Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist: "In class, your small groups went over movie questions about the content in Gandhi. You should know who each of the main characters are and t..."

Gandhi believed in the Hindu idea of self-sacrifice and non violence, also known as Ahimsa. Gandhi fought for independence from British with non violence. He protested without giving up even though the British used violence against them. Gandhi started the protest by burning the pass and then stepped up to bigger protest such as the protest to salt factory, which is run by the British. In addition, he also believed the benefit of self-sacrifice. He believed that when one sacrifices oneself with a good will, it will benefit the neighbors. Gandhi sacrificed his time and high status in order to achieve the benefit of his people. Gandhi became one of the untouchable, the Dalits, from wealthy status and sacrificed many hard times in jail. Gandhi was a strong advocate of Hinduism, however, he treated others religions with equality and tolerance.

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall – think of it, ALWAYS,” is one of Gandhi’s quotes. I feel that this is one of his most powerful quotes. His protest for independence was possible from Gandhi’s belief that truth and love always beats tyrants and violence in the end. His strong faith allowed him to be persistent on winning over the independence. Furthermore, his belief passed on to the others, and gave them strength and unity, resulting in succession of winning back power from the British.

Modern Religious Experience: Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry

Modern Religious Experience: Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry: "Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry • Add a picture of an ancient religious symbol to your Online Portfolio (it can be one of those from the notes..."

Bhavacakra

In the hand of Yama, the god of death,

is the Bhavacakra,

the wheel of life,

the wheel of existance

Bhavacakra that devides in to six realms

the world of Devas, Asuras

the world of humans, animals,

the world of Pretas, Hell

Center of the wheel,

is Buddha

who shows the way,

the way to Nirvana

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1

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..."

Religion was essential for survival for those who lived long ago. The mystery of life needed explanations; therefore, people used religions to explain them. Nowadays where people are busy living their life and have science to explain things, religions seem to fade out from their lives. However, religions already rooted themselves in people’s principles of life. Even those who do not believe in any religions are affected by them. Our moral as human came from nowhere else but from religions.

My grandparents are zealous Buddhist. Nonetheless, I do not believe in any religions. However, my life is greatly affected by Buddhism. I grew up listening to the Buddhist believes. For example, I believe that people reincarnate when they die. Those who are good and charitable become human again in the next life and animals for those who are bad and selfish. Hence, my judgment, decision, and thoughts are unconsciously based on the Buddhist morals. Religions are already part of our lives and history and always will be.