We visited the Zen Meditation in Madison. I was really looking forward to this trip because I have never meditated before and was really curious as to what went on during meditation. I didn't expect anything visual appealing because Professor Waldmeir had set us up for a non-visually appealing space. I was pretty impressed by the decorations in the room.
As we entered the center, we were all instructed to take our shoes off. We were all seated in a circle on big mats. Others gathered around sitting in chairs. Dave, a leader in the meditation center, gave a us lots of insight as to what goes on within the practice of Zen. He was very insightful and I gathered a lot of information from him. They let us in on their formal ceremony. A women stood up and walked over their altar. She lit candles and inscents. I noticed that she bowed a lot. After everything important that they do, they bow. The woman then handed a what looked like to be a musical instruament. This instraument was used keep the rythmn when we chanted. The other guy seated next to Dave ( I didn't catch his name), got up and did a bell ceremony. This was the opening of our ceremony. He chanted and I found it fascinating. I loved every minute of it. He wanted us to become with the bell sound he kept making. He told us to not let anything come between us and the bell. I found this to be very comforting. It is not everyday where you concentrate on one thing.
After some of the chanting, we did a 10 minute meditation. Oh man! Talk about a challenge. I am a very animated and talkative person. To sit there in silence and not move was a big accomplishment : ) It was such a crazy feeling to in the here and now of our crazy world. It was rather refreshing. I really enjoyed the trip to the Zen Center. I loved how they were so welcoming to us being there. They really opened up their space and clued us into what was going on during the ceremony.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Hindu Temple
On Friday we visited the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Aurora, Illinois. Pulling up to the Temple I was blown away by the exterior. The building was was guarded by fences and trees. The temple seemed to be hiden from the craziness of the world. From the initial look at the temple, I was a little thrown off when we walked in. I was expecting the inside to replicate the outside. Walking in, we were faced with a cafeteria. It appeared to be like a high school cafeteria with tables and chairs set out where a family was eating lunch. We were then taking into a room that appeared to be a media room. I rememeber sitting there thinking..."Is this it?"
After our guide gave a little background on the place and the history of India, we were asked to take our shoes off and to follow him upstairs. I had just assumed that the temple would be similar to the basillica where there were just tons of statues and an alter type thing. Instead, there were mulitple little statues with their own little area. This sacred spaces differed from all of the religions in the aspect of the congregation coming to worship are not facing one main signifcant place. There are mulitple statues to pray too.
There was one main god that represented the temple. His name is Sri Venkateswara Swami. We actually got to witness and some the class participated in a ritual of praying to God. I was just standing there is awe. I really didn't know what to think. It all seemed to be a little weird. It was one thing to read about the religion, but to see it was a whole different experience. In my faith, I am at a place where I am questioning a lot of what I was brought up to believe. After seeing a religion so different than mine just made me wonder more and more about my faith.
I found it so interesting that each statue was treated like a real person. They each recieved baths on certain days in which they were washed with milk and given flowers and fruit. Each God was represented through a statue in which they worshiped.
Overall, after the tour, I was more confused within my own faith than anything. This religion is so left field to me that it was hard to comprehend it all. I was really glad to have experienced such an unfamiliar place.
After our guide gave a little background on the place and the history of India, we were asked to take our shoes off and to follow him upstairs. I had just assumed that the temple would be similar to the basillica where there were just tons of statues and an alter type thing. Instead, there were mulitple little statues with their own little area. This sacred spaces differed from all of the religions in the aspect of the congregation coming to worship are not facing one main signifcant place. There are mulitple statues to pray too.
There was one main god that represented the temple. His name is Sri Venkateswara Swami. We actually got to witness and some the class participated in a ritual of praying to God. I was just standing there is awe. I really didn't know what to think. It all seemed to be a little weird. It was one thing to read about the religion, but to see it was a whole different experience. In my faith, I am at a place where I am questioning a lot of what I was brought up to believe. After seeing a religion so different than mine just made me wonder more and more about my faith.
I found it so interesting that each statue was treated like a real person. They each recieved baths on certain days in which they were washed with milk and given flowers and fruit. Each God was represented through a statue in which they worshiped.
Overall, after the tour, I was more confused within my own faith than anything. This religion is so left field to me that it was hard to comprehend it all. I was really glad to have experienced such an unfamiliar place.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Cedar Rapids Mosque
I was a really shocked upon pulling up the Mosque in Cedar Rapids. I was assuming that the Mosque would be elaborate with gold and color all around. The mosque was very simple. The exterior of the mosque was an all white buidling with accents of blue. Walking into the mosque reminded me of my church basement with the different rooms.
Our tour consisted of a session with Hassan Igram. He talked to us for about an hour. I felt that a lot of the things we talk with us about, Dr. Waldmeir had already covered during our class lectures. Hassan read from the Qur'an giving us a little bit of a look into what Arabic sounds like. I found this to be interesting hear Arabic for the first time. From the different photos on the wall writen in Arabic, the writing almost looked to be artwork.
After Hassan was finished speaking with us, he took us on a short tour of the mosque. He took us down a long narrow hallway which consisted of different rooms that served as classrooms and rooms where mothers with their children can pray. At the end of the long hallway was a gym. This gym served as a place where the community can congregate together for certain activities. Hassan mentioned that the gym is also an alternative in case the prayer room was too small.
Hassan then took us into the prayer room. We removed our shoes and walked in. The room was VERY simple. In consisted of blank walls and red carpet with lines outlining where Muslims pray. In the corner of the room was a wooden "archway". This archway was a focal point in the room. It directs the Muslims to the east so they know where the Kabba in Mecca is located. This room was very plain. There were absolutly no decorations to be found. I was a little taken back by the simplicity.
Hassan had talked about the Muslim population in Cedar Rapids. He had mentioned that there was about 2600 people in Cedar Rapids who are considered Muslim. Of that number, only 300 people are active in the Islam faith. Hassan said that there was about 150 members of that particular mosque we had visited. I was expecting this number to be a little higher.
Overall, I was unimpressed with the mosque. I was just expecting a lot more than I saw.
Our tour consisted of a session with Hassan Igram. He talked to us for about an hour. I felt that a lot of the things we talk with us about, Dr. Waldmeir had already covered during our class lectures. Hassan read from the Qur'an giving us a little bit of a look into what Arabic sounds like. I found this to be interesting hear Arabic for the first time. From the different photos on the wall writen in Arabic, the writing almost looked to be artwork.
After Hassan was finished speaking with us, he took us on a short tour of the mosque. He took us down a long narrow hallway which consisted of different rooms that served as classrooms and rooms where mothers with their children can pray. At the end of the long hallway was a gym. This gym served as a place where the community can congregate together for certain activities. Hassan mentioned that the gym is also an alternative in case the prayer room was too small.
Hassan then took us into the prayer room. We removed our shoes and walked in. The room was VERY simple. In consisted of blank walls and red carpet with lines outlining where Muslims pray. In the corner of the room was a wooden "archway". This archway was a focal point in the room. It directs the Muslims to the east so they know where the Kabba in Mecca is located. This room was very plain. There were absolutly no decorations to be found. I was a little taken back by the simplicity.
Hassan had talked about the Muslim population in Cedar Rapids. He had mentioned that there was about 2600 people in Cedar Rapids who are considered Muslim. Of that number, only 300 people are active in the Islam faith. Hassan said that there was about 150 members of that particular mosque we had visited. I was expecting this number to be a little higher.
Overall, I was unimpressed with the mosque. I was just expecting a lot more than I saw.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Synagogue Tour
When I thought of a synagogue, visions of the "over the top" Basilica came into mind. I guess I figured since it had a fancy name, it must be a fancy place. I was a little taken back at the atmosphere and the look of the synagogue. I found it interesting at the simplicity of the place. The decorations were modest and served their purposes. I guess I am just to Christian celebrations and the fancy alters and such.
I also was taken back by the Torah and the place in which the Torah is kept. I knew it was a scroll but I was unaware of the size of it. It was big! The way in which they keep the Torah behind the curtain and treat with such respect reminds me of the way we as Christians treat the Eucharist. We keep it in a fancy place atop a fancy alter. I was glad that Beth had allowed us to come to the front and vew the Torah. Although I had no idea what any of it said, it amazed me at how devoted these followers of the Judaism religion are in taking all that time to learn the Hebrew language and look to the Torah as their way into God's Word.
The kitchen was unbelievable! I thought not eating meat on Friday's was bad in the Christian World. The dedication that these people have in following what they read in the Torah to keep food kosher is incrediable. I was completely blown away by all the seperate dishes and the seperated cabinets for the meat and the dairy products.
One thing I found interesting was the way that they interact with their youth and their children. They just take so much pride into their faith and their beliefs and it shows through their dedication to keep the youth involved. This even shows when they present the name of their child to the people. The religion seems to be very family oriented.
The ways in which they pray and the times they pray a day really set them apart in my mind when looking at my own spirituality. They at least have to pray 3 times a day. The one day that Beth was talking about was Shebot (spelling??) This day they completely drop everything they need to do for that particular day and spend it with their families and take the day to turn to their spiritual side. I was just blown away by the amount of time they devote to their religion.
I also was taken back by the Torah and the place in which the Torah is kept. I knew it was a scroll but I was unaware of the size of it. It was big! The way in which they keep the Torah behind the curtain and treat with such respect reminds me of the way we as Christians treat the Eucharist. We keep it in a fancy place atop a fancy alter. I was glad that Beth had allowed us to come to the front and vew the Torah. Although I had no idea what any of it said, it amazed me at how devoted these followers of the Judaism religion are in taking all that time to learn the Hebrew language and look to the Torah as their way into God's Word.
The kitchen was unbelievable! I thought not eating meat on Friday's was bad in the Christian World. The dedication that these people have in following what they read in the Torah to keep food kosher is incrediable. I was completely blown away by all the seperate dishes and the seperated cabinets for the meat and the dairy products.
One thing I found interesting was the way that they interact with their youth and their children. They just take so much pride into their faith and their beliefs and it shows through their dedication to keep the youth involved. This even shows when they present the name of their child to the people. The religion seems to be very family oriented.
The ways in which they pray and the times they pray a day really set them apart in my mind when looking at my own spirituality. They at least have to pray 3 times a day. The one day that Beth was talking about was Shebot (spelling??) This day they completely drop everything they need to do for that particular day and spend it with their families and take the day to turn to their spiritual side. I was just blown away by the amount of time they devote to their religion.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
1st Blog: Dyersville vs. New Melleray
If I was to bring a person into the two different spaces we visited today and explained to them that they were apart of the same religion, I think that people would think that I was crazy because the two spaces are sooo different.
Upon arriving to theBasilica I didn't know what expectations I had. When I walked through the front door, I was blown away by all the colors and "busyness" of the space. In this space it seemed important to replicate every symbol and figure in the Christian faith known to man. This was achieved by statues, paintings, and an "over the top" alter. The Basilica embodies the suffering and many historical events of Jesus. To me, the Basilica was distracting with so much going on. Although it was distracting to me, it represented so much of the Christian faith. I found the Basilica to be so interesting and rich with history.
On the flip side, when we visited the New Melleray Abbey, I chuckled at the simplicity of the space compared the Basilica. The monks who live at the Abbey strive for a life of simplicity and a life of prayer. The chapel was a huge room with stone looking walls, a wood ceiling, a few rows of pews and a large space that the monks occupy when they engage in the prayer services. Within the chapel, there were no statues and no paintings or photos on the walls. I have been to the monestary before but I had never really compared it to other churches. It was interesting today to really compare and contrasts the two spaces. The alter was extremely different that the one at the Basilica. The only photo was a picture of the Virgin Mary and Jesus as a baby located up by the alter. This is in place because the chapel of the monestarys must have a representation of the Virgin Mary.
In the Christian faith, there are many ways to express faith. Looking at the Basilica, it is looked at as a "special" form of a Catholic church. It is expected for it to embody some over the top decorations and statues. With the monestary, it is more of a private place of worship. Although in the Christian faith it is expected to hear the Word of God outloud, it is also perfectly okay to pray in private.
Personally, I would prefer the look of the Abbey over the Basilica. I like to pray more in private and be focused. In the Basilica, I would be so easily distracted looking at things and trying to figure out the meaning of the things used in the space. I guess I just look at it as our lives are cluttered enough with material things and outside factors, it is nice to go to a place where you let all the outside world at the door and pray with nothing stopping you or distracting you. The monks lead a very difficult life but a life that is definitley looked up to. Not many people could strip their luxuries for the lifestyle they possess.
The monk that took us on our tour really made me think we he compared our lives to the walls of the inside of the chapel. He pointed out that the walls were orginally built and then covered up with plaster. He stated that when we are born, we are made beautiful from the inside out by the Lord. As we go on throughout our lives, we cover our beautiful pure selves up with "plaster" aka material things. In 1975, the monestary stripped the plaster off the walls to reveal the beautiful stone work underneath. I will remember that little story forever because it is so true!
Upon arriving to theBasilica I didn't know what expectations I had. When I walked through the front door, I was blown away by all the colors and "busyness" of the space. In this space it seemed important to replicate every symbol and figure in the Christian faith known to man. This was achieved by statues, paintings, and an "over the top" alter. The Basilica embodies the suffering and many historical events of Jesus. To me, the Basilica was distracting with so much going on. Although it was distracting to me, it represented so much of the Christian faith. I found the Basilica to be so interesting and rich with history.
On the flip side, when we visited the New Melleray Abbey, I chuckled at the simplicity of the space compared the Basilica. The monks who live at the Abbey strive for a life of simplicity and a life of prayer. The chapel was a huge room with stone looking walls, a wood ceiling, a few rows of pews and a large space that the monks occupy when they engage in the prayer services. Within the chapel, there were no statues and no paintings or photos on the walls. I have been to the monestary before but I had never really compared it to other churches. It was interesting today to really compare and contrasts the two spaces. The alter was extremely different that the one at the Basilica. The only photo was a picture of the Virgin Mary and Jesus as a baby located up by the alter. This is in place because the chapel of the monestarys must have a representation of the Virgin Mary.
In the Christian faith, there are many ways to express faith. Looking at the Basilica, it is looked at as a "special" form of a Catholic church. It is expected for it to embody some over the top decorations and statues. With the monestary, it is more of a private place of worship. Although in the Christian faith it is expected to hear the Word of God outloud, it is also perfectly okay to pray in private.
Personally, I would prefer the look of the Abbey over the Basilica. I like to pray more in private and be focused. In the Basilica, I would be so easily distracted looking at things and trying to figure out the meaning of the things used in the space. I guess I just look at it as our lives are cluttered enough with material things and outside factors, it is nice to go to a place where you let all the outside world at the door and pray with nothing stopping you or distracting you. The monks lead a very difficult life but a life that is definitley looked up to. Not many people could strip their luxuries for the lifestyle they possess.
The monk that took us on our tour really made me think we he compared our lives to the walls of the inside of the chapel. He pointed out that the walls were orginally built and then covered up with plaster. He stated that when we are born, we are made beautiful from the inside out by the Lord. As we go on throughout our lives, we cover our beautiful pure selves up with "plaster" aka material things. In 1975, the monestary stripped the plaster off the walls to reveal the beautiful stone work underneath. I will remember that little story forever because it is so true!
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