This was a super cool experience!!!! I liked that they gave us a lot of insight into what they believe, or what they don't. I think it is so interesting that they mainly focus on the mind, but they told us not to fight our mind. When they told us to let our thoughts come in, and let our thoughts go out. I didn't think that the point was to let your mind wander and then come back to the question, but it was to just focus on nothing, let your mind become blank. So that was very interesting to me.
The space was also interesting, and not exactly what I thought it would be. I liked how simple it was, and the very simple "alter" type thing. I also enjoyed that they sit on those comfy pillows. I enjoyed the chants, especially the bell chant, it was very pretty sounding! I also enjoyed the chant that we did with them. I think it is really inviting that they include everyone in their rituals, unlike a lot of other religions that have certain restrictions.
One thing that was extremely hard for me to do was sitting still for the whole 10 minutes. I was determined to be able to sit still but my body would just not allow it. It was also hard for me to focus on the question, my mind wanders A LOT!!!! but I tried to just breathe and think about it as much as I could, just like Ed said too. It made me feel better that he said that we could let thoughts come in and out cause I knew it would for me, and I wanted to get the whole experience.
I thought this was extremely fun!!! I liked the relaxed feel of the whole thing. I also enjoyed being around such relaxed people, who just made me feel relaxed. This was a very different experience, that was very different from all of our other experiences. In the other places we went we didnt get to participate as much, except at the hindu temple when some of the people from our class got to go through the ritual. I liked that they were very welcoming to everyone, and they explained it to us, that was very helpful. Overall, I thought it was a great experience, and I enjoyed it.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Hindu Temple
This was one of the most interesting places I have been! There were so many things that were different from what I am used to that it was almost over whelming. The first thing I noticed was the sign that said shoes and coats. I was confused when I saw that because I am not used to taking my shoes off when I go to my place of worship, or any others that I have been in. I also thought it was interesting that they have separate places for worship and for being there, like when they talk to groups that come.
I thought the food was very interesting. The spicy rice was very spicy!!! It tasted good, but I couldn't handle the spice! And the yogurt stuff was interesting also, the texture was a little weird and tasted different then anything I have ever tasted, but it was alright. I thought it was really cool that they had food that they offered there. It makes you feel more at home.
The whole place was so welcoming! I felt like they were so open to anyone that wanted to come in and worship. I thought it was interesting that they let anyone join in the blessing. This is different than any of the other religions we have seen. Catholisim, especially at Christ the King welcomes any religion, but does not allow others to take communion. At New Mellery Abbey they allow people to sit and watch, but are not allowed to join in with the chants. At the Mosque, they have prayer times that others are not allowed to be there. But at the Temple, I felt very comfortable! Our tour guide was awesome! He was very knowledgeable and made me feel like it was ok that I was there. At some of the other places I felt a little out of place.
I also thought that they place and the statues were extremely gorgeous!!! I loved all the colors and thought it was intersting that they give each God a bath, using milk, honey, and fruit juices, at least once a week, and the more important ones got more. Another thing I found interesting was that they also worship one God, but it has many different forms. Like Vishnu, the main God in this temple, they had all of the avatars in the back behind the big statue. That was interesting because I didnt know that it was one god but different forms. Each one of the Hindu Trinity just takes different forms and they worship all of these forms. From the reading, I felt like there was many many gods that they worship, but it is only one, with many forms.
Overall, I liked this one the best so far. It was so welcoming to others and had very beautiful statues and figures throughout. I liked that anyone can participate in worshiping. Also, I thought it was really interesting that anyone can become Hindu and they dont have to go through much, they just have to make a statement to the community that they are now Hindu, and then they are. That makes the religion very open and exciting to learn about!!
I thought the food was very interesting. The spicy rice was very spicy!!! It tasted good, but I couldn't handle the spice! And the yogurt stuff was interesting also, the texture was a little weird and tasted different then anything I have ever tasted, but it was alright. I thought it was really cool that they had food that they offered there. It makes you feel more at home.
The whole place was so welcoming! I felt like they were so open to anyone that wanted to come in and worship. I thought it was interesting that they let anyone join in the blessing. This is different than any of the other religions we have seen. Catholisim, especially at Christ the King welcomes any religion, but does not allow others to take communion. At New Mellery Abbey they allow people to sit and watch, but are not allowed to join in with the chants. At the Mosque, they have prayer times that others are not allowed to be there. But at the Temple, I felt very comfortable! Our tour guide was awesome! He was very knowledgeable and made me feel like it was ok that I was there. At some of the other places I felt a little out of place.
I also thought that they place and the statues were extremely gorgeous!!! I loved all the colors and thought it was intersting that they give each God a bath, using milk, honey, and fruit juices, at least once a week, and the more important ones got more. Another thing I found interesting was that they also worship one God, but it has many different forms. Like Vishnu, the main God in this temple, they had all of the avatars in the back behind the big statue. That was interesting because I didnt know that it was one god but different forms. Each one of the Hindu Trinity just takes different forms and they worship all of these forms. From the reading, I felt like there was many many gods that they worship, but it is only one, with many forms.
Overall, I liked this one the best so far. It was so welcoming to others and had very beautiful statues and figures throughout. I liked that anyone can participate in worshiping. Also, I thought it was really interesting that anyone can become Hindu and they dont have to go through much, they just have to make a statement to the community that they are now Hindu, and then they are. That makes the religion very open and exciting to learn about!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Mosque
The mosque was very different than what I expected. I am not exactly sure what I was expecting when we got there but I think the outside might have fooled me a bit. When we pulled in to the parking lot I was stunned by the beauty of the outside of the building. Then when we got inside, I was a little confused. I guess I was expecting more than just a big room for their place of worship. Although the room was very cozy. I LOVED the carpet!!! It was so soft, but I suppose that makes sense considering they kneal and put their foreheads on it.
One thing that surprised me was how beautiful the writing from the Qur'an was and how pretty it sounded. I thought the picture in the first room we were in was absolutly amazing!!!!! I tried to draw it so I could take a little piece of that beautiful writing home with me, but it didnt turn out as well as I had hoped, but he liked it, so that made me feel better. Also, when he read to us, that was very pretty! Even though he didnt recite like he Imam does, I thought it was very beautiful.
Another thing that surprised me was the room they worship in. Like I said earlier, I don't know what I was excpecting, but I guess something other than that. Although the room was very interesting, it was simple but the alter type thing in the north east corner was very pretty. I found it very interesting that they announce when prayer is to anyone in the building, but the outside can't hear it. That makes it very personal.
Overall, I thought this was a very interesting field trip. Although he told us a lot of what we learned in the video, it was nice to hear it from his perspective. I thought it was kind of funny when he said that a lot of people pronounce things wrong, even Muslims that are not of Arab decent! I think that says a lot about our culture, that we don't even take the time to learn how to say things correctly, we just assume that is how they are! Another thing I found interesting was his explination of Ramadan. He made a good point that it is between you and God when you are fasting, and you can cheat but God will know. In the reading it didn't make it seem THAT important, even though I knew it was a very important part of their religion, I didn't think about the fact that you are just cheating yourself if you cheat your fast. I also find it funny that others think that Allah is a different God, when it is really not. Even in the short video we watched with the people from the University of Iowa, most of them didn't know either. One even mentioned that they pray to Allah, when that just means "One God"
One thing that surprised me was how beautiful the writing from the Qur'an was and how pretty it sounded. I thought the picture in the first room we were in was absolutly amazing!!!!! I tried to draw it so I could take a little piece of that beautiful writing home with me, but it didnt turn out as well as I had hoped, but he liked it, so that made me feel better. Also, when he read to us, that was very pretty! Even though he didnt recite like he Imam does, I thought it was very beautiful.
Another thing that surprised me was the room they worship in. Like I said earlier, I don't know what I was excpecting, but I guess something other than that. Although the room was very interesting, it was simple but the alter type thing in the north east corner was very pretty. I found it very interesting that they announce when prayer is to anyone in the building, but the outside can't hear it. That makes it very personal.
Overall, I thought this was a very interesting field trip. Although he told us a lot of what we learned in the video, it was nice to hear it from his perspective. I thought it was kind of funny when he said that a lot of people pronounce things wrong, even Muslims that are not of Arab decent! I think that says a lot about our culture, that we don't even take the time to learn how to say things correctly, we just assume that is how they are! Another thing I found interesting was his explination of Ramadan. He made a good point that it is between you and God when you are fasting, and you can cheat but God will know. In the reading it didn't make it seem THAT important, even though I knew it was a very important part of their religion, I didn't think about the fact that you are just cheating yourself if you cheat your fast. I also find it funny that others think that Allah is a different God, when it is really not. Even in the short video we watched with the people from the University of Iowa, most of them didn't know either. One even mentioned that they pray to Allah, when that just means "One God"
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Jewish Synagogue
Today was extremely different from anything I have ever seen. The first thing that was so different was the Yamika. This was different because they wear these to show a sign of respect to the Lord. I thought it was very interesting because we as christians dont wear anything like that to show respect, but Catholics do jenuflect before entering a row. Another thing I found quite intriguing was how many different languages they need to know. It would be cool to be able to read right to left and then switch to left to right with no problem. I admire them for being able to do that.
I liked their space they worship in as well. It was very simple like the monestary, but had many embellishments that made it stand out in my mind. All of the beautiful colors they had, including the ones that are around all of the torahs, and the simplicity of the walls. I thought the the curtain they had in front of the torahs was also beautiful. I found it interesting that they have so many torahs even though each one costs up to $30,000!!!!
How they celebrate their holidays is also very interesting. I actually found it kind of funny that she said that Chaunnah is not that big of a holiday because in the United States it is the biggest and most well known Jewish holiday. I admire them a lot because they fast for 25 hours and sometimes even longer, I could never do that!!!
Another thing that was so different and interesting is how many times a day they pray! Also how long their services can be. (I thought Catholic mass was long!!!!!!!) They have to pray 3 times a day and one should be in a minion which is 10 or more people otherwise they can not do some of the rituals they are supposed to.
Overall, I thought this was a great experience that was very interesting to me at the same time!!! I think it would be very interesting to sit in on a Shabot day mass!!
I liked their space they worship in as well. It was very simple like the monestary, but had many embellishments that made it stand out in my mind. All of the beautiful colors they had, including the ones that are around all of the torahs, and the simplicity of the walls. I thought the the curtain they had in front of the torahs was also beautiful. I found it interesting that they have so many torahs even though each one costs up to $30,000!!!!
How they celebrate their holidays is also very interesting. I actually found it kind of funny that she said that Chaunnah is not that big of a holiday because in the United States it is the biggest and most well known Jewish holiday. I admire them a lot because they fast for 25 hours and sometimes even longer, I could never do that!!!
Another thing that was so different and interesting is how many times a day they pray! Also how long their services can be. (I thought Catholic mass was long!!!!!!!) They have to pray 3 times a day and one should be in a minion which is 10 or more people otherwise they can not do some of the rituals they are supposed to.
Overall, I thought this was a great experience that was very interesting to me at the same time!!! I think it would be very interesting to sit in on a Shabot day mass!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Dyersville Basilica and New Mellery Abbey
The Basilica was very interesting. John gave us a lot of interesting information about the Basilica's history and about the restoration of it also. There was many things I found interesting, for example, I thought when he explained the wall to us and how they took the old paint off and found the Latin story all around the church was really cool! That makes me what to learn Latin because it is such a pretty language. I was also very intrigued by the stain glass windows. Unlike the windows at Christ the King these windows reminded me of my church and made me feel a little more comfortable. The stain glass window in the back of the Basilica was absolutely gorgeous! I loved everything about it! Especially the colors! Most of the other parts of the church I thought were a little too much. It might have been the Christmas decorations but I thought there was just too much going on for me to actually sit in that church and listen to what the rector was saying. I thought all of the Coat of Arms were cool, especially the ones on the floor as you walk in and the one of the Pope. Overall, I thought this was a very pretty space, but there was too much going on for me to actually pay attention in church.
New Mellery Abbey on the other hand I thought was absolutely amazing! I loved everything about it. I especially loved the walls, I thought they were very pretty. I loved the simplicity of all of the rooms they had throughout the whole seminary. Father Stephen was an amazing guide, he had a lot of insightful information that I had never even thought about. Where they keep their Tabernacle is so cool, it is nice that they have a quiet and private place to pray and include their whole body and not just their mind and heart like he said. I also found the Crucifix they had very different. I thought it was a great representation of how Jesus came off the cross.
The Basilica was very different from New Mellery Abbey. The Basilica was very decorated with a lot of pictures and statues on the walls, whereas New Mellery was very simple with only one picture of the Virgin Mary. They were also different in the way they pray. At New Mellery they pray 7 times a day and most of it is public prayer, but they also have a lot of private praying, the public can come watch, but there are not many. At the Basilica they have regular masses, and they are for the public. At New Mellery they do have masses that the public attend, but not all of them, especially the ones at 330 in the morning!!
If I were to give a tour to someone who was not Christian, I could explain to them all of the statues and what makes them special to each place and explain the story of Jesus and hope they would understand. In the Basilica I could show each side, one who represented Mary and the other which represented Joesph. I could then point out they stories they had on some of the stain glass windows, although they are not as extensive as the ones in Christ the King, it could get the point across. I could then show the crosses and how different they are, and how different they can be, because of the many stages of Jesus' death and resurrection. If they were to ask me which space I liked better I would tell them New Mellery because it is simple and beautiful. I also like how peaceful it is and I loved that we could enjoy its natural beauty.
This trip was very interesting to me because I am not Catholic, I got to see a lot of different aspects of a different religion. I also thought meeting a Monk was cool because I never thought I would get to do that!
New Mellery Abbey on the other hand I thought was absolutely amazing! I loved everything about it. I especially loved the walls, I thought they were very pretty. I loved the simplicity of all of the rooms they had throughout the whole seminary. Father Stephen was an amazing guide, he had a lot of insightful information that I had never even thought about. Where they keep their Tabernacle is so cool, it is nice that they have a quiet and private place to pray and include their whole body and not just their mind and heart like he said. I also found the Crucifix they had very different. I thought it was a great representation of how Jesus came off the cross.
The Basilica was very different from New Mellery Abbey. The Basilica was very decorated with a lot of pictures and statues on the walls, whereas New Mellery was very simple with only one picture of the Virgin Mary. They were also different in the way they pray. At New Mellery they pray 7 times a day and most of it is public prayer, but they also have a lot of private praying, the public can come watch, but there are not many. At the Basilica they have regular masses, and they are for the public. At New Mellery they do have masses that the public attend, but not all of them, especially the ones at 330 in the morning!!
If I were to give a tour to someone who was not Christian, I could explain to them all of the statues and what makes them special to each place and explain the story of Jesus and hope they would understand. In the Basilica I could show each side, one who represented Mary and the other which represented Joesph. I could then point out they stories they had on some of the stain glass windows, although they are not as extensive as the ones in Christ the King, it could get the point across. I could then show the crosses and how different they are, and how different they can be, because of the many stages of Jesus' death and resurrection. If they were to ask me which space I liked better I would tell them New Mellery because it is simple and beautiful. I also like how peaceful it is and I loved that we could enjoy its natural beauty.
This trip was very interesting to me because I am not Catholic, I got to see a lot of different aspects of a different religion. I also thought meeting a Monk was cool because I never thought I would get to do that!
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