• Describe ways in which you feel like Arjuna.
  • Like Arjuna, I am facing something I really don’t want to do (in my case workout and in his case kill his friends and family). However, once we both commit to doing the thing we didn’t want to do, we feel pretty good and know good things will come out of it.
• How could you specifically apply the message of the Bhagavad Gita?
  • The Gita can be applied to practically anything I do in my life. If I do my duty (dharma) whether it’s homework, helping my family with chores, respecting other people, or walking my dog, I know good things will come. But, I also know that if I fail in my dharma and I do not try, bad things will come. This is the aspect of karma.
• How would the ancient Indian perspective of the Bhagavad Gita be VERY different than the 21st Century American perspective of doing one’s duty?
  • In ancient India, the idea Bhagavad Gita would be more intertwined with the Hindu religion. If you served your family and your gods, you will have good karma and will be rewarded in the next life. The American perspective is much different. Most people here believe in only one life therefore our karma would have to be received in this lifetime.
• Now, venture back to ancient India. Think of a way the Bhagavad Gita could be used as a tool of oppression?
  • In ancient India, they believed so strongly in karma and multiple lives they could easily say that “you are where you deserve to be.” So, those born into a high status with a good life would probably be thought to have lived a more noble life in the past and have now received good karma while the poor person living in slums would be oppressed because they would be thought to have lived a less noble life and perhaps failed in their dharma and it is for that reason that their life sucks. No one would try to help them because everyone got what they deserved.

Because I missed school Friday, I was unable to go on the Taoist walk with the class but to make up for it, I just went on a Taoist walk around my house. Of course I have walked around my yard thousands of times however this is the first I’ve done so with a Taoist mindset. I would have to say the most powerful sensation I felt during my short walk was the warm sun and the cool breeze and the feeling of peacefulness that came with it. Throughout the walk I heard birds chirping and smelt the light sent of fresh cut grass. I felt very relaxed and carefree as I thought about just how beautiful the nature around me was. This little walk is linked to Taoism because I was not thinking too hard or judging instead I was just immersed in the harmony of nature.

Today I Feng Shuied my desk. Before it was cluttered and unorganized, causing Chi blockage and a confusion of the five elements. As I cleaned I created a map of Bagua in my head in order to picture the natural flow of energy through my desk and shelves. Primarily, I got rid of what was unneeded so there would be space and the Chi could flow easily however, I also decided that some colors and shapes deserved to be shown off more so the five elements could all be satisfied. Now that my desk has been officially Feng Shuied, the stress I once felt looking at it and then having my mom yell at me for it has dissipated and I feel much more at peace.

I am taking History 1181 primarily for the college credit but I’m also hoping to become more educated in the world’s past. I have always been curious about all the different religions and their gods so I definitely hope to learn more in that area. Overall, I plan to expand my education of ancient history while earning some college credit at the same time.