Buddhists vs Muslims

The documentary I watched on the wars between Muslims and Buddhists saddens me because singular acts of rape and violence control two sets of religions in their separate and joint acts of finding peace and harmony in their communities. Although the opposing side raping a woman of one religion shows an attack on a community, they lengths these terrorists go to are unnecessary to prove a point. Why ruin one woman's life to send a message? It is cruel punishment to someone who does not deserve it. The portion where the monks posted special bright signs to ward muslims away reminds me of the segregation era of America where different places were denoted as "White Only" or "No Negros Allowed". Being publicly discriminated against is not a means to solving ongoing problems and tension. Radical movement leaders who have more control over the population than the elected officials says that the communities involved are in a state of panic as they scramble to find the best leader who seems to have the best alternative solution. If everyone is on the same page, there would be no reason to split parties within the same ethnic group or community. All things can be solved without violence if the people involved are willing to make compromises and find an understanding without trying to seem superior or have the upper hand instilling fear in the subordinate party.

Final Perceptions

Have you ever assumed something about an individual before even meeting them? What about exchange awkward looks with a homeless man when you automatically respond "I don't have any money" before he even speaks to you? This post, my last post is about perception. I find it very comical that perception is a basis for virtually all decision making, yet it is also one of the most changing parts of anything.

The reason that perception is of such importance in this post comes from the news clip concerning religious tension between Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar. Just as in many religious uprisings, people were embarrassed, tortured and even killed. What seemed to be the most shocking however, was that the ones doing the harassing in this area were the Buddhists. So often does one read about Muslim extremists who blow up a building, or destroy a village, but rarely do you get to see them as victims. The Buddhists on the other hand, who are known as these peaceful people were given a darker image as they were recorded doing the previously mentioned things to Muslim communities.

While watching the video, I was so surprised, not only in the actions of these people though, but also within myself. Somehow in my mind, I had already assumed that the terrorizers were Muslim. Its amazing to see how conditioned one becomes without even knowing it.

 As I sat in today's last class, I found myself really thinking about my progression over the course. Despite everything else, I truly believe that I have become so much more aware of my biases and how they shape our perceptions. As I have read more arguments about traditions and their philosophies, I have noticed my mind change about many topics. I am so glad to be able to see that growth within myself, especially as I transition from the environment here at Spelman to the 'real' world. Because of this course I now find myself challenging the statements of others more often as well as engaging in more critical thinking. While I have not completely changed in some aspects, I know that I am a more rounded and globally engaged scholar, a trait I plan to continue cultivating. I look forward to reading the blogs of the next class and seeing them grow, just as I have.

The Guru

The guru reading was interesting to me, but what I didn't like was the reading on Osho. It wasn't the reading itself, it was him in general. I just didn't understand how you have this sacred religion and you twist it and turn it into what you want it to be in order to make money, and you have all these people following you, who don't know any truth to what you are saying. They believe it because it is told to them. To me his practice felt more like a cult. How they were secluded in this area and they had to follow these rules, and at one point he let his secretary run it militantly. I just didn't like it. I felt like he had his head soooooo far up his ass. How he called himself the "Messiah America has been waiting for" like whatttt ? Obviously he was very charismatic to get such a following as his, but i dont feel like he truly appriciated his followers, and i don't feel like he was doing what was best for them. Yeah he taught them meditative techniques, but he charged a ridiculous amount. 50 dollars for a one day intro? and 7500 for a month? can you really put a monetary value on something as sarcred and dear to the hearts of Indians as Tantra? Then what blew my mind was when he said "The creation of wealth is the task of genius... Socialism is the jealousy of the masses, of the have-nots against the few who succeed in doing something for mankind." and that "wealth is a perfect means which can enhance people in every way and make life rich in all ways. The materially poor can never become spiritual." WHAT?! I feel like the only reason that came out of his mouth is becuase he had this mountain of wealth. If he wasn't making the money he was making then nothing like that would ever leave his lips. and to say that the materially poor can never become spiritual, "poor" people are some of the most spiriatually rich people i have ever met in my life. The amount of money you have does not correalte to your spirituality, and if anything in most religions favor is leaned to the poor, than the rich. I also don't understand how when he went back to India they praised him even more and decided to follow him. Idk maybe i read into it the wrong way, but i just did not like this guy. He just reminds me of people that we all know who just thinks they are so high and mighty and everyone should just kiss the ground he walks on. -___- NO...

sorry for the rant. lol

Free Post

Koran by Heart

*As this is like my fourth write of this blog, please bear with me as I attempt to remember everything I originally wrote!



During Tuesday's class, what was now two weeks ago, we had the amazing opportunity to view the documentary Koran By Heart. This amazing documentary follows three children who travel from various areas of the world to Cairo, Egypt of the international Koran reciting competition. This contest does not only focus on the memorization of this 600 page holy text, but also relies heavily on pronunciation and linguistic features of Arabic.

What makes these children even more amazing to me is the fact that none of the speak Arabic. Meaning none of them actually know everything that they are reciting yet they do so well that they can be recognized as the best in their respective nations. Of the three children observed, the one that stuck closest to me was that of Djamil. Djamil was a 10 year old boy from Senegal.

Viewing his story and seeing the poverty that existed in his community was truly awe inspiring as the family seemed content despite it all. During the competition Djamil was given a passage to recite that was common among the Koran. Because of his inability to speak Arabic, he recited the wrong passage. Even after the judges continuously stopped him, he persevered and tried to push through even with tears falling down his face. Because of this the judges gave him the opportunity to recite at one of the world's most popular mosques.

To see him cry really touched my heart, as he was such a small child. It also made me think back to many of the times in my life when I failed not because I didn't know the concept, but I couldn't understand the complexity. To know and see Djamil fight through all of that was something often unheard of.
As I near closer and closer to graduation, I feel as if I am constantly thrown into what seems like the recitation of the incorrect passage. No matter what though, I know that I have no choice but to push through, just as Djamil. For so much of the course we have been looking at what sacred texts do, and I must say just as a sacred text, this documentary has truly inspired me.

Mahabharata-Arjuna's Revelation

"Furthermore, I see evil portents, and I can see no good in killing my own kinsmen."- Mahabharata

Arjuna appeared to follow the rules of Dharma, until he was instructed by Krsna to slay everyone he knew. After a dispute between he two, it was evident that Arjuna had not put his faith in his deity, but only chose to put faith in written works that gave instructions about dharma and living righteously. It was only until Krsna revealed himself in his full Godly form that Arjuna made the decision to obey his Lord and do as he said, because he knew that Krsna would not steer him wrong. Arjuna could not figure out why he was to slay his kinsmen. It was later explained that his people would would suffer more if Arjuna refused to kill them all and that their fate was not sealed by means of their bodies. Krsna reminded him that the body was just a shell of the soul and that their rightful places would be restored after the task had been done. 

 Arjna failed to believe his faith and only wanted concrete reasoning. he was confused about his calling, I relate with Arjuna in this manner because sometimes I am confused about whether I am in the right position to do such things that I feel I am incapable of doing. I have to be reminded that I have to believe in the Faith that is within me because if a task is placed in my heart by my God, I cannot go wrong such as Arjuna restored his faith in Krsna.

Koran By Heart

During the documentary Koran By Heart, I was touched by all the children who bravely recited the Koran in front of many high ranking religious officials. What wowed me about the recitation was the fact that a young boy who did not understand Arabic had perfect memorization of the Koran expect he had no guidance from the Rules of Tajweed. He was hugged and kissed by all who heard him recite. They felt blessed by his rhythm and tone. If the young fellow had knowledge of the Rules of Tajweed, he probably would have won the competition. A young girl was also very close to winning the competition. She won third place, and everyone was proud that a young girl was well equipped to dominate her competition of whom were mostly males. She, at this age is proving to the world and her father, who wants her to be a housewife, that she is capable of much more than just being a submissive housewife.
In relation to the readings that are assigned about the Koran with commentaries, the suras are actively being followed in the lives of those who were in the documentary. There was a portion where the citizens of Cairo, Egypt were fasting. They read prayers, recited special suras and abided by the Koran's instruction. This documentary gives great insight about how young followers are and the seriousness of their commitment. The most important thing I learned from this documentary is that no matter where you are and what you do, religion is a universal factor that brings people from all over the world together, and with the Koran, recitation is a beautiful example of dedication.

ruling according to religion.

I personally feel the Indian government will never really orchestrate religious equality. There may always be a lean towards Hinduism being that it is the majority. If their government, as well as any other, really believed in religious freedom and equality then shouldn't there be sections in the laws of that nation that deal with the aspects of religious people. I get that there is supposed to be a separation of church and state but i don't think that it really can be. If something that is a law goes against someones religion, what are they supposed to do? if you recognize the different religions is your society then why not act accordingly. Church and state do not have to be combined because there is no one "church" that should govern the land. In the case about the Muslim man and giving a monthly allowance to his ex wife, i feel that in their ruling there first should have been a practicing Muslim analyzing the text to give a more accurate interpretation, instead of letting a Hindu or whoever read it and decide what the text actually means. If it is the case that the judge is doing the reading and interpreting then that judge should at least read the Qur'an more thoroughly or at least know enough about the religion to make judgments accordingly. Like in their laws if there is one about divorce, then maybe a Muslim amendment should be made underneath it. Or if it says something like: After being married for ___ years, a man should pay his wife monthly due to her adjustment to your lifestyle (If Muslim, you are required to pay your wife monthly for only three months after the finalization of your divorce). It may not seem fair in writing, but it is. What isn't fair is to disregard someone's religion when making rules about their life, because to some people their religion is the basis for who they are.

Diversity

"Though Muslim scholars are unanimous on the structure and the categorization of the basic principles....they differ widely in their interpretation of the texts and in secondary principles. ...Diversity also flourishes in the process of interpretation itself." Is a quote taken from the reading Islam, Islamism, Secularization. 



To me this represents also religion in a nutshell and some of the problems with the way human nature works. Our minds tend to put things into categories, different categories and we label each accordingly. But in our daily lives, our minds tend to convince us that it's better to be surrounded by like minded people, whether that be the same social class, political party, or even ethnic group. The main thing we convince ourselves to be surrounded by is like minded people in our religious faith. Sometimes we find it so easy to disregard other groups and the surrounding world when we are consumed with everything we believe in; when we are stuck seeing only what we want and not what's actually there.


I like this exert because it lets me be reminded that being different, having diversity, is a good thing; it helps us to grow. It allows us to see the world from someone else's eyes and better understand where they are coming from and why. 

Arab Spring

"The goal of the ideology of the 'end of ideologies" is to convince us that reality is what we are told it is, that these are the facts, that no ideological choice, no political commitment is needed or wanted: we must deal with the state of the world as a physician deals with the human body."
The political and religious crisis in the Middle East has given birth to the Arab spring. It is a new day, the youth and enlightened are aimably protesting. They are tired of the old regime of democracy and the economic downturn, they are fighting for freedom and giving voice to loose the chains of fear that have kept them in economic bondage and poverty. I understand their plight and their concern with the state of the world and why they are emotionally charged to end the abuse and betrayal and open doors for new religious thought and a better democracy and equal rights for all people so no more blood  will be shed and  all can come together and break bread in the goal to acheive universal freedom.

Lost in Translation

It's fascinating to see how the lack of knowledge, or even misunderstood knowledge, can lead to many different misunderstandings. In the film Koran by Heart I noticed something incredible happen, children from all over the world who all spoke different languages came together for a common goal; a common interest. They all had managed, to the best of their ability, learn this incredible work called the Qu'ran and then proceeded to recite it word for word from beginning to the end. Something like that takes dedication, takes insight and hard work unlike any other.

When watching this film I saw judges who were serious and stern to this small children, but then they were also compassionate and had so much pride to see the future generation learning something that is so dear to them. This film documented a competition in which children from all over could come and compete reciting the Qu'ran from memory. I speak English as my first language and it took me years before I mastered Spanish and German, and I'm 21 years of age. Even with me being the age I am I can honestly say I would not be able to memorize and recite something 1/3 of what they had to memorize in Spanish or German. And yet these children did it; some didn't speak the same language but they still all managed to remember and recite the same thing.

To me that showed unity, but to some it showed something completely different. I was noticing the comments for the video and several were making claims that child abuse was taken place. That making these kids learn something they don't understand is horrible, and dangerous feeding them any sort of information. And that's what struck me the most is that some people just don't understand. There can be a thousand people in one room watching the same thing happen but all recite the events differently. That's what religion is all about, it's about this one thing or multiple things being told but it's up to you to interpret it how he see fit. While some saw the video and thought ill of the Qu'ran and the event, I saw the video and thought how incredible these children really are. 

woman is a nation

I don't understand how the men of Islam can say that woman is a nation, but do not treat them as such. I guess they do want to protect them and keep them as sacred but how do you not give her a voice? Women are treated as property and barely have rights. It reminds me of how America always says that children are the future, yet children get failed everyday by the same people who call them the future. Children go without healthcare, proper education, and basic needs, but are supposed to be prized possessions. It just made me sad to know that Radifha (idk how to spell her name) has so much passion and so much intelligence and she can't do anything with it because her father said she is going to be a housewife and study the Qur'an. I feel like he should at least give her the chance to live out her dreams, especially when he witnessed first hand how smart she was and her learning capability. How in class we were talking about how her father is zealous and extra devoted because he just converted, so I think that doesn't work in her favor. Maybe her father is too stuck in his beliefs to do what is necessary or best for his daughter. He should send her to the US where she can both further her education and practice her religion.

The Sensual dimension of scripture

Scripture can be read in silent study, performed through the arts, or chanted. But which ever way one choose to partake in scripture , the senses of hearing, seeing, and touching are paramount in a religious lifesyle. "In each instance, in very diverse and not always predictable but still very real ways, such contact with scripture can elicit in a reader, hearer, onlooker, or worshiper diverse responses: a surge of joy or sorrow; a feeling of belonging or even of alienation; a sense of guidance or consolation(or the want of either); or a feeling of intimacy with or awesome distance from the divine." These spiritual responses are an important aspect in understanding and having a meaningful encounter with text as scripture.
After watching the film in class and indulging myself in the readings, i encounterd a deep appreciation for the poetic scriptures of the Quran and I am now truly able to apreciate the beauty, as well as the artistic nature of all scriptures  and their effect, whether it is the Quran, the sutras, the bible, etc... What i was able to glean from this this was a key concept for me in my journey and quest for studying religion. The articulated oral sounds produced a spiritual stirring in me.This gives new meaning to the familiar scripture in the  Christian bible Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word. Going forward I have a new apreciation for scripture and will find myself grasping the sensual aspect of divine scripture.

Hearing vs. Reading

             

                  I feel like referring to scripture as just writing or “sacred or religious writings or books” don’t capture the true feel and essence of the scripture. I know that the word scripture comes from the Latin word scriptum, which comes from the verb “scribo” “to write” but I feel the speaking of it holds more weight and importance than the reading. In “Beyond the Written Word” Graham speaks about how in some religious the writing is secondary to the actual speaking and hearing of the text. When the reading says the other religions outside of Christianity, Judaism, and Muslims don’t have scripture I don’t agree. They do have scriptures, they just aren’t written.  When I think of “scripture” I don’t necessarily think of the literal written words in the bible, Tanakh, and Qur’an, I think of a verse that holds importance to me. I don’t think, “I need to turn to page so an so and read lines…” I just say a verse I’ve heard that I remember that is appropriate for my situation at the time. (I don’t know if this is making sense). I personally feel that writing a scripture down and translating it takes away from the true form and meaning. Like not hearing it in the true form doesn’t capture the whole feeling of what was said, and the whole experience isn’t felt. The story of the old man reading to the kids even though he didn’t understand what he was reading was interesting to me. When he replied “the children learn them by heart,” I didn’t interpret that as them knowing the verse forward and backward; I took it as they knew the meaning deep in their heart even though they didn’t know or understand the exact words being used. I think hearing the words to a bible verse, a qur’anic recitation, or a Vedic sutra, rests in the heart heavier than reading them.  

Stay focused

In Clarifying the Natural State by Namgyal, on page 18 the excerpt goes as follows:

"In a relaxed way, direct your attention at it without fixating on it or examining it. Allow your attention to remain on the object of support simply to avoid wandering off or being distracted." 



I really like this excerpt because so many times throughout my life I have become fixated on an object, on a problem, on a task and by doing so I have thus lost sight of the big picture. It's almost like staring intently at a painting for a long period of time and the longer you stare, and the closer you stare the less of the picture you see. Far too many times in life have I been fixated on a problem on a test and couldn't get to the others, too many times have I looked at a certain situation so intently that I missed the over all issue.


I think it's important to have something in front of you, something that keeps you focused, as a reminder that you're on the right track but not to become obsessed over it. 

Tantric Fustration

"Consider instead the discourses surrounding the so-called "five meats" and "five ambrosias" as they appear in the Mahayoga Tantra ritual and scripture, specifically that of the most renowned of the Mahayoga Tantras, the aforementioned Esosteric Community. These two sets of five substances-beef, dog, elephant, horse, and human flesh and feces, urine, blood, semen, and marrow- featured the prominently in the literature of the Mahayoga Tantras, and bear great significance within their ritual performance."


Hmm... Well it looks like the profound content of this post departed with the sensical understanding of the reading Beef, Dog, and Other Mythologies: Connotative Semiotics in Mahayoga Tantra Ritual and Scripture. Now as an academic individual when I don't understand something, my first thought is to read it again. After the second time of misunderstanding, I try to identify any words that I may have missed or review certain concepts. If all else fails I then turn to google for guidance. I am saddened to say none of these outlets have been a source of assistance to me, which is frustrating.

The quote that I have listed above is there due to its special capability to disturb my mind. I say this because it is mentioned at the beginning of the article as a piece of an important ritual, yet at the end of the article it discusses how these things are not to be used. This article is full of contradictions, and I am not exactly sure where to go with it. I feel as if I understand the general concept of differentiating between literal and figurative statements, but I am not sure how far this 'figurative' mindset goes. And if it goes so far as to negate itself, is that not a literal idea, just in a negative light?  My hope is that being in class will clear up the confusion .