Session 2 - October 20

[Elizabeth Rosales]

Thank you for sharing the article!

[Elizabeth Rosales]

Yes! Great point!

[Elizabeth Rosales]

Beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing that site and poem.

[Elizabeth Rosales]

It seems very fair to compare. I have thought the same thing about my religion growing up and trying to find the root of all religion. People need reasons for continuing in religious practices, and sometimes the search for that brings them back to roots they didn't remember or perhaps even knew existed.

[Ingrid Herskind]

As I stated earlier, I had the opportunity to travel to Nepal in August of 2019 and spent time reflecting on the great Boudhanath stupa.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudhanath#/media/File:Boudha_Stupa_IMG_7804_2018_42.jpg   This stupa takes center stage and can be reached from all sides of the city. When professor Bharne talked about the design of the stupa, I was struck by how important the structure and shape of the Boudhanath stupa impacts its surroundings. The monks and pilgrims circle the great stupa day and night, giving respect, prayer and reflection. The symbols and design are perfect for the circumambulation. Daily, I strolled and meditated with hundreds of others and now appreciate the shape and structure of the stupa even more.

[Ingrid Herskind]

I really enjoyed talking about the Hinoki wood that is used in the creation of the important shrines in Japan. Our discussion on the sustainability of this practice made me think about how this architecture will be impacted in the future. I found some articles on the topic where they stated, "Set to be finalized in March, the Forestry Agency’s new plan for the Kiso Valley calls for a 16,579-hectare conservation zone divided into three areas. These comprise a 3,874-hectare core of almost entirely natural forest to be strictly protected; another core area that is three-quarters plantation forest, to be gradually transitioned to a more natural state; and a third area of mixed natural and plantation forest that will serve as a buffer zone…. The question of the lumber industry’s survival, and the survival of traditional culture still needs to be resolved. How many trees need to be cut to maintain that culture?” said Shinji Takashima, director of the agency’s Kiso District Forest Office.”  It was interesting to see that they are also concerned about the forest and know that this traditional culture may not be sustainable.

 

[Ingrid Herskind]

Looking at the use of the Chinese Timber Brackets and the use of these types of brackets in Japanese architecture made me think about why this style of column and bracketing system took root in East Asia while the Flying Buttress took root in Europe. The swooping roof and gentle curve does make the roof look like it hovers--making it magical and spirtual. When I think about the use of the Flying Buttress system in European churches, I think of the impact this architectural feature has on the vaulted ceilings and high arches. Both of these architectural wonders create a sense of awe and heighten the spirtitual feelings of the audience (churchgoer or pilgrim). I find it interesting that both the bracket system and buttresses have the same impact, but in very different ways. 

[Shurong Tu]

I have been drinking coffee for several years now. It helps me wake up to be ready for a new day. But before this, I was always drinking tea. Coffee and tea are two important drinks to most of us. It is very interesting and fun to learn about how people drink tea and coffee differently in different countries and their different culture towards these two drinks. 

[Alison Douglas]

What a great way to really enjoy your surroundings.  From what I've seen the Zen gardens are beautiful and I can see why they would be great for the mind.  I wish we had more of that around here, this is a great way to relax and escape from all the hussle and chaos of daily chores.  I love to visit the Huntington Library, it gives a little snap shot of Asia.

[Shurong Tu]

people use different materials to build house and architecture. The building material can be from  simple grass to fancy marble. We have so many exquisite architecture in the world. howevery, this leads me to think about simple buildings- only several walls. This minimalism in architecture is not well accepted by people, but should we adopt this to our busy and heavly-loaded life? Personally, I am thinking to adapt this mind to my fast paced life to reduce burden and stress. 

[Shurong Tu]

 

Zen garden has eight main elements-bridges, islands, flowers or plants, sand, stones, trees ,water and waterfalls. and each element has its meaning. For example, rock stands for buddha.  I found this info on website. I have a japanese garden in my city , I should go to check it out and i wonder if I can find all the eight elements ! We feel so freshing ,peaceful and theraputic when we in a zen garden. how the nature power brings energy to our human beings! 

 

[Thomas Pineda]

Thank you for that tidbit of info. I'm not sure if that came up and I forgot about it, but now I feel the urge to have a scavenger hunt at the next zen garden I visit. I'm sure searching around for those items probably takes away from the purpose of the garden, but also, finding out the meaning of each element would help deepen my understanding of their designs I'm sure. Luckily, we're fortunate enough to live in a state where these kinds of gardens can locally be found. 

[Betsy Telle]

I have always been a tea drinker. I cannot stand the smell of coffee. I tend to drink very aromatic teas, like peppermint, and enjoy my ritual of holding the warm mug and smelling the tea for a calming effect. I like the idea of the tea ceremony and the process also being part of the meditation. I think that I need to add some of that in when I make tea.

[Betsy Telle]

I found the story about the Great Buddha in Kamakura, Japan very interesting. The school I teach at has different themes for the days of the week for Homeroom. On Fridays the theme is Resilience. I think that the story of this Great Buddha would fit in very well. Knowing that the temple was destroyed again and again by tsunamis and fires and rebuilt over and over. I could even have students read the poem by Mark Twain. I think that Mark Twain visiting and writing a poem is just a fun tidbit to add to the story.

[Betsy Telle]

I was very intrigued by the idea of going from a Sitting Zen in Zen Gardens to a Walking Zen. Over the last few years I have tried to incorporate mediation and mindfulness into my life and routines. I use mediation videos in my classes on occasion. But I have always thought of these in a very static way. Sit and find calm. I like the idea of adding a Walking Zen. I have a hike that I frequently do that is close to my house. I think that I need to incorporate some of these ideas into when I hike.

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