Comparative Religions

[marieann-d.livejournal.com]

Rogue stands in the front of the classroom looking exceedingly nervous. "Professor Gandalf is not here, er, today, so I'm leading the discussion." She coughs. "Um, we will be discussing Hinduism during this class. Um, there will be more complete notes online after class. Also, we'll be discussing it again next class, so you can ask Gandalf any questions.

"Hinduism is practiced by, um, a very large percentage of the world's population. So, it is worth being studied. While it is techincally a polytheistic religion, it is also considered by some to be monotheistic." Everyone looks bored, she thinks.

She turns around and looks through Gandalf's desk. She finds a recording of Hindu chants and plays it. "Everyone, please tell the class your thoughts on this recording."

[[OOC: I'm going to be taking off, like now. Play it all out wonderfully, like I know you will.]]

Comments

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

Cameron listens to the chant and isn't all too sure what he should think of it. "Er... it sounds asian?"

[lane-drums.livejournal.com]

Umm, it sounds old and, like, it comes from a long, deep tradition. Very soothing - almost heartbreaking, in a way.

[oatmanspatient.livejournal.com]

Marty sits in class dazed.

The music seems to be overwhelming him.

Shakabuku

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

You're better at this than I am.

Can I ditto this and retreat my former statement?

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

Anakin smiles. "It sounds very familiar." He looks around at his classmates and shrugs. "Meditation is kind of a part of the whole Jedi thing."

[lane-drums.livejournal.com]

*blushes*

Oh well, thanks. Your statement was good too, though.

[sumeragi-13.livejournal.com]

Subaru sits in class, eyes closed, taking it all it. The chant seems to be deeply affecting. His throat moves once, rapidly.

"Beautiful," he breathes, and opens his eyes. They shine with tears.

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

*laughs* No, it was completely lame. I wish we'd had a translation.

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

Anakin nudges him.

"You okay?"

[lane-drums.livejournal.com]

*laughs at his laugh*

Well, at least you didn't make such a lame comment in front of the actual professor. Ooh! A translation would be nice - you should ask for one next class. That might even get you some bonus class participation points.

[oatmanspatient.livejournal.com]

Marty shakes his head losing his traing of thought.

"Yeah. Just.... Well. Got wrapped up in the whole chanty thing."

Suddenly Marty begins to wonder exactly what he's been doing the last few months.

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

No, but I'm sure he'll hear about it somehow. This have a way of getting out around here.

*chuckles* Think it might save my ass?

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

Anakin nods. "Hearing something like this for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. When I was little, we had a teacher who would sing something similar (by herself but in harmony because she had two heads) and it was enough to make the hair on the back of my neck stand up."

"Just breathe. It's okay, really." Anakin demonstrates, breathing in, holding it for a few seconds, then letting it out.

[lane-drums.livejournal.com]

It definitely couldn't hurt!

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

No, I suppose it couldn't have been much worse.

*considers* Maybe you need to be in a certain state of mind to get it.

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

I wanted to turn in my homework before commenting.

We can continue to read and learn - to better ourselves. We can learn more about and be more respectful of the spiritual practices of others. In learning about our differences we may also learn more about how all people are the same and then remind ourselves to reach and strive for higher realities. Acts of kindness and caring also help connect us to one another and remind us of our higher purpose. We might take out the garbage for an elderly person or help them with their shopping. We might show mercy to one who might otherwise be considered collateral damage.

Homework Assignment #2
How can you decide what is right?

I find this a particularly difficult question. I have a friend who is very sure she knows what is right and what is wrong. She says she 'just knows' and expects that I should too. However, many times we have different feelings about things. Where I am from I follow the orders I am given or I die. The person in charge decides what is right, not me. I try to minimize non-necessary damage as much as possible and listen to that small voice inside me when I can. But when 'right' involves killing a large number of people to prevent them from killing an even larger number, when evil people are kept alive because their knowledge makes them useful in preventing a tragedy… The lines of right and wrong become quite blurred.

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

I find it both soothing and disturbing. The harmonies are strange to hear, but also seem oddly familiar.

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

I think it's just wonderful. So powerful and moving. I agree with Cameron, I wish I had a translation of it. But I guess, if I had to guess, that they're talking about ways to connect with whatever that higher power is.

Can I get a copy of the recordings somewhere? This is something I'd love to listen to at home!

*waves to Cameron*

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

Here's my homework (http://www.livejournal.com/users/emo_padawan/5074.html), too, Rogue, if you can give it to Professor Gandalf for me.

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean. Kind of sets the hackles up, right?

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

Oh, and Michael turned in his homework, so I'd better turn in mine. I only found one assignment though, is that right?


"What practical things can we do to remind ourselves that we are noble creatures, and that we can reach and aspire to higher realities then those which we know?"

We can help others. The Dalai Lama says that if you can make it so that what makes you happy in life is helping others then you can spend your entire life selfishly making yourself happy and still be an excellent Buddhist on the path to enlightenment. Some practical things, I suppose, would be visiting the sick and/or elderly, listening to those who need a friendly ear, even things like helping other students with homework assignments. My Aunt Nell always used to say that the other part of this was to do these things without expecting anything back in return. I don't think I really know a lot about it, but I do know that doing this sort of stuff always made me feel good and more connected to everything.

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

Yes, but at the same time I sort of feel a sense of... I don't know... longing?

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

I have two assignments because Professor Gandalf gave me another one - I think as a follow-up to my first homework. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to do the whole class one as well, but I figured I'd better.

[lane-drums.livejournal.com]

*laughs*

If that state of mind is "brain-fried on a Friday afternoon," you may be on to something there.

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

Hey, Lana.