Summer Study Of Buddhism and Eastern Religions

Join us at United Methodist Communities at The Shores In the Town Hall For a summer learning opportunity!

The body of Eastern religions is an inheritance from Asian parts of the world.  However, the influence of these traditions is immensely global today.  John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was one who read widely beyond the philosophical and religious traditions of his church and beliefs.  He valued listening to voices different than his own, because God gave him these brothers and sisters as neighbors to love.  Come and learn more about the streams of thought and history that has brought these spiritual manifestations in our nation and world.

Rev. Beth Mallozzi, Director of Mission & Pastoral Care will be facilitating this course along with Rev. Kathleen Crockford, our native volunteer chaplain, meditation and yoga instructor, and much more.

Buddhism was founded around the fifth century BCE in India by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, with the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as its central principles. According to the scriptures, the Four Noble Truths were revealed by the Buddha in his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The schools of Buddhism are typically divided into Theravada and Mahayana. In academic circles, Mahayana is further divided into East Asian and Tibetan Buddhism. The primary goal of Buddhism is the liberation from samsara. Buddhists hold this to be the solution to the problem of suffering.

Hinduism originated on the Indian subcontinent. It is considered by some to be the world’s oldest extant major religion. Hinduism contains a vast body of scripture, divided as revealed and remembered, expounding on dharma, or religious living. It is difficult to identify any universal belief or practice in Hinduism, although prominent themes include: Dharma, Samsara, Karma, and Moksha.

 Taoism, also known as Daoism, is a variety of related religious and philosophical traditions. Categorization of Taoist sects and movements is very controversial. Taoist propriety and ethics places an emphasis on the Three Jewels of the Tao; love, moderation, humility. Taoist theology focuses on doctrines of wu wei (“non-action”), spontaneity, humanism, relativism and emptiness.

Shinto is an animistic folk religion from Japan. Shinto literally means “the way of the gods”. Many Japanese Shintoists also identify themselves as Buddhists. Japanese Pure Land Buddhism is deeply intertwined with the Shinto faith. Shinto practitioners commonly affirm tradition, family, nature, cleanliness and ritual observation as core values.  Ritual cleanliness is a central part of Shinto life. Shrines have a significant place in Shintoism, reflecting the animistic veneration of the kami.

The community is welcome at no cost.