Chapter 3 Flashcards
Gold Statement:
Page 48: “Sometimes it takes great strength of character to realise that we have taken the wrong path.”
Important statement:
Page 49: “… we should not place the ‘spiritual life’ in opposition to the worldly life.” For example, taking care of our everyday needs.
Why and how are trees such an important symbol in Buddhism and in general?
Trees can be seen as magical for a variety of reasons, both historically and in nature. People are moved by trees.
Trees can also be seen as symbols, for eg, tree of knowledge, the Bodhi tree, etc.
Trees unite the elements of earth and sky, yin and yang, masculine and feminine (the two archetypal figures of human culture), etc.
The earth can represent the body, or feelings and sensations. The sky can represent the mind, or intellect and vision.
The branches of trees reach towards the sky; the roots go down into the earth.
Trees draw on the nourishment of both the sun and the earth.
Trees generally grow and mature over a very long period of time, especially the ones of historical significance.
It is no coincidence that the Buddha gained his enlightenment seated on the earth under a sprawling Bodhi tree.
What does Buddhism and meditation help us with, in simple terms?
They help us to find our way through life, “through the world”. (Page 57)
How does our imagination help us interpret mythology?
Imagination is our innate ability to form images, not just based on our senses but also using our emotional intelligence. Putting all this together enables us to give the data meaning and form. (Page 58)
