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happygirl

Page history last edited by PBworks 16 years, 4 months ago

--I graded paperdove's and she graded mine!

December 17, 2007

A few final thoughts....

First, I enjoyed Ceridwen's CD final project. Good mix. Nice timing.

Second, whoever would like is more than welcome to grade my papers--whether it be Mobius or a classmate. I just want to be easy, so whatever works best. I hope that whoever reads them enjoys them and finds them worthwhile. The final paper is written with a hidden motive of entertainment, so I think that at the least you won't be bored. Also, if I am to grade someone's paper, I'm not sure how I will be contacted? I'm moving out on the day they are due, and (as I have a desktop) won't be setting it up for a while. I'll be kind of out of communication, although if that is a problem I will probably try to check my email at some point before graduation.

Good luck with your futures, all. It's been fun reading your thoughts and sorting through my own.

HappyGirl- I will read/grade your paper this evening!-PaperDove

HG-

Your Spiritual Autobiography was compelling, captivating and inspirational. I have tremendous admiration for a person who endures such physical and emotional hardships and yet does not falter with her faith. For a lot of people it is difficult to find the same peace with life that you do. Your narrative style definitely echoes Philip K. Dick's Valis, and your wiki "handle" works well for this type of writing. At some points, the juxtaposition of being "HappyGirl" and the content of your writing was interesting if not a bit ironic. I enjoyed reading this paper, and really am inspired by your outlook on life. I think that Mobius will agree that you deserve an A. Good luck to you in all future plans!

-PaperDove

December 13, 2007

Uploading my final paper!!!! Hooray!

(P.S. Mobius, just a reminder that we talked about you retreiving the lost wiki from before Oct 24. Let me know if there's anything else I need to do with that. Thank you!)

421 Spiritual Autobio Dec 11.doc

Also, uploading my 5-6 pager..... Yipee!! My last papers of my undergraduate career. Unbelievable...

421 Wedding paper.doc

Thanks for a great last semester all.

Hope you enjoy a great holiday break!

Decmber 11, 2007

Okay, so that you all can enjoy the wedding craziness with me....

http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqiw-Kqtlr0

Haha get a laugh or two...

December 10, 2007

Fasting:

I was just thinking that we have not studied the spiritual discipline of fasting. I'm not sure how many religions practice this discipline, but I'm absolutely fascinated by it. I (personally) love practicing....well, I don't love practicing it in the moment, but I love practicing it overall. (My illness has caused me to be unable to practice it, so I've thinking about what an impact being able to fast has on my overall life, relatinoship to God and attitude.) I believe fasting is an avenue to become closer to God.

Anyway, does anyone else practice or know about fasting? Here's a link to wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting">Fasting

I just briefly skimmed a few things in the above link/article and I think fasting is fascinating.

And for our "Composing the Sacred" English class, there is also a section entitled "Fasting in Literature." This section includes Kafka's, "The Hunger Artist," Siddhartha, and the Rule of Saint Benedict (apparently an ascthetic writing).

Well, I hope that this post got someone, even if it's just one person, thinking about fasting.

December 10,2007

Wow, okay so today I'm going to finish my last three posts. Unbelievable huh?! I can't believe that this semester is over. For once in my life, I can say that this one didn't fly by. It actually felt kind of slow. Good. I like slow.

I'm going to have to think back to Thursday's presentation. I remember thinking that I wanted to post something on it, but I'll have to refreseh my memory a little bit before I"m able to comment.

Oh, yes. I really enjoyed Eric's presentation about "Intellectual Property" I thought it was a really interesting topic, given how it related to the sacred. As an English/Philosophy/Religious Studies person, I don't know much about more technological debates, but I really enjoyed learning about it. I also got a kick out of many of the stories that Mobius told. Anyway, I learned a lot of seemingly haphazard information, that somehow all tied together and was unpredicatbly interesting, entertaining and memorable.

I'm a little bummed, I wanted to plan a pizza party for Monday like a bunch of us talked about, but things are just getting soooo busy. OH well.

December 5, 2007

ESSENTIAL POST

DO NOTHING. This class requires me to DO NOTHING, yet this day has been spent doing stuff for the very class that asks nothing of me.

I realize though, that my plan is to complete the tasks assigned to me that I may enjoy the benefit of doing nothing next week (post thesis and having the papers written for this class). Sure, I have certainly consciously done nothing at times this semester. I have engaged in this practice for years, however the idea of doing nothing in my life during these past two semesters has all but slipped away...and along with it is has taken at least a chunk out of my happiness. So, I'm not fully done with my final project. I've only posted two out of three times this semester, but I can follow instructions. I'm stopping. Sitting on my couch and voiding my mind for the next hour.

(I've always wondered how anyone would know if we completed these assignments, but if we told someone about it then are we really doing nothing or are we just doing nothing for the purpose of telling someone we did nothing?)

December 5, 2007

First, does anyone recall where, in Yoginanda, is the part about the father being unhappy with his sons career choice? That would be a huge help for my final project! Thanks!

Okay, so today I am living a little differently. My walking class was cancelled and I consequently got to stay at home today. I have been reading for a quiz tomorrow and I'm working on my spiritual autobiography for the final project. I have to say, I am enjoying writing it, although it is positively more challenging to write (for a grade) without strict guidelines. It's more enjoyable in the doing, but more stressful because you have no idea about the outcome. Anyway, I'm re-learning to not stress (a never ending procedure) so I'm just not going to stress as I continue to make progress.

I'm enjoying the snow outside. I'm enjoying the day. Things are good. My thesis has been approved (although I still need to revise it this weekend). It's unreal what an impact stress has on your outlook. I really used to love huge projects and not get stressed about them, but these past two semesters have been really intense and stressful. I can't wait for this upcoming move. You know, I think sometimes starting from a clean slate is healthy. I really am looking forward to recreating a healthy, unstressed life. I know that you dont' have to wait on your circumstances to do that, always, but in this instance I'm going to embrace the change.

I'm just writing on here with no real stated purpose today. I think that's okay sometimes. I think that's what's expected.

Sometimes it's just good to assess yourself. I reallly believe that explaining yourself to others is such a healthy thing. It helps you figure out really what you think among the mish mash of all the things running through your head. I'm super thankful for friends and a fiance that are great listeners. (I'm writing about listening in my spiritual autobiograpy.)

I really don't know what else to write about. I'll have to go internet browsing to get some ideas for the other two posts today.

November 27, 2007

Okay, today I posted once on class discussion and once with my proposal. Since the meat and bread have been finished, let's go for some dessert.

A rant.

So, over Thanksgiving break my mom and I realized that the microwave that I received for my bridal shower (In late August a day or two before I returned to PSU for school) would no longer be suitable. Thus, my mother and I decided that we would return it.

For the wedding, I am registered at three stores, Macy's, Kohl's and Target.

The background to this story is as follows: On my TARGET registry, I included a microwave. My 86 year old, wheelchair bound grandmother decided that she wanted to buy me the microwave. So, wheelchair, Gram, and Mom in tow, I went to Target with her to buy it so that my mom or I could wrap it for the upcoming shower. We tried to purchase the one on my registry, but they did not stock it in that store. My 86 year old gram wanted to buy it in the store instead of the internet (and pay shipping) so we selected another microwave that we thought would be suitable. For the shower, I received it as a gift. I removed the other microwave from my registry so I did not receive a duplicate.

Over Thanksgiving I visited my new apartment and realized the microwave was unsuitable. So, my mom and I set off to return it. We arrive to Target with the microwave, but no receipt. The clerk scans it and it comes up as $69.99. Because I did not have a receipt I expected to get the daily purchase price ($69.99) on a giftcard to the store. (That could have been used for groceried!) Unfortunately, the clerk turns to us and says, "Without a receipt there is nothing we can do." I appealed to a manager who said she could do nothing and rudely handed me a customer service phone number. I intend to call tommorrow, but really is it fair that because of the store manager's greed that I must spend hours (you know how these things go) on the phone petitioning for my seventy bucks?! I really don't think that is "good business" and it's certainly not good PR. I wish I could remove all the things from my registry, but I already told everyone where we were registered. I did, however, take off anything over fifty dollars.

From a business standpoint alone, my registry is bringing Target much business and PR....and they couldn't even exchange a seventy dolllar microwave that they still had in their system. It would be one thing if it were discontinued or something, but it wasn't even on sale! We paid seventy bucks for it the first time around.

Target, I used to love your store, products and prices, but you've bit the hand that feeds you.

So, if you register for marriage of babies, please don't register at Target.

----

And, if you are purchasing gifts for the holidays that have even the slightest possibility of needing to be returnedlost money or useless gifts.........DON'T GO TO TARGET!**

(for size, duplicates etc)....Save yourself and the person you're giving the gift to the trouble of

November 27, 2007

I am plugging my comment on Gonzo's page about his presentation today. I thought it was great.

Anyway, my proposal:

1. Why?

I am writing a personal spiritual autobiography for the reason that I believe it will be the best final project that I can produce for this class. I believe that a spiritual autobiography will help me to see further connections between the course material and myself. Additionally, I believe that a spiritual autobiography will be the most beneficial final project as I believe projects of this nature impact ones' life. Spiritual autobiographies are rather personal in nature and my hope is that this endeavor will lead me to further awareness of my spirituality and how it relates to the spirituality of those around me and spirituality as it impacts our planet. As the theme of practicality has been weaved throughout course lectures, I believe that completing a spiritual autobiography for my final undergraduate project ever will be tangibly helpful as I continue to grow and mature in my life, friendships, studies and spirituality.

2. Who cares?

Two primary people care about this final project: the author and the audience. I, as the author, would be unable to invest myself in a fifteen page paper that I did not care about. Thus, I actually care about what I'm writing and how I'm writing it as opposed to simply just putting words on a sheet to fill a length requirement. Secondly, I believe my audience cares. My audience is primarily my professor, Mobius. I believe Mobius actually cares about our final projects because he really seems interested in the topics he teaches. Now, I am aware that just like any other professor, he's not really looking forward to grading them, but I do think that Mobius would appreciate his students displaying that they learned something from their time with him.

3. What is it not?

My spiritual autobiography is not a tract. The purpose of writing it is not to convert my audience.

My spiritual autobiography is not only displayed through one medium. As alternative forms of media have been stressed throughout this class, I will attempt to incorporate some other forms of media in my spiritual autobiography.

My spiritual autobiography is not entirely objective. In academic writing this can sometimes be problematic, if not outright addressed. As is only appropriate for a spiritual autobiography, I will subjectively relay my experiences. (A successful example of this is Dick's Valis.)

November 14, 2007

This is from a performance that I briefly attended a few weeks ago. I guess this worked out for the best because it forced me to learn how to use the scanner. Even though I planned to get a lot more done this afternoon, after much trial and error I can now successfully upload images to my computer. This is good. I have learned something practical....for which I am grateful. Stil frustrated it took an hour, but happy I have a new skill.

November 12, 2007

Well, I'm totally pumped! I just figured out a topic for my 5-6 pager. I have been reviewing my wiki and nothing was really striking me. Okay, maybe I shouldn't seem quite as excited as I am. But, at this point in the game, I get very excited to cross anything off of my list.

Today was totally a wedding-filled day. It's almost 2:30 and all I've done so far is call this person, email that vendor, juggle the ceremony order and try to match shades of red.

....which got me thinking.....

I'm going to write my short paper on the sacred in a marriage ceremony. I think this will be interesting. Tenatively, I'm going to write on the Christian and Jewish traditions. I don't want to just write about what I am familiar with, although I think that that too can be a very fruitful learning experience. I am going to do a little studying and check out Jewish wedding traditions. (My fiance is Jewish by blood, so this could be interesting.) We're not really incorporating any Jewish traditions in to the wedding though, but I'd love to check it out.

I really feel relieved that I have arrived at a topic that interests me. I"ve been seraching for a week now. I think this will prove to be an interesting and worthwhile paper.

I"m really looking forward to analyzing all the mayhem around me in a more analytical way. Although, I'm not going to claim to be objective. :-)

Okay, well I have penciled in some time at Barnes and Noble this evening for the purpose of writing this beast.

I also started writing my spiritual autobiography....and much to my dismay I started off writing from the wrong person's point of view!!! Sheesh, but I'll fix it.

Well, that's all for now. Has anyone checked out the ridiculous "Baby Got Book" (This is hysterical) link below???

November 8, 2007

Here is the outline for my Ruth presentation:

Ruth Presentation November 8, 2007.doc

I enjoyed giving the presentation today. I just regretted not having more time to discuss. I felt like all I got to do was throw out my ideas and didnt' get a chance to get everyone elses takes on it. So, what did you think of it? Was everyone familiar with the story?

A few things Mobius noted during Realtyor's presentation (nice job by the way...you got me thinking!) sparked a ton of thought with me.

Appearance: One thing that gets me everytime is the depiction of Jesus. For example, these are the first three pictures that popped up when I googled "picture of jesus." Now, I'm all for translating a story into one you can relate to, but sheesh? Does anyone really think Jesus looked like this? Where is his "dishevelled hair?" Man, it looks like it has product in it every time! Jesus looks so feminine and passive. I understand, but I really don't think this does a just depiction of the man who overturned the temple tables?! I don't think so. This Jesus looks extremely weak. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=2&version=31">John 2: 12-16)

!

(Jesus Clears the Temple

12After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.

13When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" )

I'm just not sure that this is how he would look. Let alone the color of his complexion. Like I said, I can understand translating the pictures to match what most people who spoke English may have looked similar to at one time, but I would have a difficult time with so many things about Christianity if I were of another ethnicity and this were my only representation of Jesus. I wonder what he looks like to kids when missionaries use pictures in other non-european countries.

That was one point mentioned. I have more, but it's time to go to class. Good thoughts.

PS. A "thank you" to Ceridwen for reading! That's encouraging!

November 8, 2007

Check this out. Watch the video and http://2milechallenge.com/challenge.html">take the challenge! I promise this video is worthy of your time!!!

November 7, 2007

Okay, a friend just sent this to me and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYr3JuueF4">this is hysterical. I guess understanding some of the jokes are cutlural, but I think this will make anyone laugh. Where do these people find this time? Anyway, I guess this is sacred multimedia and as soon as I saw it I knew it was absolutely necesary to post for this class.

I just finished my Ruth presentation and I'm looking forward to giving it tomorrow. I loved learning about it. I had no idea there were so many nuances and hidden meanings behind everything, and I know I don't have nearly a grasp on how much else there is to know about such a short text.

November 1, 2007

So, I've had numerous "heavy" posts lately. I'm ready for a repreive. Although I "beefed up" my posts on purpose. If I just ramble on I feel like I'm wasting my time and probably my grade too. But, I know that all posts should absolutely not be beefy. That wouldn't be reality, nor feasible. So, I'll post about what's going on this weekend. I'm going away, yet again. I can't believe it. Last Spring was similar to this semester in that I was either going somewhere or had company every weekend except one. I had no idea this semester would be similar. I've had more than one weekend off, but it really hasn't been too many. I love to lead a busy life. But, I'm looking forward to a calmer one. A more spontaneous one. Well, I'm still pretty spontatneous, but I like the freedom to be at any time.

So, I'm going to admit that I'm pretty proud that I'm going to have all three of my posts for this week DONE prior to leaving tomorrow morning. It is just a bummer to have things hanging over your head and it's also a bummer to get behind in something like this. Then you can never catch up!

So, this is my last semester in State College. Does anyone have any suggestions of anything I should do before I leave? I've hiked Mt. Nittany. I've gone to games....Anyway, I LOVED today. Today was a classic fall day in state college. It was GORGEOUS! I love falls here. I went for a walk around the golf course and it was just so pretty out. It naturally put me in a good mood. I love pretty scenery. I never really liked nature until college. Now I can't get in enough hikes, bike rides, picnics, walks, runs,-I love to just lay in the grass when I'm out running. I love to just soak in the beauty around me. I can't believe it. I have to go buy my cap and gown. I have to reserve a place for my parents and everyone to go to dinner. Graduation is actually happening. I wonder if it will snow before then? Probably not, but it might be pretty. Anyway, to tie that to the sacred. I fully and completely believe that nature can be or lead to a religious experience. I believe nature is a sacred text. I can't wait to read the next chapter--wherever it happens to be.

November 1, 2007

Crowley's third tenet is totally opposed to any type of Christian teaching. "Every man and woman is a star." Now, I'm going to say that the reason this is opposed is because I'm thinking that Crowley uses star to mean something good. Christianity teaches that every man is depraved and sinful. That man is not inherently good. Now, Crowley is on a roll of rebellion from this religion at least.

I hope no one is tired of my comparisons, but since it seems that no one reads my posts any longer I guess I'm entitled to post what I think will best help me learn the material.

Hey! Let me interrupt you here - I don't know about anyone else but I'm reading! As for being tired of comparisons - I think they're the only way we can every think about things like this. We obviously bring our own perspective to the table when we encounter texts, especially ones like Crowley's. And drawing direct comparisons to that perspective makes us more aware of our own previously held beliefs and gives us a tool to examine and comprehend something so foreign and unfamiliar. I'm glad you liked the presentation, too. I was afriad it would be really tedious and borring, but Mobius helped out with his informed commentary and I felt like we had a pretty good discussion. So, thanks! - Ceridwen

Like many of my classes, I learn best through analyzing the unknown through the lens of the known. Not always, but sometimes it can stimulate me to think more critically and deeper in to the subject matter. Not to mention that I'm just plain more interested in topics when I can relate to them. I guess that's why I was pleasantly surprised when this class turned out to be a "composing the sacred" class. I am interested in these types of topics.

The topics of the sacred and religion intrigue me because they so greatly affect how every one lives. It is amazing to me the impact that religion has on an individual, a family, a community, a culture, our world. It's still a powerful influence. I think it's so important to know about the impact of religion on individuals because otherwise the world is being changed every day and we're not going to understand the influences that are shaping the people who are changing it!

More randomness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COMsKPeWAsw">Beatles long and Winding road

November 1, 2007

So I totally loved Ceridwen's presentation today. I was completely ignorant of this whole religion. I've never heard of it at all. I wish I had time to read the Book of Lies. But, that will have to wait. Anyway, I really could appreciate so much of what Crowley's religion advocated. I appreciated that Mobius mentioned that often http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_tree">"the apple doesn't fall far from the tree". So often we, emphasis on me included, as teenagers and young adults think that we are so novel, so different, so original. I truly believe that. I have evidence to believe that. I've never met anyone that I found strikingly similar to me. In many ways yes, but in almost all ways no. Anyway, we think that we are different from our parents and from everybody else. But, often when viewed from a more removed perspective we are actually totally similar to the very object of our disdain.

Crowley, for example, (to the best of my understanding) had three tenets. One: "Do what thou Wilt shall be the whole of the law." Two: "Love is the law. Love under will." Three: "Every man and every woman is a star." It is also my understanding that Crowley was rebelling to many religions, and including them at the same time, but Christianity was mentioned a few times under both categories and that is the only one I really feel comfortable comparing with so I will begin there.

The first tenet is right in line with scripture. "Eat, Drink and be Merry" (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=12&version=31">Luke 12: 13-21). How do these two seemingly opposing philosophies relate? Well, Crowley's religion didn't include Jesus (from what I can see) and I'm not sure whether it included any Godfigure at all. Was Crowley the Divine of his religion? Anyway, the passage in Luke is often interpret to show that without Jesus in the picture, (And understandably this is the way things are for many people), then this is the philosophy of a person like that. Of course, the Luke passage urges readers away from this philosophy, but it agrees that it will be a philosophy of people who hold different beliefs. Of course, Crowley urges people to adopt the philosophy. So, Crowley and Luke agree that this is a viable philosophy. But the disagree as to whether it is the best one.

Crowley's second tenet, to love the law. Love is also the greatest law of Christianity. In http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=22&version=31">Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus explains that the greatest law is to love God. In some ways this could be considered the law of Christianity. So, Christ calls the loving God the greatest law. For Crowley, this love is not the greatest. It is the second greatest. Thus, it is not so far from Christianity. It's not like one is saying love and the other is saying don't love.

October 24, 2007

So, I can't believe what a quick trip Mobius is having right now! I've heard of some quick trips, but that is crazier than I've ever heard! Good for him!

Anyway, I mention Mobius because I think he'd like to know about the Rumi presentation tonight. It's free and at seven. I'm thinking of stopping by. My options are read more Valis or stop by the rumi presentation. I think I'll probably go to the presentation because it will be good fuel for my wiki and I have been feeling this odd sense of obligation/desire to take advantage of the opportunities here on campus. With the limited time left, I guess I feel I should take advantage. As a freshmen and at the beginning of sophomore year, I was great at taking advantage of all the activities on campus. Then, things got busier, responsibilities, school, a serious boyfriend.....and that easily I quit doing all the random activities that I had before. I'm back at it though, this semester I went to lunch out in Bellefonte with a prof, went to a lecture on a Friday night!, and now I'm thinking of going to the Rumi show. I'll let you know how it is.

October 24, 2007

So, I'm now totally pumped. I'm out of the closet now and I feel much better for it, even if it only on a wiki. But, I h

October 24, 2007

I've got to be honest. I'm really running out of steam on these posts. I have kept up with them this far, but lately I'm just not sure what to write that is actually informative.

So, today I think I will choose to ponder the question: Why does God allow so many bad things to happen in the world? Now, I can't speak for God. And I certainly can't speak for any other God than the one that I know. So, this would be from a Judeo-Christian perspective.

I should explain why this question arises. Reason one: My symptoms have returned and it's been a long day of pain and sickness. Reason two: A friend asked me that last night. I think these are reasons enough to justify a wiki post.

So, when my friend asked me why terrible things happen in the world I looked her straight in the eye and said, "I don't know." I do believe that God's ways are "higher" than my own and that is why my limited rationality cannot explain why terrible things happen or why a good God would permit such atrocities to occur (Isaiah 55:8-11).

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,"

declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 As the rain and the snow

come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

What does all that mean? It seems to mean that nothing happens that will not accomplish God's purposes. The way that I make meaning of this is through Plato's idea of the Noble Lie. It seems counter-intuitive, but actually when fully or more fully explained it makes sense. So, this verse is saying that whatever happens, happens to acheive God's purpose. So, I thought that in Sunday School "they" taught me that "God is good?" How can terrible things acheive the purposes of a God claiming to be good? In fact, the Bible does talk about God's goodness to mankind (Romans 8:28).

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,a whob have been called according to his purpose.

So, it seems that there are some prerequisites to enjoying the goodness of God. This requirement being, "love him" and to have "been called." I wonder why this part of this verse, or concept as it usually ends up as it winds itself into both secular and Christian society, is so routinely neglected or overlooked? Why, when people are going through a hard time, do enthusiastic Christians just say, "God works all things for good?" I think the answer is that people are just ignorant. I do not mean ignorant in a rude, derrogatory way. I mean ignorant in that they are not fully informed. I completely believe that all religions are complex. I believe that boiling down any religion to a few basic concepts is an injustice because it is not giving people the true essence of whatever religion it is being studied. So, the second requirement is to those that have "been called." This is a concept that I have been turning around in my mind for quite some time. I can't say that I have the answer. But, some thoughts on this matter is the question of whether all are "called" or not all are "called." In this sense, being called is being called to believe in Jesus. Now, everyone gets offended here and understandably so. No one wants to feel that they are "called" to a religion they don't believe or have ever even heard of! Yet, other people are understandably offended when only "some" are called because then that means others are left out and that would only mean the religion is unfair to those who aren't called. And, if the religion is unfair, how is it representative of a "just" God? I don't know.

Which reminds me of another thought. Do people really believe that religion is representative of God? Under Christianity, this is so far from the truth.

October 22, 2007

I began reading Valis. There are a ton of big words. It reminds me of Mobius' page. His wiki is chock-full of "big words" that I don't know what mean. I usually end up dictionary.com, OED, or wikipedia'ing them. I learn a lot of words though. Valis really starts of with a bang. It begins with a climax. I like that. I'm hooked. But, Fat's detachment, or attempt at, sure seems weird. But, at the same time, how many times have we all written not what we interpreted what a text means, but what we know a teacher will look for us to interpret a text as. I guess the detachment happens all the time.

I was reading Valis on my flight to Florida. I traveled down to attend my cousins wedding. It was a great weekend.

October 17, 2007

I agree with you that it is very interesting to hear other students voice their interpretations of religious literature, but don't you think that all literature has religious elements in one way or another? I would have to say that gathering and synthesizing the view points of others is what makes college such a unique experience from all other stages of formal education. -Telescopicshot--visit my wiki and voice your opinion!

I guess in my undergraduate experience I have had more experience with studying "Religous experience" than studying religious texts for acedmics alone. This may be partially untrue, but that the religious literature that I read that has an impact on my religious experience is what I best remember. Regardless, I believe that this class, although certainly not similar to any I've taken before, holds true to the rule of studying the experience of religious literature. I like this though as I see that studying the literature with the intent of affecting an experience tends to have a much more lasting effect than otherwise. For me, much of the experience is not only reading the literature myself and applying it or choosing not to apply it to my life, but in learning what other students religious experience of the literature are. I enjoy hearing how everyone else in the room understands and interprets something that I may have seen quite differently, or sometimes exactly the same.

As a religious studies minor, I have had the privilege of studying Buber's I and Thou twice. The text was taught by two different prof's and the differences in the method in which we studied it was incredibly beneficial. I am totally on board with Mobius when he doesn't fully recognize that work shouldn't be re-used from class to class. I learn material much better if I can approach....shoot.....

October 16, 2007

Having just read Mobius' link to William Penn, I am intrigued by the writings. I certainly have forgotten most everything I learned about William Penn back in fourth grade social studies, but I'm glad to have a tiny refresher before I depart from good ol' PA. That Penn identified as a Quaker and a Christian is interesting to me. Do most Quakers identify as both? From the brief exerpts within the link, I certainly see the mystical side of his religion. Interestingly though, when I think of the Quaker religion, mysticism is not usually the first thing on my mind. I usually think, if I were to contextualize this back in his day, of benches in a small meetinghouse with little decoration. I would imagine many rules, regulations, and restrictions. The exerpts do not lead me to believe that any of this guesses are accurate or inaccurate, except that the Quaker religion was boring. Clearly, from Penn's writings, the mystical aspect of the quaker religion is interesting and captivating.

It seems, from the article, that a major difference between Christianity and Quakerism (?) is that Quaker Friends believe that the Holy Spirit came prior to Jesus. Although, I realize sure, that is a major difference and a big deal, I wonder really how different that the beliefs are. Certainly, Penn could reconcile the two enough that he was both. So, perhaps, because of familiarity with Christianity, I know more than I thought about Quaker Friends. I don't want to impose inaccurate beliefs upon that religion, but I am encouraged to think that I might have some minute clue what is going on in the meeting house accross the street from my fiance's house. The world of religion and the sacred is just so big that it can be overwhelming. I am most certainly interested in learning about them, but I recognize that I will never have a grasp on it all. I guess that's kind of the beauty of religion, Quaker included I imagine. That there is such depth available within that there is no way to study or practice all religions without missing out on some aspect of it. In fact, I imagine that there is no way to practice any specific religion without missing out on any aspect of it. There's always more content out there. Sure, just writing this is daunting, but I hope to keep on learning about religion and the sacred as they are so pertinent and essential to so many people's beliefs, actions, decisions, attitudes, personality, everything. I appreciate learning more for the sake of better understanding those around me.

October 13, 2007

For, whoever it was that worships PSU Football, I'm being terribly sinful. I'm in the library only minutes before kick-off.

But, that be as it may, I'm thinking about two things. One: Mobius' axiom 0.0 The Sacred must be Extra-Ordinary and Two: My Spiritual Autobiography.

One: The Sacred Must be Extra-Ordinary

This is an interesting axiom because religion is what we are studying. That makes sense because we usually study the extraordinary writers, the extraoridnary inventions, the extraordinary answers, the extraordinary solutions. Something unusual seems to deem it worthy of study. Now, many people say all religions have much in common. I can't say that these people don't have a valid point, but each individual religion must have something extraordinary about it or else it seems that it wouldn't have lasted. (Although I'm disproving my own thoughts with the Shakers. No sex is extraoridnary, but also problematic for their religion.) So, there must be something extraordinary about all major religions. Is it just the notion of something extraordinary? People can be extraordinary. Divinity can be extraordinary. Both seem to explain why we study religion, still. There is something there that is uncommon and therefore magnetic. Now, how being extraordinary makes something sacred is difficult because I believe that there are very extraoridnary people "out there" who are not revered as sacred. You know, the kind of parents that sacrifice their lives or nutrition that their children may eat. That's extraordinary sacrifce and that sacrifice makes an extraordinary person. I respect that. But, usually these people are swept under the rug. Why can't they be held as sacred too? Why can't they be revered like we revere our celebrities for their extraordinary popularity? Anyway, I think the Sacred must be Extra-ordinary, but the extra-ordinary are not always sacred.

Two: My spritual autobiography

I'm all in for this final project. I'm excited about it. I don't yet have my exact pattern down, but I'd really love to begin working on this project now. I think it would be appropriate. As Mobius says, he likes to try to prepare us sheltered English majors for the real world and I think this would be an appropriate and helpful final project before graduation. I'm glad that I can begin it now because with all the wedding craziness I would love to take care of this as soon as possible. Of course, for that very reason I'm going home this weekend, and must return back to studying for my midterm, but these thoughts are making me anxious and excited. Thank goodness for an exciting course to end my undergrad!

A Final Thought:

I performed a very nice meditative lab recently. I will be sure to incorporate this in to my final project.

October 8, 2007

For no other reason than that we mentioned Kafka in class and I'm trying to incorporate multimedia on my wiki page,

Kafka's Grave.

October 8, 2007

http://www.ananda.org/inspiration/books/ay/1.html">Chapter one of Autobiography of a Yogi is narrated in an interesting tone. It seems that the narrator, although, clearly quite vested in the writings, is almost removed from the plot of the story. I especially like the miracle that he performs with the kites. (Is it appropriate to call it a miracle?) I like how the miracle represents him as the person of mature faith and the sister as the person of little faith. She must see it before she believes it, and when she does see it she feels that she must believe it and she is totally weirded out! She runs away! Great story with great underlying truths that span among many religions, to the best that I can imagine.

I would love to just hole myself away in the library and read this autobiography in its entirety, but I guess other work demands that I only get to read some. I like it though. It is thought provoking, yet not so deeply hidden that it's undecipherable.

Wouldn't it be great to write an autobiography? Seeing that most of us are English majors, do any of you aspire to write one? Sure, I don't perform miracles, but I'd love to record everyday events as well as the crazy things that happen. I, personally, would love to write an autobiography. In fact, my thesis may be in the process of becoming one as I speak. If this is what I must write on, it appears that I will be writing about my experience with writing a thesis. If I could write anything helpful to anyone, I think a thesis about writing a thesis sure would be it. I never planned to write in this manner, but aren't the turns life takes interesting?

Yes, life twists and turns and religion and religious texts attempt to provide some structure for us to follow to help us manipulate ourselves through such a bundle of experiences. I like studying this stuff. I like life, but I'm not above accepting all the help I can get. If help comes from religious texts, I'll take what I chose and leave the rest. Regardless, I believe I'm a far better person than otherwise to at least have the opportunity to analyze, combine, create, and choose what paths I find best.

October 8, 2007

My favorite tree is a http://ostermiller.org/tree/redmaple.html">red maple . I love this tree. I love how it looks. But, my confusion is that on this website the leaves are green! I thought all red maples had redish leaves throughout the season. Maybe my memory isn't accurate from when my family had one when I was a child.

This weekend my fiance and I went to lunch with one of our mutual prof's. He's an elderly man, about seventy. I have to admit that I love being around elderly people. I love to sit and listen to old people with interesting lives who are more than willing to tell you about them. I don't mind seeing right through many of their stories, or beating them to their punch line sometimes. I've learned a lot from the wisdom of elderly people.

The elderly relates to the sacred because of age. Great age sometimes means sacred. Antiques are often sacred. Family heirlooms are sacred. Wise or proactive elderly people are often sacred. Old religious texts and oral traditions are sacred.

Of course, many old people die lonesome deaths in deplorable desolation. A good friend of mine works as a home aid and an EMT. The elderly with money or with caring families conditions are far different than those with low-income or distant family. Some people are never viewed as sacred. Some people are overlooked, laughed at, and brushed aside as irrelevant. Similarly, some texts are never viewed as sacred. I'm sure there are many ancient texts that we just don't study often in academia. I can't say that I know of them, but I'm sure that they are out there. Many students just brush off, laugh at or overlook old religious texts as irrelevant.

It seems that a life should be sacred. Can you imagine living an entire life and not feeling that you were worthy of honor, respect...the things that make something sacred? It seems that old religious texts should be sacred. If so many people, even if only one small sect somewhere in an isolated area, live their lives by a religious text it seems that it automatically is sacred. It seems that if any group of people guide their lives by a text than it should automatically be worthy of reverent study.

A puzzling question is the notion of how various cultures treat their elderly. Similarly, I wonder how different cultures treat the religious texts of their heritage. It is obvioud that as a generalization Americans don't treat their elderly in the manner which Asian families often treat theirs. Could we say the same about texts? Is it possible to say that ethnicities HAD or HAVE a religious tradition? I think that might be fair, although not always accurate. I wonder what comparing cultures who value their texts as sacred against those that consider their texts irrelevant would reflect about our culture's view of the sacred?

October 03, 2007

What is the literal truth of a parable?

One word within the definition of parable is fable. When I think of a fable I don't think of something literally. I only think of it metaphorically or allegorically. Similarly, when parable comes to mind, I think of something that it meant to teach a lesson. I don't think of something that is meant literally. An interesting point, mentioned in Matthew 13 is that some people don't get parables. I guess beyond face value parables can become confusing and ambiguous. But, that's what has kept parables around for such a long time. The notion of ambiguity that we mentioned in initial classes surfaces yet again. Parables, are by nature, both ambiguous and to be taken at "face value." Although it seems contradictory, that's how I think of fables. I think that you can become confused by them or enlightened by the very same story. So, what is the literal truth of a parable? I would think that the literal truth is something that is not true, except that in some instances it is plausible.

I"m sure that much argumentation over religious texts has errupted over the issue of defining parable. Some consider Noah's flood a parable and others take it literally. The same tension occurs over many Biblical texts as well as many other religious texts.

Now, an interesting note about how Mobius phrased the question is the incorporation of truth with literal. Now that I"m on a roll with these thoughts, I wonder if we believe that parables cannot be true since they are non-literal. Just because something isn't literally true doesn't mean that it isn't true. Right? I imagine a ton of battles and arguments have been waged over whether something must be literal to be true, especially within the discipline of Religion. I certainly don't know the answer. But, I think back to the fables my mom read me as a child and many of them seem generally true. The hard working (ant was it?) is better provided for than the lazy one (whatever it was). Often fables provide general truths and I imagine a parable functions similarly. A parable likely has some truths within, but the non-literal manner of telling it is what distracts from that truth.

Lastly, Matthew 13 brings up a strange, yet common phenomenon of religion. The notion of mystery is rampant throughout this passage. Parables cause ambiguity that allow some to believe that they understand the mystery and others to doubt whether they do or not. I think the mysterium (Otto's definition of), is part of why we're talking about religion and sacred in class in the present. I don't believe that religion can be fully understood, but I do enjoy trying to understand it further. It seems fitting that my mind would wonder to the mysterious aspects of religion in a class called "Composing the Sacred." I believe mystery is an essential element of anything sacred. There has to be something drawing, magnetic and able to be further explored for people to continue to probe whatver it is that is sacred (in this case texts).

Still Septemeber 27, 2007

I thought that selling Nepal was bad (as we discussed in class). But, selling your wedding vows! I am just shocked, although I realize I shouldn't be.

Also, September 27, 2007

Liturgy Defined:

Liturgy

Also, we were talking about Kafka today and I wanted to put up a picture relating to prove just how media-suave I'm getting! Dont' let me forget!

Septemeber 27, 2007

For anyone, like me who is not up on their Buddhist vocab...

Sariputra

Gandharva

Asuras

September 24, 2007

In class last week I recall discussing a macrobiotic diet. I was unsure of what this was at the time. I thought it would be nice to look it up, but it didn't happen at the time. Since, however, I have been investigating remedies for my present condition and stumbled accross macrobiotics. Sure enough, it looks as though this may help with some of the things I've been struggling with for a year. This past week I tried a relatively refined sugar-free diet, and I've literally felt better than I've felt all year. I'm not willing to go quite as extreme as what thismacrobiotics http://www.kushiinstitute.org/ diet requires, but I think I'm going to try a less intense version of some sort of "diet." However, I'm reluctant to give up my chicken and turkey. I'm just not convinced that that is the healthiest way to go.

(I can give you many vegetarian tips if you are interested, I have been a vegetarian for many years. Tofu--and soy beans in general-- contains every single amino acid protein that meats do, all 23 of them. But you can also get all of your amino acids just by eating a varied diet of vegetables, grains, and beans. Then all that's left is iron to worry about, and if you cook out of an iron skillet--voila, there you go. It's that easy. Especially if you are still going to do dairy, not onlyl is going vegetarian healthy, it's way more healthy than eating meat because you are not putting all of those saturated fats into your body. Ask me more if you're interested, sorry to rant if you're not. --Echan

Thanks Echan...So far I'm doing okay with reducing my refined sugar intake...I have a long way to go, I know. Thanks for the info/encouragement!

Not to mention that grains are my least favorite food group--unless they are sweet. But, writing this post is committing me me to do something of the sort. It's really too bad that I didn't realize that this would help earlier. I would have had a much healthier summer. But, I'm thankful that I found this now.

Now, I feel a little slow. I should have realized this earlier. I've ALWAYS believed in remedies of this sort, but then when my chance came to use them I completely forgot they existed. I just kept going back to the doctor....and that was a disaster.

The medical system in the country is frightening. There is no way around it. I respect most highly anyone who accomplishes medical school. I'm grateful for doctors--we, and not just me, need them. They have a tough job. They must give a lot of bad news and are inevitably the "bad guy." But, after this experience this past year I'm more convinced than ever that we are completely responsible for our medical care. This, of course, only makes sense. But, I think that often we think, "Oh, I'll just let the expert take care of it" and expect their word to be infallible. However, this is just not the case. I went to six doctors and got six different diagnoses. That really screams to me that there is a glitch in our medical system...and in this context, I'm not even talking about financially. I guess we expect more from doctors than we do from the general population. I guess we expect them to have higher standards ethically. I'm tempted to believe that this expectation, albeit pressure, that we place upon medical professionals is fair. I"m not one to make anyone else's job or day more difficult. I was just hoping that as a twenty-two year old English and philosophy major I wouldn't have to research every decision made. It turns out that I correctly diagnosed myself over six months ago. The doctor that told me I was incorrect. I can understand one misdiagnosis. But, within that six month period the other FOUR doctors I saw couldn't establish this condition?! So, that means that six months of missed treatment went by as my condition worsened. I don't think that this is an isolated experience. I don't think that I have misdirected passion here. I think that there seriously is something worthy to be concerned about, not just a once in a lifetime freak occurance. ....long story short, our care is in our hands. I hate to be the existentialist that I so often am somewhere deep inside, but with this system it is what we make of it. You can get a lot of great things from the medical profession, including care, treatment, peace of mind, etc. But, you can also lose out. You can easily go once, accept the diagnosis and be causing yourself much harm. I'm not willing to be completely cynical, so let me conclude with this: I encourage anyone reading this to be aware that when dealing with the medical profession he or she cannot relinquish responsibility for his or her health. Even in the hands of doctors, we must be well-informed, ambitious and concerned for our own good. This is not such a bad thing. So often, in this society, we try to blame others for not being responsible for us. Sure, we are paying for their expertise, but that doesn't mean that when we pay we somehow are no longer responsible for ourselves.

Honestly, it's really kind of nice to have the freedom to write about something real going on in my life. If this were another class, I'd be trying to research all this stuff while trying to stay focused on writing a paper on Buber or Freud or, this semester, F Scott Fitzgerald.

September 21, 2007

So, I always had an idea of what "expository" writing meant, but I thought that since this entire class was based around it I should investigate a little further. It's a good thing that I did since my fiancee is a soon-to-be full time expositor. Anyway, I guess in some ways everyone is a full-time expositor, when aren't we communicating, declaring, describing something for public consumption? I suppose that the word has the connotation that what makes something exposition is that it is intended (and prepared I suppose) for public consumption. Now I better understand why the name of the class is such and how we are applying it. Thus far, none of our work has been "private." This is a huge plus because when we usually write for classes it will ultimately be for only one person. That's a lot of expended effort for miniscule results! Beyond disciplines like English and Philosophy, disciplines like business and engineering often work for public consumption in that they solve "real-world" problems that affect entire companies. The more I think about this, the more convinced I am that this is a great way for English majors to dabble a little more in the "real world." Even though I realize that a Wiki is, of course, a select audience I am consoled by the fact that maybe someone will be provoked to thought by my own. So, I'm glad that these ramblings are "public." I recognize a reflective undertone in my writing and am provoked to explain that as I prepare to graduate this semester with my seemingly impractical degrees and a seemingly impractical minor, I am looking for practicality beyond academia. I'm encouraged that I found some in this class before I left though! It has occured to me that although I've been trained to be a writer, I'm uncomfortable when others read my work. This is simply because I"m used to writing for, essentially, no one. Even a few weeks ago I tried to read a journal entry to my fiancee, yet was incredibly embarrased! I wanted to share the content, but was enbarassed that it wasn't "fluid" enough. Even though I usually don't embarass easily, I am glad that I have to write so often on a network where many people have the option of reading.

http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50080597?single=1&query_type=word&queryword=exposition&first=1&max_to_show=10

Yeah, happy girl, I totally agree with you! It's amazing how quickly a wiki can get you to be fluid with your writing, and your ideas, too! This is the second semester I have used a wiki page, and at first I suffered the same embarassment that you experienced while reading your journal to your fiancee. Or I was constantly self-editing, making sure what I said would sound "smart" or wouldn't offend anyone. But now, I usually just put down what's in my head without giving a second thought to how it sounds or what someone will think when they read it. And the way you're constantly linking and adding to one text on the wiki influences the brain your (or at least my) brain works. I find myself having linked or connected or additional ideas to things that I have been thinking for a semester now, instead of just writing about one topic, putting it away, and writing about an entirely different topic. The wiki seems like a great tool to help our writing and our minds become organic wholes through the fragmentation. --Echan

September 17, 2007

I have finally taken the time to read through Mobius' description of biometrics. Part of me follows and part of me is aware that it would take much more than simply reading those pages to grasp all of what is included within. I'm curious how many students new to Mobius' classes are famliar with biotelemetrics. (?) I don't have enough, or at least haven't absorbed enough, information to hold an intelligible opinion on the matter, but I do think that the integration of rhetoric and technology is fascinating in this light. The notion of peer-to-peer accountability seems interesting. I realize that I am clueless as to how close, or distant, society is from biometrics such as iris scanning and fingerprint readings. It reminds me of that movie...

In response to unfinished :

I appreciate that unfinished mentioned miracles in relation to meditating, the spiritual and this class. Then, this week unfinished mentioned the difficulties of studying humans scientifically.

(So many published reasearch articles, as we all well know, are biased, payed for by people promoting specific agenda's and intended to justify self-interest. I think that this happens on all sides of research.)

But, I am curious if studying humans will lead the way to studying the supernatural? If you can study what's going on inside the mind scientifically, than perhaps a following step will be to study supernatural occurances. Of course, as and English major, I'm out of my sphere in talking about scientific research. But, the notion of human research studies piques my interest as I've been doing a little bit of it on my own over the past eight months.

Then, the notion of studying humans and the supernaturally scientifically conveniently brings us right back to "Composing the Sacred." Once the research scientific or not, is produced it is often taken as credible. I can confidently say that many people in today's society put much more belief, faith and trust in research than they do in their chosen religious text. That makes producing research a significant task. It's like producing and writing up research is like composing a piece of sacred literature. It's often times more likely to be trusted, believed and discussed. I'm curious if researchers realize that they are composing what we hold as sacred. I imagine that most researchers wouldn't do what they do if they doubted the impact of their studies, but if they thought of it as producing sacred literature, as completing the same task as monks or nuns, then perhaps research would be different. (I realize that comparing researchers to monks is a stretch.) Perhaps many researchers already see their task as producing texts that will be held as sacred and even religious, I'm not sure. But, the idea of composing the sacred through research is intriguing. Perhaps we will study some scientific texts or studies and see if they can be deemed sacred or religious.

September 14, 2007

I did it. I used YouTube for the very first time. So here is the Youtube Britney Spears link that we discussed in class.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=J3mBrU6ldH4

I have to say that it seems Britney's name is just following me everywhere over the past 24 hours. As it turns out, I have a class with a girl who knows Britney's former assistant, who, it turns out, quit the job. She was telling me some interesting things about it. But, I don't want to get caught up in too much pointless gossip. But, I will give my opinion. I guess after hearing some more of "the inside story" and watching her video, I, like the crazy video guy, felt bad for her much more than I felt like she deserved it.

Here's Chris Crocker, the guy who wants everyone to leave Britney alone.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hZAr9E8i3ng

So, I have to say that I like how mobius phrased "stardom"--doses of celebrity. Our discussion caused me to think about society a little more and about how the sacred relates to celebrities.

In some senses we treat celebrities as if they are sacred. We want to touch them, have a pictures taken with them, and get their autographs. That's similar to how people treat the pope, the Dalai Llama or Billy Graham. I can't pretend to believe that it is the "right" thing to do. To turn any figure, religious or not, into the sacred. Have what these people "composed" justify them as sacred? Usually not. They've composed a persona, a character, a person, but haven't we all done that? I wonder what society is "getting or fulfilling" in making people sacred? What is it in us that is unfulfilled that we must search for it in celebrities? I wonder if that lack of fulfillment can be addressed. Could we address some underlying problem and free our society and celebrities from the pressure of being worshipped? Or is that the way it is supposed to be? Do we believe that this is the way we are supposed to reflect ourselves--in worshipping what we see in others that we lack or can identify with. Either way, worshipping celebrities seems to contribute to many problems in our society. From Britney or Anna Nicole's poor babies, that barely have a chance of self-worth, value, depth, significant contributions (for the poor, or disease reasearch etc) to the commercialism, materialism and monopolies funded often times entirely from the obsessions with celebrities, I think it is clear that the quest for fulfillment in celebrities is an issue that our society needs to address immediately. Unfortunately, as the TV stations, radio broadcasts, and the business that have the power to enact a change are the ones propagating "stardom," I'm doubtful that my mere theory stands a chance of any great change.

On an entirely unrelated not, I figured I'd post the OED for eschatology.

http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50077867?single=1&query_type=word&queryword=eschatology&first=1&max_to_show=10

September 13, 2007

Rumi-Discourse 2

Really, I'm sure that I will edit this post after class because I'm excited to hear what everyone has to say about it. However, I did want to put down my thoughts on Discourse 2.

I think that to best address discourse 2 I must first address the introduction. I thought that Rumi's beliefs, philosophies and staying power are all fascinating. I'm curious that I'm not familiar at all with him or his writings beyond perhaps hearing the name. Are most students in this class familiar with him and his teachings? Or are many Americans familiar with him and his teachings?

Anyway, the introduction helped me interpret his writings better, but I wish I were more than mildly familiar with the writings of the Qu'ran (?). I think that I would feel more confident in reading into his meanings. As we mentioned that much of religious literature is intentionally ambiguous, I believe Rumi follows suit. But, the author of the introduction seemed taken by the specifity of Rumi's writings. I'm not sure, but it didn't seem all that much more specific than any of the other religious literature I've read.

It seems to me that the stories that Rumi tells (such as the soldier with rations for 100) and his ongoing reference to Kings are similar to parables. But, perhaps they are to be interpreted more literally? I'm not sure.

Rumi writes, in Discourse 2, that words are a pretext. (I can't wait to discuss this in class.)

He writes that this world is a trial that is hiding a single reality. This belief of Rumi's reminded me much of Christianity in that they both promise suffering or trials, which can easily be grouped together. I hate to be that person that must base their analysis on that which is familiar, but I do believe that grounding oneself in familiarity helps us learn the unfamiliar. I think in this way Rumi address the yearning for something more which is found in many or perhaps most human beings.

Also noteworthy, that Rumi believes that the more peace a person has in the world the more they grow farther from God. This can seem ocntradictory, yet makes much sense. People only stretch so thin. Rumi is uriging us to direct our attentions where they may "behoove" us. I also found that Rumi's urgings were partially motivated by telling us that personal closeness to God will behoove, or benefit, us. I suppose that is the only way to get so many of us to something--that it is in our own interest. (Too much selfishness in this world :-( .....)

I had to OED astrolabe...

http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50013806?single=1&query_type=word&queryword=astrolabe&first=1&max_to_show=10

So, Rumi is saying that humans are used by God to solve other problems. This opens a floodgate of questions for me. One such being, if humans aren't his biggest problems what are? Do our lives here on earth actually "help" him figure out other things? Is god's purpose for us merely to use us as tools or is there a greater purpose for us? Do we spend our entire lives yearning for that something more only to find we are mere tools for "bigger problems?"

September 5, 2007

I don't mean to have a preoccupation with this verse in Genesis, but the more I look at it I kind of do. So, again, in response to the prompt to remix a section of Genesis I will display what I would add to the Genesis 25:21-23

21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, "Why is this happening to me?" So she went to inquire of the LORD.

23 The LORD said to her,

"Two nations are in your womb,

and two peoples from within you will be separated;

one people will be stronger than the other,

and the older will serve the younger."

My first and foremost purpose in remixing Genesis would be to write it more clearly and with more detail that it would be understood better. As we discussed the commonality of ambiguity among sacred texts, there is no denying that the Bible, with it's many interpretations, is ambiguous. I would remix 25:21-23 with further explanations in today's language. Of course, the task of remixing a Bible chapter can span extremes. However, it seems necesary that for this exercise, one is not trying to disprove or explain how the Biblical verse do not function effectively as it will actually be the new text. So, you could remix verses for that purpose, but with the purpose to enhance understanding, my remix seems left only with room for enhancements instead of renovations. All that I'm attempting to explain is why I chose to remix the text with the assumption that it can (or would) be practical.

25:21-23 Would be:

Isaac could see Rebekah's distress caused by her barreness. He was saddened by her tears, frustration and inability to change the circumstances. So, after trying to console her by his own goodness, he decided that his own efforts were to no avail. He realized that he must look to a power greater than he. Isaac, the compassionate husband prayed to the Lord for the sake of his wife Rebekah. How often do you know people that try to fix problems that are beyond their control? How often does that work? It may soften the pain, but usually when well-intentioned people attempt to fix a problem beyond their authority it fails to rectify the problem.

The Lord answered Isaac's prayer and Rebekah became pregnant. Catch that? The Lord who Isaac was praying to actually answered his prayer! This example of an answer displays how the Lord does answer prayers, not only in unseen ways, but also in tangible ways. The Lord must have been most glorified to answer Isaac's prayer in a tangible way that most certainly had to reinforce Isaac and Rebekah's beliefs.

Rebekah's babies were kicking and she (understandably) began to wonder what was wrong. So, instead of consulting someone (like her mother) who really could not tell her why the babies were kicking, she consulted the person she believed to have created the babies. How often do women go to their mothers during pregnancy. Of course, mothers are great at offering compassion, but a mother could not offer medical advice. Similarly, a medical doctor, even though he could have explained jostling babies, could not have explained to Rebekah all the business about the nations. So it is good that she asked the Lord to explain to her the babies' kicking.

The Lord, said to her--that means that the Lord actually spoke to her audibly! That would be pretty stinking sweet if the Lord simply answered out loud whatever it was that you were praying about. You might be awe-struck, you might be in shock, but whatever your reaction having that supernatural response would be powerful. The Lord said,"Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." Here I would explain the ways of the Lord, if I were writing the Bible. I would say which nations exactly are represented and in what ways they would serve the younger and what would come of this arrangement. I, however, am beyond my capacity to offer reactionary thoughts to this part of the verse, so they will, inevitably, remain ambiguous. So, I will leave this part as is.

September 5, 2007

Please read the Book of Genesis in full. Choose any translation you like, and compare at least one phrase or sentence between two different translations, and discuss. How doe the notion of a begining at play in Genesis compare with that of John 1:1? For September 11: Wikify and remix a section of Genesis and explain your choice and changes.

Genesis 25:21-23 NIV

23 The LORD said to her,

"Two nations are in your womb,

and two peoples from within you will be separated;

one people will be stronger than the other,

and the older will serve the younger."

New American Standard

21Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and (A)the LORD answered him and Rebekah his wife (B)conceived.

22But the children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is so, why then am I this way?" So she went to (C)inquire of the LORD.

23The LORD said to her,

"(D)Two nations are in your womb;

(E)And two peoples will be separated from your body;

And one people shall be stronger than the other;

And (F)the older shall serve the younger."

There are not significant changes in these two versions of Genesis 25:21-23. I chose these verses because I love very much the idea of someone doing something spiritual on someone elses behalf--especially someone that is clearly close and very loved like Isaac's wife Rebekah. There are few things more intimate that spirituality and I find it beautiful that someone would expend something so personal on someone else. I love that their prayers are answered so tangibly, yet not quite exactly what they were expecting. I like this passage too because I like that it so clearly symbolically represents something larger than the birth of twins (as though that were not a deep and moving incidence itself).

I think this passage represents praying people quite well. Often people pray and expect their prayers to be answered in a particular way. Often their prayers are answered, but then taken to an entirely new level. Not only did Rebekah conceive, but she conceived twins. Not only did she conceive twins, but they were very significant twins that represented the relations between nations. Isaac's prayers were answered and they also prompted further prayer from Rebekah. It seems that that is the nature of prayer--to stimulate further spirituality, which often manifests as additional prayer, regardless of how the prayer is answered.

I chose this verse because I am not surprised there are not significant changes between these two translations because they are probably two of the most used and esteemed. Now if I posted The Message translation up here, that would be a different story...

Also, regarding first John. I never combined those two verses. But, it's interesting that when you do, it seems that the Bible would have been around since the beginning since John says that it "the Word" was God and Genesis says that God was around "In the beginning."

September 4, 2007

Now that I have some cushioning, I'd like to respond to our assingment. Our assignment is that we are to "remix" a section of Genesis. Really, this is a fascinating assignment and I haven't yet decided what I'm going to do. But, I did, first, want to note something that is extremely relevant to our class.

Revelation 22:18-19

“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

Revelation 22:18-19 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV)

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

There are so many places to go from here. One to consider is, "Are we considering what we are "remixing" sacred?" (Are we considering the piece we're remixing sacred? Undoubtedly, some people do and some do not.)

Also, are we "selling" our audience sacred literature? I certainly do not have the authority to do that. Or, are we just "remixing" sacred literature? Are we, by college students simply rearranging, changing, adding and deleting something, saying that it is no longer sacred? Do we have the power to cause the once sacred to become profane? Or does the sacred withstand our pressures?

Is the sacred still sacred once it is deconstructed? I suppose some of the in/credibility of the Bible comes from its' authority inherent in being in "The Bible." And, likewise, I would assume that most people reading a post by a college student named happygirl are not going to perform cultic activity based on one distortion of a once sacred peice of religious literature. Phew.

I am also familiar with this part of Revelation. Because of this, the whole "remixing the sacred" thing had me a bit uncomfortable as well. I think your explanation for why this is OK is satisfactory for me. Part of me worries that I'm just rationalizing so I can complete an assignment, but then I realize that plenty of biblical fiction has been composed, plenty of variations on biblical themes or ideas have been written. . . . You're right in that it's the intention with the remixed product and the respect for the original as original that counts, not the superstitious elevation of letters and words to untouchability. -Unfinished

September 4th, 2007

I want to start off with a sort of introduction. I will post some sort of bio later, but I want to ease in to things. So, I will reflect on one of the many things that has struck me about this class thus far. In the syllabus, it says that we are asked to perform a "meditation lab." ("This can be any practice whatsoever, as long as the goal is nothing. This may be the only class in which you are actually required to rigorously do nothing as often as possible!") This is going to be difficult for me because I really am not at all good at doing nothing. But, I have to say that the "name" of this assignment is misleading, to me at least. I do not claim to be well-informed of the practice of meditation as it is often understood and affiliated with Buddhist or other religious practices. But, I would consider many of my own practices "meditative" in nature. The OED defines meditate as this: To exercise the mind in thought or reflection; (freq.) to engage the mind in religious or spiritual reflection, contemplation, or other discipline. Under that catgory, I would consider myself qualified and relatively well-practiced. And, further, excited about it being an assignment. However, under the syllabus' definition, I'm just not sure that what I do qualifies.

Which brings me to I guess one point among my ramblings. I don't desire to do nothing. I live with a life is short mentality (or try to at least). I'm not ready to squander precious time. I realize part of living life to the fullest necessitates some squandering, but squandering in a different sense that I"m not even going to try to differentiate right now. I really do not want to spend time doing something that takes me away from my purpose in life. Even "squandering" time in the second sense can have meaning, but to have no goal in doing nothing seems kind of like senseless squandering. I guess that having no goal is where my reservations lie. The more I think about this the more convinced I am that I would happily do nothing, if only I could have a goal. I guess by asking someone to "do nothing" inherently implies a goal. Their goal is to do nothing. I can't imagine that this practice comes overly naturally to everyone in our society (?). Even stalling (when I most often hear people speak of doing nothing), is doing something. The person is stalling. Even relaxing, "piddling" (have you all heard that phrase for doing nothing?), laying in bed, or thinking in the middle of the woods is something. How on earth are we to successfully "do nothing" without the aid of the flotation tank. And even then, we are "floating," thinking and being studied.

I'm glad that I've thought over this assignment to perform a "meditative lab" (do nothing) without a goal. I'll just let it happen. I won't worry about making it a goal to do nothing. But, I'll let it happen the way it naturally does for me. And I have confidence that it will occur and when it does I'll notice it and be able to draw from my experience.

happygirl's page

With a little help, I am proud to announce that I (the technically challenged one) have just proceeded to write something on this wiki. Thanks for the help fellow classmates.