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,..."

People believe in religion because they wonder about questions like, "How did all this creation start?" Although science is very advanced and answer detailed questions, it can't explain how humans were introduced to this world. Answers to these kinds of mysteries come from the belief in a God or Gods. Religious people worship their God or Gods for all the work they did to create the beautiful world we live in today. These people spend their lives seeking out religious truth for different reasons. One reason would be because Buddhists, for example, they believe that after death, Gods determine whether you go to the under world or get reincarnated into an animal, depending on how well behaved you were during your entire life. So Buddhists dedicate their lives to their religion in order to continue their peaceful and wonderful life even after they leave Earth. Also, as I am a Christian, I believe that once I pass away, I go to heaven, also depending on how well I connected with God. As for that, I worship and seek for more connection with him, but not only to go to heaven but also because I want to have a stronger relationship with him.

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..."

Trying to follow "the Eight Fold Path," I had a difficult time tempting to attain correct thought, mindfulness, and concentration. My thoughts kept changing from one subject to another such as school to sports. Although I repeated to myself the phrases from class and tried to get rid of all my worries, I couldn't concentrate. As I was sitting in on of the poses on the rooftop, I heard different noises like cars driving by and birds chirping. I was also freezing to death outside, trying my best to stay focused but also trying to stay warm. After a couple of minutes or so struggling, I finally started to relax and, at last, got rid of all my thoughts from my mind. I did gain some inspiration from the 20 minutes of meditating. I thought to myself, how can I correct my language, help others, etc. I wasn't only thinking about my future, but I was also thinking about my family's, my friend's and the poor's future lives. Even though I suffered out in the cold tempting to focus, I believe this experience will push me to guide me to help others and act in a well behaved manner.