Sacred Items

          According to Durkheim sacred refers to things set apart by man including religious beliefs, rites, duties or anything socially defined as requiring special religious treatment. The sacred has extra-ordinary, supernatural qualities and can usually be approached only through some form of ritual such as prayer, incantation or ceremonial cleansing (Durkheim). Almost anything can be sacred. For example a paper, blanket, cup, animal, or even a plant. These are sacred only because some community has marked them a sacred.
          An example of an object that is sacred in the Catholic religion is the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a sacred item in the Catholic community but in other people's life they just see it as bread and wine. What makes it scared is that it is blessed by a priest and once this happens it represent the body and blood of Christ. A Chalis is also sacred. The Chalice holds the wine that represents the blood of Christ. A Paten is the bowl that hold the Eucharist which is the bread that represents the body of Christ (M. Paul). These items are used during mass along with many other sacred items.

          While in the Catholic Church almost everything you see is considered sacred from the Altar to the paintings and statues. The altar is both table and sacrificial stone, and is also seen as a “symbol of Christ” (M. Paul). The most dominant symbol in the sanctuary, the focal point is the altar, the table of the Eucharist, where Mass is celebrated and the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.  The Bishop blessed the altar and anointed it with sacred chrism, for that reason it is compared to a person, something sacred and special (M. Paul). While talking to people in the catholic community I asked them what sacred item they valued the most or which item they used the most. The majority of answer I received was the Rosary. The catholic rosary represents a devotion in honor of the Virgin Mary. It consists of a set number of specific prayers. The rosary prayers are used in time of healing, meditation, and mourning. The Holy Rosary, as it is sometimes called, means so much to Catholics because it provides an easy way to link the faithful to Jesus and Mary in daily life. 

          Zen Buddhism does not have as many sacred items as the Catholic religion does. The essence of Zen is attempting to understand the meaning of life directly, without being misled by logical thought or language (ZHANG). Zen Buddhism is more about connecting with one’s mind and body. Sitting meditation is very important to them. A sacred item in Zen Buddhism is of course Buddha. There are many different poses that Buddha statues can be placed in but the one used most in Zen Buddhism is the meditation Buddha. In this pose, the Buddha is shown with both hands in the lap, face up, and the legs are crossed (Grenard). Another item that could be considered sacred is the Koan. A Koan is a statement or question asked to the student. The Zen Master uses the Koan to stimulate the student to come to the truth of Zen (Grenard). Although Zen Buddhism sacred items are not as apparent as the Catholic sacred items it does not take away from the meaning of the religion. Being able to connect with God or yourself and find inner peace is what is important. Each religion has a different ways to connect with their God but they are both reaching the same goal even if it is in a different way.

Sources cited 

Durkheim_Sacred_Profane.pdf

Grenard, J. L. (2008). The Phenomenology of Koan Meditation in Zen Buddhism. Journal Of Phenomenological Psychology, 39(2), 151-188. doi:10.1163/156916208X338774
M.Paul, personal communication, March, 20 2015

ZHANG, P. (2014). ZEN MUSINGS. ETC: A Review Of General Semantics, 71(4), 292-300.

Rituals of Religions

Catholicism, one known for ages in religion, closely related with Christianity but

commands a more specific list of rituals than compared to Christians. (1) Starting from the earliest stage, we crawl upon Baptism. Occurs when a child is being casted into the religion by choice of the parents. (2) Following, confession or reconciliation is the process by which a individual practicing Catholicism meets with a priest and confesses the sin(s) he or she has done. And though this may sound pretty scary, confidentiality is at the expense of the sinner if wished upon. Even then, it still gets better because if you thought the point of having to tell a disciple/holy figure your sins to be judged, judging is not apart of the process. Surprisingly still, there are few who do not want to confess. But it is required that once a year you confess your sins or else. Once you do confess, you are then truly free from your sin. Through “fathers” (disciple/holy figure) witnessing. (3) Next we have 1^st Eucharist, which is the partaking of bread and wine that is symbolic of Christ’s body. When taken, you are truly considered to be partaking of Christ’s body. (4) The confirmation by an individual he or she accepts the ways of Catholicism. (5) Matrimony now more frequently used Marriage, is the brining together of a man and woman, but only in a Catholic Church. (6) When a individual within the Catholic Faith becomes a disciple of the religion. (7) Anointing of the sick, is considered to be a blessing before surgery. While last writes are what you receive while on your deathbed. (8) Daily Prayer is one of the most important means by which you can stay connected with Christ. (9) When attending Mass, Catholics are able to pray in community like groups and they also take part in 1st Eucharist there. (10) Through the Bible, they study what God said and what pleased him (Old Testament) and in the New Testament, Christ’s life took place on Earth. (11) Fasting, a form of prayer used by some becomes mandatory only during lent. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and self test. No meat is consumed and on these days, one is allowed a small meal in the morning and one small meal at night. And last but not least we have the Rosary or Mantra. It consists of two prayers being repeated repetitively. Our Father and Hail Mary is spoken countless times, and they also consists of the Glorious, Joyful, Sorrowful, and the Light Mysteries.

Those who want to become more like a Zen Buddhists will find that it’s easier than it looks and it simplifies life through meditation, bringing about an appreciation for life in itself. It offers a clear, calm, less stressful way of living life. The art of existing, breathing, feeling yourself in the presence of nature, which is constantly surrounding us. Starting with the simplest, doing on thing at a time allows for full focus to be on that one task at the time until it is fully complete. Through multitasking, people are more likely to make mistakes or perhaps just not completing out the task well enough is a consequence of not doing so. In the same manner then, it is suggested that one does the task slowly and deliberately. Again, the focus factor allows for full completion of tasks. Which then brings us to that rule itself, whatever you’re doing, do it completely. So many people start things, moving on to other things, pulling their focus away from the original tasks and leaving a trail of incomplete tasks, which need to be completed. And if you are one who starts tasks only to move onto elsewhere, then doing less is the next word of advice. Think of only the necessary thing you need to do, write them down, think about it, and began to try and perfect these daily tasks. Once done, add a few other tasks you enjoy and watch the differences in the quality of your tasks. Putting space in between the tasks you carryout through the course of the day gives you time to truly focus upon the tasks. Once these first few become habitual, you can turn the processes into rituals. Designating times for certain events or tasks is suggested, make sure you stick to it. Sitting is also apart of Zen Buddhism, it is important that you’re in a specific position that allows for one to focus and pay attention to their breathing. The better you know your body, the better you can understand its’ needs. Smiling and serving others is a big part of Zen Buddhist ways. Meditation being part of Buddhism and many other religions can take special forms. So Zen Buddhist require that a desire to cook and clean become part of a meditational task. Living simply and only focusing on what is necessary are also included in the agenda’s of Buddhist monks. All together, these contribute to the lifestyle and stress free ways of Zen Buddhist. Meditation and simplicity is key.