...Chants of Tibetan Buddhism As in all religions, chanting is an important way of praying or reciting sacred/holy words and it is also used to be awakened and enlightened. “In Buddhism, chanting is the traditional means of preparing the mind for meditation, and especially as part of a formal practice” (O’Brien n.p). The focus of Buddhism is to help others rather than yourself. First and foremost Tibetan music is religious music, reflecting the profound influence of Tibetan Buddhism on the culture. In Buddhism the majority of schools have some form of chanting associated with it, regardless of being Theravada or Mahayana. The basis for Theravada chants is the Pali Canon, while Mahayana and Vajrayana chants draw from a wider range of sources. Within Buddhism, chants come in many forms such as Sutras, Mantras, and Dharanis. In Mahayana “sutras in some way or another are the words of the Buddha or one of the Buddha’s disciples” (Obrien n.p), however, within Mahayana a large body of sutras were actually composed after the Buddha's lifetime. The Mahayana Buddhist regards the Lotus Sutra as one of the most important and influential sutras, or sacred scriptures, of Buddhism. A mantra, like a prayer is a short sequence of words or syllables that is often chanted repetitively. An example of a mantra would be the Om Mani Padme Hum. “Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying the mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, out loud or silently to oneself, invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings...
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...AO1: “Examine the distinctive features of Pure Land Buddhism” Pure Land Buddhism offers a way to enlightenment for people who can’t handle the subtleties of meditation, endure long rituals, or just live especially good lives. The essential practice in Pure Land Buddhism is the chanting of the name Amitabha Buddha with total concentration, trusting that one will reborn in Pure Land, where it is much easier for a being to work towards enlightenment. Pure Land Buddhism is particularly popular in China and Japan. Pure Land Buddhism as a school of Buddhist thinking began in India around the 2nd century BCE. Tan Luan was the first master of Pure Land lineage. He had his religious calling while recovering from a serious illness. He said he saw a vision of a heavenly gate opening to him. The Bodhi taught T’an Luan the Amitabha texts. The Amitabha texts consists of writings about the Buddha Amitabha (known in Japan as Amida) who achieved Buddhahood on condition that he would receive all those who sincerely called upon him with faith and then he would admit them to a western paradise, a very pleasant place where they could continue their spiritual pursuits. Buddha can be earthly; Nirmanakaya; heavenly; sambhogakaya; and teachings; dharmakaya which together make the trikaya (three bodies). In Pure Land, Buddha is seen as a God but there is no God in Buddhism. By this, we can see that there have been influences from both Islam and Christianity as they both worship a ‘God’. The...
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...In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the main theme portrayed is power. Throughout the novel as the boys progress into their lonely states, it becomes evident that power is beginning to embrace the inhabitants of the island. One way that power is shown in the novel is when Jack decided to take the rest of the boys except Ralph, Piggy, and a couple others and started a new tribe. Jack grew tired of how serious Ralph was as a leader, and he also wasn’t very fond of following Ralph’s orders. Jack’s cruel and overbearing nature caused most of the older and younger boys to follow Jacks lust for power. Another way that the theme power is shown in Lord of the Flies is through mob mentality. In chapter nine of the novel, one person started...
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...Wanda Jenkins Dr. Michael McLaughlin World Religions: Eastern and West 2 September 2014 The Four Yogas In Hinduism, there are four paths of yoga that are utilized as a reference guide that can help one along their spiritual journey towards self-realization. These paths provide different avenues that work for different people and are tailored towards certain temperaments so that one can choose the path that will provide them with the most success. According to Philip Novak, “Hinduism recognizes four paths of yoga or methods of self-transformation: the yoga of action (karma), the yoga of devotion (bhakti), the yoga of knowledge (jnana), and the yoga of meditation (raja yoga)” (Novak 34). These are paths to spiritual self- transformation that one can take after they have been taught that the controlling of the mind comes through meditation. Karma yoga is the pathway to self-transformation through work or action in the form of selfless service. Karma yoga appeals to those who have active temperaments. An example is given out of the book explaining that we are human machines made for action or work. Meaning, that our entire body, except for the reproductive apparatus merges together through action. The drive to work is mental not economical. We are by nature selfish beings, through Karma yoga we can step out of our spiritual ignorance through selfless actions. The goal of Karma yoga is for one to continually work towards acting in a selfless nature. Karma yoga is...
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...Buddhist Church.” The woman I spoke to was not very friendly and when I started to ask some questions, she gave me their website and said I could find the answers I was looking for. I went online to their website and started looking around to see when they would have meetings that I could attend. From what I gathered it looked like there was a temple meeting that I could attend on a Wednesday evening for chanting and meditation, this sounded like something I may enjoy! I left straight from work to attend this meeting in New York City and was planning on taking public transportation because I did not know how the traffic or the parking would be and taking public transportation I would be less stressed with both. I had dressed causal since I was not sure on how to dress and was very much relieved to see everyone else that was there was dressed casual as well. The meeting scheduled for this Wednesday was to run from 7:00pm-8:30pm and I was super nervous because I wasn’t sure about the chanting, do I just chant what I want or do I chant what the other members were chanting? I must’ve looked nervous because an elderly man...
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...Oedipus the King tells the story of a politician born into the role and raised to be a king. While Oedipus possesses some traits of a natural leader, he eventually becomes more concerned with his personal best interest over the substance of his ruling. Oedipus’ character was a representation of a typical political leader who lost confidence in his own authority. At first, Oedipus attempted to sympathize with his citizens, however, when he was threatened or felt pressure, he only protected himself. Oedipus’ behavior reflected that of a power driven and ineffective leader. This type of rulership has been seen many times throughout history and the play was a warning against arrogance and paranoia as it can cause failure in even the strongest...
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...early ritual called “Patimokkha conducted by monastic Buddhists” (lecture 9, pg. 3). The ritual consists of a list of possible zui which are recited twice a month by monks at Uposatha service where all of the monastic community members assembled (lecture 9, pg. 3). Confessional ritual is comprised of four main elements: “chanting the names of different Buddhas and doing prostration”, “kneeling to recite in taking refuge in the Three Jewels on behalf of all sentient beings”, “continued kneeling and recitation of the text in the confession of zui”, and finally, “transfer merit to sentient beings to help them...
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...Running head: A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER AND FAITH DIVERSITY A Healthcare Provider and Faith Diversity: An In-Depth Look Christin Cockerum Grand Canyon University: HLT 310V 03/18/2012 A Healthcare Provider and Faith Diversity: An In-Depth Look Healing consists of many variables within individual beliefs and faiths. Whether it is non-traditional faiths or traditional beliefs each one is connected through meaning of a higher spiritual enlightenment. This could include a philosophy or religion base that healing is conducted through mind, body, and spirit that embrace prayers or other components to reach complete healing of an individual. Non-traditional beliefs such as Tibetan Buddhism, Native American and Hinduism can be connected in some aspects to the mainstream religions like Christianity while having differences to the approach of healing. It will be discussed that the non-traditional beliefs on the perspective of healing, the components of healing, the similarities and differences that these beliefs have with traditional Christianity religion. Buddhism Buddhism started out in India and spread throughout Asia. Buddhism can be described as a philosophy seeking religion and it focuses on these principles rather than beliefs. Christianity is the opposite as it is a religion seeking philosophy and focuses on beliefs. Choosing Tibetan Buddhism, there is a concept of well-being, that the mind, body and spirit are achieved in an effective and comprehensive strategy for...
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...World Religions Report Katherine Grenfell HUM/130 Religions of the World September 21st 2014 Shannon Richmond World Religions Report Buddhism is considered to be beyond religion as it is more of a philosophy and a way of life (A Basic Buddhism Guide: 5 Minute Introduction, 2014). Buddhism sprang from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who lived for approximately eighty years in the fifth century BCE. His name means “wish-fulfiller” or “he who has reached his goal” (Fisher, 2014, p138) and through his search to find an end to suffering he became the Buddha, or awakened one. Buddhism is a very personal religion as it encourages its teachings to be tested and explored by each individual, allowing each follower to use the religions in their own way. Having been brought up to explore and question all things, this seems a beautiful philosophy that I could not wait to explore. Siddhartha was born to a wealthy family that sheltered him from all suffering. According to the legend, the Gods arranged for Siddhartha to see four sights: an old man bent with age, a sick person, a dead body, and a vagrant who sought happiness rather than worldly pleasure (Fisher, 2014). The first three sights left Siddhartha contemplating the impermanence of life and the cycle of birth, life, and death, while the final sight intrigued him and interested him in a life of renouncement. He set out as a wandering ascetic in search of discovering a way to total liberation from suffering, spending...
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...On Site at Green Square Nicole L. Wright JRN4425 Journalism & Politics Dr. Lisa Rollins October 17, 2012 On Site at Green Square The feeling in the air as we await Libyan Leader Moammar Gadhafi to begin his speech is that of turmoil and chaos. You can plainly tell the difference between the supporters of Gadhafi and those who are in protest. People are screaming and chanting, both in happiness and what appears to be fear. Gadhafi is known as the mad dog of the Middle East and for good reason. As anti-government demonstrations in Libya slowly get closer to the capital, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi made his defiant speech while perched atop a spot overlooking the city’s Green Square. He was surrounded by heavily armed body guards. He waived his hands in the air and blew kisses to the crowd prior to his speech. As Gadhafi addressed the crowd of chanting supporters through an interpreter, he claimed to be among the public. Amongst the chanting supporters were also tens of thousands of pro-democracy protestors. The noise from the crowd was deafening when Gadhafi came into view. Prior to witnessing Gadhafi’s speech, I was able to briefly speak to both supporters and protestors. I spoke to one resident of Tripoli who claimed that as he was fired upon as he approached a crossing to Green Square. He said his friend was shot in front of him due to Gadhafi opening fire on a group of protestors. Another individual I spoke to stated that there were checkpoints...
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...Roger out of all the kids is shown to be the most corrupted. “They (The littluns) had built castles in the sand at the bar of the little river” and “Roger gathered a handful of stones and began to throw them”(59). Without parents or authority figure to tell Roger what to do, he has been showing his malevolent side not only by throwing rocks at the littlun Henry but purposely misses to implement fear into the littluns and make him feel like he has more power . Roger has lost his old self, the self that stopped him from hitting littlun Henry, and “With a sense of delirious abandonment leaned all his weight on the lever” (180). Piggy is giving his speech about the importance of laws and rescue until “The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist” (181). Their only form of government or rule was now gone due to the bloodlust of Roger. “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” (152). These were the words everyone was chanting while practicing the ritual. These rituals became almost realistic where sometimes they couldn’t tell reality from pretend like in the Zimbardo prison...
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...Maria Salazar Relg. 335 June 4, 2012 Buddhism Reading Report Religions have set rules and ways of living for civilizations for thousands of years. Among some of the greatest existing religions now is Buddhism. Buddhism for many is now a way of life that makes no distinction between an individual and its environment. The Dharma or Buddha’s teachings like stated in The Buddha’s Early Life reading, dictate to treat others with patience and compassion whether at home or out in the world with strangers. Since one’s happiness and living conditions are the product of each individual’s actions. In an excerpt from the Digha Nikaya 31, a Buddhist scripture from the Sutta Pikata that forms part of Theravada Buddhism a depiction of what makes a goof wife and husband is presented. The duties explained present no hierarchy among husband or wife and call for acceptance and emotional equality, for a merrier household. Although, this excerpt contradicts with historical views on gender roles presented in various Buddhist readings, it presents a more realistic depiction of gender roles in Buddhism today. It is important to note the excerpt from the Digha Nikaya 31, forms part of Theravada Buddhism that was essentially practiced centuries ago back in the time of the Buddha. One can argue societies back then were more conservative than contemporary societies yet the following quote demonstrates exceedingly contemporary words of advice, “ In five ways should a husband minister his...
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...Buddhism Essay Candice Graham Rel/133 December 10, 2014 John Shear Buddhism Essay Buddhism is a religion with over 300 million followers around the world. Its origin is about over 2,000 years ago, and Siddhartha Gautoma, or Gotama was known as Buddha the awakened one. Buddha was open-minded to be involved in teachings because he felt as though he was awakened to have an awareness of his own nature. Buddha believed that his thinking was the only way to “prevent spiritual understanding that he had been seeking so he renounced a life or wealth, and power to become a spiritual seeker” (Hardy, 2014). The founder of Buddhism in this world is Buddha Shakyamuni. Shakyamuni was a royal prince who was born in the 6th century B.C.E. in Lumbini, located in Northern India. The Northern India is now a part of a place called Nepal. Buddhism has four spiritual teachings that they abide by, which are called the “Four Noble Truths”. When Buddha preached his first sermon he outlines the spiritual truths calling them Four Noble Truths, and these were “The suffering is characteristics of human existence, the suffering is caused by the longing of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, that it is not necessary to suffer and there is a path to end suffering” (Hardy, 2014). Buddha has gained disciples and they became his followers known as the first Sangha, who basically became part of the Buddhist community of monks. The monks were known as men because at the first only men followed Buddha...
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...Buddhism and Christian Faith HUM/130 Week 9: Final Assignment January 22, 2012 Introduction This paper presents research of the beliefs and practices of Buddhism; describes the worship space of the temple; summarizes an interview this writer had recently with a believer; and finally, compares Buddhism to Christianity. Religion has been around since the beginning of time, and religion has so many different meanings and different interpretations that people take in. Who created it all? Sometimes we tend to lose track of what is really there. There are so many different types religions and beliefs that each one has its own tale on how this world evolved and what took place that when it comes to beliefs and we should all respect each other’s faith because when it comes down to it we are all seeking the same desires when we all die, or some would say the day we are to be judged by God himself on Judgment day. In this paper I will thoroughly explain the differences and if they share any common beliefs. Buddhism In my research and experience with this practice, I have come to learn a whole other philosophy on what others come to believe besides the traditional religions and practices. Buddhism originated from a man name Gautama Siddhartha who later became what we know of him the Buddha Shakyamuni also known as “the enlightened one” he was born into the life of luxury but soon to escape his former life in search for the answers of the world’s suffering and understanding...
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...UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY FACULTY OF NURSING SPRING SESSION 2008 NURSING 607.57 ASSIGNMENT # 3 SCHOLARLY PAPER title: sound, spirituality and Healing for the family experiencing terminal cancer: a case study of the application of mantras Submitted by: Rosato, Mr. Giuseppe Date of Submission: July 18th, 2008 Submitted to: Dr. Carole-Lynne Le Navenec sound, spirituality and Healing for the family experiencing terminal cancer: a case study of the application of mantras ABSTRACT Given the growing interest in North America for CAM, complementary and/or alternative medicine (diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine) and holistic healthcare, health care professionals within the regulation imposed by their professional organization, have the ability to expand the realm of conventional medicine (medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. [medical doctor] or D.O. [doctor of osteopathy] degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses) to a holistic healthcare system by integrating CAM modalities such as acupressure, guided imagery, humor, massage, meditation, therapeutic touch/healing touch, prayer and arts in general into their profession. This paper explores a CAM and holistic treatment/healing modality, Mantra Therapy, that conforms to three types of CAM as defined by the United States government...
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