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Full-Text Articles in Asian Studies
Tibetan Buddhism In Northern California, Michele Gibney
Tibetan Buddhism In Northern California, Michele Gibney
Michele Gibney
When the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet before a Chinese invasion force in the 1950’s, Tibet became an icon in the eyes of the West as an underdog; albeit an incredibly spiritual and exotic one. Due to a dwindling of the religious followers and resources within the community of Tibet in exile, Tibetan Buddhists ventured out from their self-imposed isolation to spread the teachings to any who would listen, (Coleman, 2001, 72). Buddhism, already a source of fascination in America due to the Beat poets and Zen Buddhism, became a craze between the years 1960-1997, (ibid, 103). California …
Evolving Hinduism: Comparing The Bhagavad Gītā, Michele Gibney
Evolving Hinduism: Comparing The Bhagavad Gītā, Michele Gibney
Michele Gibney
Hinduism was a semi-fluid belief system in the medieval period of India. At first it was built around the Brahmin class who were the priests that had the ritual authority to perform elaborate sacrifices for the other three caste levels. There was also then the canon of Vedic literature, one aspect of which was the Upanişads. The Upanişads preached a solitary, hermit-like existence which emphasized meditation. This produced a strong ascetic body, but did not contribute to the continuation of society as a whole. The Upanişads themselves were a reaction to the earlier traditions of priestly worship and predominance of …
Spiritual Quest In Hojoki And Hosshinshu And The Duality Of Art And Religion, Michele Gibney
Spiritual Quest In Hojoki And Hosshinshu And The Duality Of Art And Religion, Michele Gibney
Michele Gibney
The individual’s quest for enlightenment in Japan is a serious one. One such individual from the medieval Japanese period will be the subject of this paper. Kamo no Chomei, a recluse, poet, and priest who lived from 1155-1216 strove to attain a religious awakening of the mind during the latter half of his life. The question of whether he succeeded or not is a difficult one to answer, however, by examining two of his major works—Hojoki and Hosshinshu—the nature of Chomei’s quest should become clearer. Although I do not believe Chomei found the enlightenment he sought; the quest itself and …