Reflection #9: The Incarnation of God

To many, Christmas is just another excuse to celebrate and throw massive parties, to buy and receive a great deal of presents, and a time to break from work and just relax. As the years go on, more and more people are drawn into the circle of what seems to be the glamorous 'it thing,' until today, the modern world we live in has over-developed, so much so that it seems almost a tradition you go out and celebrate on Christmas Eve or Christmas night. Centuries ago, people were much simpler. They probably had no idea what 'champagne' or 'fireworks' even meant. Centuries ago, people would spend time with their family, perhaps cook some good meat for the night and probably light the fireplace just a little bit longer than usual so parents could pass on Christmas tales from generations ago, to their children. Despite the many versions of the story of how Jesus really came about, at least we know that Christmas is celebrated on the 25th December to commemorate the birth of Jesus, son of Christ. Based on the words of the ancient prophets, the arrival of Jesus was promised by God as a great deliver of the people. He was described as the 'Messiah,' the one of the most high. The scriptures, songs and stories say nothing but the same. This particular phrase I remember very well, because it would be sung or recited every mass - in honour of Jesus. These are the last 3 lines of the verse:

"For you alone are the Holy One,  you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High,  Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,  in the glory of God the Father.  Amen."

 The last verse of 'O Come All Ye Faithful' emphasizes the arrival of baby Jesus. 'All Hail' and 'Lord,' suggests his importance even as a new born child. 'O Jesus.. now in flesh appearing' basically means what the Father has said is true, because now we see his flesh, and because the Father has chosen the name 'Jesus,' it will for evermore be adored. He is 'Christ the Lord.'

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord. 

 For Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Persian astrologers, their belief and trust in God was necessary, and probably the most important aspect. It was what got them through their journey. God was all they had. For Mary and Joseph, they chose to believe the news angel Gabriel brought to them. For the Persian astrologers, it was through faith that they travelled the far distance to witness the birth of Jesus. For the shepherds, just as ordinary people, they were there to protect and guide the way for Mary and Joseph - their belief and duty.

What kind of God comes as a baby? That is a question many will laugh at, but maybe it was for the better. God's ambition was to send someone that could represent himself to Earth, from the heavens. Why not introduce a baby? We know that they are pure and innocent, and seem to be the most delightful. Whether they really are remains a mystery but God's love for children never ceased. The messages he passed on to his disciples are just an example of why God chose this method. Another may be, as a child you are filled with joy, happiness, hatred and love. As a child, you are given many things, yet nothing seems too serious because after all, you're only just a 'child.' Then as you grow older, children develop based on their upbringing, which is when adults are formed. The character of an adult is more permanent in that, a person is who they are. Children can change, for the better or worse; but they are given a chance. Through hardship, children learn. Maybe this was another motto God followed.

Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives

From a Western perspective: http://articles.cnn.com/2010-05-07/us/new.york.ground.zero.mosque_1_muslims-ground-zero-community-center?_s=PM:US This article talks about plans to build a mosque two blocks away from ground zero and how this issue is creating conflict, especially between the residents in the area and relatives of the victims of 911. This CNN article stresses the importance of acceptance of another religion as "Islam is an American religion" -Daisy Khan. According to this article, the 12 board members were for this announced plan. She also said, "It will have a real community feel,"and "The time for a centre like this has come."

From an Islamic country's perspective: http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/26-Aug-2010/NY-mayor-defends-mosque-near-Ground-Zero-rules-out-compromise
This article is from The Nation Pakistan. Although it is from a different perspective, I think the same idea and message is passed on to it's readers. In this article, the mayor of New York defends the  entitlements and rights the Islamic community have over the land near ground zero. It is said by him that there should be no compromise, and being a man who he is, just the power he holds alone is unquestionable. After a vote, the end result was 29-1 in favour of the mosque, with 9 abstained votes. This proves the willingness America is trying to show to prove to the world that it can change and do good. Bloomberg has put it's support to this, but in order for the plan to take action, the project still needs to win the approval of the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission.

To me, both articles are invariably similar. There are pros and cons like everything else. There will be people for and against it as well, but having read these 2 articles published in the constrasting areas of the world, it's great to see so many supporting this project, including the Mayor of New York. The building of this mosque will widen horizons and set a mark in history, but only time can tell what will become of it. 

Personal Commemoration- Reflection #7

24th December: Christmas Eve.
The date of my late grandmother's birthday.
Without fail, every Christmas no matter where in the world, everyone puts aside their worries and anxiety and finds time to be back in Malaysia. This time of the year is undeniably important to me because it is also my grandmother's birthday. Put celebrating Christmas and her birthday together plus the presence of my 30 first cousins and countless relatives - it is one of the best feeling's and what possibly gets me through the first semester. It is only during this time of the year that everyone finds time to come back to celebrate. Coming from an extremely large family, it's fair to say we get this seldom. The commemoration usually lasts about a week, where relatives living in the city drive down, where families living overseas like us fly back, and where cousins studying in college travel back - all to my grandmother's house in the suburbs of KL. Every Christmas Eve, we all celebrate my grandmother's birthday dinner at her favourite restaurant, which we usually tend to take up the whole of. At midnight, we would all wish each other "Merry Christmas" but a phrase we would never fail to hear from my grandmother is: "The Lord is always with you through all the evil and good. Never give up and your hard work will pay off. Don't ever forget that." It's an event that just happens, and that everyone just knows about, that it's no longer questioned. We used to dress up in our traditional Chinese attire as it was my grandmother's wish, but in recent years, the stubbornness of us teenager's have kicked in. We didn't know how much longer this would last, but all we wanted was for my grandmother to be happy. That way, we were all happy.
It wasn't until September last year that she passed away.
But even so, we continue this so-called-tradition, not just because we knew it was her wish, but because we all felt like somehow, being together at this time of the year, was definitely a good feeling.

The Morality of Greek Myths-Reflection #6

Sirens

Dionysius had accused Pythias of trying to overthrow him and was ordered to be arrested and sentenced to death by the King. Pythias had some things to take care of before he could be held hostage in the dungeon, so close friend Damon agreed to take his place until he returned. During his journey, Pythias crossed some obstacles that detained him much longer than he'd expected, yet Damon was still sure Pythias was coming back and had not taken the opportunity to escape from death. It was all true in the end; Pythias had just made it back in time to save his friend from death. As a result, Dionysius was so impressed he decided to call off all remaining charges towards Pythias. The three of them became good friends and lived happily ever after.

The moral of the story is be loyal to your friends and good things can happen. In this story especially, Pythias kept to his word and returned and as a reward of loyalty he showed for Damon, Dionysius was so impressed he released all charges. In fact, this story tries to answer a mystery in itself of truth. Truth isn't something visual that can be interpreted, it's something that either is or isn't. Trust gained comes from the truth and only the truth. To the Greek's, independence and friendship are important virtues. Staying or being loyal differentiates, but through their thinking this way, it's what made them so strong mentally and physically. We should learn to follow and understand the way they understood, and maybe we'll grow stronger as a community. Until today, we learn about their actions, beliefs and way because through uniting as one, they have made a mark in history.

Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk

Humans tend to seek out religion through taking in nature and the creation's of God. It is a way for them to find similar pathways, or to strengthen their faith and beliefs. Sometimes, you sit and wonder how life started, and how it's evolved so drastically over time. But no matter how long you wait for an answer, there will not be one. It's just the way things are; just the way you are. People spend their lives trying to find the better of what they are given. They seek answers to some questions that can only be answered through following a religion - but sometimes, this may not even be the case.

Each religion have different aims, beliefs and worships. Each follower/ believer then have different goals to achieve based on this. Take Buddhism as an example. Thought Buddhism is a vague religion altogether in that anybody can practice it without being fully committed, they all share certain perspectives and honour codes. But I learnt during our trip to the Temple, that anyone can reach Nirvana - the stage of enlightenment by following the believed steps. It isn't only for those who show full desire and committment all the time - which is something very special and unique.

Religion does its best to help you succeed, and assure you of the answers you may doubt.
Religion definitely helps you become closer to what you believe in, but I believe that in order to attain Nirvana, each and every one of us must succeed in our desires. Easier said than done.

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?

During the 20 minutes in which I tried to meditate, stay still and not laugh, I started to think about what my real ambitions for life are. What do I want to pursue and end up being? To me, it was funny starting to think about this because it seemed like lifetimes away, but truth is time flies. Though I must admit throughout the 20 minutes, it kept recurring to me that I had lots of homework due the next day. Regardless I knew I had to do well in my studies to have a good career and future. So it was back to the present and no more dreaming. To be honest, trying to be completely focused for a full 20 minutes, whilst trying to keep still is almost impossible for me, so 10 minutes was a real miracle. The last 10 minutes I just tried to stay in one position and focus on my breathing - in and out - take in my surroundings and trying to focus on the little combination of things I hear. Through the loud chatters, I was inspired to do well in the things I do. So from now on, that is my goal.

Reflection #3 - Gandhi: Hindu and Activist

A man who believed in equal rights. A man who saved his race, his religion and his country. Mahatma Gandhi.
His idea of Hinduism was that faith and belief conquered all. It was the most important aspect of his life; to conquer faith and belief. Being a huge supporter of non-violence, he spread ways of what he thought was the right thing, which resulted in impact's that changed the lives of many. During the salt action in 1930, his advice was not to fight back. This alone would have the people go crazy, giving up their lives so helplessly - but Gandhi's ways have achieved him so much more. His aim was never to publicise one religion over the other, but to spread awareness of equality. Over the years, his actions have won him many followers who came to him for advice, but there were others on the contrary. We all know Hinduism is one religion of its kind; a religion where the acceptance of other beliefs is almost encouraged. Gandhi believed and most importantly, followed out this characteristic of Hinduism as he did not differentiate the Muslims from the Hindu's. He helped them both equally, and was willing to crown the Muslim leader, the new leader of the new India after she gained independence from the British in 1947. In the end, problems and disputes led to extreme's of controversy and rights. The day Pakistan and India were formed in independence, each flag was raised on their mast - both but Gandhi's. In the same idea of Hinduism, Gandhi failed to choose one over the other, leaving a flag-less mast standing proud beneath the howling wind. Through the hardship he must have gone though, and through his achievements, Gandhi will never be forgotten, as is his famous spinning wheel on the Indian flag.

“Action expresses priorities.” That quote itself is legendary in a way that it almost manages to sum up Gandhi in just 3 powerful and striking words. Through decades of how work and achievements, Gandhi had never gone against his beliefs once. Instead, he never failed to focus on one thing - his goal. His priorities SHOULD have been his family and friends; the ones closest to him, yet he pushed them away, nilated them, and treated like like one of the others politically. Like the scene where he kicked his wife out of the house for not wanting to do work she would never have done in her earlier days. Not to mention the part where his son rebeled against him in the most malicious manner, because he simply felt he wasn't getting enough attention, from the now politically powerful and popular man, also known as his dad. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made in order to get closer to the thing you want most - even to the extremes, like this particular recount. Through the decades that have passed, and time has gone on and on, the actions of Mahatma Gandhi never failed his people nor himself, setting priorities straight and never falling off track

Modern Religious Experience: Sacred Poetry

I see a symbol half black and half white
they work in unison to make things happen
I see a black circle surrounding them
it is that, that represents "everything"

Two energies, the yin and the yang
the ancient Chinese strongly believe
that the opposite forces must co-exist
weakness and strength, light and darkness

The foundation of the entire universe
is the root and source of life and death
co-existence in oneness and balance
IS the harmony of the yin and the yang

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..." In what ways has religion contributed toward your personal history? 

Religion is a response to mystery; it's something science cannot explain. So when people sometimes have question's that no one's sure of, it's natural for them to ask God. Though some people may not fully believe in a particular religion, or if they have one, not fully devoted to it - whether they like or believe, religion is affecting them the same way it affects others. Everyone has questions like "what happens when you die?" or "where do you go after death?" There are no answers for question's like this. Depending on the religion you take to be yours, there will different beliefs about things, in the same way different religions practice and worship differently. 

Having said that, whether I like it or not, religion is affecting my life everyday. It impacts the choices I make and the rules I choose to abide by. My behaviour is definitely influenced by what I believe in, as is what's acceptable in terms of manner's. 

I was born straight into a family who believe in Christianity. Influenced by the Catholic faith of the ones I was surrounded by, I was baptised, confirmed, and educated to receive holy communion. We try to make it to church once a week, regardless of time or busy schedules because, I guess, that's the path we've chosen to follow.