that the Ten Commandments are located on the outside of the synagogue above or incorporated in the door frame and serve to remind people of G-d's laws given to Moses.
3. A rabbi is a Torah expert persay and guides those of the Jewish faith. He also does the basics such as weddings, funerals, and sermons on "High Holidays". A Jew becomes a rabbi by taking many tests based on the Torah and Talmud usually studied in a special school, "yeshiva" and receives ordination after passing these tests. The rabbi doesn't have to dress in special clothes like other clergymen of other faiths, he can dress like a Jew and does not have to practice abstinence (he can marry and have kids). The rabbi is like a consultant of Jewish law and can answer many questions about rules and behaviors. He also counsels those who need it and encourages all his community to strive to be better.
4. The Shabbat is a special day for Jews in which they can feast and enjoy the day and become more spiritually enriched. It occurs once every week on the seventh day.
5. The Torah is the law and teachings for Jews comprised of the Old Testament for Jews. Talmud refers to interpretation and meaning of the Torah and is called the "Oral Torah". The two Talmuds are the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmud.
6. Orthodox- follow the Torah and Talmud, believing the Torah is the orginal text (hasn't been edited)
Reform- The Torah was a work in progress (it became what it is over time); they are free as to what they believe and can change (hence "reform").
Conservative- a mixture of qualities that describe Reform or Orthodox facets such as G-d sending a Torah but humans contributing to it. Obedience but change is acceptable.
Zionist- a branch created by Theodor Herzl and a few years later became a response to the Holocaust and Jews sought a place in Palestine. More of a political branch.
Language
7. Hebrew- language of the early jews (a Semetic language) which stopped being used for communication for ahwile but continued as a language read for rituals and tradition like Latin. Many people speak Hebrew today.
8. Yiddish- language of Ashkenazic Jews (a Germanic Language). Yiddish means "Jewish" and is spoke by majority ordinary people (as opposed to the extraordinary scholars).
9. Mazal Tov- Congratulations!
Shalom- Hello! Peace! Goodbye
Mitzvah- Precept/Commandment
10. Brit Milah (Bris)- circumcision! on the eighth day after birth, a boy is circumcised to illustrate the covenant
Bar/Bat Mitzvah- "age of responsibility for the commandments" at thirteen a boy's initiation into the faith as an adult, at age twelve for girls. They recite from the Torah.
Jewish Marriage- with the help of a shadchan (matchmaker), Jews get married after many traditions leading up. (not to be married on Shabbat or holidays b/c they don't mix special ocassions)
11. Rosh Hoshanah-"head of the year"-celebration of the new year (a no work day!)
Yom Kippur- "day of atonement"-most important holiday in order to "atone" all the sins and repent for sins against God (no work again! but no eating or drinking either)
Hanukah- a sort of Jewish Christmas celebrating eigth days and candle lighting
Passover- celebration of the passing over of the Jews in Egypt celebrated on teh 15th day of the month of Nissan.
12. I knew a primary language of scripture was Hebrew
13. I like the dynamic of Judaism and how helpful and cool a rabbi seems for Jews (I thought it interesting that he dresses like any other Jew to show he is equal)
14. A similar tradition is probably the shabbat as it is correlated with the Sabbath as a day of rest and joy.
15. Something different is the Bar/Bat Mitzvah because although I have Confirmation, I don't have anything like the Mitzvah.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Buddhism Packet Questions
1. Siddhartha Gautama
2. a) A decrepit old man
b) Diseased man
c) Corpse
-emphasize the reality of suffering and impermanence of life's pleasures
-Gautama does not feel safe or content with pleasure
d) Religious ascetic
-there is hope in this man who practices solitude and self-denial and Gautama thinks this might be an end of suffering and begins to follow this path.
3. The extremes of life do not lead to salvation. The Buddha lived in excess because it did not lead to salvation, he starved himself but rejected this. The middle way teaches that a healthy spiritual life depends on a healthy physical life.
4. Siddhartha sat beneath a fig tree and began to meditate. He faces Mara, the god of death, who presented desires to try and sway Siddhartha. Siddhartha was not swayed and touched the earth as a witness of his resolve and Mara went away. Siddhartha began meditating deeply and experienced the three watches. During the first watch he perceived his previous lifetimes, on the second he got the "divine eye", and the third watch he discovered the Four Noble Truths. From this he attained enlightenment.
5. The Sangha is a Buddhist monastic community. Men and women make up Sangha and live as monks and nuns in these communities.
6. The three jewels of Buddhism are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
7. Buddhism and Hinduism understand time in a cycle pattern and the eternal nature of the universe and of creation and destruction. This would be communal with the doctrine of samsara or "wheel of rebirth" and the idea that humans can escape this.
8. The Buddha disagreed with sacrifice and ritual done towards a god, the structure of Hinduism (the caste system), and the inequality among caste.
9. The three marks of existence are anatta (no-self), anicca (impermanence), and dukkha (suffering). Anatta and anicca work together to emphasize the constant changing of things that create no-self and impermanence of everything. Dukkha or suffering is the result of anatta and anicca, things always changing or fleeting and being just out of reach.
10. Anatta is the doctrine highlighting that there is no essence within reality or any being which directly contrasts the doctrine of Atman or the inner self and essence.
11. According to samsara, from one body to the next, energy is transferred and reborn and this energy is determined by karma. Karma is the cause and effect idea and effects the energy that is transferred based on good or bad actions.
12. Five Precepts (all Buddhists): 1. Do not take life 2. Do not take what is not given 3. Do not engage in sensuous misconduct 4. Do not use false speech 5. Do not drink intoxicants
Five Precepts (monks and nuns): 1. Do not eat after noon 2. Do not watch dancing or shows 3. Do not use garlands, perfumes, or ornaments 4. Do not use a high or soft bed 5. Do not accept gold or silver
13. Dukkha is translated into: "suffering", "frustration", "dislocation", or "discomfort". Dukkha means like a tweak or something that causes a larger part to suffer.
14. Tanha is the second noble truth meaning selfish desire and this selfish desire is causes dukkha or suffering.
15. Eightfold Path: 1. Right views-Learn Buddhist teachings 2. Right intentions- abandon bad attitudes, nurture good attitudes 3. Right speech- avoid gossip 4. Right conduct- live morally 5. Right livelihood- do not harm living beings 6. Right effort- maintain mental alertness 7. Right mindfulness- mental focus, meditation 8. Right meditation- perfect tranquility
16. The Buddha is different from others because he does not need a model of teachings to lead to his enlightenment.
17. An arhat is one who has become enlightened. An arhat has perfect wisdom and is free from tanha and dukkha. They are still engaged in the world but are detached from self and the world.
18. Nirvana literally means "blowing out". This helps the understanding with an analogy of blowing a candle out. Blowing a candle out is parallel to the extinguishing of self and desire that occurs in nirvana.
19. The three rafts of Buddhism are Theravada (lesser vehicle), Mahayana (great vehicle), and Vajrayana (vehicle of the diamond).
20. The main focus of Theravada Buddhism is the teachings of the Buddha and practicing them and especially through meditation and thus emphasizes monastic life.
21. Mahayana literally means "the Great Vehicle". This implies that they are superior to the Theravada Buddhists since they are named "the Lesser Vehicle".
22. Vajrayana Buddhism fights fire with fire by harnessing desires and energy to use it against itself and achieve enlightenment.
23. The Dalai Lama is the leader of Vajrayana Buddhism and a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara. Each Lama is chosen through supernatural means and things such as choosing former Lama's objects.
24. Theravada Buddhism is primarily located in Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Mahayana Buddhism is mainly in China, Japan, and Korea. Vajrayana Buddhism is located in Tibet. Thus they are located mainly in the Asian region.
2. a) A decrepit old man
b) Diseased man
c) Corpse
-emphasize the reality of suffering and impermanence of life's pleasures
-Gautama does not feel safe or content with pleasure
d) Religious ascetic
-there is hope in this man who practices solitude and self-denial and Gautama thinks this might be an end of suffering and begins to follow this path.
3. The extremes of life do not lead to salvation. The Buddha lived in excess because it did not lead to salvation, he starved himself but rejected this. The middle way teaches that a healthy spiritual life depends on a healthy physical life.
4. Siddhartha sat beneath a fig tree and began to meditate. He faces Mara, the god of death, who presented desires to try and sway Siddhartha. Siddhartha was not swayed and touched the earth as a witness of his resolve and Mara went away. Siddhartha began meditating deeply and experienced the three watches. During the first watch he perceived his previous lifetimes, on the second he got the "divine eye", and the third watch he discovered the Four Noble Truths. From this he attained enlightenment.
5. The Sangha is a Buddhist monastic community. Men and women make up Sangha and live as monks and nuns in these communities.
6. The three jewels of Buddhism are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
7. Buddhism and Hinduism understand time in a cycle pattern and the eternal nature of the universe and of creation and destruction. This would be communal with the doctrine of samsara or "wheel of rebirth" and the idea that humans can escape this.
8. The Buddha disagreed with sacrifice and ritual done towards a god, the structure of Hinduism (the caste system), and the inequality among caste.
9. The three marks of existence are anatta (no-self), anicca (impermanence), and dukkha (suffering). Anatta and anicca work together to emphasize the constant changing of things that create no-self and impermanence of everything. Dukkha or suffering is the result of anatta and anicca, things always changing or fleeting and being just out of reach.
10. Anatta is the doctrine highlighting that there is no essence within reality or any being which directly contrasts the doctrine of Atman or the inner self and essence.
11. According to samsara, from one body to the next, energy is transferred and reborn and this energy is determined by karma. Karma is the cause and effect idea and effects the energy that is transferred based on good or bad actions.
12. Five Precepts (all Buddhists): 1. Do not take life 2. Do not take what is not given 3. Do not engage in sensuous misconduct 4. Do not use false speech 5. Do not drink intoxicants
Five Precepts (monks and nuns): 1. Do not eat after noon 2. Do not watch dancing or shows 3. Do not use garlands, perfumes, or ornaments 4. Do not use a high or soft bed 5. Do not accept gold or silver
13. Dukkha is translated into: "suffering", "frustration", "dislocation", or "discomfort". Dukkha means like a tweak or something that causes a larger part to suffer.
14. Tanha is the second noble truth meaning selfish desire and this selfish desire is causes dukkha or suffering.
15. Eightfold Path: 1. Right views-Learn Buddhist teachings 2. Right intentions- abandon bad attitudes, nurture good attitudes 3. Right speech- avoid gossip 4. Right conduct- live morally 5. Right livelihood- do not harm living beings 6. Right effort- maintain mental alertness 7. Right mindfulness- mental focus, meditation 8. Right meditation- perfect tranquility
16. The Buddha is different from others because he does not need a model of teachings to lead to his enlightenment.
17. An arhat is one who has become enlightened. An arhat has perfect wisdom and is free from tanha and dukkha. They are still engaged in the world but are detached from self and the world.
18. Nirvana literally means "blowing out". This helps the understanding with an analogy of blowing a candle out. Blowing a candle out is parallel to the extinguishing of self and desire that occurs in nirvana.
19. The three rafts of Buddhism are Theravada (lesser vehicle), Mahayana (great vehicle), and Vajrayana (vehicle of the diamond).
20. The main focus of Theravada Buddhism is the teachings of the Buddha and practicing them and especially through meditation and thus emphasizes monastic life.
21. Mahayana literally means "the Great Vehicle". This implies that they are superior to the Theravada Buddhists since they are named "the Lesser Vehicle".
22. Vajrayana Buddhism fights fire with fire by harnessing desires and energy to use it against itself and achieve enlightenment.
23. The Dalai Lama is the leader of Vajrayana Buddhism and a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara. Each Lama is chosen through supernatural means and things such as choosing former Lama's objects.
24. Theravada Buddhism is primarily located in Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Mahayana Buddhism is mainly in China, Japan, and Korea. Vajrayana Buddhism is located in Tibet. Thus they are located mainly in the Asian region.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Christianity and Buddhism Distinctions Essay
As world religions, Buddhism and Christianity will share similar dimensions or aspects that become distinctive in the view of reality and the world. Christians and Buddhists respond to common dilemmas and the human condition. Some of these dilemmas are obtaining happiness, ridding loneliness, and having something to follow. These are responded to similarly by Christians and Buddhists but become distinct in practice and reasoning. Buddhism follows the practice of non-self and awareness and Christianity follows the practice of Christ, the life of a man who died and resurrected for humans.
Both Buddhists and Christians have methods of responding to the desire or dilemma of attaining or sustaining happiness in life. However, in order to receive or come upon happiness the Christian and the Buddha follow different methods. Fr. Giussani responds to the dilemma of happiness by saying gladness is affirmed in Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection. Jesus offers to show people truth and truly cared about humans as he was one himself. Fr. Giussani conforms this to his world view by seeing how profound Christ's influence is; he sees communities forming and he himself forming one in the name of Christ and his goal. Experiencing Christ in this way helps him understand happiness and achieve it. A buddhist, Thich Nhat Hanh however says that happiness gain be obtained through the practice of non-self and ability to love. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating non-self and learning to love oneself and then others in order to achieve equality and harmony with others. He views the world as an effort to erase individualism or the notion of distinct objects and achieve the idea of realizing everyone makes up a larger whole. In the Christian and Buddhist distinctions of happiness comes another common idea yet distinct practice, which is community and companionship.
Again, Buddhists and Christians are on common ground when emphasizing the importance of community and sharing but distinct on the reasons. Fr. Giussani noticed how quickly will appeal to and follow the teachings of Christ. When he noticed this he continued to lead a community because he too wanted to follow Christ because he saw how unifying Christ can be. Community is important to Christians because it helps them understand Christ together and practice and take his teachings in their personal lives and lives of others. Buddhists value community too in a similar way as Thich Nhat Hanh says, "The sangha is very important-- the insight and the practice of the teacher can be seen in the sangha. It has a much stronger effect when you share in the practice and the teaching as a sangha." The distinction, then, is how profoundly buddhists use community to emphasize the importance of non-self and being one organism. Thich Nhat Hanh values community building of highest important for the 21st century in order to get rid of the notion of individualism and to be able to live peacefully.
A final similarity is the emphasis of a teacher, Christ for Christians and Buddha for Buddhists; Christ and Buddha are examples of the ultimate, whether it is relationship or dimension. Additionally, both religions view these teachers as people that can be emulated and can be the basis of how to live and understand life. The distinction is the divinity. Christians view Jesus Christ has both fully human and fully divine therefore it is capable for humans to be like Christ but Christ also has a divine authority and credibility. Fr. Giussani emphasizes the Christ is the Mystery, the divine that religion commonly tries to seek and therefore Christ becomes important because he is humans access to Mystery. Thich Nhat Hanh however says, "I don't need the Buddha to be a god. He is a teacher, and that is good enough for me!" He also uses this as the reason that "countless buddhas become possible." Buddhists let go of needing a divinity and emphasize a teacher who can be epitomized and reflected by anyone as buddhists all seek to be non-self and practice togetherness with others.
Christianity and Buddhism resemble each other through reaching happiness, building community and following a teacher. However, there are distinctions that allow Buddhists to view the world as a goal of letting go of notions of one and many and sameness and otherness, and practicing non-self. Christians emphasize the experience of Christ's life, death and resurrection and Christ is the Mystery that we can depend on because he was fully human and fully divine.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Introduction to Buddhism
BUDDHISM:
Siddartha Gautama: Siddartha was born in the 6th century B.C.E. He was a rich prince in Northern India who practiced Hinduism. His father tried to shelter him from all the suffering in the world therefore Siddartha never ventured outside the palace. However, he did one day and saw old age, sickness, poverty, and death. After this he renounced his wealth and became an aesthetic. As he was meditating under a tree one day he came to realize the
--the eightfold path makes more specific the
--The ideals at the heart of Buddhism are collectively known as the
Siddartha Gautama: Siddartha was born in the 6th century B.C.E. He was a rich prince in Northern India who practiced Hinduism. His father tried to shelter him from all the suffering in the world therefore Siddartha never ventured outside the palace. However, he did one day and saw old age, sickness, poverty, and death. After this he renounced his wealth and became an aesthetic. As he was meditating under a tree one day he came to realize the
Four Noble Truths:
1. Life is filled with suffering
2. Suffering is caused by desire
3. Suffering can be ended if we cease desiring
4. Desires can be ended by following the
4. Desires can be ended by following the
Eightfold Path:
1. Right Understanding or Perfect Vision
2. Right Resolve or Perfect Emotion
3. Right Speech or Perfect Speech
4. Right Action or Perfect Action
5. Right Livelihood or Perfect Livelihood
6. Right Effort or Perfect Effort
7. Right Mindfulness or Perfect Awareness
8. Right Meditation or Perfect Samadhi
--the eightfold path makes more specific the
Threefold Way: ethics, meditation, and wisdom
-ethics provides a basis for meditation, and meditation is the ground on which wisdom can develop
--The ideals at the heart of Buddhism are collectively known as the
Three Jewels:
1. Buddha: yellow jewel
2. Dharma: blue jewel
3. Sangha: red jewel
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Hinduism Packet Questions
1. Moksha is the Hindu term that means liberation or release of their inner selfs from being reincarnated continuously.
2. Monism- something such as thinking about categories can describe monism. For instance, there are thousands of different types of trees such as oak, maple, or poplar. However, all of these trees are under the category of tree allowing them all to be considered one. Monism is like this because it describes all reality as one.
3. Brahman- is the eternal essence of reality and the source of the universe, beyond human perception.
Atman- is the eternal "self" or soul of an individual that is reincarnated from one body to the next.
Consistent with the idea that all reality is one, Hindus believe that Brahman is Atman or Atman is Brahman; they are one in the same.
4. Hindu gods are extensions of the one reality and help provide humans with a way to contact either Brahman or Atman in their own ways and characteristics.
5. Samsara- is the wheel of rebirth/reincarnation. Humans' "self" is reincarnated over and over until it reaches moksha.
6. Bhagavad-Gita
7. Karma and Dharma.
Karma- the idea of actions causing certain effects and determine into which life a person is reincarnated.
Dharma- one of the four goals and the duty that each human has in life.
8. Brahmin-priests
Kshatriya- warriors and administrators
Vaishya- farmers, merchants, and artisans
Shudra- servants and laborers
9. Krishna encourages Arjuna to fight with the idea that the atman is separate from the physical body therefore if you kill the body the "self" continues on to a new body.
10. Four Stages of Life
1. Student- around puberty, a boy starts studying the Vedas
2. Householder- pursuing a career and raising a family
3. Forest Dweller- begins at the birth of the first grandchild and begins the spiritual quest.
4. Sannyasin (ascetic)- forest dwellers return to society but are detached from attractions and distractions of social life.
11. Four Goals of Life
1. Sensual Pleasure (Kama)- the seeking of pleasure within the limits of dharma
2. Material Success (Artha)- social power and prestige along with an accumulation of material things.
3. Harmony with Dharma- a desire to duty and an ethical approach to life.
4. Bliss of Moksha- the final goal of life, to acheive the bliss of moksha or release from reincarnation.
12. Karma Marga, Path of Works- for the active, people engaged in day-to-day tasks like having a family and career.
Jnana Marga, Path of Knowledge, for the philosophical, a person who can dedicate time to learning and meditation.
Bhakti Marga, Path of Devotion, for the emotional, consists of worshiping deities.
13. Vedanta, Sankhya, and Yoga. All three regard the attainment of knowledge over the ignorance that binds the self to samsara.
14. Brahma- the creator, although hardly worshipped
Vishnu- the preserver, protector
Shiva- destroyer, making way for new creation
15. Avatar- an incarnation of a deity sent to earth for divine purpose. Krishna and Rama are avatars of Vishnu
16. Bhagavad-Gita
17. Household and village rituals- Hindus have many deities that they pray to and have shrines for them in their homes that they pray to.
Holy places- pilgrimages are made to holy places and festivals are held, or a holy place could be a river or other nature.
Cow veneration- the cow represents life
18. He lead India to independence and influences Hinduism's tendency to accept all wisdom as lighting the way to the divine.
19. The government has outlawed discrimination of outcastes and tried to increase their rights in society.
20. Sati is the practice of ritual suicide of a widow where she is burnt alive. Sati today is forbidden.
21. In 1947, India was partitioned dividing a piece of India into Pakistan for Muslims. The migration to Pakistan and India was bloody.
2. Monism- something such as thinking about categories can describe monism. For instance, there are thousands of different types of trees such as oak, maple, or poplar. However, all of these trees are under the category of tree allowing them all to be considered one. Monism is like this because it describes all reality as one.
3. Brahman- is the eternal essence of reality and the source of the universe, beyond human perception.
Atman- is the eternal "self" or soul of an individual that is reincarnated from one body to the next.
Consistent with the idea that all reality is one, Hindus believe that Brahman is Atman or Atman is Brahman; they are one in the same.
4. Hindu gods are extensions of the one reality and help provide humans with a way to contact either Brahman or Atman in their own ways and characteristics.
5. Samsara- is the wheel of rebirth/reincarnation. Humans' "self" is reincarnated over and over until it reaches moksha.
6. Bhagavad-Gita
7. Karma and Dharma.
Karma- the idea of actions causing certain effects and determine into which life a person is reincarnated.
Dharma- one of the four goals and the duty that each human has in life.
8. Brahmin-priests
Kshatriya- warriors and administrators
Vaishya- farmers, merchants, and artisans
Shudra- servants and laborers
9. Krishna encourages Arjuna to fight with the idea that the atman is separate from the physical body therefore if you kill the body the "self" continues on to a new body.
10. Four Stages of Life
1. Student- around puberty, a boy starts studying the Vedas
2. Householder- pursuing a career and raising a family
3. Forest Dweller- begins at the birth of the first grandchild and begins the spiritual quest.
4. Sannyasin (ascetic)- forest dwellers return to society but are detached from attractions and distractions of social life.
11. Four Goals of Life
1. Sensual Pleasure (Kama)- the seeking of pleasure within the limits of dharma
2. Material Success (Artha)- social power and prestige along with an accumulation of material things.
3. Harmony with Dharma- a desire to duty and an ethical approach to life.
4. Bliss of Moksha- the final goal of life, to acheive the bliss of moksha or release from reincarnation.
12. Karma Marga, Path of Works- for the active, people engaged in day-to-day tasks like having a family and career.
Jnana Marga, Path of Knowledge, for the philosophical, a person who can dedicate time to learning and meditation.
Bhakti Marga, Path of Devotion, for the emotional, consists of worshiping deities.
13. Vedanta, Sankhya, and Yoga. All three regard the attainment of knowledge over the ignorance that binds the self to samsara.
14. Brahma- the creator, although hardly worshipped
Vishnu- the preserver, protector
Shiva- destroyer, making way for new creation
15. Avatar- an incarnation of a deity sent to earth for divine purpose. Krishna and Rama are avatars of Vishnu
16. Bhagavad-Gita
17. Household and village rituals- Hindus have many deities that they pray to and have shrines for them in their homes that they pray to.
Holy places- pilgrimages are made to holy places and festivals are held, or a holy place could be a river or other nature.
Cow veneration- the cow represents life
18. He lead India to independence and influences Hinduism's tendency to accept all wisdom as lighting the way to the divine.
19. The government has outlawed discrimination of outcastes and tried to increase their rights in society.
20. Sati is the practice of ritual suicide of a widow where she is burnt alive. Sati today is forbidden.
21. In 1947, India was partitioned dividing a piece of India into Pakistan for Muslims. The migration to Pakistan and India was bloody.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Yoruba: A Religious Tradition
Location & Geography: The Yoruba are located mainly in Western Nigeria and Benin/Togo of the continent Africa. They consist of several states such as Ife, Oyo, Ijebu, Remo, Awori, Egba, Ijesa, Ekiti, Ilaje, and Ondo. These states experience coastal & interior plains, rivers and highlands. Several rivers flow and intersect in Yorubaland; it lies north of the Gulf of Guinea and west of the Niger River- some of Yoruba spills into Benin here. (ProQuest: History Study Center: http://www.historystudycenter.com/search/displayMultiResultReferenceItem.do?Multi=yes&ResultsID=13BBF9E6C22&fromPage=search&ItemNumber=1&QueryName=reference, Google Images, Wikipedia)
Cosmology: The Yoruba have divided reality into two worlds; one world considered Earth and the other named Heaven. Similar to other religions, Heaven is the invisible or unknown place where the gods and the passed on live. Likewise, Earth is where the living dwell, the tangible place that provides a home for the Yoruba people. The Yoruba also believe that evil or vicious humans live on the Earth too and are capable of causing disaster and evil mischief. Additionally, there are people that connect with Heaven and Earth collaboratively because it is important for the Yoruba to harmoniously interact with those in Heaven and understand the future. ("Primal Religion Traditions": http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/cms/lib/MN01001540/Centricity/Domain/1841/Primal%20Religions%202b.pdf)
Sacred Symbols:
1. Yams: The Yoruba people thrive on farming and a main crop for them are yams. Yams symbolize all of the farming and a thanks to their ancestors and gods. The people offer yams to gods before celebrations or daily meals.
2. Cowry shells: These shells are symbols of the connection with a supernatural world and communication with the gods or the divine of that world. Priests use them to read people and how the supernatural forces are in them or some how affecting them.
3. Palm nuts: These are also used to connect with supernatural occurrences in people and in the natural world.
4. Akoko tree: This tree is a symbol for sacred locations for the Yoruba and is considered a sacred tree. The tree is used for some medicines and is valued by the people.
("Yoruba Religion": http://www.philtar.ac.uk/encyclopedia/sub/yoruba.html)
Sacred Locations: The Yoruba used to have sacred groves outside of all the villages or cities, most in time dwindled away but there are some that still exist. For instance, a large grove today is "Osun Sacred Grove". Osun is the fertility god of the Yoruba and the grove is filled with places to worship and artwork like sculptures of Osun or other gods. The Yoruba people also stem creation from the Ile-Ife area and consider the city of Ife to be sacred because of their roots and trace of creation back to this city. Like many other primal religions, the Yoruba have an axis mundi, a place they consider to be the center of the universe. Ife is the Yoruba center or axis mundi. Additionally, any place where an ephemeral experience occurred would be considered sacred to the Yoruba. ("Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove"- http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1118, "Primal Religious Traditions"-handout)
Important Gods: The important gods include the good, the bad, and... the trickster figure. In the Yoruba religion their are many gods, most of them under the category of god as these gods intercede for the people and represent main aspects of life such as fertility. There are not many particular "bad" gods, just gods that represent things such as war or storms that destroy the land. And lastly, there are trickster gods that encompass both characteristics of good and evil or bad.
"Olorun"- Olorun is the top or first god and wields power over the universe however he does not interact with humans nor is interacted with by humans.
"Orisha-nla"- This god is a good god, an "orisha" which is just any god beneath Olorun. She is given the credit for creating the Earth.
"Ogun"- This is the god of iron and war who actually was a human on earth before earning divinity. He was king of the sacred city Ife in the beginning and after he died he was deified.
"Oya"- She is a god who favors destruction and being a catalyst for various things.
"Esu"- Esu is the trickster figure in the Yoruba religion, a god that contains both good and evil. He can mediate between heaven and earth but is also mischievous and gets humans into trouble. He is an important figure because of his dynamic and he is widely worshiped.
("Godpaths": http://www.godpaths.com/yoruba-religion.html , "Primal Religious Traditions"-handout)
Totems, Fetishes, and Taboos: Fabric Totem: The Yoruba create fabrics with beads that the shaman wears and are considered totems because it has significance for the person who wears it, the shaman, and enshrines much of the religion and culture in this object. The Yoruba however do not seem to have any totems represented in animals whereas in another account, it is written that a totem was anything and each family had a totem such as Erin the elephant. ("History of Yoruba"-http://books.google.com/books?id=7XSiGw4_qlAC&pg=PA86&lpg=PA86&dq=totems+of+Yoruba&source=bl&ots=u0Zf4WkfIk&sig=3wjQtFhgP9ukL_AaRJReHM8ADX8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sE4FUYfeNO6P0QHktIDoBA&sqi=2&ved=0CEEQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=totems%20of%20Yoruba&f=false, "Creation in African Thought"- http://www.afrikaworld.net/afrel/creation-in-atr.htm, "Beadwork"- http://www.cyberrug.com/yoruba_beadwork_5803.htm)
Fetishes: Love Lock Fetish: The name sounds like what it was, a way to lock away the love of someone else with prayers and an object consisting of locks. The importance of a fetish is the spiritual power behind the object and its purpose for whoever has one. (Yoruba Fetish- http://www.authenticafrica.com/yorlovlocfet.html)
Taboos: Taboos are like rules or restrictions among people in the religion and in the Yoruba religion, the divinities have things that are taboo to their being or to the people who are in charge. For instances it is taboo to drink palm wine if you worship Orisha-nla or it is prohibited. Other taboos are established around the palace and there were duties for people to communicate with deities and things such as birth or death were taboo around the palace. (Traditional Taboo- http://maxwellsci.com/print/crjss/6-9.pdf)
Shaman and Magic: The role of the shaman in the Yoruba religion is to serve as the healer or medicine man. He uses spiritual divination, dances, rituals, and also herbs to heal the people. The Yoruba see illnesses as things to be gotten rid of but they also look at germs like helpful things to that do certain things in the body such as digestion or fertility. Thus they use magic as a form of medicine and divination in effort to try and receive good things. Magic therefore is a means to get things either fixed or manipulated in their favor. (African Shamanism- http://shamanportal.org/shamanism_african.php, Yoruba Religion- http://www.religioustolerance.org/ifa.htm)
Rituals: Orisha of Ayede: Iponmi Day Ritual: This is a water carrying ritual that occurs at the end of other various festivals and celebrations. The streets are taken over in a celebration of honoring people and orishas with mainly song and dance.
Isinku: This is a combination of rituals performed under the category of a funeral. The funeral ritual is designated to those who die of old age. The funeral takes place over the course of seven days, some days of most importance are Ojo Isinku, Itaoku, Irenoku, and Ijeku. Ojo Isinku is the first day and the preliminary actions occur such as gathering things and initial songs and dances performed. Itaoku is the third day, a day of feasts and celebration. Irenoku is the fourth day and again filled with play or light-hearted activities The final day is Ijeku, marking the end of celebration and sacrifice and the opportunity for new life to begin. ("Yoruba Ritual Archive"- http://www.international.ucla.edu/africa/yra/, "Yoruba"- http://academics.smcvt.edu/africanart/kristen/yoruba.htm)
More Pictures:
Location:
Geography:
Cosmology: The Yoruba have divided reality into two worlds; one world considered Earth and the other named Heaven. Similar to other religions, Heaven is the invisible or unknown place where the gods and the passed on live. Likewise, Earth is where the living dwell, the tangible place that provides a home for the Yoruba people. The Yoruba also believe that evil or vicious humans live on the Earth too and are capable of causing disaster and evil mischief. Additionally, there are people that connect with Heaven and Earth collaboratively because it is important for the Yoruba to harmoniously interact with those in Heaven and understand the future. ("Primal Religion Traditions": http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/cms/lib/MN01001540/Centricity/Domain/1841/Primal%20Religions%202b.pdf)
Sacred Symbols:
1. Yams: The Yoruba people thrive on farming and a main crop for them are yams. Yams symbolize all of the farming and a thanks to their ancestors and gods. The people offer yams to gods before celebrations or daily meals.
2. Cowry shells: These shells are symbols of the connection with a supernatural world and communication with the gods or the divine of that world. Priests use them to read people and how the supernatural forces are in them or some how affecting them.
3. Palm nuts: These are also used to connect with supernatural occurrences in people and in the natural world.
4. Akoko tree: This tree is a symbol for sacred locations for the Yoruba and is considered a sacred tree. The tree is used for some medicines and is valued by the people.
("Yoruba Religion": http://www.philtar.ac.uk/encyclopedia/sub/yoruba.html)
Sacred Symbols:
Sacred Locations:
Important Gods: The important gods include the good, the bad, and... the trickster figure. In the Yoruba religion their are many gods, most of them under the category of god as these gods intercede for the people and represent main aspects of life such as fertility. There are not many particular "bad" gods, just gods that represent things such as war or storms that destroy the land. And lastly, there are trickster gods that encompass both characteristics of good and evil or bad.
"Olorun"- Olorun is the top or first god and wields power over the universe however he does not interact with humans nor is interacted with by humans.
"Orisha-nla"- This god is a good god, an "orisha" which is just any god beneath Olorun. She is given the credit for creating the Earth.
"Ogun"- This is the god of iron and war who actually was a human on earth before earning divinity. He was king of the sacred city Ife in the beginning and after he died he was deified.
"Oya"- She is a god who favors destruction and being a catalyst for various things.
"Esu"- Esu is the trickster figure in the Yoruba religion, a god that contains both good and evil. He can mediate between heaven and earth but is also mischievous and gets humans into trouble. He is an important figure because of his dynamic and he is widely worshiped.
("Godpaths": http://www.godpaths.com/yoruba-religion.html , "Primal Religious Traditions"-handout)
Orishas:
Totems, Fetishes, and Taboos: Fabric Totem: The Yoruba create fabrics with beads that the shaman wears and are considered totems because it has significance for the person who wears it, the shaman, and enshrines much of the religion and culture in this object. The Yoruba however do not seem to have any totems represented in animals whereas in another account, it is written that a totem was anything and each family had a totem such as Erin the elephant. ("History of Yoruba"-http://books.google.com/books?id=7XSiGw4_qlAC&pg=PA86&lpg=PA86&dq=totems+of+Yoruba&source=bl&ots=u0Zf4WkfIk&sig=3wjQtFhgP9ukL_AaRJReHM8ADX8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sE4FUYfeNO6P0QHktIDoBA&sqi=2&ved=0CEEQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=totems%20of%20Yoruba&f=false, "Creation in African Thought"- http://www.afrikaworld.net/afrel/creation-in-atr.htm, "Beadwork"- http://www.cyberrug.com/yoruba_beadwork_5803.htm)
Fetishes: Love Lock Fetish: The name sounds like what it was, a way to lock away the love of someone else with prayers and an object consisting of locks. The importance of a fetish is the spiritual power behind the object and its purpose for whoever has one. (Yoruba Fetish- http://www.authenticafrica.com/yorlovlocfet.html)
Taboos: Taboos are like rules or restrictions among people in the religion and in the Yoruba religion, the divinities have things that are taboo to their being or to the people who are in charge. For instances it is taboo to drink palm wine if you worship Orisha-nla or it is prohibited. Other taboos are established around the palace and there were duties for people to communicate with deities and things such as birth or death were taboo around the palace. (Traditional Taboo- http://maxwellsci.com/print/crjss/6-9.pdf)
Totem and Taboo:
Shaman and Magic: The role of the shaman in the Yoruba religion is to serve as the healer or medicine man. He uses spiritual divination, dances, rituals, and also herbs to heal the people. The Yoruba see illnesses as things to be gotten rid of but they also look at germs like helpful things to that do certain things in the body such as digestion or fertility. Thus they use magic as a form of medicine and divination in effort to try and receive good things. Magic therefore is a means to get things either fixed or manipulated in their favor. (African Shamanism- http://shamanportal.org/shamanism_african.php, Yoruba Religion- http://www.religioustolerance.org/ifa.htm)
Shaman and Magic:
Rituals: Orisha of Ayede: Iponmi Day Ritual: This is a water carrying ritual that occurs at the end of other various festivals and celebrations. The streets are taken over in a celebration of honoring people and orishas with mainly song and dance.
Isinku: This is a combination of rituals performed under the category of a funeral. The funeral ritual is designated to those who die of old age. The funeral takes place over the course of seven days, some days of most importance are Ojo Isinku, Itaoku, Irenoku, and Ijeku. Ojo Isinku is the first day and the preliminary actions occur such as gathering things and initial songs and dances performed. Itaoku is the third day, a day of feasts and celebration. Irenoku is the fourth day and again filled with play or light-hearted activities The final day is Ijeku, marking the end of celebration and sacrifice and the opportunity for new life to begin. ("Yoruba Ritual Archive"- http://www.international.ucla.edu/africa/yra/, "Yoruba"- http://academics.smcvt.edu/africanart/kristen/yoruba.htm)
More Pictures:
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Primal Religious Traditions-Packet Questions
1. Primal religions came before the formal, widely practiced religions. They are mythic, ritualistic, have oral tradition, and are diverse among small groups.
2. Landscape, various forms of life, human beings, tribes, territory, language, social rules, and customs.
3. The spiritual essence of the Ancestors.
4. Totem: something natural (like a rock) that serves as a symbol for an individual or a group with religious significance. Taboo: assigning certain sacred activities/objects to certain groups or persons and which then are forbidden to others.
5. In ritual, the Aborigines can access the sacred power of the Dreaming.
6. The Ancestors taught the first humans ritual in the Dreaming.
7. The initiation rituals give young people spiritual identity and redefine it in the tribe and the rituals serve as a symbolic death and spiritual rebirth.
8. Two lower middle teeth knocked out and buried, circumcision.
9. Western regions of central Africa: Nigeria, Benin, Togo.
10. Yoruba believe Orisha-nla created the world beginning in Ife.
11. Divided into Heaven and Earth, Heaven being the home of gods and ancestors, Earth being home of human beings, both good and deviant humans (like witches).
12. Olorun: High God, serves as the original, overarching power in the universe but does not interact with humans.
13. Orishas: lesser deities but significant because they have sacred power and can help or hurt humans.
14. Orisha-nla: creator of Earth, Ogun: first king of Ife, became deified and named god of iron and war.
15. Mischievous, supernatural being that disrupts the natural order of things.
16. Family ancestors: gain supernatural status by good reputation and old age; exclusive to family worship, Deified ancestors: important human figures, worshiped by many.
17. Ritual practitioners mediate between gods and ancestors and humans to fulfill religious need.
18. Divination is a way of revealing someone's future; important because it determines how you will lead your life.
19. Twenty to thirty thousand years ago from Asia across the Bering Strait.
20. Representative of American Indian religion; serves as a model of pan-Indian religion and unites tribes across North America.
21. Wakan Tanka: The Lakota name for supreme reality, refers to sever separate deities (16 of them).
22. Inktomi is the Lakota trickster figure, involved in the myth of creation.
23. Four souls depart from a person and journey along the "spirit path", meet an old woman for judgement and if they pass judgement, parts will be reborn in new bodies.
24. Spiritual power to ensure greater success.
25. Sweat lodge: a dark, airtight hut made of saplings covered with animal skins; it represents the universe. Stones are heated and put in the middle, when water is poured on them, the person sweats a lot which is purifying him or her.
26. A typical vision involves either an animal or some object with a message that comes with it; some people end up getting guardian spirits to guide them.
27. A woman of outstanding moral character.
28. Axis mundi (in general): the axis (center) of the universe. In the Sun Dance it is represented by a cottonwood tree.
29. They understand that the only thing they own, therefore the only thing suitable enough for sacrifice, is their body.
30. Highly developed civilization and large population but myth and ritual are interrelated, human sacrifice occurs and it predates Catholicism.
31. Present-day Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
32. Quetzalcoatl in Teotihuacan.
33. A prince who ruled as priest-king who was the earthly devotee to the god Quetzalcoatl. He served as a perfect role model for authority figures.
34. Age of the Fifth Sun, the present sun would be destroyed and the last to exist.
35. The spatial world has four quadrants protruding from the center of the universe, connecting the earthly to the many-layered heavenly/ underworld realm.
36. Divine forces in the head and heart made humans seem powerful and significant enough to be considered axis mundi.
37. Could communicate with gods and make offerings with language.
38. The Aztecs perceived Cortes as the returning Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl because he had a feathered helmet and they thought he was the feathered serpent and gave him gifts.
39. The celebration joins the living and dead through festive and spiritually meaningful rituals which the Aztecs also used to do.
40. All-encompassing nature of religion, change, and loose boundaries between supernatural and human worlds.
2. Landscape, various forms of life, human beings, tribes, territory, language, social rules, and customs.
3. The spiritual essence of the Ancestors.
4. Totem: something natural (like a rock) that serves as a symbol for an individual or a group with religious significance. Taboo: assigning certain sacred activities/objects to certain groups or persons and which then are forbidden to others.
5. In ritual, the Aborigines can access the sacred power of the Dreaming.
6. The Ancestors taught the first humans ritual in the Dreaming.
7. The initiation rituals give young people spiritual identity and redefine it in the tribe and the rituals serve as a symbolic death and spiritual rebirth.
8. Two lower middle teeth knocked out and buried, circumcision.
9. Western regions of central Africa: Nigeria, Benin, Togo.
10. Yoruba believe Orisha-nla created the world beginning in Ife.
11. Divided into Heaven and Earth, Heaven being the home of gods and ancestors, Earth being home of human beings, both good and deviant humans (like witches).
12. Olorun: High God, serves as the original, overarching power in the universe but does not interact with humans.
13. Orishas: lesser deities but significant because they have sacred power and can help or hurt humans.
14. Orisha-nla: creator of Earth, Ogun: first king of Ife, became deified and named god of iron and war.
15. Mischievous, supernatural being that disrupts the natural order of things.
16. Family ancestors: gain supernatural status by good reputation and old age; exclusive to family worship, Deified ancestors: important human figures, worshiped by many.
17. Ritual practitioners mediate between gods and ancestors and humans to fulfill religious need.
18. Divination is a way of revealing someone's future; important because it determines how you will lead your life.
19. Twenty to thirty thousand years ago from Asia across the Bering Strait.
20. Representative of American Indian religion; serves as a model of pan-Indian religion and unites tribes across North America.
21. Wakan Tanka: The Lakota name for supreme reality, refers to sever separate deities (16 of them).
22. Inktomi is the Lakota trickster figure, involved in the myth of creation.
23. Four souls depart from a person and journey along the "spirit path", meet an old woman for judgement and if they pass judgement, parts will be reborn in new bodies.
24. Spiritual power to ensure greater success.
25. Sweat lodge: a dark, airtight hut made of saplings covered with animal skins; it represents the universe. Stones are heated and put in the middle, when water is poured on them, the person sweats a lot which is purifying him or her.
26. A typical vision involves either an animal or some object with a message that comes with it; some people end up getting guardian spirits to guide them.
27. A woman of outstanding moral character.
28. Axis mundi (in general): the axis (center) of the universe. In the Sun Dance it is represented by a cottonwood tree.
29. They understand that the only thing they own, therefore the only thing suitable enough for sacrifice, is their body.
30. Highly developed civilization and large population but myth and ritual are interrelated, human sacrifice occurs and it predates Catholicism.
31. Present-day Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
32. Quetzalcoatl in Teotihuacan.
33. A prince who ruled as priest-king who was the earthly devotee to the god Quetzalcoatl. He served as a perfect role model for authority figures.
34. Age of the Fifth Sun, the present sun would be destroyed and the last to exist.
35. The spatial world has four quadrants protruding from the center of the universe, connecting the earthly to the many-layered heavenly/ underworld realm.
36. Divine forces in the head and heart made humans seem powerful and significant enough to be considered axis mundi.
37. Could communicate with gods and make offerings with language.
38. The Aztecs perceived Cortes as the returning Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl because he had a feathered helmet and they thought he was the feathered serpent and gave him gifts.
39. The celebration joins the living and dead through festive and spiritually meaningful rituals which the Aztecs also used to do.
40. All-encompassing nature of religion, change, and loose boundaries between supernatural and human worlds.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)