Ying-Yang

Taoism

By Boomeryearbook.com

Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination

Taoism is a philosophy with religious offshoots that has evolved since 400 BC; and mingled with other traditions such as Buddhism and Confucianism, it’s had profound effects on East Asia. The literal meaning of Tao is ‘the way’ which defies definition and can only be experienced. The basic belief of Taoism is that a single force permeates the universe and living things called ‘Chi’ – balances in everything or between Yin and Yang- embodies the harmonious relationship between all opposites and is the basis for types of discrimination.

The founder of Taoism is believed to be Tao Tsi born in 604 BC. His book of teachings is called ‘Tao-te-Ching ‘The Book of the Way’ and was followed by his successor, Zhuangzi, centuries later. Both philosophers represent different strains of Taoism; similar to divisions in Greek thought between Plato and Aristotle. The basics, however, remain constant.

Tao believes that Tao is the force that permeates existence, and that each believer’s aim is to attune himself in spirit and person with Tao. Therefore enlightenment is achieved by listening, i.e. through introspection and meditation and through outward observation. God is also not a distant ephemeral reality but is expressed through many manifestations of God in human society; and yet, cannot be represented as an image or a thing. Development of harmony with Tao within oneself is a primary aim to achieve health and the attainment of virtue through the three jewels that are compassion, moderation and humility which discourages types of discrimination. Taoism stresses the importance of ‘Chi’ (breath/air) and the need to nurture it within, and ‘Wu Wei’ which is allowing nature to take its course. It also sees humanity in a positive light; as intrinsically good and compassionate if given freedom to choose any alternative.

The key to developing and experiencing Tao is to achieve yin and yang. Although seen and interpreted in different ways, the meaning and symbol of yin and yang represents opposite or polarized forces in nature. Its symbol is presented as black and white swirls twined around each other with a black dot in the white and vice versa. This symbolizes that opposites can mingle and are not always distinctly separate entities. Taoists believe that human intervention often upsets this balance in both nature (externally) and themselves (internally), and thus, health and vitality is caused by perfect harmony of ying and yang and imbalances within the person, cause illness. The Tao philosophy of Chi has medicinal applications such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, as well as use in healing manifestations of meditation and the physical discipline of Tai Chi balancing body and mind.

Taoism was initially a combination of philosophical concepts and psychology. It took on religious significance when it was adopted in 400 AD by the Chinese state and became one of the three religions of China; the other two being Buddhism and Confucianism. All three disciplines developed together, and the harmony and syncretism that evolved from these religions has shaped China and other countries for centuries to come. Taoism survived as a state entity until 1911 and the subsequent coming of Communist rule that unfortunately banned religion and opened the door fortypes of discrimination; Communism not only destroyed much physical heritage but disallowed religious practice. At present Taoism has approximately 20 million followers mostly centered in Taiwan with smaller numbers elsewhere. Many of modern cultures’ aspects like herbal medicine, martial arts and holistic medicine have been adopted from Taoist thought.

The Psychological Article on Taoism is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, Spirituality, and Solutions to Types of Discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Psychological Articles based Website for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and keep up with the latest advancements in medical and mental health.

Sikhism

By Boomeryearbook.com

The term Sikhism, derived from the word Sikh, comes from the root word ‘sisya’ meaning a learner or ‘siksa’ meaning instruction. Sikhism was formed on the teachings of Guru Nanak and his 10 successor Gurus, in the early 15th century in Punjab, on the Indian Sub-Continent. Today it is the fifth largest organized religion of the world.

Principles and Beliefs:

The foremost belief of Sikhism is to have faith in ‘Wahe Guru’- represented by the symbol ‘ek oankar’- signifying the only universal God, and adhere to the teachings of the11 Gurus, commonly referred to as the enlightened ones. Sokhis is a monotheistic religion. Its most distinguished concept is that of a non-anthropomorphic God. Boomer Yearbook’s research team for psychological articles on types of discrimination discovered that ‘Waheguru’ is a shapeless, sightless and timeless entity. In fact it could be the universe itself.

The followers are faithful to the teachings of all the Gurus as well as adhering to the Holy Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which includes the work of the six Gurus and many devotees from various socio-economic and religious backgrounds.

The beginning of the holy-scripture is the number ‘1’ which stresses the Universality of God. According to psychological articleson this religion, Sikh’s believe God is omnipresent, “it” has been there even before the creation of universe; the cosmos has been created as a result of the order and will of God ‘hukam’.

Nanak described God as not fully understandable by humans yet not fully beyond human comprehension. Psychological articles on Sikhism reveal that according to the beliefs of Sikhs, God is omnipresent and can be seen in all creations; all a devotee needs is to turn one’s eye and heart inward; with devotees finding enlightenment through meditation as only mediation allows the communication between God and humans. Nanak declared that God has no sex and it cannot be addressed as a he.

Salvation:

The final destination of humans, according to Nanak, is the union with God- not Heaven or Hell. The major obstacle in achieving this is the attachment of people to the world; thus perpetuating an endless cycle of birth and reincarnation.

Maya which means illusion or unreality deviates one from the pursuit of God by turning attention to worldly distractions; And the five evils: ego, lust, anger, greed and attachment, also lure humans away from God and should be redeemed through extensive God devotion.

Nanak stressed a balance between work, worship and charity .According to him all humans were equal and one should defend fellow beings. He believed in optimism and the concept of sharing one’s blessings.

Festivals:

Sikh festivals are mostly surrounding the Gurus and the Sikh martyrs.

1. Gurpurabs-In Sikh calendar all 11 Gurus have Gurpurabs but only that of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh is widely celebrated. The Shaheedi Gurpurabs which mark the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur are also celebrated.

2. Vaisakhi or Baisakhi – falls on 13th of April and marks the new spring year and the end of the harvest.

3. Bandi Chor Divas or Devali celebrates Hargobind’s release from the Gwalior Fort.

4. Hola Mohalla is celebrated a day after Holi and the Khalsa Panth gathers at Anand Pur to display their warrior skills.

THE KHALSA

The tenth Guru Gobind Singh gave the name Khalsa i.e. pure, to all Sikhs who were baptized. The first ceremony of initiation took place 29th March 1698/1699 in Punjab. The baptism is done by taking Ammrat. After baptism all Sikhs are bound to wear 5k’s –the articles of faith. They are supposed to be worn at all times for purposes of spiritual benefits. The five ks stand for: kes(uncut hair), kangha(small comb), kara( iron bracelet), kirpan(short sword) and kaccha(special undergarment).

Psychological articles on types of discrimination reveal that Sikhism’s teachings are mainly associated with the history, society and culture of Punjab. Today over 25million Sikhs live across the world; with approximately 75% living in Punjab India. However, Sikhs only make up 2% of the Indian population.

In the beginning of the 19th century, many Sikhs migrated to Canada, East Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia, U.K, with most recently to Australia, New Zealand and United States. Comparatively smaller populations are found in Pakistan, Malaysia, Fiji, Nepal, Iran, Afghanistan, Mauritius, China and Iraq.

The Psychological Article on Sikhism is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, Spirituality, and Solutions to Types of Discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a psychological articles-Informational Social Network Website for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join the Website for Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and get the latest information of physical and mental wellness.

Buddhism Temple

Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination

Buddhism is the religion founded in India in 525 B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha. For many it’s neither a religion nor a philosophy of life, instead it’s a set of teachings to guide one through practical life. But often it’s described as a religion as well as collection of various ethical philosophies presented by Buddha.

Origin

Siddhartha Gautama, born in the city of Lumbini, raised in Kapilvastu in Nepal, was born a prince. His father King Suddhodana, was told by a wise man that either his son would become a great king or a holy man. The king wanted his son to become a king so he shielded him from all the miseries and hardships of life. But at the age of 29 Siddhartha had his ‘four sights’ that of an old man, of a leper, of a corpse and an ascetic.
Gautama then left his privileged life and became a mendicant. He purposely exposed himself to hardships and ordeals. He then abandoned asceticism and found the Middle Way-the path of moderation. He got his Enlightenment at the age of 35, after 49 day’s meditation, under the sacred fig tree. He came to be known as Buddha and spent the rest of his life teaching his insights or dharma. He died around the age of 80 in India.

Schools of Buddhism

One of the world’s greatest religions, Buddhism is divided into two major schools or sects. The Theravada or Hinayama-with followers in Sri Lanka and S.E. Asia and the Mahayana, in China, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. However a comparatively smaller school, Zen still exists in Japan and Tibet, but has disappeared completely from India, its country of origin, except for a very small group of Tibetan refugees and lower Hindu caste converts.

Beliefs

The essence of Buddhism lies in the ‘four noble truths’:
1. Dukhka:
That means that life is a suffering.

2. Trisha:
That all suffering is caused by attachments.

3. Nirvana:
That is the cessation of all suffering.

4. The right path to the cessation of one’s sufferings.

Eightfold Path

In order to find Nirvana, one has to possess right views, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right mindfulness and right concentration. Buddhism believes that all living beings are trapped in the cycle of birth-death-rebirth. Only when one’s Karma makes him free of this suffering than a person can achieve total freedom or Nirvana.

Practices

Buddhism strongly believes in practicing meditations, self-control and observing moral precepts. The five basic morals to be followed are:

1. not to lie.
2. refrain from stealing.
3. refrain from acting unchastely.
4. always speaking the truth.
5. giving up intoxicants.

The monks have to take an additional five vows:

1. They must not eat at improper time.
2. They must not view entertainments.
3. They cannot use body adornments.
4. They cannot sleep in high, comfortable beds.
5. They cannot receive money.

The Buddha monks follow the monastic order Sangha.

Today, Indian Buddhism has become almost extinct. However while diminishing in India, it’s gaining in worldwide popularity; and is currently the fourth largest religion after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. In Asia it’s the official religion of many countries and in Europe and America it is regarded as an enlightened and moderate way of living-so its influence is growing all over the world.

The Psychological Article on An Introduction to Buddhism is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, Spirtuality, and Solutions to Types of Discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Psychological Articles based-Informational Social Network Website for Baby Boomers, Echo Boomers and Booming Seniors. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join this Website for Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard.