Sunday, October 17, 2010
Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk
After visiting the Zen Buddhist Temple, Bongwonsa and attempting to see nature as a Taoist, answer this question: What is it about creation, nature, etc. that prompts humans to seek out religion? Why would people spend their lives seeking out religious truth, nurturing faith or worshipping creation? You can answer this question from what you've experienced in your own life, or on this field trip, or by recalling the practices of the Eastern relgions we've studied. Ultimately, it is your opinion, but make sure you support your reason with an example from one of the religions we've studied.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Quarter 1 Art Project
Eastern Religions Display Art Choice
Due: October 22nd
1. Choose one of the art forms we discussed in class coming from either: Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, or Shintoism.
2. Research that art form. Why was it used? What are the different elements to that art form? What part of the religion influences the art form?
3. Create an artistic display of this art form. Dimensions should not exceed 24”x24”, but should not be less than 6”x6”.
4. Write NO MORE than a one-page caption of your creation.
a. Why did you choose this art form?
b. What religion influenced this art form?
c. What are two religious principles that are evident from the art form?
d. If there is any translation that needs to be made, explanation of color usage or other unexplained portions, do so in this page caption.
Total points: 50
1 page Caption: 25 points
Artistic creation (neatness, effort, excellence): 25 points
Monday, September 27, 2010
Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation
Spend 20 mintues in a silent meditation; a place you won't be disturbed, your own "fig tree" as was Buddha's inspiration. In those 20 mintues, notice to where your mind wanders. Can you attain "right thoughts", "right mindfulness" and "right concentration".
Write a one paragraph reflection about this time. Could you empty your mind to seek life's truths? What did you have trouble controlling in your mind? Finally, what inspriation did you receive? Any? If not, why not?
Write a one paragraph reflection about this time. Could you empty your mind to seek life's truths? What did you have trouble controlling in your mind? Finally, what inspriation did you receive? Any? If not, why not?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist
In class, your small groups went over movie questions about the content in Gandhi. You should know who each of the main characters are and the events that defined Gandhi’s religion and activism.
For your reflection:
* In your first paragraph, discuss what Gandhi’s idea of Hinduism was and support your answer with at least 2 examples from the movie.
*In the second paragraph, choose one of Gandhi’s quotes below, by rewriting it in that paragraph and answer this question: “How does that quote exemplify the way Gandhi lived out his faith?” Use examples from the movie where appropriate.
Quotes of Mohandas Gandhi
“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks; he becomes.”
“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”
“A religion that takes no account of practical affairs and does not help to solve them is no religion.”
“A vow is a purely religious act which cannot be taken in a fit of passion. It can be taken only with a mind purified and composed and with God as a witness.”
“A true disciple knows another’s woes, as his own. He bows to all and despises none.”
“Action expresses priorities.”
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
“As human beings, our greatness lays no so much in being able to remake the world- that is the myth of the atomic age- as in being able to remake ourselves.”
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall -- think of it, ALWAYS.”
“’Love they neighbor as thyself’ is not something we Hindus prescribe to, but it is something we could learn from.”
“A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.”
For your reflection:
* In your first paragraph, discuss what Gandhi’s idea of Hinduism was and support your answer with at least 2 examples from the movie.
*In the second paragraph, choose one of Gandhi’s quotes below, by rewriting it in that paragraph and answer this question: “How does that quote exemplify the way Gandhi lived out his faith?” Use examples from the movie where appropriate.
Quotes of Mohandas Gandhi
“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks; he becomes.”
“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”
“A religion that takes no account of practical affairs and does not help to solve them is no religion.”
“A vow is a purely religious act which cannot be taken in a fit of passion. It can be taken only with a mind purified and composed and with God as a witness.”
“A true disciple knows another’s woes, as his own. He bows to all and despises none.”
“Action expresses priorities.”
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
“As human beings, our greatness lays no so much in being able to remake the world- that is the myth of the atomic age- as in being able to remake ourselves.”
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall -- think of it, ALWAYS.”
“’Love they neighbor as thyself’ is not something we Hindus prescribe to, but it is something we could learn from.”
“A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.”
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Reflection #2- Sacred Poetry
• Add a picture of an ancient religious symbol to your Online Portfolio (it can be one of those from the notes in class or from other traditions)
• Research what anthropologists and archeologists already know about this place/artifact and its purpose
• Read examples of the sacred poetry supplied in class
• Write your own sacred poem to one of these religious symbols
• Due Friday, Sept. 3rd to your OP
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Reflection Question #1 RUBRIC
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1: "According to Mircea Eliade religion has 'not vanished without a trace; [it] has contributed toward making us what we are today and so, after..."
Rubric for Online Portfolio Reflections/Assignments
Student showed knowledge of reading assigned in class by using vocabulary and examples from reading-
10 points
Student gave supporting examples of hypothesis/opinion, either from personal experience or research-
5 points
Student writing is:
Concise (2 paragraphs or less depending on assignment criteria)- 2 pts
Insightful (an original example or idea is brought up or questions postulated for further study)- 1pt
Timely (relevant to class discussion)- 2 pts
Total Points: 20 per reflection
Rubric for Online Portfolio Reflections/Assignments
Student showed knowledge of reading assigned in class by using vocabulary and examples from reading-
10 points
Student gave supporting examples of hypothesis/opinion, either from personal experience or research-
5 points
Student writing is:
Concise (2 paragraphs or less depending on assignment criteria)- 2 pts
Insightful (an original example or idea is brought up or questions postulated for further study)- 1pt
Timely (relevant to class discussion)- 2 pts
Total Points: 20 per reflection
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Reflection Question #1
According to Mircea Eliade religion has "not vanished without a trace; [it] has contributed toward making us what we are today and so, after all, [it] forms part of our own history". In what ways has religion contributed toward your personal history?