Fieldtrip Reflection

Islam Center:

We learned about how salat (ritual prayer) is performed. In order to face the right direction they can use either a compass or an app to find Mecca. They can also use the orientation of the sun, but because they most often pray in the Mosque they already know which direction to face. They have to remove their shoes because the pray on mats, they also pray in different areas based on gender, to help remove distraction and to keep the mind fully focused on Allah. I also learned that prior to prayer, they wash their hands and face because praying is considered a meeting with Allah and one should be clean and presentable to meet with god. They also do the same for funerals so that when the dead finally meet Allah, their bodies are clean. I really enjoyed the way that the tour leader presented all aspects of the center and their involvement in the community rather than just telling us about the religion. I also enjoyed that he had some of the kids from the school present. It was really interesting to see the kids recite from the Koran, especially after watching the Koran by Heart documentary in class.

Buddhist Temple: 

We learned a lot about the Dalai Llama. I didn't know that he was a bodhisattva and that each Dalai Llama is actually the same person reincarnated. I found this really interesting. I also thought it was interesting how he leaves clues for where to find him after his death, this is particularly interesting because the current Dalai Llama is rather old and has already given some description of where he will be in his next life. We were also taught about the various other Bodhisattva that Tibetan Buddhists worship and the certain powers or areas of life that each one helps in. I thought the various colors and offerings around the temple were also very cool to see in person and to understand. The nuns did a very good job of explaining and answering questions, but I wish they had told us a little bit more about their daily lives or rituals. I would also have liked to hear a little more about the services that they participate in and how a typical meditation session usually goes.

Hindu Temple:

This temple was the coolest, but also the least welcoming. I enjoyed that they did not interrupt their worship while we were there because we got to see how things actually are on a normal day in the temple. However, it felt that we were intruding on their space and time. Overall, I really enjoyed looking at the shrines and hearing the stories of the Gods and Goddesses. I liked that the tour guide took the time to show us these and tell the stories. I also thought it was really interesting how prayer and rituals were conducted with the offerings and the use of incense for the Gods. We learned a lot about the practices of the religion but I don't really feel like I learned many news things about the religion itself.


Synagogue: 

We learned about how the Jewish tradition and culture is passed down in families through dinners and holidays. The Rabbi also taught about how the Dalai Llama enlisted the help of a Jewish Rabbi to help keep the Tibetan Buddhist culture and religion alive for the people living in exile from Tibet. The Dalai Llama taught them to sit down to a dinner in order to share cultural stories and traditions. The Rabbi also taught us about how Judaism differs from Christianity but how they share the Old Testament. He also taught us that unlike Christians, Jews don't send out missionaries attempt the spread their religion. Instead they welcome those who want to convert but mostly the religion is passed through families. He also taught us about the different sects of Judaism. There are Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative. Orthodox Jews are much more old fashioned and are not open to change in the religion. All of their services are performed in Hebrew. Reform Jews are on the opposite end of the spectrum, they are very open to change and most services are performed in English or in the native language for wherever they live. Conservative is in the middle of the spectrum and are open to some changes as long as the essence of the religion is preserved. They have some services in Hebrew and  some services in English.