This week we're going to learn about six different religions or versions of religions. Religion has such an affect on the world and to be somewhat knowledge on the basics can be incredibly advantageous for you during any conversion, travel experience, or seeing an argument from a different perspective. I personally am not religious, but I see the benefits of understanding them and trying to understand peoples beliefs, at least a little. I will dedicate at least an hour a day to learn about six different religions. Starting with the fundamentals, and moving to anything from how many people study it now, to how it affects the world. I plan on learning a lot this week, because I'll be the first one to tell you, this was my least favorite subject in school growing up. This is the last thing I wanted to learn about. But let me tell you from a guy who has now done a decent amount of traveling, not knowing your shit can be embarrassing. You always want to be the person in the room who knows what's going on and can contribute to any conversation.
So buckle down, open up the laptop and pick one a day. It doesn't matter if it's wide spread, extinct, or the one you currently study. Fundamentals can go along way. Have fun!
REFLECTION: I can positively say I learned substantial amount this week. Religion is an interesting belief of ideas adopted by millions. It is truly intriguing how a belief, a way of life, or higher power can have such a large influence. How is something like this mass adopted? I personally don't practice any religion, but to be able to understand what religion means, I feel puts me in a better spot. A better spot in the sense of conversation, world understanding, and knowledge. A sort of insight into how others may choose to live their lives.
This week I had the opportunity to briefly research Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Jainism. With each bringing their own ideas and traditions to the table, I found many similarities between them. Yet also, many differences. I am ashamed to say, before Saturday, I had never heard of Jainism. I now know it as an Indian religion with only a small following still mostly in India. It's main focus is on ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (many sidedness), aparigraha (non-attachment), and asceticism.
To say I had an educational week would be an understatement. What a great week. I hope you all enjoyed!