Of the many religions in this world, none of which I openly subscribe to, Buddhism seems to me to be the most relevant one in today's world, regardless of its Eastern origins. I feel that its emphasis on truly spiritual and pragmatic applications of religions is a better fit for the more open minded members of society rather than dogmatic and tradition-filled institutions of most major Western religions.
Siddharta is a remarkable novel because it is essentially a Westerner's interpretation of Buddhist teachings and mythology. The title character goes on a spiritual and physical journey resembling that of Gautama Buddha (at least by what I know of Buddha). One of the main conflicts in the opening act of the novel is Siddharta's struggle with the prospect of reaching spiritual enlightenment through teaching. In fact, Siddharta finds himself at odds with the teachings of Buddha himself. He becomes disillusioned by the notion that Buddha can teach him anything about becoming enlightened. In his words, Siddharta argues "You will not be able to convey and share with anyone, oh venerable on, in words and through teachings what has happened to you in the hour of enlightenment" (Hesse 35). http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/0f/9d/4e/ganges-morning.jpg
This is a remarkable sentiment that send Siddharta into an isolated but enlightening portion of his life. He for the first time is truly alone, not constrained by the teachings of wise-men or the advice and pressures of friends. It is through this trying moment that Siddharta for the first time became aware of the world. To a newly awakened Siddharta, "The world was beautiful and colorful; the world was strange and mysterious" (Hesse 40)!
This last aspect of Siddharta's journey is particularly interesting to me. I often find that some of my most intense spiritual understand moments have occurred in natural isolation, such as a walk in the woods near Lake Tahoe two years ago. I often find that I truly value peace and isolation, and in many ways I try to separate myself from larger groups when it comes to inquisitive and learning experiences. I never truly seem to find myself finding much use for study groups and I, for better or worse, try to problem solve on my own. I therefore sympathized with Siddharta's struggles in accepting the role teachers had in his life.
Now before I start singing Pink Floyd and run off into the woods naked, I must say I need others in my life if my personal journey or pilgrimage is to be successful. Without my parents, my best friends, and my girlfriend I have no idea how I would manage all the stresses in my life and truly discover what is important. In that way I could never be like Siddhartha. But in the mean time I'll put in my headphones and enjoy my pet sea monkeys frolic in total, peaceful isolation.
If one were to read my blog posts over the semesters, one could come to a reasonable conclusion: I am a heartless bastard. But that doesn't mean I cannot recognize the greatness and strength of others. To me, one of the most inspirational people in history is Mohandas Gandhi. His remarkable story and commitment to nonviolence was unparalleled in his time and he continues to influence people fighting oppression and injustices around the world.
At the center of Gandhi's political resolve and nonviolent mantra was his religion. Gandhi subscribed to the Jainist vow of Ahisma, which is "the development of a mental attitude in which hatred is replaced by love" (Course Anthology 236). He developed this attitude alright, and in his remarkable campaign he showed the world the fruitlessness of British occupation and repression and the absurdity of violence. Britain, on moral and political grounds, was forced to give up India.
I have always thought of Gandhi as a sort of modern day messiah of peace. I often feel that few human beings on Earth could possibly sustain the attitude that Gandhi did throughout his life. In my younger days, I thought Gandhi was an exception, a remarkable man whose answer to adversity wholly went against basic human intuitions. I know this to not be entirely true. Reading about Ahimsa shows that Gandhi indeed drew on many forms of living already developed. Similarly to Jesus Christ's message of compassion, Ahisma urges to "never retaliate nor wish to offend anybody even under extreme provocation" (Course Anthology 236).
Eastern religions tend to have a lot of emphasis on peace, respect, and love. This lent itself to ideas about respecting nature and ecology, some with pretty extreme views, such Mahavira who proclaimed "consumption or use of vegetation in such a way may lead to [a person's] misfortune" (Course Anthology 247). But for the most part these ancient views on ecology and the other lifeforms on earth are remarkably progressive considering when they were written.
Respect and appreciation for all life is even represented through spiritual means, such as the Hindu belief that "Cows should never be killed in any type of sacrifice or slaughtered in any way for food as the killing of cows constitutes the most heinous of all sins in existence" (Course Anthology 242). By introducing moralistic values to our relationships with animals, Eastern religions can give the average adherent a much great connection with nature and animals.
This outlook that many Eastern religions have, in terms of non-violence and appreciation of nature, is one that I truly envy. Granted, judging by the mass ecological degradation and historical violent wars in the area, clearly not all adherents of these religions live by these vows, much like not all Christians are exactly willing to give away their possessions or turn the other cheek. But it is truly fascinating to see how these values can coalesce societies and in individuals such as Gandhi. Perhaps one day, the West will learn the importance of these values and some much need change is made.
The composition and tone of the different testaments is striking. Of particular interest is the overwhelming message of love and peace in the New Testament. Yes, Jesus says that one must accept him in order to enter God's kingdom, but at the same time the stories of Jesus are follwed with miraculous tales of love and forgiveness. Sinners are not looked down upon, the poor are looked at with admiration and love, and God's love is represented in all of us. While I have never considered myself a Christian, mostly for my lack of faith and inability to come to terms with the contradictions in the Bible, I often understand how the New Testament is of great inspiration to billions of people around the world. The message of compassion and love is powerful. I especially love the part of the Lords prayer that states "forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us" (Course Anthology 131). It is always quite strange when I read the New Testament and ponder how so many religious people I know never follow its creed. While I never wish to call people I like hypocrites, it is impressive how many interpretations of the Bible people have. Does Joel Olsteen, pastor of Houston's Lakewood megachurch, really head or pay attention Jesus' command to "sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor" (Course Anthology 131)? Of course it is difficult to really follow the Bible word for word, but still I often wonder what Jesus would think of people praying to the Lord in a massive converted basketball arena.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaAo0OLlDSctSN3ofrI-FWbCfKKUsJ8wqQMi0L6c0ACmtCgph9T_BH5p79urqDX7lHMVH_iO8Hv5Gk9AZLPEyKFF7RZw-oW_S-TWZNx49Hu8uqP6O8OrNKseaqRsLkgcUtDwGvkwCbAqm/s400/popewithmehmet2.jpg Pope John forgiving his would-be assassin. A creed of particular fascination, and one that I don't many humans, let alone Christians, follow, is that of extending love and forgiveness to everyone, including enemies and those that have wronged us. As the Gospel of Luke states, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful" (Course Anthology 129). This is a particularly powerful sentiment that I think goes against normal human behavior. I am particularly distrustful of the dogmatic leadership of the Catholic Church, but I thought it was amazing when Pope John forgave his would-be assassin after a botched assassination attempt. The issue with these rather idealistic ideals is that barely anyone follows them. In this highly religious country, we also execute the highest percentage of prisoners in the developed world. So where have we gone wrong? Do people read these passages of the Bible and just ignore them? I would like to think not. Few people actually consider themselves to be bad people, and most try as best they can to live moral lives. I think the New Testament is meant to be a guideline rather than a word-for-word instructional manual to how to live a moral life. In that way it is easy to see the impact of the New Testament in modern life. While no one expects anyone to live the life of Jesus, his teachings are nonetheless powerful and inspirational. The New Testament therefore provides spiritual guidance and comfort for millions of people, and its message of forgiveness gives an uplifting example of human compassion in the modern world.
One of the more interesting aspects of compassion that we have touched upon is the human race's compassion for nature. Although for the majority of the modern Western era, nature has been cast aside in pursuit of economic gains, the importance of living in harmony with nature is slowly but surely gaining greater support throughout the western world.
However, a focus on the importance on nature is nothing new. Often, indigenous cultures throughout the world hold the natural world to greater esteem and often assign spiritual connotations with natural phenomena. This may be because these cultures depend on the natural world on a more intimate scale than modern peoples do. Regardless, this tradition is prevelant in many major religions to this day. Hinduism, for example, "engages the world as a creative manifestation of the divine" (Course Anthology 29). The awe and majesty nature has affected Western philosphers as well, such as Virgil who states "See how it totters- the world's orbed might, Earth, and wide ocean, and the vault profound, All, see, enraptured of the coming time!" (Course Anthology 124)
Where then did our current society's lack of concern for the environment come from? My opinion is that the Judeo-Christian faith provides little to no emphasis on respecting the environment of nature and instead emphasizes nature as a gift to man and his unlimited and God-given resource. For instance, in Genesis it is stated "And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all the moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered" (Course Anthology 117B). Unlike Eastern religions in which nature is a method to connect spiritually with the vastness of all in existence, nature is viewed in the West as representation of God's love for us and such we have the right to do with it whatever we want to.
I picked this image to represent the Hindu tradition of the world being supported by turtle http://cartophilia.com/blog/uploaded_images/turtleworld-789286.jpg
As with many aspects of religion, the attitudes Western religions espouse towards nature can vary by interpretation. Some can view nature as a miraculous symbol of God's will and as such should be considered sacred and protected at all costs. Others still may view it simply as means of survival, with their impact on nature being irrelevant.
I don't exactly know where my own viewpoints on nature come from. Perhaps it is my own fascination with the grandness of nature and the beauty and the scale of it all. Perhaps it is simply my pragmatic opinion that unless we treat the environment in a sustainable fashion we are doomed as a species. But I am certain of one thing: my upbringing in the Catholic faith has little to do with my interest in preserving the environment and nature.
Pitcher plants are the coolest carnivorous plants http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/photos/soural/west-australian-pitcher-plant-0270.jpg Finishing Life of Pi is always a fascinating experience. Rarely does a novel have you so attached, have you suspend your disbelief with such skill, and than have you questioning everything you read in the past 300 pages by the books end. How much of Pi's story was real? What was that hazy, dreamlike episode on the algae island? How did it all relate to what Martel is saying about god? I don't know if any book could change my religious beliefs, much less a rather whimsical novel such as Life of Pi. But one thing that Martel succeeds in doing is have on question their own beliefs about their personal truths. Reading about Pi's ordeal one quickly assumes everything is grounded in reality. The harrowing ordeal on the lifeboat with Richard Parker is told with such attention to detail that the floating island scene sneaks into one's belief system rather well. If everything else in this story happened, than there must be a floating carnivorous plant island in the middle of the Pacific. There had to. Perhaps this is illustrative of how people hold their faith in God? As Pi puts it "The world isn't just the way it is. It is how we understand it" (Martel 375).http://javabeans.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/island1.jpg Life isn't always what it seems...
After finishing the novel reading Dillard's piece was a fascinating tie-in to how we view nature. Her rancid, gross descriptions of essential life processes was comparable to some of Pi's experiences in the lifeboat and the island. Dillard is overwhelmed by the overall disturbing methods of reproduction and as such takes a rather pessimistic outlook on the reality of nature one that says "that life itself is astonishingly cheap" (Course Anthology 25). This pessimistic, and one could argue necessary, outlook is what enabled Pi to survive. By putting aside his sentimentality and compassion for all living things, Pi did what was necessary to ensure he did not die, something that is the most basic desire of all living things. The floating algae island seemed like a beautiful and amazing blessing to Pi's fortunes. But as luck would have it it was actually a miserable and horrifying island of death. A carnivorous floating oasis on the ocean? Who would have guessed. But it was just another important lesson in Pi's remarkable journey. The methods of survival in nature are never pretty, and Pi learned that the heard way. Dillard just had a creepy nightmare.
When the captain of the HMS Bounty was set adrift, I doubt his experience was fun as Pi's.
Reading Pi's epic journey of survival is rather refreshing a second time. In my first reading I was rather apathetic to Pi's outcome and his situation. Now, with a little more experience in my life, his story is rather remarkable. I think anyone reading about Pi's ordeal will often wonder the same thing: what would I do in this situation?
I can tell you in confidence that I would not survive this situation. I would not have the resourcefulness to make do with the limited resources available to me. I see the ocean as a large liquid desert. I would imagine being stuck on a liferaft with little food or water would be the worst way to die. The sun constantly beating down on you, the seawater tempting you to drink it as your parched lips crack open to let out your last breath. Miserable.
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Books/Pix/pictures/2007/10/05/parker460.jpg The added drama with Richard Parker makes the ordeal that much more fascinating. I said that Pi's somewhat winded musings on life in the family of zookeepers in India would be important to understand Pi's actions later in the novel. While a deeply religious and compassionate individual, pushed to survival Pi will do just about anything. His wonderfully unfazed descriptions of eating sea turtles was particularly awesome for me to read; it almost vindicated much what I said in last semester's DBs. When Pi states "I whiled away many a pleasant hour gnawing at a flipper joint of splitting open bones and licking out their marrow" (Martel 268-9) I actually chuckled to myself. As a self avowed turtle fan, it was quite humorous to imagine this skinny, peaceful Indian kid chewing mercilessly on my favorite animal. Is that so wrong to laugh at? I hope not.
Regardless, the absurdity of the tale takes a bit of the weight off the story, which I really enjoy. The situation is almost comical as Pi's unique take on his situation provides an interesting look on a mind going slowly mad. For instance, while marveling at Richard Parker's regal appearance, Pi remarks that he is lucky to be with such a majestic creater and that "What if I had ended up with a creature that looked silly or ugly, a tapir or an ostrich or a flock of turkeys?" (Martel 220) Pi's humor lends the novel to a real entertaining adventure, rather than a desperate and depressing account of a survivor slowly descending into madness.
So the question remains, what would I do in this situation? Its hard to imagine myself killing and eating a turtle, any turtle, for that matter, but as I have argued desperate times call for necessary and desperate measures. But there is one thing I can say with a certain confidence that I would not do: I would never, EVER, coax a large tiger on to my small lifeboat.
http://attractions.uptake.com/blog/files/2008/12/indochinese_tiger.jpg A tiger strolls in the same exhibit from Harrigan's piece.
Reading today's selected readings and finding something to write about was pretty difficult, something I am sure some of my classmates agree on. But one of these readings hit especially close to home. Harrigan's account of the tiger who killed his zookeeper was particularly frightening, especially considering I worked at that same zoo. As he described the tiger's enclosure I could picture the scene perfectly in my memory. I never knew that a tiger had attacked and killed a keeper at the zoo (The zoo no longer has Siberians, only Indochinese tigers). It was shocking, but at the same time not surprising. After all, ah Harrigan points out the tiger "had an intent to kill" (Course Anthology 151).
Incidents like this always beg the question: why do we love zoos so much? Perhaps reading some of Hopkins and Blake will help explain this. One poem that stood out to me in particular by Hopkins was "Hurrahing in Harvest." In his enthusiastic appreciation, one can sense the love that Hopkins has for nature and the mystery surrounding our existence. His descriptions of nature are an expression of his love for God, in many ways similar to some of Pi's experience in Life Of Pi. The poem is a description of what I perceive to be an idyllic British countryside scene. The beautiful sights inspire in Hopkins a spiritual awakening.For HopkinsGod IS nature and "These things, these things were here and but the beholder / Wanting" (Course Anthology 160) Its fascinating how much wonderment and excitement nature can inspire in people. Perhaps that is why zoos are so popular. To see all of nature's creations, people can perhaps feel closer to God spiritually by taking in all of his miraculous creations at once.
Blake also takes a religious interpretation of nature. In his poem "The Lamb"Blake ponders the significance of a beautiful little Lamb's existence.Blake than explains to the little Lamb that his existence is based on God. The idyllic and peaceful descriptions of the lamb's life are than juxtaposed with God's existance, for "He calls Himself a Lamb" (Course Anthology 140). Similarly to Hopkins, Blake finds spiritual inspiration in nature and in fact nature is simply a reflection of God to him. This is an interesting take on nature, one that I am definitely not familiar with. http://api.ning.com/files/zcg5CJIee496-oVLoUrozVHt6i1LkQCUjXb6Vr7WLGqj1LdZBi71GAchE*3ae7R5IV9v4lroN6yvTj8VNCedKU6bVN*fLhFW/zoos.jpg
Perhaps there is a spiritual aspect to nature that in particular draws people to zoos. To connect with a certain aspect of nature that we in urban communities are no longer in daily contact with. Perhaps it affirms our faith in our religious views to witness the wonders of the world. Either way, it is what it is and I can't see zoos not being a part of urban culture. Human beings are animals and every now and then we need to be reminded that we are not the only animals on this wondrous, fascinating planet.
Srebrenica is a town in on the Eastern border of the Republika Srpska, the Serbian nation for which I fight for. Within it lies a bastion of Bosnian Muslims, who attack our troops relentlessly from their convenient safe-haven. For 2 years the U.N. has refused to allow us the ability to properly deal with the obvious threat of the Muslims by declaring Srebrenica an international “safe-zone.” We are not allowed to commit military actions in this enclave while the Muslims shoot at us, grinning and laughing as we stand powerless.
However, starting today this area will no longer remain a threat to the integrity of the Republika Srpska or the Serbian people. For three years I have been fighting in the Republika’s army, sacrificing everything in order that my family may live a life of peace and a life without the threat of Muslim rule. Since Yugoslavia dissolved in 1992, we have been at war with these savage people, trying to assert Serbian rule and protect our interests as a people. But that is not possible with the Muslims continued resistance in our lands. That is why today we enter Srebrenica. We enter as conquerors, and we have come to kill and crush the Muslims. Srebrenica will be no more once we have left.
July 25, 1995
I write this now in a state of great apprehension and panic. I no longer believe that what I am fighting for now is what I was fighting for when I volunteered when this war began. I no longer believe the world will look upon what we have done in Srebrenica and allow for us to be victorious. I believe we have lost this war for ourselves.
Is it possible for a human being to have such a great change of heart in such a small period of time? After what I experienced and took part it, I wonder if one could be called a human being and NOT have a change of heart. In my three years of fighting I have seen much death. I have seen homes, hospitals, and school burn. I have seen dead men, women, children, and babies. Death is nothing new to me and I assured myself I knew it better than most people. How wrong I was.
What we did In Srebrenica was inexcusable. No man between the ages of 10 and 100 was left alive after just 3 days of work. No woman escaped the threat of rape and now mother was spared the sight of seeing her son or husband shot in mass summary executions. The smell of death permeated the air as we entered each town in Srebrenica and the sky, in its overcast grey bleakness, lamented over the sadness unfolding beneath it.
Why do people do the things they do? Why on Earth must we line up old men and baby-faced teenagers to be shot? What goal are we trying to accomplish? We fill ourselves with the lies that these are military aged-men who MUST be destroyed, lest they continue to pose a threat to our success in the field of battle. It’s harder to believe that as they now lay rotting in mass graves that they posed a significant threat.
When I started fighting this war I viewed the Muslims as a threat to my Serbian existence and a threat to future generations of Serbs. They were a backwards and treacherous people. Their rejection of Christ was blasphemous and a new independent Serbia had no room for these people. It’s hard to say that I think of these people in a different way, but I do not know if I could live with how we have destroyed these people. We treated them like cows being sent to slaughter. But at least cows are not as aware of their plight. The Muslims knew they were going to die by our hands.
What I now know is that in the heat of war, in the wild, confusing hatred that infected us all, I forgot what it meant to be a human being. I lost the ability to feel compassion. I forgot what justice was. I only knew what revenge, slaughter, and anger were. It filled my mind and it was what kept me alive. When a person is dedicated to fulfilling their hateful ambitions they can be convinced to commit even the worst crimes.
Yugoslavia is at war because of a lack of understanding and a lack of compassion for our fellow humans. We have allowed our religious and ethnic differences to blind us from our common brotherhood as men. In this way we were bound to destroy each other. If one views another human being as a treacherous animal, a despicable blight preventing one’s overall goals, compassion is impossible to practice. To us, the Muslims were a virus that needed to be eradicated from existence and we treated them as such.
The war has been raging for years. I am but one small part in a greater unfolding human tragedy, and by leaving the frontlines I doubt I will have much an effect. But I can no longer be a participant or silent witness. I must leave and I must rebuild my life. I must see my family and hold them tight. Lord knows how many families I helped destroy. It is almost selfish to wish so longingly for my own family’s well being, but as I am unaware of their safety I must make sure they are safe.
August 6, 1995
It has been nearly a week since the massacres at Srebrenica. I am now in Belgrade and have reconnected with my family. I have faked a broken rib and as such am not hassled by the local populace, who no doubt expects me to be engaged in the ongoing slaughters.
Seeing my family for the first time since Srebrenica was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I held them and wept with them for hours, I could not believe they were alive and in my arms. It crushes to even think of any harm coming to my family. And yet I helped destroy hundreds of Muslim families just like mine. I could never bear to tell my son what I took part in. I was not protecting him from any Muslim threat or fighting for Serbian freedom; I was committing mass murder.
One day this war will end. And one day we will be forced to live with the Muslims as brothers, or we shall all perish. Peace is based on understanding, compassion, and the ability to appreciate each other’s differences rather than use them to keep use divided. Future generations must learn this lesson or the cycle of blood that has plagued us for the last years will continue forever.
And that is why there is something I must do, the only thing I can possibly do, to perhaps make up for the injustices I have been a part of. I know nothing I can do in my lifetime will bring back those whose deaths I am responsible for. I know nothing I do will allow me to forgive myself for my past actions. But I must not live my life in regret or misery. I must make the most of what God has given me and focus on making right in this world, not creating greater strife.
Our country is in shambles and as I speak thousands die every week. When the fighting dies down, we will have to start over as a people and as a country. I will use every ounce of effort in my body and my soul to making sure what has happened in the last three years and at Srebrenica never happens again. I will teach future generations tolerance and I will let them know if they do not allow compassion for people of other religions, ethnicities, or nationalities to enter their lives that all they will accomplish is to spread hatred and violence. I will let them know of my past mistakes and how much it pains me. Perhaps I will become a teacher, or become a politician of a new, peaceful Serbia. Perhaps I will only make a small impact, but anything is enough. The people of this land have suffered to long and their hearts have for too long been infected the disease of hatred and spite. Even if I only change one young Serbian, Croat, or Muslim’s mind, my goal has been met. From now on, this land will know peace and blood will no longer soak the soil.
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