Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk

Reflection #5

Creation and nature prompts humans to seek religion because it is completely natural. It connects the human soul to the earth, perhaps themselves to this earth we live on. People might spend their lives seeking out religious truth, nurturing faith or worshipping creation to simply answer their questions on life. They depend on these to reach their answer to life's truths or to reach a goal to be satisfied with their lives. They are ultimately devoted to seeking the answers that they are so dedicated to do what they have to do to reach that goal or to find that one answer. They nurture faith and worship creation to live their lives in the best way possible. They want to live to be the best person they can be to achieve a well-being life. For example, Hindus and Buddhists work their way to reach Nirvana. Hindus also believe reincarnation and because of this, they must be the best possible person they can be and live the "right" way in order to be reincarnated in a higher form. Confucianists, Taoists, and Shintoists seek religious truth solely to live a life filled with happiness and no wrong doings. 

During the field trip, we got to experience the rituals and lifestyle of dedicated Buddhists. The amount of effort they put into prayers and rituals is amazing. It is as if they are one with the prayer - dedicated enough to block out all other worries in life and focus on the one thing they are praying for. As mentioned before, instead of relying on factual evidence, religion is a way to escape that science-orientated world and just believe that the spirits will guide you to the answers you've been praying for.

Under My Own Fig Tree

Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation

During the 20 minutes I spent in my apartment complex's park seated on a rock by the stream surrounded by trees, grass, and the sun beating down on my face was definitely relaxing. During the first five minutes of my meditation period, I was easily guided to letting go of all the troubles, I reminded myself that this was a time where I could seek life's truths without all of my obstacles interfering. However, those 5 short minutes were over once all my other emotions starting pouring in. Those hurdles kept me from seeking life's truths. Soon enough, the whole meditation process swept away from my mind letting my own life's thoughts and feelings take over. Those were the thoughts that I had trouble controlling in my mind - letting them roam around my head freely. It takes so much effort to completely let go and keep my right effort in mind. Without effort, which is in itself an act of will, nothing can be achieved. I experienced that when I was not able to let go of my negative thoughts. It completely distracted my mind from the task. The right effort is preceded by right mindfulness and right concentration. Those three aspects had to be on my mind but I struggled to do so. My inspiration that I did receive was to completely let go and believe that I could concentrate in the right way the eightfold path directs us to. It isn't as easy as yes or no; it comes from the utmost self to have the ultimate effort to be in the right state of mind - seek life's truth. No more, no less.