Bodhi

Whether it be chanting for a sacred ritual or eloquent discourse for business relation and even informal chat between two friends, the power of language is indisputable by all cultures in the world. The novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse aimed to change this classic view on the power of words and assert that, although language is invaluable for worldly affairs, when dealing with the forces of divinity and higher spiritual enlightenment, words lead to distortion of concepts. An overwhelming theme…

Video Essay: Comparing Uncle Boon Mee Who Can Recall His Past Lives and The Reflecting Pool Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives produced and directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and The Reflecting Pool by Bill Viola are both art films that address on the subject of reincarnation or rebirth. The former is a narrative film whereas the latter is an art video. The Reflecting Pool, a 7-minute art video by Bill Viola, is influenced by his interest in Western and Eastern art,…

Silence is an important aspect of the Hindu tradition. Silence is a preparation, a way of knowing oneself, and also of knowing the world, as is revealed in the tapashyaa(s) (meditation) of the muni(s) (sages). In fact, the word ‘muni’ has its origin in the Sanskrit word ‘mauna’, meaning silence, the maintenance of which is believed to inculcate power and knowledge, as opposed to speech that saps all energy. Silence, as a spiritual entity, is common both in the Buddhist philosophy and in the…

Rama is to be sent to live in the forest for fourteen years upon the request of his father Dasaratha. Dasaratha is following his word and granting his wife two wishes he owned her. The wishes were to banish Rama and to make her son Bharata king instead of Rama. Dasaratha follows his word.Consequently, Rama just follows his father's orders as he knows he has to obey his father wishes. He goes into the forest with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshmana who both argued to accompany Rama.…

I chose to compose my paper not on a film discourse or advertisement, but rather a tune composed by a legend, whom which his verses emerged to me for this assignment. Buddha once said,“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you.” As a buddhist, we tend to imagine a beautiful world filled with peace and tranquility. John Lennon, the king who stands out amongst the most emotion filled tunes who makes his audience think,…

The quest for Oneness has attracted many a seeker on the path of contemplation through the practice of silence. J Krishnamurti often said: "The mind that enters itself goes on a long pilgrimage from which there is no return." Silence was the defining characteristic of both Mahavira and Buddha's search for meaning — one observed silence for 12 years on his chosen path and the other was exemplified as the silent sage, Sakyamuni, "the silent one of the Sakya tribe". Apart from its religious import…

Hsi Lai Temple is in 3456 Glenmark Dr, Hacienda Heights. Temple was extremely bright, flamboyant and temple itself was adorned with diverse monuments, letters, and flowers. When I position myself beneath the entrance of temple, I can observe entire Orange County cities. Entrance of Hsi Lai Temple was decorated with four different scriptures. First sculpture that is written on the right corner of the entrance is word Greed. People who are ensuing the teaching of Buddha should constantly stay away…

In Siddhartha, it is proven that knowledge and wisdom two separate entities. Through Siddhartha's quest to break the cycle of rebirth and to attain spiritual bliss, he learns that there is a difference between being well informed about something and to actually experience that same thing. The first is having knowledge, while the second is attaining wisdom. Siddhartha learns that while knowledge can be learned, wisdom can only be attained through experiences. At the start of the book,…

Thematic Essay Draft Religion has come very far throughout history some have failed and some are still practiced today. Religion can even influence millions of lives around the world. Two of these types of religions include Buddhism and Christianity. They are still alive and thriving all over the world today. Buddhism is one of the many religions and belief systems in the world today. Buddhism was created by Siddartha Guatama commonly known as Buddha. Buddhism originated from India in the…

A savior is well-known as a religious figure who saves someone or something from danger, whereas a spiritual teacher gives knowledge to an individual with little or no understanding of spiritual facts. The title “Buddha” is applied to Siddhartha Gautama the same way “Christ” is applied to Jesus. Buddhism and Christianity are both religions that have many followers throughout the world. Each group of followers within these religions view their leaders; Jesus and Buddha as Saviors. The religion…