Religion Has Been A Source Of Curiosity For Me - 1454 Words

Religion has been a source of curiosity for me. Since childhood I was discouraged by my parents to search outside the realm of Christianity for answers to questions of spiritual or moral nature. In fact, they instilled in me a sense of xenophobia surrounding other religions, especially eastern religion. As I realized that Christianity didn’t suit me, I read up on various faiths, demystifying them, as an attempt to unlearn this xenophobia. Buddhism captured my interest, being that it was not much like the organized religion to which I was accustomed. My fieldsite was the Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple in Hacienda Heights, California. Fo Guang Shan is a movement intended to unite the eight sects of Chinese Buddhism, and Hsi Lai is the name of the temple itself. I decided to take a self-guided cassette tour of the temple. Starting at the top of the steps leading from the parking lot at the front of the temple is the Temple’s Gateway. Painted red and gold with a flared roof, the gate introduced the ancient Chinese aesthetic of the temple. Engraved on its pillars are gold Chinese hanzi which, according to the general information pamphlet, bear the four universal vows of Buddhists: â€Å"to save all sentient beings, to eradicate delusion and stress, to study the boundless Dharma, and to attain supreme enlightenment†. Past the gate and following another flight of steps is the Bodhisattva Hall. On either side of the building lie alcoves with shrines to the two guardiansShow MoreRelatedPlaying Piano At The Senior Center897 Words   |  4 Pagesthan ten years, piano has only meant more to me as I constantly learn new dimensions to musicality. Changing my approach over the past couple of years from trying to perfect every aspect of my technique to focusing on my fluidity and rhythm has drastically improved my musicality. I find that while playing piano at the senior center, I can translate the emotions running through my head as a pla y a piece and connect with them on a deeper level. This developed connection has showed me the limitless waysRead MoreWhy I Am Qualified to Study in Your University Program Essay833 Words   |  4 PagesBecoming a business expert or a doctor was what my parents wished for me from an early age. My father constantly emphasized the importance of these professions in that besides being financially rewarding, they are prestigious. However, little did they know that my interests were in a different field. I became extremely interested in world history during my elementary and high school education. 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The source contained verses from the bible descripting Satan. This is a very reliable source considering it comes from the Holy Chair of the Catholic Church, containing the pope and the Catholic jurisdiction. The scriptures use The NewRead MoreCounseling And Christian Perspective On Counseling1318 Words   |  6 PagesCounseling and Christian Perspective Studying psychology and philosophy has made me ask many questions. By what principles do people make decisions? What drives us? Where do emotions come from? Are there such things as unconscious motives and thoughts or are those ideas nothing more than the clever and profitable figment of psychologists’ imagination? However, the main question I struggled with is who we are and how we operate? Counseling is seen as a very solution focused approach. 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I am interested in the health benefits and the business aspects of the beloved brew. I had an intention at one time of pursuing nutrition as a degree, so health information intrigues me. Currently, I am considering