I saw this video as relative to the aspect of the idea that humans, nature, and spirits are set on a continuum. In Shinto, there is no division between these three realms because they each belong to spirituality. This is shown when the boy sees the sixth girl, though there are only 5. She is symbolizing the alliance between human nature and the nature of the spirits. When followed, she and the boy return to the peach orchard, which had been destroyed by his family. There they are greeted by gods, again symbolizing the link between humans and spirits. The gods, through a ritual, recreate the peach orchard for the boy, solidifying the continuum of human, spirits, and nature. All are connected and each are effected by the other.
This story could also show the sin of destroying sacred grounds of the gods. The boys family was shunned by the gods; they will never return to their home.Yet, because the boy was remorseful and innocent, the gods had mercy and revealed the orchard to him one last time.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
the Tao of Pooh
As an overall text, I greatly enjoyed "The Tao of Pooh". At first I was somewhat thrown off by the explanations of Taoism terms and practices set to examples of metaphorical situations through Pooh and his friends. However, as the book progressed, I saw how these stories made the ideas of Taoism much more clearer, then by simply defining the terms and approaches. It is here that I found to be the most important aspect. The practice of the Tao is one of simplicity. To become one with the Tao, with nature, with the way of the world and universe, one must be simplistic, of simple mind,not meddling or contriving. Overall, I gained the understanding that anything besides the simple approach of Wu Wei is an interference with the way of the universe; with the natural way that each of us are individually meant to be.
There were a few passages I cared for in paritcular. When analyzing the poem Cottlestone Pie, the author first adresses that many of us consistently and with epic failure try to "fit square pegs into round holes, ignoring the clear reality that Things Are As They Are" (p. 39). He explains that by our inner nature we already know where we do, and do not, belong; i.e., wrong marriages, wrong jobs. The author also analyzes the quote "A fish can't whistle and neither can I" p.43), to reiterate the fact that a truely wise mind knows and recognizes its limitations. However, my favorite explanation provided referenced the idea that instead of erradicating negative emotions, one should seek to change them for a more positive or useful light. He concludes this thought with "While pounding on the piano keys may produce noise, removing them doesn't exactly further the creation of music. The principles of Music and Living aren;t all that different, we think" (p. 59).
In reference to the author's critique of America as a culture of "Busy Backsons", I entirely agree. As a western culture we have become some submersed in consumerism, wealth, and "prosperity", I feel that we often lose track of where we are. Always looking forward, to the next goal or accomplishment, we may often miss the moment that we are already apart of. On a personal level, I can relate to this aspect of our culture. Constantly striving for the next big goal to obtain, we may sometimes miss the time in between, which the author points out, is a much greater amount of time spent when compared to those few moments of actually reaching the accomplishment. He states it in such a way where we function with all this time, and then we meet a goal, and then there's a bunch of time, and then we meet a goal, etc. He stresses that to be in the Tao, you must be in the present moment.
Reviewing Taoism as a "solution" to the "problem" of American culture, I agree with some aspects. I understand that as a culture, we are probably missing most of our present time focused on the future. The particular example of Christmas morning was my favorite; the author says that each year we have this anticipation, happiness, before we open the gifts. Then we open them, they lose their appeal, and we wait 365 days to do it all over again. I agree with the idea to be more in the present moment, to appreciate and look at nature in a childlike fashion, with beauty and awe. It was also interesting to think about what the author means when he speaks of the difference between "Emptiness" and "Lonliness". I agree with the idea that we should seek time alone, time of silence of inquisitive minds and constant analyzing. The only idea I did not agree wholeheartedly in was the theory that if you do not try, things will fall into place. I don't see this as true. Everything requires effort, even if its minimal. I understand the way this relates to the idea that to follow the path of the universe is most harmonily, and I imagine that it is. However, as part of western culture, I also imagine that to not try would not reap the things that American culture holds, usually, as beneficial. I also do not agree that actively working your mind and body is also actively killing it. Maybe it's been imprinted on me from my American upbringing, but actively working your body and mind are things that help me to feel personally at peace.
There were a few passages I cared for in paritcular. When analyzing the poem Cottlestone Pie, the author first adresses that many of us consistently and with epic failure try to "fit square pegs into round holes, ignoring the clear reality that Things Are As They Are" (p. 39). He explains that by our inner nature we already know where we do, and do not, belong; i.e., wrong marriages, wrong jobs. The author also analyzes the quote "A fish can't whistle and neither can I" p.43), to reiterate the fact that a truely wise mind knows and recognizes its limitations. However, my favorite explanation provided referenced the idea that instead of erradicating negative emotions, one should seek to change them for a more positive or useful light. He concludes this thought with "While pounding on the piano keys may produce noise, removing them doesn't exactly further the creation of music. The principles of Music and Living aren;t all that different, we think" (p. 59).
In reference to the author's critique of America as a culture of "Busy Backsons", I entirely agree. As a western culture we have become some submersed in consumerism, wealth, and "prosperity", I feel that we often lose track of where we are. Always looking forward, to the next goal or accomplishment, we may often miss the moment that we are already apart of. On a personal level, I can relate to this aspect of our culture. Constantly striving for the next big goal to obtain, we may sometimes miss the time in between, which the author points out, is a much greater amount of time spent when compared to those few moments of actually reaching the accomplishment. He states it in such a way where we function with all this time, and then we meet a goal, and then there's a bunch of time, and then we meet a goal, etc. He stresses that to be in the Tao, you must be in the present moment.
Reviewing Taoism as a "solution" to the "problem" of American culture, I agree with some aspects. I understand that as a culture, we are probably missing most of our present time focused on the future. The particular example of Christmas morning was my favorite; the author says that each year we have this anticipation, happiness, before we open the gifts. Then we open them, they lose their appeal, and we wait 365 days to do it all over again. I agree with the idea to be more in the present moment, to appreciate and look at nature in a childlike fashion, with beauty and awe. It was also interesting to think about what the author means when he speaks of the difference between "Emptiness" and "Lonliness". I agree with the idea that we should seek time alone, time of silence of inquisitive minds and constant analyzing. The only idea I did not agree wholeheartedly in was the theory that if you do not try, things will fall into place. I don't see this as true. Everything requires effort, even if its minimal. I understand the way this relates to the idea that to follow the path of the universe is most harmonily, and I imagine that it is. However, as part of western culture, I also imagine that to not try would not reap the things that American culture holds, usually, as beneficial. I also do not agree that actively working your mind and body is also actively killing it. Maybe it's been imprinted on me from my American upbringing, but actively working your body and mind are things that help me to feel personally at peace.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Zen Wrapped in Pop Culture
These images depict a couple different stereotypes related to Buddhism, as it is in Western culture. The first image (gold) is an inaccruate portrayal of buddha. Considering Buddha was emaciated, only eating one grain of rice a day, when he finally reached enlightenment, the western culture has instead created an image of an overweight, happy man to depict. This is not to say that this image was specifically intended to depict buddha, but that as a western society at large, this is a very popular image to relate him to. The second image shown (of meditation), also can be used to reflect a stereotype in the west portraying that those that practice buddhism are in constant meditation, peacefully blissful, and ultimately submissive. When searching for images of buddhism, these were the two most popular images (similar to others), in general. However, buddhism is not only centered around mediation, but it is an active choice, and therefore lifestyle, as well. I would consider these to be both negative stereotypes, because they are wholly untrue.
Brad Warner's writing, I believe, ultimately defies the stereotype of a blissful, "zen-like" nature. While also a well-known "zen master", Warner plays, still, in a hardcore punk band, has been left by his wife, and experienced both loss of family as well as jobs. Though he is a zen "master" he experiences these pains just the same, but explains that his practice get him through. "Zen master" in itself is a western entity, as Warner stated: "A Zen master, at least in the popular conception, is a mystical being, an Enlightened One who can rise above all human affliction and discontent"(ix).
My favorite image came from a cartoon website, cartoonstock.com, that showed a zen "master" on top of a mountain, with a man hanging off the side of the cliff to get to him. The cartoon says:
'The meaning of life??? How the hell should I know? Try Google.' This reminded me of the misconstrued notion that monks, buddhism masters, and those of religous authority are assumed to be at an intellect beyond that of the average person. However, because they are more spiritually aware, does not denote that they know the meaning of life. Warner puts this out, stating this idea that "followers [tend] to see their teachers as supernatural creatures.." which "suggests that the teacher was a mind of Christ-like paranoral creature with powers abd abilites far beyond those of ordinary people" (pg., Xi). But the strongest phrase in Buddhism, according to Warner, is "I don't know" (p. 61)
trenddelacreme.com
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Money, Power, Success.. AND liberation?
Worldly Succes:Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger"
Electronica/
Pretty Lights: The Time Has Come Electronica/, Atmosphere: Love Life Hip Hop/, Verve: Bittersweet Symphony Alternative Rock/,
Christina Millian: Say I Pop/
These two elements focused on the aims of liberation and worldly success. While worldly success was easier to find, the difference between these two was not as great the difficulty between pleasure and community service. I feel like our version of worldly success with the Hindu depiction is not inherently dissimilar. Both focus around wealth, fame, and power; both Hinduism as well as American culture see this option of worldly success as one of their "aims". However, in the Hindu tradition, they recognize this goal and aspiration of worldly success as a fleeting, unfuliflling thing, while I feel that American culture finds its ultimate fulfillment in material goods and the longing for posh lifestyles. America is saturated with media focusing on these quests of luxury cars, dream homes, botox to paralyze your facial muscles, and surgeries for, literally, everything. These things are glamorized from so many different directions; from the brilliances of "The Real Housewives" to the "Kardashians", or favorite pop icons. This is not what Hinduism meant by the aim of worldly success. It is understood that you go through these aims, but that they are fleeting; it is understood that the ultimate purpose is liberation (Moksha). Yet, in American society, we seek after these things until we no longer, physically, can. Hinduism says to let it go, they are just things; it preaches to go find your soul,true self, that you may reach liberation. American culture's idea of this liberation is, in this sense, a complete reverse. Liberation or moksha, in Hinduism, means a release of your soul from samsara, that you may be released from reincarnation into the world, over and over again. What I found in searching for songs that depicted our liberation, is that liberation tends to be a release, often times, from some significant other, or a job. Some songs, such as "Ride" depict more of the freedom of leaving behind past ghosts, while "Say I" is more explanatory of the idea that liberation is allowing yourself to behave however you like. Regardless, I feel that American culture's viewpoint of liberation is consistently more shallow, shown through fleeting moments of self-declaration, rather than Hindu's eternal liberation.
Electronica/
Death Cab for Cutie: Sound of Settling Indie/, Gym Class Heroes: Viva La White Girl Hip Hop/, Fergie: Glamorous, Pop/, Atmosphere: Saves the Day Hip Hop/
Liberation:
Cary Brothers: "Ride" Indie/Pop
Christina Millian: Say I Pop/
These two elements focused on the aims of liberation and worldly success. While worldly success was easier to find, the difference between these two was not as great the difficulty between pleasure and community service. I feel like our version of worldly success with the Hindu depiction is not inherently dissimilar. Both focus around wealth, fame, and power; both Hinduism as well as American culture see this option of worldly success as one of their "aims". However, in the Hindu tradition, they recognize this goal and aspiration of worldly success as a fleeting, unfuliflling thing, while I feel that American culture finds its ultimate fulfillment in material goods and the longing for posh lifestyles. America is saturated with media focusing on these quests of luxury cars, dream homes, botox to paralyze your facial muscles, and surgeries for, literally, everything. These things are glamorized from so many different directions; from the brilliances of "The Real Housewives" to the "Kardashians", or favorite pop icons. This is not what Hinduism meant by the aim of worldly success. It is understood that you go through these aims, but that they are fleeting; it is understood that the ultimate purpose is liberation (Moksha). Yet, in American society, we seek after these things until we no longer, physically, can. Hinduism says to let it go, they are just things; it preaches to go find your soul,true self, that you may reach liberation. American culture's idea of this liberation is, in this sense, a complete reverse. Liberation or moksha, in Hinduism, means a release of your soul from samsara, that you may be released from reincarnation into the world, over and over again. What I found in searching for songs that depicted our liberation, is that liberation tends to be a release, often times, from some significant other, or a job. Some songs, such as "Ride" depict more of the freedom of leaving behind past ghosts, while "Say I" is more explanatory of the idea that liberation is allowing yourself to behave however you like. Regardless, I feel that American culture's viewpoint of liberation is consistently more shallow, shown through fleeting moments of self-declaration, rather than Hindu's eternal liberation.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Pleasure and Community Service
Incubus "Here in My Room"
And to motivate you to give back or make a change, some community service songs: 1.Coldplay "Fix You" Alternative Rock, 2005 2.Bob Marley "One Love" Reggae, 1977 3. U2 "One" Alternative Rock, 4. Beatles "Come Together" Britpop, 1969 5. James Taylor "Shower the People" Classic Rock, 1977
U2 "One"
The more prevalent aim established was, by far, pleasure. To find pleasure songs only took a few minutes, as the majority of what is available and popular to the public is focused around pleasure. Our media has an unwaivering focus on sex, love, capitalism, and self-seeking goals. This is not to say that such an indulgence in pleasure is wrong. It is, obviously, human nature. However, compared to finding songs centered around some form of community service, it proved much more difficult. Even then, the songs I attempted to relate to community service speak of an undercurrent of love. Pleasure is so much easier to find, I think, because we are such an individualized culture. We, in general, are brought up being taught to seek after whatever it is you want: achieve, accomplish, be successful, follow your dreams. I feel that the unity aspect of Americans falls by the wayside. Our culture is engrained with an idea to be self-sufficient, and to beat competition. Community service or unity does not hold the weight in the American culture, like it does in eastern cultures. I was not surprised at the amount of "pleasure"songs that could be used, but I was surprised that there were so few unity, service songs that could be found. The Hindu understanding of the pleasure and community service aims differs greatly from how these aims are expressed in American pop culture. In Hinduism, it is believed that you can have what you want, as long as you eventually let it go, so that for example, pleasure is perfectly appropriate to seek, for a time, and as long as you follow basic laws of morality. In American pop culture, there is no sense that pleasure-seeking will, or even should, end. Our culture sustains this wanting of more and more goods, services, and material wealth, and as time goes on, the culture seems to become more sexually liberated, but in some cases seems to deviate from what may be morally sound for some. The example presented of "Here in My Room" speaks of this promiscuity, as the end lyrics say "Thanks for being that kind of girl". Also, in reference to the Hindu aim of community service, American culture seems to focus more on loving your neighbors, but does not state very often to actually aid them. There some artists or bands that have taken the humanitarian route, such as Bono and Coldplay, but you see these visions of humanity more through their videos, while their lyrics could still be related to other causes, or more on a personal level of love and loss. I feel that our culture becomes increasingly impaired when trying to differentiate between selfish desires and altruistic behaviors, and trying to find songs to pinpoint both sides seems to solidify this.
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