We began our discussion last Friday, Sept. 12.. This is a summary of what people have said so far, more or less in the order in which things were said. The summary is not meant to represent a class consensus, but rather the diversity of views expressed.
1) How can one find truth and, specifically, the meaning of life? Can you find it by reasoning? How would you define "reason"?
-People can take different routes, but often these routes lead to the same place (though perhaps referred to by different names). This "place" may be a state of consciousness, something peaceful, elevated, harmonious.
-Reason can be useful, but it's of limited usefulness for the young, because one reasons from past experience and the young have had limited experience.
-Reasoning is not too useful. The human mind is limited. Breakthroughs to truth & meaning come about more as the result of flashes, that is, sudden realizations or epiphany.
-Different routes for different people--no generalizations possible.
-Do what you believe gives your life meaning.
-Reasoning is good, as well as seeing things from varied viewpoints. It allows you to find truth by "weighing things out."
-People need to find their own path.
-Society requires everyone to have the same dream. This is a problem, an obstacle.
-Maybe meaning can be found through work and education.
-Not all find the meaning of life.
-Live life to the fullest.
-Live for what you love.
-You must know your own views, if you are to be at peace.
-You must make choices, and these must be based on thought.
2. What is the relationship between these two words: "religion" and "spirituality"? Are they the same?
-A religion is more categorized. One is born or converted into a particular religion?
-Religion is a path established by others.
-A religion is a group of people who have a similar way.
-Spirituality is a state of mind and feeling.
-People experience different kinds of religion or spirituality. It's a mental path about what to believe, and one about which you can make a choice.
-Religion hinders spirituality. You are part of a mass. There's a loss of individuality.
-Through religion, one expresses one's spirit. There is no necessary contradiction.
-Spirituality refers to the relationship one has with oneself.
-Spirituality refers to the free searching for one's own path and meaning.
3. If you believe in God, how do you understand the problem of salvation? How does one find God? How is one to be "saved"? How does one find a place in Heaven?
-Salvation might come through reincarnation.
-God is not singular, but everything.
-Finding God might mean developing a consciousness which approximates the collective consciousness of everything on the planet or in the universe.
-Understanding the universe might lead to salvation.
When I asked if people believed in God or "something else, these were the responses:
- Believe in God:
- 4
- Yes, but only from time to time:
- 2
- Agnostic (Not sure God exists):
- 4
- Atheist (Don't believe):
- 2
- A Divine Force:
- 3
4. Have you ever had a "religious experience"? Where & when?
-Churchgoers: sometimes inspired, but not often powerful experiences
One said that she did have powerful experiences when sermon had to to with issues she was going through.
-Sense of presence of God, by those reporting feeling it, seemed most experienced at traumatic times, such as deaths in family.
-One reported religious experience through meditation
-Others reported camping as source: These produced overwhelming happiness, ecstasy, affirmation of goodness of life, sense that heaven is on earth.
-"Everyone once and a while I realize life is really good."
- Awesome natural experiences can feel overwhelming.
- Four days in high mountain passes: happiness and adrenalin rush..."a huge sense of expanse and a sense of fitting in."
5. How would you describe your own personal relationship to nature?
-Powerful to be in remote place and feel you are only one there--perhaps ever.
-Feel close to nature: beauty and variety provide sense of peace.
-Many experience nature as a refuge from problems, stresses, and strains (12)
-Great respect and awe for nature, its power and chaos. "Nature has it together."
-Great awe-inspiring natural events can increase one's appreciation of smaller things.
-"Mentally, I try to make myself feel like I'm only visiting civilization (e.g., school)"
-Felt deprived of nature in Saudi Arabia; another felt this in California.
6. Do you support the current environmental movement?
-Most say they love nature, but that our society is fighting with it. (16)
-Recycling good and many do it, but more needs to be done: living more simply, less consumption.
-Natural parks good but then roads ruin them.
-Not for eco terrorism. Some feel environmentalism goes too far. Resources must be used to an extent.
-I don't litter; n ature should be enjoyed.
-Not protest, but giving things up will save earth.
-We are reshaping--even poisoning-- earth, but humans need it for survival.
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-Lived on Walden Pond and did so his whole adult life
-Wrote many essays/books, e.g., "Civil Disobedience"
-Friends with Ralph Waldo Emerson
-Wrote poetry
-Built cabin by himself
-Works not popular at time
-Liked nature, wrote about it
-Thrifty/ "cheap"
-Travelled in Maine
-Against Industrial Revolution
-Visited Sudbury/ Nobscot connection
-Philosopher
-Led simple life, few possessions
-Read deeply into classics
-Lived alone
-Visited Harvard, Ma.--"Fruitlands"
-Self-sufficient
-Was busted
All of above was written on the board by the teacher, without challenge
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