Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk: "After visiting the Zen Buddhist Temple, Bongwonsa and attempting to see nature as a Taoist, answer this question: What is it about creation,..."

In today's day and age, scientific discoveries are being made at an incredible rate, like never before. New technologies and theories help fuel the desire to learn more about the world, and this in return, leads to more discoveries. Although the countless advances in science in the last few decades have been influential for many, some people are still unsatisfied with the answers science has given us. Despite the fact that we, humans, have the ability to find out almost anything we wish with a touch of the finger, there are still a few unanswered questions that may or may not be possible to justify scientifically.

Ever since the first cave men were born, humans wondered, "How did we get here? Who created us? What happens after we die?" These mysteries can be quite unsettling for some, not knowing the reason and founder of their existence. Therefore, I believe nature inspires humans to seek out religions because naturally, humans have many unanswered questions when it comes to nature, and we want to learn more. Over the years, as a result of these unanswered mysteries of life, people have provided their own opinions and explanations for these mysteries, which have turned into what we call religions. People devote their lives to these religions, because they want to seek truth about nature and the natural world. Buddhists, for example, believe in reincarnation, which is their explanation for what happens after death. What happens during the post-life stage is a mystery to all living things, until the moment they pass away. Therefore, all religions have their own ideas on the mysteries of life.

During the trip to the Bongwonsa Temple, we got a first-hand experience of Buddhist rituals. At the temple, I noticed how dedicated the Buddhist practitioners were to their prayers. They were extremely quiet and their faces were blank, as if they were unconscious, yet aware. In addition, they remained on task and were focused on one thing and one thing only--their prayers and rituals. Before this trip to the temple, I pondered why billions of people all around the world dedicate their lives to religion. After the visit to the Bongwonsa Temple however, I believe I understand the reason for their religious devotion. Religion is a common method of shunning out the scientific world we live in today, and finding comfort in knowing the "answers" to the unsolved mysteries of life.

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation: "Spend 20 mintues in a silent meditation; a place you won't be disturbed, your own 'fig tree' as was Buddha's inspiration. In those 20 mintue..."

This morning, I meditated for 20 minutes. It was difficult to find my own "fig tree" at first, because there were so many distractions in my apartment. I then decided to walk to the local park, and I began my meditation on a sheltered wooden bench. For the first half of the meditation session, I found it easy to concentrate, because it had started to rain, and I found myself listening to the water beating on the shimmering grass. My mind was completely blank, and it felt as if I were sleeping while still being conscious, without having a dream. The second half of the session however, was almost the exact opposite. I couldn't reattain right thoughts, right mindfulness, and right concentration. My mind drifted off to other things, like how much homework I still had left to finish, the new episode of "The Office" I wanted to watch, and how long 20 minutes really felt like. For the ten minutes I was focused on meditating however, I felt very peaceful and my mind was at ease. Although it was hard for me to concentrate while sitting on the bench, I believe it is possible for one to be in a complete state of meditation, but the time that one is able to stay in that state varies from person to person.