Discuss the Five Great Relationships. Do they play a role in modern society? If so, how? If not, why not?

 Central to Confucius' teaching are relationships and social roles. There are five great relationships:

1.     Father/ Son:  Kindness in the father and obedient devotion in the son

2.     Elder Brother/ Younger Brother:  Gentility in the eldest brother and humility and respect in the younger

3.     Husband/ Wife:  Righteous behavior in the husband and obedience in the wife

4.     Elder/ Younger:  Humane consideration in elders and deference in juniors

5.     Ruler/ Subject:  Benevolence in rulers and loyalty of ministers and subjects

Relationships.  Confucius believed that human relationships were the core of the identity to the person.  In this he was partially right.  People are their relationships in many ways.  Even in this very individualistic society, no one is without relationships defining who they are.  Guidelines in how to behave in these relationships is not a bad thing.  Unfortunately, when you elevate one person in a relationship above the other, you lose the honest give and take that differentiates personal relationships from professional ones.  The guidelines given by Confucius were quite typical of the times that he lived.  If the guidelines are updated to be more observant of the equality of each and every person then they should continue to be used.  Of course, the professional relationship will always exist in a hierarchal style.   

Discuss the concept of karma and reincarnation.

One of the purposes of all religions is to explain the unexplainable.  The most basic question that a human asks in their lifetime is what happens after death.  It is the one inescapable fact of life; you will die.  From the very moment you are born, you are on your way to a fate that is yours alone.  The one thing that no one can do for you or even tell you what really happens.  It can be terrifying to a person who has no security in their belief of what happens when they cease to have a physical existence.  Religions have struggled to answer this question since the beginning of time.  Many various religions have definitive doctrines on their views of reincarnation; others support the idea of reincarnation but do not have clearly stated views.

Another aspect of all religions is guiding people to behave and think in a certain way.  The idea of Karma can be a powerful tool in making people think before they act.  If they believe, like many pagan religions, in the law of threefold return, it will make a person take a pause before doing something that will cause harm to another for the simple fact that they do not want to face the return.    The idea of how karma returns to you is varied.  It could be in this lifetime or the next, today or next week, one never knows when the karma debt will come due or when karma will pay off.  Another view of karma suggests that it is like smut that gathers on your “soul”.  Ones deeds and behaviors are always changing their karma by adding smut from bad karma and adding clarity by clearing it.

The beliefs regarding these two intertwined philosophies are as varied as there are religions and branches of those religions.  Scientifically, neither of these can be proved or disproved.  There are cases of past life regression that claims to have proven reincarnation but because hypnosis is not considered a reliable scientific method, it remains classified as unproven.    

The only aspect of either of them that can be proven is the existence of energy.  Death is loosely defined as when the electrical impulses stop; the electrical impulses that cause the brain to function are energy.   Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change form or be converted into another form.  This is the Law of Thermodynamics. So if all the energy in the world existed since the beginning of time and none can be destroyed or created, it would make logical sense for some to conclude that reincarnation is a given fact.  It could be surmised that each person’s electrical impulses or energy has been here since the beginning of time.  The next logical step would be that the energy that makes part of a person’s soul would make a circuitous route through many lives, otherwise the sheer number of souls in heaven, hell, earthbound, or some other realm of existence would be nearly incalculable.  Before asking if a soul can come back, perhaps a better question would be, where does the energy that becomes part of your soul come from?   What makes your soul a unique type of energy container and can it hold its form without the physical body to keep it captive?  Does it change to another type of energy when it leaves our body?  If it can and does, then who knows where that energy might end up.  If it cannot change into another type of energy then where does this “soul energy” go?  What makes the soul energy different from any other kind of energy?  Energy just simply IS.  It is a property of a system rather than an object in and of itself.  Therefore, it either must be part of something i.e. the soul or it dissipates to be used elsewhere. 

All in all, there are as many theories as to what happens after death as there are people, but that is all they will be, are theories.  No one knows,  nor is anyone likely to know until their own fateful day, at which time, they can’t tell anyone the secrets that lie on the other side.  At that time any knowledge we seem to gain, certainly does not return with us if reincarnation does exist.  If karma is a fact then it seems to balance things out quite nicely here on Earth most of the time.  It would certainly go much further towards explaining all the suffering in the world than any other explanation that I have yet to hear.  Unfortunately, even karma and reincarnation cannot fully explain that one.  

Discuss the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.

I really struggled to get a flow going on this one.  It still needs work, but time is not on my side. :-)

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Nirvana.  What do you think of when you hear the word?  Besides being the name of an extremely popular band, Nirvana is a concept in both the Buddhist religion and Hinduism.   The overall concept agrees that Nirvana and enlightenment are so closely linked that many incorrectly use the word interchangeably.   

According to  http://www.thefreedictionary.com/nirvana , Hinduism defines Nirvana as  “Emancipation from ignorance and the extinction of all attachment”.  Buddhism defines it as “The ineffable ultimate in which one has attained disinterested wisdom and compassion”.  Of course, that is a very simplified definition but it serves as a start.  Buddhism was born from Hinduism so it is not surprising that they share similar beliefs and values.

In Buddhism, there seems to be some disagreement as to what Nirvana really is or how it can be reached.  The schools of thought differ mainly on when Nirvana can be reached.    According to the Theravada Buddhism Nirvana is an letting go of the defilement's of the mind.  It is when you are released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth.  Mahayana Buddhism believes that Nirvana extinguishes the duality and merging with Nirvana into an “absolute existence”.

Whichever school of thought, its followers believe the path to enlightenment comes through living the Eight Aspects of Enlightenment.  They are also known as the guide to Buddhist practice.  The Aspects or Awareness’s come from the Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra, which records the final teachings of The Buddha before his death.   It is said that to fully realize the Awareness’s is to reach Nirvana.   The eight Awareness’s build on each other and they support each other.

Although they aren't numbered in reality, you have to start somewhere with a list so we will start with “Freedom from Desire”.   It comes from one of the four Nobel truths.  The cause of suffering is thirst or craving.  It is believed that this comes from a thirst that grows from ignorance of one’s self.  We feel small in comparison to the universe so we go through life trying to grab something that will make us feel secure.  Realizing “freedom from desire” leads to and supports “satisfaction”.

“Satisfaction” comes directly from the release of desires.  We are dissatisfied because we want things that we think we need or want.  Releasing the desires leads to satisfaction, which in turn leads to “Serenity”.

“Serenity” comes naturally from the other Awareness’s and true serenity cannot be created.  It just happens when we realize the “uncreated”. “ …To realize the uncreated is to realize that which has no beginning or end”.  Realizing the uncreated takes “meticulous effort” which is another of the eight awareness’s.

“Meticulous Effort” sometimes translated correctly as “diligence”.   This “Meticulous Effort” relates to the “right Effort” of the Eightfold Path. 

“Correct Remembrance”  also called “right mindfulness” also relates to the Eightfold Path.  It refers to ‘remembering’ where we are,  what we are doing, and who we are with.  In other words, being in the moment and being aware of where you are.

“Samadhi” which is translated as “concentration” develops from mindfulness.  It is a special type of concentration that comes in a state of deep meditation.  As Samadhi comes from mindfulness, “wisdom” develops from Samadhi. 

“Wisdom” is a particular kind of wisdom that is experienced rather than simply conceptualized.  It is the insight that casts away ignorance of the self.  This point is often thought of as “enlightened” but to reach Nirvana one must incorporate another of the Eightfold Path.  It is “Avoiding idle talk”.  Since Karma is not confined to mind and body but speech as well. 

In reaching enlightenment, some say you have reached Nirvana, but according to The Buddha, most must die to reach Nirvana.  The fact that he reached Nirvana while sitting under a Bodhi tree, served to show all who heard of his story, that he was a very spiritual man whose words  should be heeded.

Discuss the "Caste System" in relation to modern Hinduism.

This weeks discussion question in my World Religions class:

Discuss the "Caste System" in relation to modern Hinduism.  Does it have a place in modern society?  If so, explain.  Can people be expected to maintain their "place" or is it outdated and to be discarded?

I have to admit, I am somewhat stymied this week, in reading the chapter and then visiting various websites to learn more.  What I learned is that there is so much to learn before one could ever begin to understand a system as complex as that of this incredibly ancient civilization.  The Caste System is an integral part of the system that has lasted for centuries.  This way of life, living, and interacting that is a part of the very fabric of Hinduism is not something that an outsider should judge or consider lightly. 

Many noted experts disagree as to definition of the Caste System, right down to the very translation of the words.  Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji of the India Heritage Research Foundation contends the word “Varna” ,found in the scriptures, means “class” not “caste”.   He also states  that when the Portuguese colonized parts of India, they mistakenly translated “varna vyavasthaa” as “caste system” and the mistake stuck.*

Regardless to the semantics and translations of the words, I guess what it all boils down to is treatment of each other.  Their system of “class” or “caste”, which ever word you might choose, is indisputably part of the very heart of Hinduism.   If you are of the opinion like Dr. Subramanium Swamy, author of the book, Hinduism under Siege, the caste system is a good thing based on its original intention.  He explained that the caste system was not designed as antagonistic groupings, nor was it connected to birth.  According to him, the caste system was created to keep the balance of the four powers in society-knowledge, wealth, weapons and land- from falling into one group’s hands. *

Swami Chidanand Saraswatji  points out that there is no hierarchy at all inherent in the varna system and that all parts are of equal importance and worth.  He compares it to the body saying the brain is no more important than the legs and feet, because they are all needed to work as a whole unit; each just serving different roles.  *

On the other side of the coin, many experts are of the opinion that the caste systems sets up predetermined inequalities based on things that are “unchangeable” for a person and should be completely abolished. 

 There are “classes” in every society.  There are those that are privileged from birth and like the Hindu caste system they follow in their fathers and grandfathers footsteps regarding occupation. Think here of some of the Ivy League doctors, lawyers, politicians etc.  There are others that are born in poverty and never see or even try to change their circumstances at birth.  Then there are those in the middle that do the middle man jobs and they often seem to follow in their parents footsteps having the similar, if not the same occupation.  Think here of farmers, factory workers, miners, etc.  Then, every society has their “outcasts”.  They may be considered outcast for many reasons, including race and religious reasons being near if not at the top of the list.  Think here of the slaves and burning of ‘witches’ etc.  And then there are the ones not satisfied to be “just what my parents were”.  They want to be more, to grow and enter into the next higher class of people.

Class systems seem to be a natural development of humans, even as they speak against it.  While it is certainly necessary to have each and every class of people for a people to live and thrive, it should not be something that you are stuck with for life.  Perhaps that is where the majority of the conflicting views on the caste system of Hinduism can be boiled down to.  Simply put, outsiders see their caste system as a negative thing.  The ones that are part of it seem to feel that it is as much a part of their daily life and religion as the Ten Commandments are a part of a Christian’s life. 

Certainly, injustices should be addressed by any society, especially injustices on the weak and vulnerable.   But in a case such as this, trying to change and integral part of any society or civilization runs the risk of destroying that civilization altogether.  The Hindus are adapting with times just as they have over the centuries past.  Outsiders really have no place imposing their opinions and views into something that takes lifetimes to learn.  The caste system definitely has its place in modern Hinduism and it is rapidly changing to fit the world around it.  People from different castes are serving in far different roles than in the past.  The “untouchables” are no longer called the untouchables but now are called Dalit and are protected by laws that do not allow them to be discriminated against.  Like most countries, India has its group of people that are treated badly.  It is nothing to be proud of nor continued, but fortunately, like America and many other countries, and unlike many others, India is working on moving their society forward and its religion, which is so much a part of their society, is moving forward with it.

*All quotes and references came from http://www.hinduwisdom.info/Caste_System2.htm

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That is the point that I ended on simply because it was already running long.  There is absolutely no way  to do this topic justice in limited space.  What I mainly learned this week is that Hinduism is an extremely beautiful and complex system that does not separate religion from secular life.  It would take intense study to even begin to understand the finer points necessary to have a valid opinion on a topic this broad.  I did the best I could with what I feel is inadequate knowledge or understanding. The brief time we get to spend studying each individual religion is just not enough to grasp the intricacies that are involved in each religious system.

Until next week...

Gentle Breezes

Next Week's Topic:  Discuss the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.

Halloween in American Culture

This is a class writing assignment for my World Religions Online class.  Our Professors gives us a writing  topic for each week.  Guide lines are to write between two and three hundred words.  I went over a bit and hope he did not count against me.  :-)  Here is our topic question for this past week. --

Discuss the celebration of Halloween in American culture.  Does  it have religious significance?  Is it a night of evil or just fun?  What do you think?

Halloween is a perfect example that illustrates the melting pot we live in and love.  The beautiful patchwork of many cultures, bring their own and blend it as one called American.   Halloween originated in the early years of this age and evolved through time.  

It is first mentioned in America during the early 1800’s but it became more widely known and practiced when the potato famine in Ireland brought an influx of Irish and Scottish immigrants.   It was a day of fun and games with few, if any pranks, until the English observation of Guy Fawkes Day became more meshed with Halloween traditions. 

In the limited research that I performed, I found that fundamentalist Christian groups seem to be the main objectors of Halloween celebrations, in this country and others.  Their claims appear to be that the holiday is evil and celebrates evil intentions.  They seem to base this on the claims that the holiday has its historical roots in a pagan celebration.  Most of the holidays that we, as a country and as spiritual beings, celebrate have been so mixed, matched and meshed to the point of unrecognizability from their origins.   Whatever holiday ritual we use today to celebrate the major and some of the minor holidays, they are based, at least in part, on pagan rituals, especially if the term pagan is used broadly to encompass any ancient sect or religion.

To me, Halloween is a day to have fun and throw off the realities of the moment; remember how to play make believe.  It is a day that reminds us to not take life as we see it but to look beneath the surface.  It also reminds us not to take life so seriously. 

However we choose to celebrate Halloween, or not, as long as we harm no one and don’t try to impose our views on others in our life travels, we have a good start. 

Coming next week...
Discuss the "Caste System" in relation to modern Hinduism.  Does it have a place in modern society?  If so, explain.  Can people be expected to maintain their "place" or is it outdated and to be discarded?