Islam

Fig. 1 Medallion showing "Allah" (God) in Hagia, Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. What I had gathered from our class discussions around Islam’s beliefs and values. Islam means submission,  from this root word in Arabic salaam. In another sense peace is not technically accurate but close enough. I could agree with this notion that it wouldn’t make sense for everyone to be the same. I mean come on we are all created to be unique and authentic not living dolls. The religion Islam is more legalistic but also more flexibility to new age approaches. Fig. 2  Huuwaida.com, The Five Pillars of Islam and Its Explanation, 2016. (Image by Huuwaida, 2016,  huuwaida.com/the-five-pillars-of0islam-and-its-explanation. Copyright 2016 by Huuwaida. Reprinted with permission.) In order to accept any religion, people must be willing to accept their beliefs and teachings.  Muslim lives are duty bound to the Five Pillars of Islam and adhere to soteriology meaning doctrine of salvation. In the book of Genesis depicts a vision this creator, sustainer of the whole universe. The prophet Muhammad was visited by the archangel Gabriel, whom was the messenger from Allah (God). Listening attentively as the Imam spoke on the differences from between Islam and Christianity.  Allah has no partners meaning the (triune god), Qu'ran and the Bible have similarities both are awaiting the eschaton, charity is very significant in the life of a Muslim, a separate account for money that goes directly to the needs of others.  Upon our visitation to the Jamia Masjid Al Mustafa the Muslim mosque in Otahuhu, was a great privilege it is not every day, we have such an opportunity, to get an insight to how Muslims pray and enter into their sacred space and place of worship. Observing the upper room of prayer how serene and peaceful it was, as the Muslim men began making their way in for afternoon prayer. I was taken by their sheer dedication and commitment taking time out from their busy schedules to attend Zhur. I think the outside world have got it wrong in some way, instead of looking from outside in. It should be done inside out. We can't always rely on media when they to themselves are dictating to international viewers how to think and what to believe. Look at Sonny Bill Williams an international rugby star, has become a Muslim follower because of their beliefs and values that would help him in his pathway, to becoming a better man for his wife and family. Living a simple life and being content, he is not too concerned about life in the limelight. Having an understanding about Islam, and what their religion means to them. We can attentively build relationships and connect with our Muslim friends.

Buddhism

Fig. 1 Gentle Buddha Vishnu
Buddhist Metaphoric Stories. www.pinterest.com (August 28, 2016) Copyright 2016.  Pinterest Inc, All rights reserved.

Buddhism is a combination of practices that offer meditation are way of changing yourself inside and out, to develop qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom. The experience within the Buddhist tradition is over thousands of years creating a most incomparable transaction, for all those who wish to follow a path which ultimately culminates in Enlightenment or Buddha-hood.  Gathering from what I had learnt in class, about these symbols of Buddhism,

Fig. 2 Ancient Symbols.com, Buddhist Symbols - The lotus, The umbrella and more, 2016 (Image by Ancient Symbols. Ancient Symbols.com, 2016, https://www.ancient-symbols.com/buddhist-symbols.html. Copyright 2014 by Ancient-Symbols.com. All rights reserved. 

the Swastika in Buddhist tradition this symbol is the mark of the Buddha and is used at the beginning of texts. In modern day Buddhism this symbol means clothing, good fortune and prosperity.



Fig. 3 Ancient Symbols.com, Buddhist Symbols, - The lotus, The umbrella and more, 2016 (Image by Ancient Symbols.com, 2016, https://www.ancient-symbols.com/buddhist-symbols.html. Copyright 2014 by Ancient-Symbols.com. All rights reserved.

The eternal knot intertwining of lines is said to symbolize how everything is connected. Also it can represent how religion and secular affairs, as well as compassion and wisdom are joined together and connected to each other.

Buddhists are seen as enlightened beings that see the nature of reality absolutely clearly, just as it is, and lives fully and naturally in accordance with that vision. This is the goal of the Buddhist spiritual life, representing the end of suffering for anyone who attains it.

While visiting the Buddhist centre in Grey Lynn, it was a different feel altogether.  Like I was walking into a place of stillness and calmness, the ora of the place was a bit odd.  Perhaps because it was more in a contemporary setting, picking up on my notes any religion is a product of a situation, rising above the suffering and difficulties.  What you are seeking that it will lead you and others to happiness. Tolerance we need to practice, it means we do not have to get angry, one must attain a high level of tolerance is it possible or just a myth.  Buddhism does not include the idea of worshipping a creator god, some people do not see it as a religion in the normal, Western sense.

Rebirth and reincarnation is a productive thing which puts life in a meaningful perspective that our deeds and action are upto our experiences of life. There is good and bad karma, Buddhist teachings is straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible. So Buddhism addresses itself to all people irrespective of race, nationality, caste, sexuality, or gender. It teaches practical methods where people realize its teachings in order to transform their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives.

Hinduism

Been given the opportunity to attend Religion in Aotearoa was somewhat challenging but also enriching as I sat in and listened as the lecturer began. When I think about religion, all sorts come into mind; there is the belief system which is bound to create a stir in some. But I was intrigued by Dr Nasili Vakauta’s approach “it is not about changing your beliefs but journeying together.”  I think at times it is easier for Christians to put ‘God in a box’ and think that whatever is going on in other religions do not matter, that we have the right to judge because we know better.  From my perspective that is the wrong mentality to have, if I know inside myself who my saviour is, then there is no need to feel animosity towards other religions.           I found that Hinduism is a monotheistic religion the belief in an omniscient creator God. Hinduism has a broad range of philosophies; it is connected by shared concepts, recognizable rituals, that interconnectedness with the cosmology, shared textual resources, pilgrimage to sacred sites and the Hindu texts are   classified into Shurti (heard) and Smiriti (remembered). These texts discuss theology, philosophy, mythology; prominent themes beliefs also include the four Puruṣārthas, the proper goals or aims of human life.    Upon our visitation to the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Papatoetoe, I was quite taken by the outlook of this unique place of worship. The beauty of such an intricate and ancient design, which spoke of oral traditions from its origins, of this exquisite Swaminarayan Hindu Temple; I was absolutely amazed, when told that one hundred and fifty skilled workers whose resume fitted the job description. They had a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of arts and design in building such exquisite monuments all over the world. This great task force consisted of workers, carvers, stone masons etc...were handpicked most of the ideals were influences from India, China, Hong Kong, just to name a few….it goes to show, how significant this Swaminarayan Hindu Temple is and what it meant for the people of the Indian community. Dr Nasili Vakauta indicates "studying religion as a phenomenon in a different way," my perspective on this is, I must be willing to humble myself in order to learn new things. Having a worldview of Hinduism is the key to unlocking a pathway to different streams of spirituality.