Chinese astrology and Zoroastrianism

Looking at the Chinese zodiac in class was very interesting. It says that I am a pig. Well I can think of worse things to be. This is what it says about being a pig:

Pigs are talented information gatherers. You may not notice them doing it, but they absorb everything that is going on around them, from the atmosphere to what is said, what people are wearing and what everyone is doing. In other words, Pigs are always learning, about life and about people. They also have astounding memories, so if you are dealing with a Pig, try not to change your mind, as they will remember your previous opinion and knowing Pig honesty, they will remind you of it! Pigs love to gather facts from radio, TV, the internet, books, and anywhere it is available.

In the Zoroastrianism reIigion I find the seven ritual items to be interesting. These being of any followingllowing: new green shoots of wheat, colored hardboiled eggs, garlic, wine or vinegar, candles, a mirror, and a bowl of gold fish. I wander exactly what they mean by a bowl of gold fish and do they eat them or are they alive? I also thinkoI hinkI could jump over fire no matter how much it was a custom or how badI thoughtI would get sick. MaIbe ifI was raised to see nothing wrong with it or the thought of getting burned was not installed in my head since a young age then it would be ok.

Confucius

I find that the five relationships are a bit strange. I can see the way of thinking behind it but I guess to me it seems a little backwards. That could also be from a female point of view. I am not sure if I would like being told that I was going to marry someone and not even know that person. On the other hand though I could see that if that where the case than I would not half to go on dates or be searching for the right man to marry.

Taoism

I find this to be an intriguing religion one that I enjoy learning about more than any other. I guess because I could see myself using many of their beliefs in everyday life. It seems that all people are in a since quiet though in many ways I am more quiet and shy than others. I enjoy the peace and tranquility of the country and outdoors. I like going to school and learning but I am learning that it is not the most important thing in life. I am best when I am in nature and not trying to learn or teach others; in many ways I am best when all I have is a sketchpad informs of me, a pencil in one hand and thou outdoors all around me. Only at these times do I find complete and utter tranquility. I think learning about Taoism has made me think a lot about how many people view their fast passed lives here in San Antonio. I like San Antonio but for me I know it is too fast pace and I find myself getting caught up in all of it not knowing what way to go sometimes. It is like being asked what I am going to do after I finish school here and I only say I don't know. The only reason I don't get stressed about this is I know in my soul and heart that God will provide no matter what I need all I have to do is let go and be free.

Yin and Yang

I always new that this was called a yin yang but I never new what it meant. I can remember asking friends in junior high what there yin yang necklace meant and them having no idea. They always said they wore it because they thought it was cool. These images I found on the net in a search I did when I was searching for a yin yang with dragon's on either side to put in a piece of digital work I was doing.

The last Samurai

This movie is so good. I did not know that the historically content of the movie was so accurate. I thought like all Hollywood movies that it was mostly fiction. I especially like the part about the sword being the Samurai soul. I did want to know if they still had the swords from that era or what happened to them. I have seen some exhibits on TV in Museums with the armor and swords.

Shintoism

Going over the history of Shinto today we talked about how Buddhism became part of Shinto. I found it interesting that these two religions coexisted together. I thought it was strange when we talked about the funerals and how they would not touch the body's of the dead, but left them instead for the Buddhist monks to deal with. To know that their where still bodies uncovered and decaying in the jungle as Denise told us is fascinating. It makes me wonder how bad it got to smelling in the area. I also think it is fascinating that the government made Shintoism the only religion there could be at one time forcing all other religions out of Japan. Then in later years revoking that and making all religion equal and welcome. I wander at that, if the United States will ever do that and if so what will happen to all of us.

Shintoism

Shintoism sounds like it will be an interesting religion to look at. I like the idea of Animism and I do believe that certain things have spirits. I however did not know that the cartoon anemia Pokemon was based on this religion. I don't think I watched it as a kid but my little brother watched it and in so doing I have seen a few episodes. I do however love anemia though I don't know many of the characters or series that are out there. Japan is the top leading animation area in any case and I would love to do animation as a career. I think learning of the religion that goes on there would help me better understand why some of there animation is so vibrant with life and so interesting to Americans.

Ahimsa

I kind of like the aspect of not harming a living thing. There is a Kleenex commercial that comes to mind when we talked about this in class. The commercial starts off with a Buddhist monk and he goes out doors and finds a baby turtle on its back that he turns over. Then he finds a spider in doors and takes it out doors to a tree. I think there is one more thing he does before he gets a Kleenex and blows his nose but I can't remember. The announcer comes on and says that the Kleenex kills so many bacteria, Yes I said kills. It ends with an astonished faced monk and then shows him praying. I could not get this out of my mind all day today.