Passions of Philosophy

I loved learning about the parallels in Yogic ethics that are planted within religions. The aspects of relaxation and the awareness that comes from concentration and yoga is never-ending. I learned that sometimes in life, I really need to slow down and just have some "me" time to get my thoughts together and relax each inch of my body. This will make the world easier to live in and easier to                                                              understand. I owe it to myself, and I deserve it! 

The energy and ways to reach enlightenment were very interesting to me in learning about Taoism. This taught me to really put energy, time, and effort into things that will benefit me and make me a better person in any aspect. I think that it was hard to realize what I should concentrate more in this section, which made everything a bit harder for me. It was very interesting for me to learn and try to relate my life to the one-ness of the world and how I should not be so attached to things because we are all related. This makes sense to me, but is almost impossible to do. It is amazing to me that people can truly live like this! 

The two truths in Buddhism really opened my eyes to the connections and necessity for each and every object in life. I learned that there is really nothing without the other, such as small not existing without tall. Relative truth is about the connections that one object has and how everything needs everything else in the world. Absolute truth is the idea that everything begins and dissolves into one thing that is the same. This is a beautiful thought that I can use to help me relax my mind and keep calm. 

I always thought that Native Americans were just different people from me- lived differently and had different beliefs, values, ideals, etc. I never knew the struggles that they were forced to overcome and the beauty of such a lifestyle that they have. They tell stories and are very grateful for what they have. I have learned to be thankful for the things that I have and how lucky I am in today's world. This also helped me not be so judgmental to others and their cultures, and try to understand why they may believe the things they choose to. This is probably one of the most important things I've learned in this class, and I thank you for this opportunity. 

Alissa Doiron