Tibetan Singing Bowls

Tibetan Singing Bowls like the ones used during the prayer services at the Van Hanh Buddhist Center have a long history in the practice of Buddhism. According to this website, the metal bowls date back to the time of Buddha Shakyamuni (560-480 BCE). The sounds produced are used to invoke a state of relaxation and aid in meditation. Below is a video of  typical singing bowl sounds:

Women in Religion

In coming to Loyola, there are two things that I have learned that have ultimately resonated with me the most: 1) New Orleans is a very diverse city, full of unique and vivacious people, and, 2) Women are often oppressed in every aspect of society.  While we covered the first point extensively in our examination of numerous different religious affiliations, I also began to take note of the role women took in religions.  In each of the places that we visited, I realized that each one had a male pastor or minister.  Even in progressive religions, such as First Church of Christ, Scientist, I found that the First Reader was a male, while the Second Reader was a female.  The First Reader explains the significance of the passages read throughout the ceremony while the second reader merely reads from the Bible and sits idly by.  I find it fascinating that people do not look at this huge issue.  Women are overlooked in religions.  In Hinduism  they are expected to kill themselves when their husbands pass away.  In Christianity women are expected to "honor" men, and the famous creation story of Adam and Eve taught that Eve was made from Adam in order to keep him company.  Women have always been second to men, and I find it interesting how this plays out in New Orleans, such a diverse city.

First Church of Christ, Scientist

First Church of Christ, Scientist

For my religious visit, I went to First Church of Christ, Scientist located on Nashville Avenue.  First Church of Christ, Scientist are Christian Scientists.  This religion was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in Boston Massachusetts after she became very sick and read the Gospels subsequently healing her.  They believe that through the study of Christ's life and teachings, they can better become one with God, who is entirely good.  They believe that in emulating Jesus, they will be healed, in the physical, mental, and spiritual sense.  Their service was very formal and they had a very small congregation.  They elect readers who read from the Bible and Eddy's book.  Their congregation is mainly comprised of upperclass middle-aged and elderly people.  They were very welcoming and kind, although their service was highly confusing and very stiff.  It is a great example, however, of New Orleans hospitality and a very strict religion.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis courtesy
of Wikipedia

New Orleans is a very Catholic city, so I think it is important to look at the new Pope.  Many things are changing in the Vatican, due to the fact that the new Pope, Pope Francis, is a Jesuit.  When Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI abruptly resigned from Papacy on February 28th, 2013, Pope Francis was chosen to take over.  Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI has been taken hidden from the public, yet when he has been seen, he has proven to look progressively more frail.  As of late, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI's successor has surprisingly come out to support the crackdown on US Nuns.  Apparently, too many US Nuns were taking on feminist viewpoints and spreading these viewpoints, thus 80% of US Nuns are under review.  Because Nuns are such a great influence on New Orleans, a very liberal city in the midst of a largely conservative state, it will be interesting to see how this crackdown affects New Orleans.

The Sign of the Cross

Growing up in the Catholic religion, I have made the sign of the cross plenty of times. We make this gesture when opening and closing a prayer as well as when we walk into church for that is God's home. I was always taught that the sign of the cross meant that one was acknowledging the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one, but in reality the gesture has six meanings: a confession of faith; a renewal of baptism; a mark of discipleship; an acceptance of suffering; a defense against the devil; and a victory over self-indulgence.

When we make the sign of the sign of the cross, we are professing our belief in the Father, and in the Son and in the Holy Spirit. When we say the words and pray in someone's name we declare their presence, and if we declare their presence obviously we believe in them. The sign of the cross is a renewal of the sacrament of baptism because when we make it, we are implying that "I died with Christ and rose to new life." This gesture links us to the body of Christ, which also shows our discipleship to the Lord and Savior. The sign of the cross is remembering that Jesus became a man and suffered for us and that we participate in Christ's suffering. It says, "I am willing to embrace suffering to share in Christ's suffering." When we sign ourselves, we are declaring to the devil, "Hands off. I belong to Christ; he is my protection." Last of all, we make the sign of the cross when we are suffering with an issue. When one is suffering, the sign of the cross gives them comfort that they will overcome it. 

Daily Life of a Zen Monk

Yesterday's presentation of the Zen Center was very interesting and inspiring. I was always obsessed and curious with Zen culture since I was little, having watched so many Asian movies with my uncle. Probably the main thing that interests me is their simple way of life. In an age where technology and worldly pleasures dominates, they choose to reject it all. Someday I hope to experience such a simple way of life even if it's for a short period of time. Coming from a very strict and traditional family, I find that I would align perfectly with their many practices of discipline. I found a short video entitled "A Day in the Life of a Zen Monk" that gives a brief insight on the daily life of Zen monks.