Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own way. Think of this paper as a kind of “journal” in which you reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes to the Qur’an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous—in other words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most importantly, that they directly relate to the readings and other assigned materials. Essays must be submitted on Canvas and should be a minimum of 1000-1200 words in length. Make sure you include references (direct quotations and paraphrasing) from William Young’s text. If you cite a source other than our class textbook, include a bibliography at the end of the paper.
Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together) to look at your own religion with “new eyes.” For example, if you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see your religion. If you an Atheist, try considering life from a Muslim’s perspective. Does this change anything for you? If so, how? Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas.
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Choose to answer 3 out of the 4 questions below:
1.) How does Hinduism view human nature and what is the human condition? What prevents human beings from realizing moksha? How does Hinduism view the Self (Atman)? How are ideas about the atman and moksha presented in the Katha Upanishad (make sure to provide specific examples and citations from the resources included for Unit 2 on Hinduism)?
2.) What are the three different yoga paths or means of achieving liberation according to Hinduism (see pp. 78-82)? How are these three types of yoga explained in the Bhagavad Gita, as described in the audio files? Which path, do you think, fits you and your personality best and why?
3.) First, describe how the Buddha’s story can be contextualized within Moody’s five stages: Call, Search, Struggle, Breakthrough, and Return. Second, what kind of impact do you think the Four Passing Sights had on Siddhartha, given that he was raised without any knowledge of pain, suffering, or hardship? Do you agree that every human being experiences these Four Passing Sights, to some extent? If so, how have you experienced them in your own life? Make sure to cite examples from the text and additional resources on Buddhism in answering these questions.
4.) What are the Four Noble Truths according to Buddhism? What are the Buddha’s views concerning human confusion, disappointment, pain, and suffering as expressed in the Four Noble Truths? What is the Eightfold Path and how is it meant to remedy or transform the human being and lead him or her towards nirvana? Make sure to cite examples from the text and additional resources on Buddhism in answering these questions.
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