Master of Buddhism Lesson 2

1. Which of these guidelines do you think is the most important? Why?

The guideline which I think is the most important is right understanding. This is because I believe that all of what we are, including our actions and our makeup begin in the mind. That is, we are our brains. When we begin to form our thoughts or interpret what is presented to us, much care needs to be taken before we act on those thoughts. We need to see what we perceive for what it really is and not simply act on it without regard for consequence or repercussions.

2. What is the unifying concept of these guidelines?

I think that the unifying concept is when "suffering" is understood and acted upon with a realization that everything is interconnected, it can end and can be transformed to not only attain a better mental state for oneself but for everything we come into contact with not only physical but emotional as well.

3. What do you think the Buddha would have to say today about "Right Livelihood?" Can you think of any positions in today's workforce that he might use as an activity one should avoid?

The Buddha might say that right livelihood is something people need to focus more on and less on their material, social, or economical status. People should focus more on why they are in the position they are in and why they think they need (or needed) to get there. For example, people still find it necessary to accumulate things to out do one another. There are so many people I know who simply work just to own a brand new car. The financial stress alone is enough to set the suffering wheel on warp speed. Then there are the illegal drugs dealers. Because of all the immediate money they can attain, they tend to not consider thinking about the personal suffering or effect it has on everyone and everything else.

Two examples I can think of which the Buddha might say to avoid would be testing consumer products on animals (e.g. makeup, drugs, etc), the tobacco industry (e.g. cigarettes and chewing tobacco). Both of these not only have a huge potential to affect the immediate animal or person using the products but can also place a long-term mental and physical burden on them as well.

Lesson 17 Buddhism by Rev. Wayne

1. living in Japan, I prefer Ullambana, called Obon in Japan.  It is interesting because Obon is mixed between the traditional Japanese religion of Shinto, and Buddhism. as is the case here, the two go very much hand in hand. whilst offerings and prayers are made for the dead, the festival itself takes on a Shinto nature, with a portable shrine being carried through the streets, which are turned into food stalls, etc. to make a carnival atmosphere. each town has its own traditional dance, which is done accompanying the parade of the shrine. people will go to both temple, Buddhist, and shrine, Shinto, to pray for ancestors.

2. Do not kill, even insects. let life be, and allow living beings to interact, which is a Buddhist tenement that all beings are dependent upon each other. in essence, let life flow in its predetermined direction. This saying could also illuminate the teaching of Buddha, that He be allowed to settle within you, then move on to help other beings to enlightenment.

3.  I do not think so. Buddha preached to not take life, so the act of eating meat is not taking life, in the real sense. in Japan, a Buddhist country, meat eating is common and not frowned upon.

Wayne Cuthbert
Japan.

Wayne

Master of Buddhism Lesson 3

1.     Could the fact that the Dharma wasn't written by the Buddha himself be problematic? If so, in what ways?

I would think that the Dharma could be problematic since it wasn't written by the Buddha. One simple reason could be a biased interpretation. For example, a person who wrote down what they were taught could alter the actual meaning to fit some other agenda or belief of the time. Think of how many things we are taught or told and don't necessarily think they are the best for us, so we decide to choose a different path. Or perhaps some of the Buddha's teachings may not have been fully remembered and some things may have been replaced with what "fit: best to fill in the gaps. However, having said this, I still feel it is up to the individual on the path to figure out for him or herself if what they are presented with works or makes sense for them to attain at least some closeness to being enlightened. I believe this is why the teachings include the Three Jewels or scenarios in which to acquire guidance.

2.      Imagine you are preparing to go for refuge. What necessary changes would you need to make in your life first?

I think one of the most important changes would have to be time or giving up things to be able to go for refuge. What I mean by this is: there are many things in our lives we could easily do away with to make room for a better mental state or awareness. For example, too much time with television, movies, computers, cellphones, drinking, or whatever temporarily preoccupies one from their suffering. I think when certain distractions are removed, refuge would be much easier to take in.

3.      When going for refuge, are you relying on forces outside of yourself for peace of mind, or are the Three Jewels ultimately found inside yourself?

I think initially one would seek out refuge because they are in need of guidance from a more experienced or advanced source of wisdom from where they currently believe they are at. It is the basic function of learning. I do believe in the end however, what we take from the three Jewels and how we use it to transform us is all within ourselves. As long as we remain open to teachings and lessons so that we can continue to transform our suffering and not dismiss what conflicts with our current beliefs and biases – the Three Jewels will continue to influence us and we will nurture them as they do us.

Master of Buddhism Course by Rev. Judith Wolf

 

Master of Buddhism

Final Essay

Dr. Judith G. Wolf

 

One wonders whether Eastern spiritualism, dominated by Buddhism, has been a calming influence during the trauma of the recent earthquake and tsunami. I can only wonder at the apparent calm of the general reaction. Contrast that to the hysteria of those in the United States who denounce the birthright of our president or shout falsehoods to the general public usurping their exalted places as congressmen and senators.

 

The lessons of the Buddhists are to be extoled. If everyone in the world followed their basic tenets, we would have a world of peace. It might be relatively easy to wish only good for all people, or hope that all humans are free from suffering. It is not so easy to be generous to ones' enemies, to be forgiving, to hope that a person is free of suffering no matter what he or she has done to you. It is also not easy to rejoice in and feel proud of those we do not know. And finally, it is particularly difficult for many to see all beings as equal.  The latter is demonstrated by the degree of racial discrimination that exists in the world; by the suffering imposed on people by those who perceive themselves as different and better.

 

But if at least some of us try to cultivate Buddhist virtues, it is a start. By practicing generosity, ethical behavior, patience, joyous effort and concentration, we can perhaps generate the wisdom of emptiness; the wisdom to know that the reality as we see it is a function of our projections and misunderstanding it is empty of these falsehoods. On the other hand, is trying to cultivate Buddhist virtues so different from trying our best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, sometimes described as the heights of virtue that God desires of all his children?

 

I believe that there are many paths to God and to living the life that God desires us to live. Buddhism is one of them.

Final essay Druidism

FINAL ESSAY

DRUIDISM

What an interesting discourse!  I enjoyed that the lessons utilized a variety of authors, giving different perspectives, opinions and expressions of Druidism.  The overview was one of the traditions language and history of the Druid clans.  I did notice there is similarity between the celebration of holidays between the Druids and the Pagan practices.  It does seem like the modern day Druids, especially in America have turned towards the folly of the celebrations, maybe not the seriousness of the 'old days'.  The history of the Druids is also left to interpretation due to the lack of documentation.  It is not easy to grasp the real life style of how these people went about their daily living.  Their gods/goddess are brought to life by the holidays they celebrated.   I would have enjoyed being part of the simple life, the closeness of the clan and the strong support to Mother Earth, respecting all living animal and plants, showing concern for the environment.  I see a correlation between this idealism and the Native Americans.  Would it not be wonderful if this concept was shared in the present day!

My personal curiosity on Druidism stems from my heritage of being Irish.  My grandfather came from Cork County as a child to America.  He was a proud Irishman, and in hind sight I now wish I could have learned more from him regarding his heritage.  At one time I had a past life regression, one of my previous lives was served as a seer within the Druidism culture.  I also worked the Templars as a seer.  In this time frame I was well respected and protected by the Templar's for my abilities.  For these two reasons I was drawn to experience this discourse to learn more and to see if any of the information brought back a memory for me of my past life.  Each week I read new information and yet at the same time I felt I already knew what was being lectured . . . interesting . . .

The one section I really enjoyed was the language and written words/symbols.  I made a set of divination sticks, using the Ogham alphabet with their meanings and interpretation.  I use these sticks regularly to receive guidance and am amazed at their accuracy.  I loved working with the lettering of Ogham and symbology.

My overall critique of the class is positive.  I was a little overwhelmed by the holidays and figures presented.  This class offered so much information and was very well presented.  Thank you for the opportunity to join in this class.

 

Rev. Constance J. Hitts

Master of Buddhism Lesson 1 - The Beginning

Questions

1. Does the story of Siddhartha Guatama, particularly in the years before he became the Buddha, ring true? Is
it legend or hearsay? Does it matter?

It is sensible to believe that history is coloured by the person relating the events. When it comes to important
historical figures, such as Siddhartha Guatama or Jesus, it is reasonable to think that elements of certain events have
been exaggerated to make the historical figure seem larger or more important, or to increase the impact of the event
upon the reader. It is difficult to believe, for example, that a person - even one in a rich palace - can be kept from
the knowledge of sickness, ageing, and death. Since Siddhartha is said to have been a clever lad, would it not seem
probable that he would wonder why certain members of the household were older or younger than he? Does it not seem
likely that he would have experienced common colds or, like most young and curious boys, played with insects and seen
them die?

So it is likely that elements of truth have been embellished to enhance the importance of the Buddha. All cultures have
myths and legends. This particular one is important because it sets into motion the idea of the Buddha as having a
driving goal that motivated him (finding relief from sickness, old age and death). This frames the entire Buddhist
philosophy because seeking relief from suffering is the central motivation of Buddhism.


2. What does enlightenment mean to you?

Enlightenment is the slow process by which we come to know how our minds work. We come to see that much of what we take
for granted is simply "stuff" that we've made up - then we act upon those thoughts as if they're true! We spend a lot of
time defending these thoughts and pushing them onto other people. Enlightenment is understanding that these things don't
matter, but that there is something that does matter; other people. The world seems to work like a giant cosmic fan and
whatever we throw out at it is simply redirected right back at us. So it is quite true to say that how we treat others
IS how we treat ourselves.


3. Do you believe that enlightenment is possible? Is there more than one way to be enlightened? If so, what?

Enlightenment is possible if we spend time thinking about things of this nature. Many different people and many
different spiritual traditions have found this - though they may have different names for it. It seems that the key
element to finding enlightenment is frequent periods of thought - just thinking about life and how it works and why
things are the way they are. We sometimes call this prayer or meditation - or even just sitting quietly in the garden
watching the world go by!

Shamanism Course Essay

  I would love to start out with the dictionary telling me that a Shaman is a priest or medicine man or woman that has the belief that they can change or influence. Also noted that it is a religion based on spirits. OK!  That defines most religions and most people.  I saw a sign saying " I wonder why someone didn't do something about it, then I realized I was someone."

  Most  of my life I have had friends & strangers come to me and just start to tell me their problems. I wondered if I had Psychology stamped on my forehead.  So I let spirit lead me to become a Minister (through ULC). Then this is where I was confronted with men only are Ministers, Right! Then spirit guided me into studies on Master of Religion & diploma on  a Bible Course, then a Diploma in Psychology. I have been a Nurse since 1969, now working for over 10 yrs with the elderly. I am a Reiki 3 rd degree practitioner/master. Spirit has not led me to become a full  Master. My time is spread in other interests, to be a Master would require my full attention.  This last paragraph sums up to spirit guiding me & training me to be the Shaman I am today. Five years ago a Shaman friend dubbed me with the name "Crowbird", my power animal & spirit guide.

   I have made several type & bought numerous drums. In drumming I have entered  lucid states that I have talked to my spirit guides & visited others on another plain. In being a Shaman I find that I not only can I  help the sick but also have the knowledge to find lost things. I know what my husband is going to say before he says it. That gives him the goosebumps. I also have the gift of seeing others that have passed on. I guess like a move, " I see dead people". My grandmother had this gift & told me, when I was very young, that I also had the gift. I have aided many a soul to pass on.

  I understand that different cultures have different attitudes on what a Shaman can be or do. I understand that most people believe a Shaman is mostly Native American based. Doing the study course " Master Of Shamanism" I have learned about other culture practices. This is like a key opening new doors. Doors that have stood there for ages. Waiting on me to journey in. I have been drawn to Stonehenge & Sodona knowing that this is another energy point for me.

  I am able to do Out of Body & waiting to meet the Old Souls on another plain. With this study guide I am now able to do so.  I am also an Indigo Child, knowing that being a Shaman is in the plan for time of changes. I have become a Gate Keeper for United Christians for Israel. I can proudly say that when time of change happens I'll be able to guide all souls to their destination.

  All in all, I believe that this study is like putting the topping on the sundae. I know that being a Shaman is something that  has to be earned, can to be something inherited, can be a way of life helping for all the other puzzle pieces to fit as far as knowing where your life has been & knowing where you need to go. On my folder, where I keep my print outs on all 19 lessons, I have wrote, "God leads me down this path".  On Facebook I state that I am a Minister/Shaman.  AND PROUD TO SAY IT. I lived in the wilderness, 5 yrs., living off the land, raising all my own own food, vegetable & meat. This has  also prepared me for what is to come in the future.

  Now I look forward to meeting other Shamans/Ministers/Indigos.  I hope others reading this will take this course, it is going to be like a guide  & understanding to the future.

                                                                                                                                          Rev. Kathy Mostoller, Minister/Shaman