An Interview with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama Assignment

How do you reconcile a commitment to non-violence when faced with violence? Why do the poor often seem happier than the rich? Must a society lose its traditions in order to move into the future? These are some of the questions that have been posed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during interviews with various journalists and filmmakers from around the world.

Now it’s your turn…

If you had the opportunity to sit with the Dalai Lama and ask him 3 questions, what would they be? Based on what we’ve learned about his upbringing (from the film Kundun), his relationship with Tibet and China, and/or your growing knowledge of Buddhist beliefs and practices (the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the lives led by monks), how would he answer your 3 questions?

Your task:

o Individually develop three thoughtful and articulate questions for the Dalai Lama.
o Answer the questions as you might predict he would answer him … being careful to show what you’ve learned so far in the Buddhism unit.
o Feel free to add in the odd “he … he … he …” as appropriate!
o I have not set a standard length for each response. I would like you to use your own judgment and carefully consider whether you have provided a sufficient response. Read the evaluation rubric… use it as your guide for developing a reflective, thoughtful interview.
o The rubric will be given to you separately … please review to ensure full marks!

Intro to Buddhism

I haven't been posting too much here for Buddhism because everyone has been coming to class and participating well in the discussions!
However, here is the link to the Buddhism powerpoint (copy and paste into your browser!):
https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=0AeJfw-p5bATtZGtidnAzel81OTdndnd3dGZkaw&hl=en_US

March 2

Please note the change we made to the Hindu God Project:

Your Hindu God card must include:
- Name of God/dess
- Role and/or responsibilities in Hinduism
- Visual representation of the God/dess
- Personal statement (1/2 page, typed, double-spaced) as to your (group's) interpretation of her/his importance in Hinduism

To help you choose a Hindu god/deity for the Hindu God Card Project, watch the following 'Pocket Guide to the Hindu Gods':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ2q66Eqn7I

Here is an example of a student project from 2 years ago. Instead of creating a card, she made a YouTube clip about her deity, Dhumavati:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmnLu30hMSc

List of God/desses:
Brahma - Jacob/Isaac, Vishnu - Julia, Shiva - Katie/Austin, Parvati - Natasha, Saraswati - Melissa/Erin, Lakshmi - Ashling, Krishna - Keethi, Durga - Laura/Brianna, Kali - Kaylynn, Ganesha - Jon/Jordan, Hanuman - Savannah/Melissa, Tara - Dakota, Murugan - Larissa, Bagalamukahi (Goddess that ceases the tongue) - Brandy, Nataraja (God of Dance) - Amelia, Yama (God of Death) - Addie

Feb 27

Today you were given:

1) Article Reading: "Holy Cow!" Please see me if you need a copy.

2) Handout: Ways Hindus Express Their Faith: Practices, Rituals, and Symbols
From pages 129-135 in your text.

(i) What does 'om' represent to Hindus? (see pages 129-133)

(ii) The swastika is another important symbol in Hinduism. What does it mean and when is it used? (page 133)

(iii) Describe how a Hindu might worship in their home? In you vivid description, include the terms: shrine, deities, puja, offerings, arati, Prasad. (page 130).

(iv) From the textbook and the 'Holy Cow!' article handed out earlier, explain the significance of the cow in Hinduism. (page 131)

(v) Yoga is very much a part of our society these days. How does our practice of Yoga in North America differ from Yoga as understood by Hindus? (page 131)

(vi) What is a pilgrimage? Why do many Hindus strive to visit, at least once in their lifetime, the city of Varanasi? (page 131)

(vii) Why do you think there are so many Hindu festivals? Provide a brief description of one festival that sparks your interest. (pages 134-135)