It was lots better than the class taught the first week about Jerusalem. Then, Professor Jonathan Ray of Georgetown University showed little, if any, preparation and no art, with only a meager handout to share with the class of mostly senior adults.
Last Wednesday's class, "Hinduism: On the Earth and in the Heart" was led by a passionate professor, Graham Schweig from Christopher Newport University, whose love affair with all things of India was palpable and welcomed.
It was part of a series of five lectures, “Sacred Space and Spiritual Journeys,” offered by the Smithsonian Associates, each led by a different professor, at the Ripley Center on the Mall.
Music from India and low lights greeted students upon entry to the class, setting a pleasant stage for Dr. Schweig’s presentation about Vrindavan, "the most famous holy place of Krishna. " The talk focused on pilgrimages, not just to earthy places but the places in and of the heart which, Professor Schweig said, Hindus believe is the holiest place of all. And I believe he does, too.
"We all are humans whose tendency is to be a pilgrim in search of one's heart."
What we do in the 'outside world' affects our inside world and our own hearts. This generally is the basis for the Hindu faith, partially symbolized by the blue lotus flower which Hindus consider the most beautiful flower, and the peacock, both with circulating patterns and magnificent colors representing the outer world, the inner world, the innermost world and "the presence of the divine."
Professor Schweig showed many landscape photographs of India, and paintings and art of the divinity of Krishna and the Hindu faith. He described the creation of the word "Hindu": When the Persians invaded the area in the ninth century, they could not pronounce a river's name and gave it one they could pronounce: “Hindu.”
About 900 million people consider themselves Hindus, Professor Schweig said.
The remaining classes are about Islam: Mecca; Buddhism: Bodh Gaya, and Christianity: Bethlehem, Galilee, and Jerusalem.
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Smithsonian Class: "Sacred Spaces and Spiritual Journeys"
Content supplied by Q+A is almost always better than what comes in a presentation.
At least, that's my experience at countless author presentations and lectures in and around D.C.
Last Wednesday night's lecture in the first of five classes about holy cities of major faiths offered by the Smithsonian Associates was no different.
Jonathan Ray, professor of Jewish studies in the Theology Department at Georgetown University, presented "Judaism: Beyond the Holy City." But, alas, no art! None shown! No pictures, maps, graphics, or charts. So disappointing.
So many opportunities to show the class of about 35 mostly senior citizens, a look at Jerusalem: The Western Wall, the only remnant of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives Cemetery. I cannot believe that I was the only one disappointed. Depending upon membership level, this series of classes starts at $76.
Professor Ray said that many Jews today believe they are secular Jews. He gave brief histories of Jerusalem and the Jewish faith.
He talked for almost an hour exactly and then answered questions for 30 minutes.
England and France continue to resist entry of Jews to attend conferences and conduct business, using the Middle East situation as the reason for the rebuff which Professor Ray said he doubts is the real basis for the rejection.
He said it was increasingly difficult for Jews to live in Western Europe; however, Spain and Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe, especially Poland, are more welcoming. Many Jews are taking "spiritual journeys" to Spain and even New York City from the West Coast to see where their parents and grandparents once lived.
Answering a question, he said politics was part of religion (and vice-versa?) and includes culture, land, people. "What isn't included?"
About half the class members raised hands when Dr. Ray asked who had been to Jerusalem.
Different professors will lecture at each of the four remaining classes which are: Vrindavan, India (Hinduism), Mecca (Islam), Bodh Gaya (Buddhism) , and Bethelehem, Jerusalem, and Galilee (Christianity). They all meet at the Ripley Center on The Mall.
I hope the remaining professors have some art to share. Of any kind. The classroom is fully equipped for it.
At least, that's my experience at countless author presentations and lectures in and around D.C.
Last Wednesday night's lecture in the first of five classes about holy cities of major faiths offered by the Smithsonian Associates was no different.
Jonathan Ray, professor of Jewish studies in the Theology Department at Georgetown University, presented "Judaism: Beyond the Holy City." But, alas, no art! None shown! No pictures, maps, graphics, or charts. So disappointing.
So many opportunities to show the class of about 35 mostly senior citizens, a look at Jerusalem: The Western Wall, the only remnant of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives Cemetery. I cannot believe that I was the only one disappointed. Depending upon membership level, this series of classes starts at $76.
Professor Ray said that many Jews today believe they are secular Jews. He gave brief histories of Jerusalem and the Jewish faith.
He talked for almost an hour exactly and then answered questions for 30 minutes.
England and France continue to resist entry of Jews to attend conferences and conduct business, using the Middle East situation as the reason for the rebuff which Professor Ray said he doubts is the real basis for the rejection.
He said it was increasingly difficult for Jews to live in Western Europe; however, Spain and Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe, especially Poland, are more welcoming. Many Jews are taking "spiritual journeys" to Spain and even New York City from the West Coast to see where their parents and grandparents once lived.
Answering a question, he said politics was part of religion (and vice-versa?) and includes culture, land, people. "What isn't included?"
About half the class members raised hands when Dr. Ray asked who had been to Jerusalem.
Different professors will lecture at each of the four remaining classes which are: Vrindavan, India (Hinduism), Mecca (Islam), Bodh Gaya (Buddhism) , and Bethelehem, Jerusalem, and Galilee (Christianity). They all meet at the Ripley Center on The Mall.
I hope the remaining professors have some art to share. Of any kind. The classroom is fully equipped for it.
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