A Religious Thread

[JustGeorge]

Just to even things out around here, I thought I'd create a thread about... well, religion. And how its affecting you currently in your daily life. (And I mean you, not the guy next to you, or your country, or your dog's squirrel friend.)

What's going on in your religious life? Examining any scriptures, or reading any religious texts? Find a new bhajan? Have an upcoming ritual? Taking part in your church's community? Content with your beliefs, or re-examining? How are things, religiously speaking?

 

[Rachel Rugelach]

This past Sunday members of my synagogue joined with members of two other synagogues on Long Island's east end for a 2-hour cruise on a catamaran to view the lighthouses in Long Island Sound. We were a group of 27 from two Conservative synagogues and one Orthodox synagogue, and we had a great time together.

This was a social event rather than a strictly religious event, but it was great fun participating in the wider Jewish community of eastern Long Island in this way. Plus, we weren't the only ones on the tour, so we all met and chatted with non-Jewish people outside our communities, with everyone sharing in a mutually enjoyable experience.

I think stuff like this is the best way to break down barriers between people who may differ from others in some ways.

 

[JustGeorge]

This past Sunday members of my synagogue joined with members of two other synagogues on Long Island's east end for a 2-hour cruise on a catamaran to view the lighthouses in Long Island Sound. We were a group of 27 from two Conservative synagogues and one Orthodox synagogue, and we had a great time together.

This was a social event rather than a strictly religious event, but it was great fun participating in the wider Jewish community of eastern Long Island in this way. Plus, we weren't the only ones on the tour, so we all met and chatted with non-Jewish people outside our communities, with everyone sharing in a mutually enjoyable experience.

I think stuff like this is the best way to break down barriers between people who may differ from others in some ways.

That sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[ChristineM]

You know me, I don't do religion... Usually... However on Friday i will be attending the funeral of a neighbour/ friend to be held in the Catholic church across the square. I don't know the rituals so well but I've done this four times since moving here so i can follow and mimic those who do with some confidence.

I don't do this for the religion though, i do it out of respect for Amélie

 

[JustGeorge]

You know me, I don't do religion... Usually... However on Friday i will be attending the funeral of a neighbour/ friend to be held in the Catholic church across the square. I don't know the rituals so well but I've done this four times since moving here so i can follow and mimic those who do with some confidence.

I don't do this for the religion though, i do it out of respect for Amélie

I'm sorry to hear you lost a friend.

 

[ChristineM]

I'm sorry to hear you lost a friend.

Thanks.
She knew it was on the cards, 93 ain't a bad age though she wanted to hang on until at least early winter. She loved the summer so much but her heart wasn't up to it.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

I’m content with my beliefs and continue to spiritually practice self growth

 

[JustGeorge]

I’m content with my beliefs and continue to spiritually practice self growth

What does spiritual self growth look like for you?

 

[Rival]

I'm understanding the practices and beliefs as far as can be known about Celtic and Germanic beliefs. I engage in cardomancy and use runestones.

 

[mangalavara]

Just to even things out around here, I thought I'd create a thread about... well, religion. And how its affecting you currently in your daily life. (And I mean you, not the guy next to you, or your country, or your dog's squirrel friend.)

Fantastic idea, George!

What's going on in your religious life? Examining any scriptures, or reading any religious texts? Find a new bhajan? Have an upcoming ritual? Taking part in your church's community? Content with your beliefs, or re-examining? How are things, religiously speaking?

I’m currently reading the Devī Māhātmyam. As well, I’m trying to memorize three Sanskrit verses from the Śiva Purāṇa concerning the names of the Mahādevī.

Something that has been on my mind a lot is the different Hindu calendars. In Vedic texts such as the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇam, the solar calendar is based on the seasons, and the names of the months (Madhu, Mādhava, etc.) reflect them. There is apparently nothing about the 12 zodiac houses until later on. The Balinese Hindus have a solar calendar known as the Pawukon or Wuku Calendar. It’s 210 days long and features 10 types of concurrent weeks that run during the 210 days. The weeks with three, five, and seven days are the most important. There are 30 seven day weeks, and each has a deity associated with it. The Wuku Calendar sounds complicated, but it’s very easy to follow. At this time, I’m not sure if I want to follow the Vedic Saura Calendar (based on India’s seasons) or the Wuku Calendar (not based on any natural phenomena).

Lastly, I’m happily content with my beliefs. What I’m not content with though is being the lone Hindu in this Korean city. I wish that I had just one Hindu friend here.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

What does spiritual self growth look like for you?

Being healthy mentally and physically. Being grateful for what I have. Doing what I want in the moment while being mindful of the future.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I'm finding weekly Torah study a bit demoralizing -- not because I find the Torah to be any less intriguing, but because those with whom I study seem deeply disinterested in and immune to biblical scholarship.

 

[JustGeorge]

I'm understanding the practices and beliefs as far as can be known about Celtic and Germanic beliefs. I engage in cardomancy and use runestones.

I wondered if those beliefs would ever catch your interest(based on your location). Can you tell me more of cardomancy?

Fantastic idea, George!



I’m currently reading the Devī Māhātmyam.

I usually read through that during Navaratri.

As well, I’m trying to memorize three Sanskrit verses from the Śiva Purāṇa concerning the names of the Mahādevī.

Good luck!

Something that has been on my mind a lot is the different Hindu calendars. In Vedic texts such as the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇam, the solar calendar is based on the seasons, and the names of the months (Madhu, Mādhava, etc.) reflect them. There is apparently nothing about the 12 zodiac houses until later on. The Balinese Hindus have a solar calendar known as the Pawukon or Wuku Calendar. It’s 210 days long and features 10 types of concurrent weeks that run during the 210 days. The weeks with three, five, and seven days are the most important. There are 30 seven day weeks, and each has a deity associated with it. The Wuku Calendar sounds complicated, but it’s very easy to follow. At this time, I’m not sure if I want to follow the Vedic Saura Calendar (based on India’s seasons) or the Wuku Calendar (not based on any natural phenomena).

Impressive! I have enough trouble just figuring out what day of week it is...

Lastly, I’m happily content with my beliefs. What I’m not content with though is being the lone Hindu in this Korean city. I wish that I had just one Hindu friend here.

I don't like being a lone Hindu, either.

 

[Rachel Rugelach]

You know me, I don't do religion... Usually... However on Friday i will be attending the funeral of a neighbour/ friend to be held in the Catholic church across the square. I don't know the rituals so well but I've done this four times since moving here so i can follow and mimic those who do with some confidence.

I don't do this for the religion though, i do it out of respect for Amélie

Condolences on the loss of your neighbor/friend. This is such a kindness -- a mitzvah -- that you are doing!

 

[sun rise]

Just to even things out around here, I thought I'd create a thread about... well, religion. And how its affecting you currently in your daily life. (And I mean you, not the guy next to you, or your country, or your dog's squirrel friend.)

What's going on in your religious life? Examining any scriptures, or reading any religious texts? Find a new bhajan? Have an upcoming ritual? Taking part in your church's community? Content with your beliefs, or re-examining? How are things, religiously speaking?

My projects for our Sanctuary are IT, video, cleaning and meal prep Soon I'll spend a week with companions back east meeting our new Murshid (Spiritual Director) in an informal situation.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I think stuff like this is the best way to break down barriers between people who may differ from others in some ways.

Many moons ago my wife and I participated in a program called "Iftar in the Synagogue" -- an interfaith effort which was, in many ways, delightful.

 

[Quintessence]

So...

.... I've been spending so much time hanging out with trees I had a moment the other day where I considered skipping a social engagement with humans because...

... I wanted hang out with trees instead.



Not getting stuck in the forest is probably what the closing ritual of the Ovate Grade is for, now that I think about it. Yeah, that ritual I haven't done yet because it didn't feel like the right time? Hmm. Well, if I've learned anything from walking the OBOD trail it is to let things flow as they flow. I put myself to task working with the traditional Ogham, so that project must complete its flow. Then, I sense it'll probably be the right time then. Even if I'm feeling really stubborn and not wanting to leave the forest. Because who wants to leave forests?! FORESTS!

 

[Left Coast]

I have gone with my brother several times to Mass recently. I feel a sense of peace there, oddly, despite having many issues with the theology.

 

[JustGeorge]

I have gone with my brother several times to Mass recently. I feel a sense of peace there, oddly, despite having many issues with the theology.

Some churches can be quite peaceful, whether you subscribe to the religion or not.

 

[metis]

Just to even things out around here, I thought I'd create a thread about... well, religion. And how its affecting you currently in your daily life. (And I mean you, not the guy next to you, or your country, or your dog's squirrel friend.)

What's going on in your religious life? Examining any scriptures, or reading any religious texts? Find a new bhajan? Have an upcoming ritual? Taking part in your church's community? Content with your beliefs, or re-examining? How are things, religiously speaking?

Tomorrow I will be visiting for the last time the parish that was involved in changing my life, and that's St. Thomas More Student Parish in Kalamazoo near WMU's campus [see my Signature Statement below]. I'm 78, and it's a 3 hour drive from my home, so it's getting harder for me to make that yearly venture. It's going to be a very emotional trip for me, and I'm sure I'll have plenty of tears.