Up@dawn 2.0

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Group 1- Section 9. March 19th Post.

Our group discussed zen. Out of all the religions, zen is seemingly the simplest one because it isn't about wanting something. Rather just existing. But at the same time, the most basic human instincts are to want something so at the same time, zen could be very hard to follow in the sense that you would have to adapt yourself to not want anything at all. The 13 laws of zen are relatively adaptible, we concluded. Zen honestly seems pretty darn contradictive because you have to want to be zen in order to achieve it. Zen seems like a very non-inviting life to live. Simply breathing, using the restroom, eating, having sex, and sleeping seems ideal to some people...but it would get incredibly boring after awhile. It would probably cause one to lead a dreadfully unfulfilling life.

Fact Question: What religion teaches about zen?

Answer: Buddhism

Discussion Question: Sojun counseled people not to strive to be good or bad but to simply be. Should we not strive to be better people (at least by society's definitions) and just live our lives the way we desire, or was this just a way for Sojun to justify his life of overindulgence?

6 comments:

  1. I think it was just a way for Sojun to justify his life of overindulgence. I find myself very annoyed by Sojun. I believe that we should all strive to be better people.

    For March 21st:

    Fact Question: What does inquisition mean?

    Answer: The fight against heretics.

    Discussion Question: SOme countries punished heresy with the death penalty. According to inquisition, was this right or wrong?

    ReplyDelete
  2. The idea of not striving to be a better person certainly seems selfish. If one does not attempt to better themselves in any way, they eventually become a burden on those around them. I don't see how there can be a middle ground. Either you choose to be a proactive person or you just simply take up space and resources.

    Fact: What event has served as a doubters proof that religion does more evil than good?
    Answer: Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre

    Discussion: The Inquisition is one of the greatest crimes against humanity in recorded history, and yet the Catholic church remains the most influential religion. Why? Just..... why?

    ReplyDelete
  3. The point to Zen may be not to want it but just to have it. In other words, not attempt to achieve zen but learn to understand that things just are and be that way. Unfocused on individual things in particular, such as goals... If that makes any sense at all. Having trouble putting my thoughts into words here.

    The Catholic Church question is a good one... Beliefs just handed down perhaps... not to mention younger Catholics are only learning what is chosen to be taught.

    Fact Question: How was Bruno sentenced to die?

    - Death by fire.

    Discussion Question: Obviously religion used to play a much more significant role in government. How significant is that role today?

    ReplyDelete
  4. One aspect of Zen is to learn to accept what is accidental and take it as neither good nor bad.

    Fact: Was the inquisition concerned with punishing Jews and Muslims?
    Answer: No

    Discussion: Why would the Catholic Church seek to punish only those within its own religion, even though they still technically view everyone who does not submit to their beliefs as sinners?

    ReplyDelete
  5. the point of zen is to just accept the way things are. Accidents arent really good or bad but just coincidince.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I believe that it is a common occurrence for people to establish that what they are doing in their life which they are unable to give up is justified by a higher code.

    Fact: What was the inquisition also known as
    Answer: The "Fight against heretics"

    Discussion: Are some of the same mindsets of the inquisition still floating around today?

    ReplyDelete

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