Thursday, May 7, 2015

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 1st 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.  

No comments:

Post a Comment