Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Table of Contents:
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Suggested Classroom Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Buddhism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Christianity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Hinduism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Islam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Judaism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Native American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sacred Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Further Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Introduction
Sacred Stories can be experienced on many levels. You can enjoy the book simply as a collection of interesting tales or as a way to learn more about religious beliefs and the stories that sustain them. You might read them for their psychological insights into human attitudes and behavior. You can find in them the secrets of humanitys connection to the sacred. All of these approaches, and more, can take place at once. In this manual, youll find commentary that will provide some insight into the meanings behind each story and serve as a springboard for group discussion and activities. While I have provided historical context in some cases, this guide focuses mainly on the themes of the stories and the lessons to be learned from them in order to show their personal, contemporary relevance. My hope is that it will lead to more interest and deeper understanding, and therefore more tolerance, of religious diversity. All these old stories are steeped in years of tradition and varying interpretations. Some people believe that the stories their religion is based on are historic fact, while others consider them to be purely metaphor, with symbolic meaning. But even those stories that seem improbable or unlikely might be based in reality. Flood stories, for example, are found in virtually every religion, worldwide. This suggests that somewhere in human memory there were catastrophic floods perhaps the result of an ice age ending, glaciers melting, and water covering the land as the world warmed. (Finding historical realities in myth and legend is called euhemerism, after Euhemerus, a Greek who said 2,300 years ago that myth is natural history plus human history, disguised by time and distorted by form.) Euhemeristic or not, when mythology takes over we move from the world of facts into the realm of dream and vision, as the great mythologist Joseph Campbell once said. And this is what gives these stories spiritual meaning to people today. Rather than the Christian-based time designations A.D. and B.C., this guide uses the terms C.E. (Common Era) and B.C.E. (Before Common Era), the current usage of scholars and historians.
confusing? Does it touch a memory, bring up pictures and images, arouse feelings? Imagine being one of the characters in the story. How does that feel? ~ Notice the similarities between many stories, such as The Birth of Jesus and The Birth of Krishna. In both, a male baby is born in a humble setting, the childs life is threatened by a king, the child escapes to a safer land, and the child grows up to become one who saves humankind. Other examples are The Good Samaritan compared with The Dog at the Well, and The Resurrection compared with Inanna in the Underworld. On a chalkboard or easel, you might create a Venn diagram of overlapping circles. In the outer circles, jot story differences brought out by the discussion, and in the overlapping area mark the similarities. ~ Discuss the significance of the Golden Rule appearing in every major religion. What does this say about common human ideals and beliefs? ~ Note the differences between religions and between story messages. A helpful chart comparing the beliefs of Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism can be found in The Hindu Mind, by Bansi Pandit (New Age Books, India, 2001). ~ Consider how a story might be applied to life today. (Who in your life is the equivalent of the person rescued by the Good Samaritan? If the Buddha were sitting under a tree today, what would be tempting him away from the path of enlightenment? Does anything now call for the kind of bravery Mella showed when she went to the python healer?) 4. Set up activities. ~ Role-play, with students taking the parts of characters in the stories. ~ Draw or paint imagery suggested by a story and/or its message. ~ Create dioramas or scenes from the story with clay and other materials (e.g. branches, flowers, and moss to signify the Garden of Eden). ~ Suggest student storytelling to musical accompaniment. Some students can bring percussion instruments, flutes, or recorders and play them while others retell the story. The rest of the students will be listeners and then discuss their experience of the story. ~ Use world maps to point out where each religion is most prevalent. Students can outline the countries or regions with colored markers or shade them in with different color 5. Visit, describe, or show photographs or films of sacred sites Each religion has places of special meaning that are considered holy because significant events took place there or they emanate power. People of the faith make pilgrimages to the sites in order to feel closer to their spiritual heritage and sense of the sacred. Those listed in each section here are
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only a few; there are hundreds more throughout the world. Many of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Buddhism
Hurt not others with that which pains yourself
Buddhism is different from other major religions in several ways. One of the most important is that Buddhists do not worship an omnipotent god, creator of the world. The Buddha insisted that he was a human being, not a god, and others could attain enlightenment just as he had. He said that people should trust their own experience rather than accept on faith. The Buddhas teachings, intended only as a guide, not as commandments, are called the dharma. Buddhist teachings begin with the Four Noble Truths. When Prince Siddhartha Gautama rose from his seat under the Bodhi tree as the Awakened One, these are the truths he had learned: 1. Life contains dukkha, the suffering and disappointment that everyone experiences. 2. Dukkha arises from clinging to selfish cravings and desires. 3. There is a way to end constant craving and misery. 4. The way is to follow the Eightfold Path. The steps on the Eightfold Path, or Middle Way, are: 1. Right Understanding. Sometimes called Right View, it means that you see the world just as it is, with no illusions or pretense. 2. Right Intentions. Also called Right Thought, this is the step of persistent honesty, facing every part of yourself while developing compassion toward others. 3. Right Speech. Focus on speaking the truth and speaking kindly. 4. Right Action. This is about behavior, about bringing harmony, generosity, and kindness into all your actions. 5. Right Livelihood. The work you do should be honest and meaningful. 6. Right Effort. Persistent effort leads to detachment from clinging to cravings. 7. Right Mindfulness. Mindfulness means being continually aware of everything you do, and being in the present. Meditation is the way to achieve mindfulness.
8. Right Concentration. The final step is to maintain an intense yet relaxed focus, a deep awareness of the present moment in meditation and in every task.
Sacred Sites:
Lumbini, Nepal, is the place where the Buddha was born. Thousands of pilgrims visit yearly to pay homage. It has a garden with ponds, trees, monasteries, and shrines. Bodh Gaya, India, is an international place of pilgrimage because Buddhists believe that here Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. There is a Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa) said to be descended from the tree where he meditated. There are also monasteries, an immense Buddha figure, and a temple with beautiful Buddha images. Sarnath, India, is the place where the Buddha taught his first followers the dharma, in a deer park. It now has a stupa, a dome-shaped shrine that is a symbol of enlightenment. Kushinagar, India, is the city where the Buddha died and was cremated. Near the ruins of ancient monasteries, it has temples built by Buddhists from India, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, South Korea, Tibet, and Japan.
Discussion:
~ Why was the Buddhas birth so important and an occasion of joy? (A child was born who would grow up to become a spiritual leader, helping others to find enlightenment and peace.) ~ What are some other great gifts to the world?
Discussion:
~ Detachment is a word for not letting emotions rule your actions. Can you describe a time when you experienced detachment? (Example: starting to feel afraid or angry but not letting that emotion decide how you will act.) Detachment also means not allowing any emotion or desire become so important to you that it rules your life and you base your decisions on it. ~ Why do pictures and images of the Buddha often show him slightly smiling, his eyes closed, and with long ears? (The smile is because he feels a deep peace. The eyes are closed, or partly closed, because he
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is looking inward, shutting out distractions. The ears are long as a reminder that Prince Siddhartha was once dragged down by the jewels and heavy earrings of material wealth, and he became free of them. The long ears also represent the Buddhas constant listening with compassion to humanitys cries of suffering.) ~ Why is the Buddhas right hand held with thumb and forefinger touching? (This is a gesture of blessing, and indicates the connection between body and spirit. The topknot on his head is a sign of his omniscience and wisdom, and the dot on his forehead is a symbol of his renunciation of worldly things.)
Discussion:
~ Do you think it is possible to have a life with no sadness, suffering or grief? Why or why not? What would it be like to live such a life? ~ In the story, the old woman learned to let go of her pain by helping other people. Why does helping others make a difference? ~ What are todays common household examples that compare to the mustard seed? (A grain of sugar, salt or pepper.)
Discussion:
~ If you were in Tashis place, would you have been tempted to act as he did? What would you have done?
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~ Can you think of someone who is rich in material goods (e.g. lots of toys, video games, expensive clothes), yet always wants more? Do you think that person is happier than you are? If yes, is it because of their possessions? Do you think they will ever be satisfied and feel they have enough?
Discussion:
~ The question of friendship can raise thorny issues. What does it mean to be loyal to a friend? What if a friend wants you to do something against your principles or wont be your friend if you dont do things their way? ~ Why did the monk have to let his friendship with the elephant go, though the elephant did nothing intentionally against the monks values? (The elephant was a distraction on the monks spiritual path. Because the elephant was gold, people were lured to him out of greed and were distracted from their own spiritual needs. The elephant himself was a being with a spirit that needed to be freed from the chains of the material world.)
CHRISTIANITY
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
The most fundamental belief in Christianity is that Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and his resurrection was a promise that humanity could also be saved from death. Christians say that Jesus Christ took on the sins of all humankind when he was crucified, making eternal life possible. They believe that Jesus was the son of God, part of a Trinity: God the father; Jesus the son; and Holy Spirit, Gods presence on Earth. Shortly after Jesus death, his followers, convinced that he had risen from the dead and was divine, began to tell others of his teachings and resurrection. They said that belief in him meant releasing fear and finding love, compassion, and forgiveness. The man Jesus and the people around him were Jews, but gradually those who believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the one who had come to save humanity,
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formed a separate religion and called themselves Christians. The word Christ is from the Greek Christos, meaning The Anointed One. Over the course of 2,000 years, the Christian church developed and changed. Today there are numerous branches of Christianity and dozens of interpretations of the Bible and Jesus words. The main divisions are Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant, with many subcategories. Each expresses Christian teachings, beliefs, and rituals in its own way. The Christian goal is to reach eternal life in heaven with God by accepting Christ as savior and following his teachings. Christians believe in the power of prayer and in a loving, merciful God. They go to church, usually on Sundays, at regular times to worship with others. Two important sacraments are baptism, the symbolic use of water when a person is dedicated to the religion; and the sharing of bread and wine or grape juice to represent Christs body and blood.
Sacred Sites:
Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the tomb in Jerusalem where Christians believe that Jesus was buried and rose from the dead. It has been a destination for pilgrims since the 4th century. Church of the Nativity is in Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem in present-day Palestines West Bank. One of the worlds oldest churches, it is built over a cave said to be the birthplace of Jesus. The spot is marked by a silver star beneath an altar. Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrows, is a road in Jerusalem said to be where Jesus walked to reach Golgotha, or Calvary, where he was crucified. Believers come from around the world to walk the same road.
astrologers from the court of Persia who knew they were seeing something unusual in the sky. However, natural explanations are not as significant as the fact that Christians over the centuries have thought of the star of Bethlehem as a sign from God, indicating the birth of one who was more than an ordinary human. His followers would hail him as a savior of humanity. He would grow up to teach about the importance of love, justice, and mercy and to bring everlasting life to those who believe in him.
Discussion:
~ Consider the people who first heard the news of Jesus birth: shepherds, who were among the lowest of the laborers at that time and place; foreign astrologers; and a jealous and dangerous king. Why would God have sent a message of great importance to the world to such unlikely people? ~ Imagine being a political refugee, as Joseph and Mary were on their flight to Egypt. How would they have felt? They were like many people today, trying to escape from danger in hostile countries.
Discussion:
~ Who is different from you? Who is the person in your life that people shun? Would you help this person? He or she probably isnt lying on a dusty road, nearly dead, but might be someone new in the neighborhood, someone being treated unfairly, or a person mentally or physically disabled or without friends. Would you help? ~ Have you ever seen a sign or sticker on a car saying Good Samaritan Club? This means the people in the car have said they will stop and help someone in trouble, just as the Samaritan did in this story. ~ Hundreds of hospitals are named Good Samaritan. Why would a hospital have this name?
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Discussion:
~ Is it possible to think about spiritual matters when the body is hungry? Why or why not? ~ How do you feel about generosity and sharing? Do you give with a generous spirit? The people who had the loaves and fishes could have kept the food to themselves, saying it would be useless to try to share it with so many. Instead, they gave everything they had, and it fed a multitude. Sometimes the miracle lies in the attitude of caring and generous people.
In the story of Lazarus raised from the dead, Jesus words imply that he was reluctant to use his miraculous powers in this way. He wanted people to hear and believe his message without any seeming magic. Yet these were people he loved; they had been his friends for a long time. He used the occasion in the hope that the people would believe God had sent him and that faith can work miracles.
Discussion:
~ Martha was trying to honor Jesus by providing hospitality, while Mary was trying to learn from him by sitting at his feet and listening attentively. Is one way better than another? Why or why not? ~ Have you ever been with someone you admired and treated politely, but didnt really want to listen to or learn from? (Parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, leaders) Were you a Martha or a Mary? ~ What is most important about entertaining guests? (Active listening; being fully present with the guest.)
The Resurrection
(The Bible; Matt 28:1-10, Mark 16, Luke 24)
This is the story at the heart of Christianity. Jesus had been condemned to die by the most painful and shameful method of execution known in that culture, and his followers were desolate; yet everything changed with their belief in his resurrection. It meant that goodness conquered evil and hope replaced despair. The Christian church grew from this. Its doctrines and forms have shifted over time, but the basic belief holds: those who believe in Jesus as the son of God will also rise from the dead and live forever. Mentally accepting the idea of Jesus as God is not enough. A Christian must have faith from the heart and a trust in Gods promises and try to be faithful to his requirements. A Christian believes in the saving power of the grace of God. This is not the first story about a resurrected god. Many religions before this had similar beliefs about a god who was born to a woman or a goddess, lived on earth, and died, only to rise again. It represents the cycle of the year, with a vegetation god who represents the crops that are planted, grow, die, and grow again. The story of Jesus has some significant differences. His death and resurrection are not seen as part of an ever-renewing cycle but as a single historic event in which a man-god died 2,000 years ago, rose from the dead, and promised his followers they too would rise again. Then he ascended to heaven to be with his father, never to be on Earth as a man again. In Biblical times, being a son meant three things: a child, a descendant, and a likeness (a quality similar to another). Jesus was all three of these. He was the child of Mary; he was a descendant of Abraham, the Hebrews patriarch; and he was the likeness of God. The resurrection itself is not described in the first four books of the New Testament of the Bible. Rather, each writer tells his own version of the followers encounters with their risen Lord. The one thing they all
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agree upon is that Jesus was crucified and his body placed in a tomb, and the third day after his death his followers saw him walking and talking, alive and reassuring them that he would be with them always. He told them to preach throughout the world. To Christians, the resurrection means that goodness conquers evil, hope replaces despair, and Jesus good news can transform the spirit.
HINDUISM
Treat others as you would yourself be treated
Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, began in India thousands of years ago. Although it spread to other countries, it is still strongest in India. Hinduism does not credit one central person with its beginning. Rather, the teachings of many wise men and holy books over the centuries have formed the belief system. The sacred books and writings are the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. Hindus believe there is one supreme spirit in the universe that exists everywhere and is not bounded by time and space. All the gods and goddesses are aspects of the supreme spirit. In order to understand and experience this spirit, Hindus worship using a combination of prayers, incense, offerings, and meditation. People worship and visit the temples whenever they prefer, and each family keeps a shrine at home. One of the ways in which Hindus find a connection with the divine is through meditation. Because Hindus believe that all creatures form one interconnected family, they try to harm no living being. This is one reason they are vegetarian and consider the cow a sacred animal. They believe in reincarnation, or samsara: the soul never dies but returns in another body, not necessarily human, over and over until it becomes free from the cycle of birth and death. Hinduism has four aims in life: 1. To follow the dharma. Dharma means both instructions for living a good and honest life and a persons duties in life. Children have a duty to respect their elders and to do well in school, and parents are obliged to provide food, clothing, a home, and education. Workers have a duty to do their best; the rich have a duty to help others. 2. To earn money in a proper way and not be greedy. 3. To enjoy oneself while not harming others. 4. To do what is right, so the soul will finally be released from the cycle of reincarnation.
Sacred Sites:
Varanasi (Benares), India, is on the banks of the Ganges River and one of the oldest cities in the world. Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi or bathing in the river here will end the cycle of continuous rebirth.
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Gangotri, the source of the Ganges River high in the Himalaya Mountains, is visited by hundreds of pilgrims and devotees. There is a village with a temple, guesthouses, and restaurants. Badrinath, dedicated to Vishnu, is in northern India near the Tibet border. It has been a holy place for thousands of years. The brightly colored temple here is 50 feet high, with a gilded cupola and intricate carving. Mathura, said to be the city where Krishna was born, is surrounded by hundreds of temples. Allahabad is a holy city in India at the confluence of three sacred rivers. Its famous for its fort, temple, carvings, and images, and as an educational center.
Discussion:
~ What are the qualities and attributes of a god? How does this image of a god compare with others? Does giving human attributes to spiritual concepts make them easier to understand and talk about? Why or why not? (Krishna can represent a way for humans to approach incomprehensible divinity and the place that is beyond the reach of the mind.) ~ Meditation is a special form of concentration in which the mind is freed from restlessness. People who meditate sit quietly in a relaxed and comfortable position, breathe slowly and deeply, look inward, and set their day-to-day thoughts aside. They may focus on a particular word or phrase (mantra) that has meaning for them, such as Peace, Love, or the sacred Sanskrit Om. Meditation can create feelings of peace, inner strength, and connection. (If appropriate, a few minutes of group meditation may provide a sense of this important aspect of Hinduism.)
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Discussion:
~ Ganesh is a god with features that symbolize the qualities a human being must try to possess in order to perform worldly activities with purity, peace and truthfulness. What are some examples of those activities, and how could Ganesh show the right ways to perform them? ~ Ganesh holds various items in his hands. If you were placing things in his hands, what would they be? (Coins, jewelry, food, songs, hearts, sacred books (a cell phone?) anything symbolizing wisdom, wealth, love, and joy.) ~ Have you ever thought of animals having special powers and meaning? What animals represent wisdom, and why?
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Discussion:
~ Where and how do we see karma in everyday life? Do we have control over our karma, or is everything that happens unchangeable fate? ~ Have you ever done something that was brave or strong (or unkind and weak) that had a long-lasting effect? ~ What can we learn from the spiritual teaching of this story?
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Discussion:
~ What are your inner enemies? How do they get in the way of being your best self? Hindus say that Durga will conquer or control those inner enemies. What does that mean to you? ~ In India, Durga is honored with an important festival, Durga Puja that lasts ten days. Hindus decorate their homes, buy gifts for friends and relatives, shop for new clothes, prepare special foods, and organize dance and music performances. Its a huge social event, but the underlying theme is worship of the mother goddess. How is this similar to or different from festivals and holidays you celebrate?
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By accepting these things in the story framework, we also accept other parts that defy explaining. For example, Vishnu came in the form of a demon and stole the kings horse, which had been brought out to honor the gods. We are not told why. When the kings sons went in search of the horse, they were punished. Again we can wonder why, but the only answer we get is from the god Brahma, who says all of this is fated to happen. It fits with the Hindu outlook on life, which is to follow your dharma, accepting that you may not be given explanations in this life.
Discussion:
~ The entire Ganges River is sacred to Hindus. What are some other important rivers? Perhaps you can find legends and stories about how they came to be and how they are honored. Maybe one is near you. (A few: Amazon, Nile, Zambezi, Columbia, Yangtze.)
ISLAM
Do unto all men as you would wish to have done unto you
Almost a fifth of the worlds population follows Islamic belief and practices, especially in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and North Africa. Some Muslims live in North America and Europe. There are two main branches of Islam, the Sunni and the Shiite. Most Muslims are Sunnis. The teachings of Islam come from three books: the Koran (or Quran), considered to be the direct message from Allah; the hadiths, which are sayings of the Prophet Muhammad; and the Sharia, commandments on how to live a good life. Muslims also have five duties, which are called pillars because these duties support the structure of the religion just as pillars hold up a building. The Five Pillars of Islam are: 1. Shahadah. This is an Arabic word for the declaration of faith that there is only one God and Muhammad was his messenger. Muslims say the Sshahadah when they get up in the morning and when they go to bed at night. 2. Salah. Five times a day, prayers must be said while kneeling toward the Kaaba in Mecca, the city in Saudi Arabia where Muhammad was born. 3. Sawm. During the month of Ramadan, adults may not eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset. Young children, sick people, and pregnant women are not required to fast. 4. Zakah. Giving money to help the poor is a way of showing gratitude to Allah. 5. Hajj. Muslims who are physically able are expected to travel to Mecca at least once in a lifetime to worship Allah and to honor Abraham and Muhammad. The two most important festivals of Islam are holidays celebrating the end of Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca. On the 27th day of Ramadan, the Night of Power remembers Muhammads first revelation from Allah.
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Sacred Sites:
Mecca, Muhammads birthplace, is the holiest city in the Islamic world. Located in western Saudi Arabia, it is the direction Muslims face when they pray. Every Muslim tries to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, which is forbidden to non-Muslims. Medina, City of the Prophet, is the place where Muhammad lived before he and his followers marched to Mecca. A mosque stands on the site of his home, and he was buried here. Medina also has Islams first mosque. Jerusalem has two places holy to Islam. One is the Dome of the Rock, an octagonal building with walls 60 feet high, many windows and mosaic tiles, and a gold dome. The other is Al Aqsa mosque, part of a complex of religious buildings on Majed Mount (also called Temple Mount, and sacred to Jews). Al Aqsa is the largest mosque in Jerusalem.
Discussion:
~ Why is Abraham such a revered prophet in Islam? (Abraham established monotheism, the belief in one God. He was willing to sacrifice his son, as Allah commanded, and Islam is based on surrender to the will of Allah.)
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~ What is the point of having a ceremony as elaborate as the Hajj? What is the benefit? (A few: the Hajj bonds Muslims worldwide; it represents the unity and equality of all Muslims; its something to work toward and be proud of; it helps keep the history and significance of the religion alive in the hearts of believers; its an expression of faith; and the sacrifice in time and money shows a commitment to Islam and Allah.) ~ You will never see a picture of Abraham or any other person in Islamic art, because Islam forbids the imagery of people. Instead, Muslims have created elaborate designs in carvings, tile work, calligraphy, and architecture. Why do you think this rule was made? (Religious leaders believed that artists creating human images would be imitating Allah; and people might worship the images as idols or be distracted by them.)
Discussion:
~ How does the Koran compare to the Judeo-Christian Bible? (The Koran was written during Muhammads lifetime, while much of the Bible was written long after the stories took place. The Koran is still read in the original Arabic. Muslims believe the Koran is the direct word of Allah, while the Bible is a mixture of Gods revelations and a history written by numerous prophets and believers.)
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~ Do you know of any other prophets who have had revelations or messages from beyond the physical world? (Abraham; Moses; St. Paul; Black Elk) ~ If you thought youd had a miraculous revelation or saw an angel who gave you a message, how would you feel? Who would you tell, and what would you do about it?
A Boy Of Courage
Salamah showed great courage and resourcefulness in his quick actions to save Muhammads camels. He was in personal danger, but he didnt hesitate. The story is one of hundreds in Islamic tradition that tell of devout Muslims who defended their faith or acted according to Allahs will. Not everyone can run like Salamah. But anyone can try to be a good person and defend a cause or a person you believe in.
Discussion:
~ Who or what cause would you defend if it were threatened? How would you do this? ~ Do you have a belief as important to you as Islam was to Salamah? ~ What do you think of a belief so strong its followers would die to defend it? ~ What about beliefs that are different, perhaps opposed to each other, but people on both sides feel equally strongly?
Discussion:
~ What creature would you stop to help? Are there any you would not help? Why or why not?
further. The ride took him from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he met the prophets and led them in prayer. Because Muhammad stood in front of the other prophets while they prayed, Muslims believe this was a sign that he was the last prophet sent by Allah. After praying, Muhammad ascended from the rock where he was standing up to the heavens; later a mosque was built on the rock. Called the Dome of the Rock, the shrine for pilgrims still stands. The morning after the Night Ride, when Muhammad related his experience, some of the people of Mecca laughed at him and said he must be crazy. Muhammad was well known for being honest and trustworthy, but they said he could not have gone to Jerusalem in a night, as it took two months to get there from Mecca. They challenged him to prove he was there by describing it. Muhammad described it exactly, and they knew he spoke the truth.
Discussion:
~ What is a miracle? Why was Muhammads Night Ride miraculous? ~ How does this miracle compare with miracle stories in other religions? ( Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead; David killed a giant with one stone) ~ What is the significance of miracle stories; why are they important and what do they tell us?
JUDAISM
What you yourself hate, do to no man
About 4,000 years ago, in the Middle East, at a time when people worshiped many different gods, a man named Abraham believed there was only one god. He felt called by God to move with his family to a new land, where God said his descendants would become a great nation. Abraham and his family did leave their home and go to Canaan, which later was called Israel. In Canaan, Abrahams people were called Hebrews, a name that indicated they had come from another place. Abrahams faith and actions founded the religion that became known as Judaism, a religion based on worshiping God and obeying his commandments. The main rules Jewish people live by are called the Ten Commandments, which Jews and Christians alike believe were revealed by God to Moses. The stone tablets inscribed with the Commandments were kept in a chest called the Ark of the Covenant. The Commandments are: 1. You shall have no other gods before me. 2. You shall not make any graven image or likeness or bow down to it. 3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
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4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 5. Honor your father and your mother. 6. You shall not kill. 7. You shall not commit adultery. 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 10. You shall not covet your neighbors possessions. Over the centuries, even through times of suffering and oppression, Jews have kept their faith in one everlasting, omnipotent god who claims them as his chosen people. They believe that they can demonstrate Gods will and teachings by the way they live, loving him and keeping his commandments.
Sacred Sites:
Temple Mount (Mount Moriah), Jerusalem, is said to be where God gathered dust to create the first man and where Abraham offered his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. It is also the site of Solomons Temple and, after it was destroyed, the Second Temple. Jews turn toward it when they pray. Western Wall is believed to be the last remnant of the Second Temple, which was built about 20 B.C.E. and destroyed in 70 C.E. Jews came to the wall to weep over the temples destruction and so it was called the Wailing Wall. They still go there to place written prayers in crevices of the immense wall. Mount Sinai, in barren, rocky land in Egypt, is where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. The inscribed tablets are called the Ark of the Covenant. Cave of the Patriarchs (Cave of Machpelah) is the burial place of Abraham and other early Jewish leaders. It is a shrine complex south of Jerusalem in Hebron, West Bank. There is a mosque here as well, because its also a sacred site for Muslims.
One theory says the story reflects a piece of history, showing how the religion of the Hebrew god conquered the older Earth-based religions that worshiped female goddesses. The serpent was a symbol of some goddess-worshiping religions. The Garden of Eden story differs from other creation stories in several ways. One is its insistence on only one god. Another is the absence of any explanation for Gods existence. In Genesis, God does not come into being; rather, he has always existed, not as a part of nature but as its creator, separate from and over it. God also endowed human beings with free will, enabling them to make their own choices, which implies personal responsibility and accountability for ones own actions. This ethical instruction for people is not a part of most creation myths in other world cultures. All these facets of the story reflect the Hebrews search for a religious and moral vision and are departures from the myths of other cultures and lands.
Discussion:
~ What would it be like to be the first and only human being on Earth? ~ If Adam and Eve had not disobeyed their god, how might the world be different today? ~ What does the tree of the knowledge of good and evil represent to you?
Discussion:
~ Do you think this story is factual history? Why or why not? Do you think one man and his family saved
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two of every living creature? Was it possible? Was it a miracle? ~ The Bible says that Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. What does this mean? (Perhaps it indicates that Noah, like all people, was a man of his own time and culture, doing the best he could.) ~ If you know the right thing to do, will you do it no matter what others may think? What if they make fun of you or shun you, as Noahs acquaintances may have done when he was building the ark? ~ Why did Noah send out a dove to search for dry land, and why did she return on the second try with an olive branch? Is there a special significance to the dove and the olive branch? (The dove and the olive branch are both symbols of peace; in this case, of the enduring promised peace between God and man.) For young children, a charming picture book to show and read is Why Noah Chose the Dove, by Isaac Balshevis Singer, with illustrations by Eric Carle.
Discussion:
~ Imagine yourself in Miriams place. How would you feel and what would you do? ~ Moses mother and sister acted with courage. Can you think of actions people do today that take courage? ~ Have you ever tried to defend something or someone helpless? Did you stand up for someone younger or smaller, or protect a pet? If so, was it hard to do? Would you do it again?
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Discussion:
~ Have you ever encountered a bully, someone who picks on smaller, weaker people? How did you deal with it?
Discussion:
~ Joseph was gifted in unusual, sometimes puzzling ways. How are family relationships affected when one person has special talents?
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~ What are some other ways Josephs brothers could have dealt with their anger and jealousy? Did they grow wiser? How can you tell? ~ What could Joseph have done differently? ~ How does being chosen as the favorite affect the one chosen? Could it make the unhappy? person feel lonely or
NATIVE AMERICAN
Live in harmony, for we are all related
Native American tribes, spread over a vast country, express their spirituality in many different ways. They have complex rituals and ceremonies based upon their particular ancestral traditions and environment, whether it is eastern woodland, the dry Southwest, the grassy plains or the far western ocean. What they share is a profound reverence for the land and the spirit that dwells in all creatures, including plants, rocks, rivers, and animals. Everything on Earth, as well as the moon, sun, stars, and planets, is interconnected in a great web of life. That is not to say that all Native Americans today believe in or practice the ways of their ancestors. Many are staunch Christians or have combined the old ways with Christianity. The significance of Native American spirituality to those who are from a different heritage is that many are coming to believe its fundamental perspective on nature has a message for the modern world. All people, not only Native Americans, can try to live in harmony with their environment. Native American stories come from an oral tradition, when tales were told around the fire at night in the cold part of the year. They entertain, and they often teach a lesson about the right way to live.
Sacred Sites:
Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Wyoming is a sacred site for its history and legends to many tribes. The huge wheel, about 80 feet in diameter, is made of limestone rocks, with 28 spokes radiating from the center. This is a place for vision quests. San Francisco Peaks, Arizona, are mountains dedicated by the Hopi people to the Kachinas, or spiritual beings. Hopis make pilgrimages to leave offerings in an area that has been a shrine for centuries. Bear Butte, South Dakota, is called Noahvose by the Cheyenne people and is considered their most sacred site. Sweetgrass Hills, Montana, are holy to a number of tribes. The area is used for ceremonies, vision quests, and the sun dance.
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Discussion:
~ Grandmother Spider had a clever solution to the animals problem. Can you think of other things they might have done? What could have happened to other animals? (A few possibilities: Crow might have flown so close to the Sun his entire body was burnt black; Deer leaped close and got a black nose; Blue Jay got so hot he dove into an icy lake and turned blue; the skin on Frogs feet stuck together and gave him webbed feet.) ~ Have you ever been in a group that solved a problem together? (Finding something that was lost, settling an argument, organizing a game) How did the group solve the problem? Or what did each person contribute to the solution?
Discussion:
~ Was Coyote treated fairly in this story? If not, does it matter?
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~ What are some of Coyotes traits that show up in this story? ~ Can you identify some traits that humans share with Coyote?
Discussion:
~ Can you name significant symbols of other religions and spiritual traditions? What meaning does each symbol hold? (Examples: Christian cross, Jewish Star of David, Buddhist lotus, Hindu OM, Islam star and crescent.)
Turtle Island
(Onondaga, Seneca, Iroquois, Ojibway)
Many Native American creation myths are earth-diver stories. That is, they involve a creature who dives into the waters murky depths and brings up earth so that life on land can begin. It has been said that this is, in part, a recognition of the origins of life, which came from the seas, and land that rose from beneath the waters. Even referring to the planet as an island is accurate, for Earth floats like an island in a sea of space. The turtle is an appropriate symbol for the planets foundation; as an animal that can live to be older than almost any other, it represents age and endurance.
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Theres a life lesson in this myth, as well. It shows that a small and ordinary creature like the muskrat can do a great deed.
Discussion:
~ For thousands of years people have wondered how the world began and looked for stories to explain it. Do you know other creation stories? How do these stories fit with what we learn from science today? (Some reflect scientific discoveries. For example, Turtle Island shows that living creatures existed in water before they did on land.)
Discussion:
~ Raven, like other tricksters, is a mixed blessing. He causes lots of trouble, but he also brings gifts. Are tricksters good or bad, neither or both? Why? ~ Does this story say anything about being respectful of the natural world? If so, what is it telling us?
SACRED EARTH
Do as you will, as long as you harm no one
Sacred Earth is not the name of a particular religion; it is a term that covers a diversity of beliefs. These beliefs have in common a profound respect for the natural cycles of sun, stars, moon, planets and seasons, and a belief that a divine spirit exists in everything. In this it is similar to Native American spirituality.
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Those who call themselves Pagans, or Neo-Pagans, practice what some label the old religion, the beliefs that preceded Christianity. There is no set dogma, and the practices are based more on personal experience than on faith or revelation. Most Pagans live in North America, the United Kingdom, and western Europe. One branch of Paganism is Wicca, or Witchcraft. Wicca is the preferred term to many modern Wiccans, because Witchcraft has become a negative, even frightening word and has no spiritual meaning. Wicca comes from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning wise one and in earlier times referred to healers and wise folk. Witch did not mean someone who was old, ugly, or fearsome, but a person, female or male, with strong personal powers. Followers of the Sacred Earth path have a reverence for nature and fertility. Most honor the creative force of the universe as the Great Mother Goddess, but they also recognize a balance between male and female forces; both are essential. They see the sacred not as domination from above but as power that comes from within. Since these people usually believe that after death the individual does not go to heaven or hell but lives on, in a different, invisible realm, they feel a strong bond with their ancestors and all who came before.
Sacred Sites:
Planet Earth and the entire natural world are considered sacred. Some places hold special energy and power, such as Mount Shasta, California, and Uluru, an enormous, 986-foot red rock, formerly called Ayers Rock, in Australia. These are only a couple of examples of places with great spiritual significance. Standing stones and burial sites from prehistoric times, which are claimed to hold strong Earth energy, draw pilgrims for meditation, reflection, and ceremonies. Examples are Stonehenge, England, a circle of megaliths topped by lintels, and Newgrange, Ireland, a tomb or worship site that is astronomically aligned. There are hundreds of ancient stone structures in Britain, Ireland, and western Europe. Osun-Osogbo Grove, Nigeria, is a sacred forest considered the home of Osun, goddess of fertility to the Yoruba people. Shrines, sculptures, and carvings are dedicated to her. Valley of the Temples, Sicily, is an archeological site outside the town of Agrigento. It has the ruins of eight temples honoring Greek gods and goddesses, including Demeter.
Many myths, including this one, call the creative force Gaia, which in ancient Greece was the name of the Goddess of Earth. From her and her husband Uranus, God of the Sky, came the mountains, seas, and all the Greek gods and goddesses. Today, some people use the term Gaia to refer to Earth as an ecosystem, an interconnected and interdependent web of life. They say the planet is not an inanimate rock but a living organism, with every part of the global environment important to its health and survival.
Discussion:
~ Imagine the planet as if it were human. What would be the parts of her body? (Examples might be roots and rocks as her flesh and bones, rivers and streams her veins and blood, mountains her curves and angles, and soil and grass her skin and hair.)
Discussion:
~ It is important to remember that the goddess and god are not human; they are metaphors, or symbols, used to help imagine the mystery of life. In this mythology, the gods birth celebrates the end of winter, with the promise of warmth and new crops. His death represents the harvest and dying of vegetation so life may continue. ~ If the Wheel of the Year is an unfamiliar story, it can raise questions about the relationship between the god and goddess (e.g., can a mom marry her child?). To the Great Mother Goddess, the god is both son and lover, which in humans would be considered impermissible. But this is symbolism. Describing the cycle of the natural world in human terms is a way of understanding through imagery that our minds can grasp. ~ Christian holidays were set to coincide with Wheel of the Year holidays already in existence. What are those holidays and their earlier counterparts? (Easter= Ostara; Halloween=All Hallows Eve, or Samhain; Christmas=Yule.)
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Discussion:
~ What tests of courage are required of us today? What is the equivalent of the helpful snake? ~ Snakes are honored, even worshiped in some cultures, but in others they are hated and feared. Some people are terrified of them. Why do snakes evoke such strong feelings and reactions?
Discussion:
~ Do you recognize the planet Venus? It is the third-brightest object in the sky, after the sun and moon. Can you see how the myth may have arisen, with people watching the planet that appears in the morning or evening, depending upon the cycling of the planets? Venus has been important in many cultures for centuries.
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~ (For older students) Inannas descent also represents a mental and emotional journey into the unconscious self. To learn about your innermost self, you must surrender your defenses and be willing to let go of worldly things and attitudes, just as Inanna surrenders her royal trappings to the guard at the gates. When Inanna enters the darkness, she finds pain. Her sister strikes her down. Erishkegal might be considered Inannas hidden identity, the part of herself that feels left in the dark, neglected and lonely. She has not been given attention, and she strikes out. But Inanna has left Ninshubar, yet another part of her self, on guard, and Ninshubar finds a way to bring her back. When we do as Inanna did, taking a journey to the hidden parts of the soul to seek knowledge, like Inanna we will return to daily life wiser and with more self-understanding. We learn to accept the need for balance and for recognizing all the different parts of ourselves.
Discussion:
~ If you live in a region of seasonal changes, do you sense the wonder in each season? From the colorful leaves of autumn to winters snow, from the green buds of spring to full summer, each appears in its own time and happens every year. ~ Are there times when you feel it is important to do something, even if it pains a parent? Can you be sure it is not because your friends are doing it, or it seems exciting, but because deep in your soul it touches your
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values? Examples might be when you want to participate in a particular sport, play a musical instrument, explore a different religion, learn about a career that seems scary or chancy, or go to a college different from the one your parents favor. ~ Have you ever grieved over a loss, like Demeter? Maybe you know someone who died, or you lost a beloved pet. Then you felt as shriveled and cold as winter, when nothing grows. But finally something happened that made your spirit flower again. What was it that gave you hope? (Passage of time, encouraging words from others, supportive friends or family, return of what was lost?) Was everything then exactly as it was before, or was there a change?
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Further Resources
A Buddhist Bible, Dwight Goddard, CreateSpace, 2011 Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood: A Treasury of Goddess and Heroine Lore from Around the World, Merlin Stone. Beacon Press, 1990 Black Elk Speaks, John G. Neihardt. Simon & Schuster, 1975 Christianity, Philip Wilkinson. (Eyewitness Book) DK Publishers, Inc., 2006 Gaia: The Growth of an Idea, Lawrence E. Joseph. St. Martins Press, 1991 Hajj & Umrah From A to Z, Mamdouh N. Mohamed, 1996 The Hindu Mind: Fundamentals of Hindu Religion and Philosophy for All Ages, Bansi Pandit. New Age Books, India, 2001 The Holy Bible. In The Beginning: Creation Stories, Virginia Hamilton and Barry Moser. Graphia, 1991 Islam, Neil Morris. Peter Bedrick Books, McGraw-Hill Childrens Publishing, 2002 Islam: The Straight Path, John L. Esposito. Oxford University Press, 2010 Judaism: a beginners guide, Lavinia and Dan Cohn-Sherbok. Oneworld Publications, 2010 The Koran (The Quran) Lost Goddesses of Early Greece: A Collection of Pre-Hellenic Myths, Charlene Spretnak. Beacon Press, 1992. Myths and Legends of Hindus and Buddhists, Sister Nivedita and Ananda K. Coomaraswamy. Kessinger Publishing, LLC., 2010 Native American Religion, Joel W. Martin. Oxford University Press, 1999. Native American Religions: An Introduction, Sam Gill. Wadsworth Publishing, 2004 Native American Stories (Myths and Legends), told by Joseph Bruchac and Michael Caduto. Fulcrum Publishing, 1991 Sacred Earth: Places of Peace and Power, Martin Gray. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 2007 The Worlds Religions (Plus), Huston Smith. HarperOne, 2009
Many stories and references are available on the Internet, and numerous films are based on sacred stories, myths, legends, and history.
Acknowledgments
In composing this guide, I received able assistance, counsel, and suggestions from several advisors. All were generous with their time and knowledge, and many of their recommendations were used in the book. For their invaluable help I especially want to express my gratitude to Annapurna, Lynn Bacon, the Rev. John Bristow, Bess Clark, Susan Carter, Nan Narboe, Dee Poth, Rachel Pruitt, Wajdi Said, and Susan Troccolo. Thank you.
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