Buddhism vs. Mormonism

The book on the right, The Simeon Solution, was given to me by a friend in response to my questions about sexism within the Mormon Church. The author is a convert to the LDS religion, having been raised Methodist, but searching for something else and finding Mormonism after being impressed with the examples set by two men who are LDS.

I enjoyed the book, reading about others' experiences with religion usually fascinates me, and I was struck by Anne Osborn Poelman's thoroughness in research and studies of the Mormon Church. Regarding the issue with only men being allowed to hold the priesthood and give blessings, she puts it on her back burner and does not find it a significant problem. She points out the flaws of the people within the Mormon Church, the members, and I appreciate her candidness in relaying her experiences.

The thing that irked me throughout the book was the statement, "I know the Church is true." To me a church is an establishment created by humans. I understand the idea that the Church (meaning the LDS Church) was established by a man people believe was a prophet who received direct revelations from God, but it does not make sense that certain things have changed through the years in the Mormon religion and yet the Church has remained true. The big one, that is quite popular, is the issue regarding persons who are not caucasian being members of the Mormon Church. I don't want to harp on this issue, because it is widely discussed in many circles, but I will copy from the blacklds.org web site which states that in "1978: Revelation on Priesthood gives the priesthood to all worthy men regardless of color." This would mean that what was previously practiced was deemed, well, wrong and therefore, not true.

After The Simeon Solution I started reading the book on the left in the photo, Joyful Wisdom. In it, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche writes, "Unlike many of his contemporaries, however, the Buddha didn't try to convince people that the method through which he found release from suffering was the only true method." This quote has been attributed to the Buddha, "Don't believe anything I say because I say so. Try it out for yourselves." I had a "Yes!" moment when reading that.

I am very skeptical of any person or group who states to know the answers for all persons. In the religion which I was raised I heard, "The only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ" and yet I had friends whose families were not Christian and they were wonderful people, doing amazing things for others. It didn't make sense to me, and still doesn't that those people would not be saved, because they had not accepted Jesus as their savior, especially when I saw Christians doing horrific things.

I spent some time while living in San Antonio studying Buddhism and one of the things that really struck me was the Bodhisattva Vow, which is stated on the intrex.net web site as "The Bodhisattva vows, out of compassion, not to enter nirvana until all beings have entered nirvana. This means the Bodhisattva practices not for her or his enlightenment alone, but for the enlightenment of all beings. The Bodhisattva vows to remain in this world of ignorance and confusion, vows to be willing to experience whatever living beings experience, until all beings are liberated." There was a man at a workshop I attended who had taken this vow and I was in complete awe and what I remember is that for lunch he ate a ham and cheese sandwich. Wait, I thought, he's eating meat! I thought Buddhists weren't allowed to eat meat! Nobody said anything and I then decided this person was living his life the way he felt it was important at that time. My god, he was willing to come back to life as we know it over and over again, under any circumstances, until all people reached enlightenment. I've never heard before or since of anything so selfless.

I believe the members of the Mormon Church have their own version of this vow, through missionary work and their testimonies, they are trying to help others reach enlightenment. What I see as the major difference is that in Buddhism we are taught guidelines: meditation, mindfulness, compassion - these are ways to reach enlightment, but they are very broad and are not specified in how they are carried out. In Mormonism I see humans judging other humans on very specific acts: tithing, abstaining from sexual relations and alcohol, and not using illegal drugs (which I completely agree with, though I do not think a person who does use illegal drugs is not worthy in the eyes of an omnibenevolent god).

Perhaps the Buddha would say that those following the Mormon Church are just following their own path toward enlightenment, assuming they are compassionate toward others. If that is the case, then I need to just stop worrying about what the Mormons are doing and try to follow my own path (this path of mine seems full of detours, obstacles and misguided directions!). The thing is, conversion within the Mormon Church is such a major component, that I feel offended, because I see it as a statement that it is only through following the teachings of the Mormon Church that one can reach enlightenment. This would mean that all those other religions are wrong, all those other people living seemingly good lives are not going to reach enlightenment because they are not following a certain church. I just don't get it (and I don't limit these remarks to Mormonism, it has been my experience with Christianity and my very, very brief exploration into the Islamic religion).

I am certainly not a Buddhist - I do not know enough about Buddhism to be a Buddhist, but when I read that being kind and mindful are the tenets, I want to get onboard. When I read that it is up to each individual to find their own truth, I feel a strength within myself, a need to trust my own endeavors. Another thing I remember from a class Sophie took in Buddhism was when a child stated something about Jesus being an important man and the teacher said, "Yes, he was." He never implied that only Buddha held the key to the door of salvation. I feel with Buddhism there are many teachers and many paths - all are to be embraced and valued. I just don't see this with Mormonism (and again, other religions), which may value the teachings of others, but state there is only one path toward salvation with only one leader.

***As always, these are my interpretations of philosophies/religions. I hope if someone reads this and thinks I am WAY off (or even just a little off) they will write of their experience and understanding and I thank you for doing so!

Week 8

I started week 8 of the running program I've been following: http://running.about.com/od/getstartedwithrunning/ht/getstarted.htm

Last week was tough, 11 minutes of running with 1 minute intervals of walking, 3 times. I actually did it yesterday in high winds, sometimes felt like I was standing in place, but I did it. Today's run, 22 minutes non-stop, was wonderful!! It was raining, not hard, and that did not deter me. I ran along Canyon Road to Center Street (even up that little hill from the island to town), past the Presbyterian Church and back toward Main Street. I stopped at 22 minutes so I can ease into 30 minutes, hopefully, by the end of the week.

I'm feeling really good about making it through this program, as I am not one to stick with things. I'm feeling really, really good about finding something that pushes me and gives me something to focus on, away from all the hassles of moving and pressures of life in general. I don't listen to music when I run, just focus on my breathing and how I'm feeling, something I'm learning about in a great book, ChiRunning, by Danny Dreyer: http://www.amazon.com/ChiRunning-Revolutionary-Approach-Effortless-Injury-Free/dp/1416549447/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276440366&sr=8-1

Childhood Rite of Passage

We survived another sleepover at our house - whew! I had no idea how tiring they were for the parents, and to think my parents had 5 children, though I don't think we ever had sleepovers at the same time.

Soph had her first sleepover when she was 5 years old, in Family Housing at the University of Michigan. Her friend spent the night at our home, then Soph went over there. We lived in townhouses and the home was literally one townhouse away, so yep, at 10:00 p.m. I did a little walk by! Right at that moment, my phone rang, it was the mom and I thought I was busted, but no, she just wanted to know if I could bring Soph's favorite cereal over. It seems the sleeping part was about the same at the friend's house as at ours, because when Soph came home the next day she said, "Eun's mom said we can't have sleepovers anymore." I admit, I wasn't too disappointed.

Since then Soph's had quite a few sleepovers and we've not yet had to pick her up in the middle of the night nor drive a friend home in the middle of the night (as happened with me!).

In Utah sleepovers are not the thing and I think I know why, but if someone can respond to this and tell me for sure, I'd appreciate it! Late nights are big out here, which I kind of like, because we all get some sleep. A late night entails a friend coming over, sometimes in their pajamas, and staying until about 10:00 p.m. They then return home and we all head to bed, versus the up until 1:00 a.m. bit that happens at sleepovers.

The only thing is, I so fondly remember sleepovers I had as a kid, at my house and at my friends' homes. I was never molested or did anything that I shouldn't have (or that I wouldn't have done at another time of day) - and yes, I know these things can happen at sleepovers and it would break my heart. I also know the parents of the children with whom Soph plays and I feel very confident that the only thing we need fear is their sleep-deprived frustration the next day as our child can stay up LATE!!!

Now, having written this, I think I did a post once touting the great things about late nights, and they are great, but as always, my mind changes on topics...sometimes from minute to minute. Utah is the only place that I've heard of such a ban on sleepovers, or am I just not aware of this occurrence elsewhere?

What do you all think?

Looking Ahead

I finished my 3rd day of week 7 of the running program I am following - just 1 more day of this week. Next week I get to start out running for 20 minutes nonstop and work up to 30 minutes. For the following weeks I want to attempt this schedule to build up to a 5K:

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
1	Rest	1.5 mi run	CT or Rest	1.5 mi run	Rest	1.5 mi run	20-30 min EZ
2	Rest	1.75 mi run	CT or Rest	1.5 mi run	Rest	1.75 mi run	20-30 min EZ
3	Rest	2 mi run	CT or Rest	1.5 mi run	Rest	2 mi run	20-30 min EZ
4	Rest	2.25 mi run	CT or Rest	1.5 mi run	Rest	2.25 mi run	25-35 min EZ
5	Rest	2.5 mi run	CT or Rest	2 mi run	Rest	2.5 mi run	25-35 min EZ
6	Rest	2.75 mi run	CT	2 mi run	Rest	2.75 mi run	35-40 min EZ
7	Rest	3 mi run	CT	2 mi run	Rest	3 mi run	40 min EZ
8	Rest	3 mi run	CT or Rest	2 mi run	Rest	Rest	5K Race!

The 5K I want to do is July 24, so I might have to push this a bit, but I think I can do it! Anyone who runs, please tell me what exactly "rest" means...complete rest? May I take my dogs for walks up the big hills: Old Main, the Temple, etc.?

Brotherly Love

It took 3 separate vet appointments to get all of our animals their check-ups, but we're done, whew! Lucy was first, she did great, except the persistent barking in the waiting room. Jada was next and since she was confined to a kennel, it was quite easy on my part, though not so much for the techs who had to hold her while the shots were administered.

We saved the best (ha) for last - the boys. Winston was his usually happy, go-lucky self, wagging his tail, licking everyone and not making a peep. Percy was his usual nervous self, whining and trying to hide. They were both weighed, checked out and then for the finale, the shots. Percy was first and when he was put on the table and started to really squirm and cry, that's when Winston's nervous behavior kicked in. It struck me as very endearing that Winston did not worry so much about what was done to him, as much as he was worried about his brother. He was trying to get to Percy and was whining, something we do not normally hear from him. He is truly a protector of his brother.

It was a good life lesson for me, seeing Winston's concern for his brother, realizing that the pain of others' is all of our concern and whatever we can do to ease it helps not just the recipient, but the giver as well. Maybe that is why Winston is so happy, because he is needed. In my reading of self-help books last week, I came across a story that relayed the same message. I also know that when faced with my own turmoil, my best remedy for happiness is to focus on another person's turmoil. As I feel sad about our upcoming move, that is what I should be doing. Thanks Winston, for reminding me what relationships and life are all about!

Running Away From My Problems

I am at the stage of our big transition in which I am second guessing our choice to move to Michigan. What was I thinking? We're leaving the mountains, Sophie's great school, Steve's fabulous work schedule, our wonderful neighborhood...for the relatively unknown. We know Michigan, some of it, but we don't know if we'll be happy!

I'm glad I started exercising and eating better before the idea of moving was even conceived. I am now on week 7 of the 8 week running program I started and it's getting intense, which is what I need. When I'm running I'm just thinking about how I'm moving, keeping correct form and wondering if I can tackle the slight incline ahead. I'm not at that stage in which I think through problems, daydream of meditate. I hope to get there, but this phase is good for right now.

Running is something I can do anywhere and that gives me a lot of comfort right now. I can't wait to explore the terrain in Michigan with my two feet and the extra oxygen is going to be a bonus!

My mind is going about a million miles a minute these days, sometimes I'm extremely excited, sometimes I feel really horrible. Change is not easy, but necessary and whether or not one faces a situation, it's going to arrive. I'm just glad that I have something consistent right now, something that is good for me and something that challenges me. It's exciting to know I can keep on running and will never reach my destination, but I can enjoy the pit stops along the way.

School's Almost Out for Summer

Today is Sophie's last day of 4th grade and her last day at Adams Elementary. We are very, very sad. Sophie has been at Adams since starting 1st grade and I feel like Adams is the elementary school of my youth - it literally is the elementary school of Steve's youth, as he attended Adams for a few years way back when.

Adams has the socioeconomic diversity we love, programs for students of all abilities, activities after school, a dynamic and caring staff and the principal is willing to listen to parents' suggestions and I believe he is there to really make sure each student and their family succeeds.

I have been fortunate to work at Adams during Sophie's time there and I highly recommend working at your child's school. I loved seeing her throughout the day, knowing what was going on and working with other children, which put my ideas for what to expect from Sophie in perspective.

I'm not planning on going into the school today, I am not at all good with good-byes and right now I'm tearing up and since this is about Sophie today, I just want to be her mom and to comfort her as needed. Whatever school we choose in Michigan will have high standards to live up to, and I don't doubt it will, but Sophie will always be an Adams Owl!

You Are What You Read!

On Monday Sophie, her grandma and I strolled along Main Street and stopped in The Book Table for some browsing. Sophie wanted to show her grandma some things in the children's area upstairs, so I curled up in the self-help section, which I feel is a great place to spend a few moments, soaking up the warm fuzzy words which are suppose to improve your life.

I instantly grabbed The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and after perusing each section, determined my love language is physical touch - with some words of affirmation. I could not find Steve's love language, nothing mentioned fungi, but I realized that all those times I'm hugging him and invading his personal space is because of my needs, not his.

After Chapman I turned to one of my favorites, Leo Buscaglia. I was introduced to Leo's book, Living, Loving and Learning when it was required reading for an education class in college. Leo is to me what Jesus is to millions. I take his words as divined by God. He speaks of living life fully, grasping the moment and as a bonus, he promotes the hugging of all - the man speaks my love language! Leo passed away is 1998 and yep, sometimes I send my prayers his way.

There was also a book divulging the secrets of happy persons. I don't remember what I read, probably something about finding one's passion in life - great advice!

I would love to buy all these books and more in the self-help section, but I am pretty discriminating when it comes to purchasing books. I recently bought, The Tibetan Book of the Dead because I felt it is something I would be proud to display in my personal library and it's a book that requires great thought when reading. Now, after buying this book, I found Howie Mandel's autobiography at the library and I inhaled it while still on the first page of The Tibetan Book of the Dead. I laughed out loud at the antics described by Mandel and empathized as he relayed his struggles of dealing with OCD. Loved the book. When I finished the book, I found myself rather half-heartedly returning to my more intellectual read.

I do believe you are what you read and I do believe that as in all things, one should sample from the great menus offered. Read books that feed your mind, expand your horizons and make your emotions surge. Sample from menus of which you would not normally imbibe. Visit the dessert section, taste from the appetizers and go ahead, sip the wine. It's all good and the lasting effect - instead of a wider girth, a broader view of the world.