Jews on the Silk Road

Honestly, the cave of the Thousand Buddhas is full of treasures! I found it interesting that evidence of Jews residing alongside the silk roads had emerged from a secret library in one of the caves. Those caves have helped scholars answer many questions regarding the spread of traditions and religions into other countries. I wonder what happened to the person who seemed to have left the copy of the prayer text written in Hebrew? Stein also appears again, it’s not enough that he brought the scrolls forward, however now he is considered one of the first people to discover the fact that Jews resided on the silk roads as well. Way to go Stein!

Doesn’t it feel as if religions were able to better get along during that period as compared to today? For instance, it seems as if the cave of a thousand Buddhas was not just for Buddhist monks, but travellers from all over the world were able to leave some of their history behind there as well.

The Great Game and Contemporary Central Asia

Huntington’s theory that climate changes affected human thinking was very interesting. His theory states: “not only the habits, but to a large extent the character, of the people…appear to have been moulded by physiographic environment…changes in climate must have caused corresponding changes, not only in the distribution of man, but in his occupation, habits, and even character.” (pg183). He uses Persia as an example to further prove his “educated guess”. He states Persia once shared many of the virtues of Ancient Rome but has now become the most degenerate of nations. He claimed that this was simply because in a matter of two thousand years, a change in the climate could potentially have changed the character of the people as well. Places with clear, cool weather could be shown to slow people down and have them process things in a more efficient manner, where as dry climate places such as Persia often made one more nervous, emotional, uncontrolled and lacking in self control. I don’t know if I entirely agree on his theory. Maybe he should have looked at their full history before making this conclusion. What then would he characterize people living in North America as, since we have both hot and cold weather?

On a side note, the section dealing with the Tower of Silence was pretty interesting and at the same time gruesome to read. Laying the dead out to dry in various stages of putrefaction, and having body parts picked out by birds of prey does not seem right. I must say, stealing these body parts, like how Hedin did was also not fair, but it could be seen as an advantage since anthropologists were able to use these specific body parts in their study for cranial measurement.

Islam Today

This is the problem with unedifying labels like Islam and the West: They mislead and confuse the mind, which is trying to make sense of a disorderly reality that won’t be pigeonholed or strapped down as easily as all that.

Where does one really draw the line? I feel as if Islam does not prohibit Western/modern thoughts and ideas as much the media protray’s it to.  I find as if we are trying to finding so many differences amongst each other instead of similarities. Said says it best when he states: “…we are all swimming in those waters, Westerners and Muslims and others alike. And since the waters are part of the ocean of history, trying to plow or divide them with barriers is futile.”

Blog- Islamization

“This question of anti-Muslim stereotypes looms especially large today in terms of sheer numbers. No respectable authorities defend anti-Semitism anymore, and there is a widespread consensus that insulting statements and stereotypes about Jews are both factually incorrect and morally reprehensible…Yet at the same time, it is commonly accepted among educated people that Islam is a religion that by definition oppresses women and encourages violence. ..The world population of Jews is commonly estimated at about 17 million people…clearly, it would be ridiculous to assume that such a large number of people would have the characteristics assumed by stereotypes. Yet the world Muslim population is well over 1 billion. It would seem to be a far greater fallacy to paint this much larger group with the same brush.”

(pg 12) –Carl Ernst.

This passage really stuck out while reading Following Muhammad. I feel as if we live in a world where people question no more and just seem to believe what they are told. Not all Muslims are the same, just like how not all Christians, Jews or Buddhists are the same either. One must always question the source. I personally do not feel as if Islam oppresses females in anyway, instead I feel as if it is trying to protect them instead. Prophet Muhammad’s first wife could be seen to be a successful business woman who didn’t need to live off her husband’s income. Divorce laws can also be seen to protect the woman from getting hurt or misused.  It was also interesting to read how the characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad that confirmed his authenticity in the eyes of Muslims were reversed by Christian authors and turned into defects. Hence, Muslims view the Qur’an as a miracle that was revealed to someone who didn’t know how to read and write, while others may view this as completely false and lacked of any miracles. The fact that he married also seems to not put him on the same level as Jesus. However, how positive is one that Jesus did not marry? Da Vinci Code anyone?

It is good to question religion, however declaring ones religion superior than another’s is a bit extreme…no?

Group Topic- Manichaeism = Religious Syncretism

The Calogne Mani Codex (CMC) provides information on Manis life and his seperation from the Jewish-Christian baptist sect in Babylonia. Aitke writes in the chapter The Cologne Mani Codex:

“…CMC is best identified as an anthology, collecting “memoirs” of Manis words and deeds…its material consists of several genres; sayings, miracle stories, aretalogies, epiphany stories,revelation, dialogue, apocalypses, travelogues, controversy stories, homily, and epistle. CMC may be also regarded as a religious propaganda, written to persuade its audience toward Manichaeism, at the same time it is also an initiation text, providing instruction about practices and theology of Manichaeism for new adherents” (pg 162).

If the CMC can be seen as a “religious propaganda” in order to persuade people towards the Manichaeism faith, then other religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) could be seen guilty of doing the same thing. I personally don’t find it a book of persuasion, but it is a book of guidance with stories of Mani’s life which in fact cause different feelings and outcomes from different readers.

I find Manichaeism as a form of syncretism since Mani sought out to find a universal religion that would integrate teachings and truths and religious traditions from different religions such as Buddhism, Zoroastrianism and Christianity. As Manichaism spread through different cultures, it was translated into different translations as well. For example, when it moved eastward, it was translated into Iranian languages, and the Manichaean deities were often transformed into the names of Zoroastrian holy figures. The recognition of this fact would probably prompt scholars of religion as to why Mani choose specific components/teachings of these religions and not accept them fully. Syncretism as a organizing principle helps us because it’s in a way bringing religions/traditions together instead of separating them. It is the act of reconciling different systems of belief and incorporating them into one in order to benefit individuals, rather than push them further away from each other. It only goes on to help one realize that religions may not as different as one thinks they are. At the same time, syncretism could also cause disturbance amongst some. Taking Manichaeism as an example, Mani included only the teachings he preferred from specific religions. He also questioned the way other religions viewed holy practices, which may ending up upsetting many. For example, in The Cologne Mani Codex, Mani disputes with the Baptists in regards to the issue of baptizing. He states:

 “And the fact that you baptize each day in waters is nothing. For if you have been baptized and purified once, why are you baptized again each day? Therefore it is also clear in this that you loathe yourselves each day and that because of foulness you are baptized before being purified. And in this it is very clear that all the pollution is from the body. And behold, even [you] have clothed yourselves in it.” (pg 166).

Mani also gives the example of Elkhasai to show that it is not necessary to baptize, since Elkhasai went into the waters to baptize, and ended up  not washing in the waters since the image of a man marveled him and stated: “Is it not sufficient that your animals [strike] me? But even you [yourself] maltreat [my place] and profance [my waters].” (pg 168).

On a side note, do you think the essence and teachings of a document is destroyed when translated into a different language?

Group Topic- Dunhuang

“Closed up in the tiny cave, the documents of Dunhaung were hidden for a thousand years. With the fall of the Tang dynasty in China, following the Buddhist persecutions of the ninth century which had reduced the power and wealth of Buddhist monasteries, the great cave temple was abandoned and sand began to drift into the beautifully decorated caves.”

 

Dunhuang  can seen to have a history that totals over two thousand years. China can be seen to find much of its history to be affiliated with this region. What we know of the region is that it was a large retreat settlement with a significant population. Temples built there could also be seen to be devoted to various faiths. It can be read that during the fourth century AD, caves were hollowed out and were gradually filled with sculptures of all sorts and as well wall paintings and different types of architecture which could be seen to have a Buddhist touch to them. These caves could be seen to be used for religious practice as well as some sort of political ideology.  Buddhist icons were probably the main theme as they were formed outside and inside the caves as well. They could be seen to be sculpted in large scales and painted on the walls as murals.  Monks were believed to have lived inside these caves as well, and most of their time was spent “…working on the caves, painting them, creating the sculptures on wooden armatures, painting banners on hemp, paper and silk to be carried in processions and to decorate special caves at festivals.”( Pg 88)

Though religious life could be seen to be important in this region, the Dunhuang caves could also be seen to be purposeful for individuals wanting to safe-guard things. Documents that were found consisted of wills and contracts which were probably kept there for safe-keeping. This shows that social life was connected with Religious life. Buddhism can also be seen to have flourished into this region because of the trading that took place.  (It was interesting to read how foreigners in China were the first people to accept the practise of Buddhism, and it was through their help and word that Buddhism eventually flourished to others living in China). It says Buddhism did develop against other religious movements in India such as Hinduism, but it differed because it did not believe in the Caste system and the worship of Gods in hope of salvation. However by carving such big sculptures of the Buddha and painting the image of Buddha, wasn’t one actually worshipping the Buddha in hope of salvation? It had to play a significant part in a followers life for them to have images of the Buddha everywhere. It was wonderful to hear of all these monks that would visit these caves, and help translate the documents that were found there, however Kumarajive, a contributor to the Chinese Buddhist canon and devoting his life to the work of translating texts is rumoured to have states that “…reading the sutras in translation was like eating rice that someone else had already chewed.” (pg 96). 

The finding of the scrolls by Abbot Wang in one of the caves also shows how these caves could be seen as a form of a library which stored written documents. Because they were found behind a hidden door that was also painted over in order to not make it visible, would show how far these individuals went to protect these scrolls, and politics and other religious views could have made it hard for Buddhists to actually practise their religion openly. For instance,  the invasion of Islam and  the reign of Mahmud who went on to destroy temples in order to collect the jewels and treasures and place them on his own mosques, palaces and gardens.

Blog Five- Buddhism

“ He (Buddha) is renowned for his ability to teach what was appropriate for a particular person, for adapting his message to the situation. Indeed, in the more spectacular descriptions of his pedagogical powers it was said that the Buddha could sit before an audience and simply utter the letter “a” and each person in the audience would hear a discourse designed specifically to meet his or her needs and capacities, in his or her native language” –pg 71

 

I found Buddhism to be a very non-judgmental religion. Like any other religion, the main goal for followers is to get them on the “right” path.  It was interesting to read that followers felt what the Buddha taught was that truth, whatever it may be, was something that could be taught from one individual to another and in various languages.  It’s hard to really find out the exact words of the Buddha (since they were not written down), however though the teachings travelled around “orally”, it shouldn’t make a big difference, since the individuals who spread the message probably had the same thinking as the Buddha in the first place and thus even if they added something along the way, it would probably just help the community in a positive way rather than negative. We are able to view this happening in many religions, for instance Zorozstrianism, Christianity and Islam (just to name a few).

I must admit that I had trouble understanding the concept behind icon worshipping. However, after reading the articles it started to make more sense. The concept of seeing the Buddha “Face to face” in order to recollect the good qualities of the Buddha was interesting. This would lead images of the Buddha being important aids in practices and customs since “…images of the Buddha were ritually animated in condecration ceremonies intended to transform an inanimate image into a living deity. Icons thus empowered were treated as spiritual beings posessed of magical powers worshipped with reguar offerings..” (pg 73).

The Asokan Edicts are also of very much importance to the Buddhist faith.  It is said that  these edicts provided  evidence of Buddhism actually existing.  It was also interesting to learn that because of his conversion to Buddhism, Ashoka started to view people and situations differently. He started treated people as equals regardless of their  religious backgrounds and history, and also paid just as much attention to animals. It’s nice to read that through the teachings of Buddhism, Ashoka was able to change himself and his community. However, I would like to believe that one does not need to convert in order to know  what is morally and/or socially right or wrong. Or do they?

 

 

Blog Four-

“According to Zoroaster’s teachings, the combined efforts of all the righteous will gradually weaken evil and so bring about the triumph of the good, and this is the constant expectation of his followers.” pg. 244

I found it interesting that Zorastrianism has some similarities to  Christinaity and Islam.  Instead of putting emphasis on the world being created in seven days, instead, they believe that it was formed in seven stages. (Which, could have possibly have been formed in seven days??). The religion also tells its followers to observe 5 daily prayers and perform  ablution before praying (the same goes for Islam).  It was sad to read that priests were being targeted for ruining the “religion” and that because they couldn’t understand the language the holy books were written in, that they decided to form their own conclusions to what they thought Zorastrianism was all about. (Example, many priests thought Zorastrianism was a Polytheistic religion, however new evidence shows that it may actually be monotheistic).

I’m glad to hear that even though Zorastrians were “…cut off from contact with general advances in learning”, they still went on to become a very influential and wealthy community. It’s great that through trading, many Zorastrians were able to settle in various countries around the world, and still create tight-knit  communities within those countries. (For instance, the FEZANA).

Group Topic – Seriously…What is Religion?

“Religion is as old as Humanity”

I remember a few years back when a TA from another religion course asked us to write down on a piece of paper of what we thought “Religion” was. At that time, I recall jotting down “A belief in a Supreme Being.” I’m guessing many students wrote the same thing, because after having read through the answers, he looked up and said: “by the end of this school year, you will have a very different understanding of what religion actually stands for”. He was absolutely right. To me, Religion can’t only be a belief in a spiritual being, there has to be more to that. Edward Burnett Tylor in his book, Primitive Culture said religion “seems best to fall back at once on this essential source…belief in Spiritual Beings.”  Emile Durkheim saw it as “…a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things…things set apart and forbidden—beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church all those who adhere to him…In showing that the idea of a Church…conveys the notion that religion must be a…collective thing”. Though Durkheim does go into greater detail in defining religion, I feel as if religion in some ways be seen as a culture. It is gathering a groups of individuals and bringing them together based on their behaviors and beliefs, which then is transmitted from generation to generation.

Tylors theory to explain why people believe in spiritual beings was very interesting. He summed up the experiment by stating that early humans needed an explanation for the difference between being awake, and dreaming. Since scientific methods were not available, Tylor concludes that these humans concluded that there was something that outlives the body, which departs and returns to the body—a soul.

Karl Marx’s theory on religion really had me thinking. Is religion really opium for the poor? Does it really prevent them from doing something about their life? Can religion distract one from realizing the real source of conflict? He makes it seem as if the rich are the ones who put religion into place, so that in a way humans would not question many things, and instead think in terms of “this was meant to happen” instead of “ this doesn’t make sense”.

The reason why there is so much confusion in regards to religion is the lack of scientific proof. I feel as if today’s society is so set on getting proof for everything, that individuals fail to realize that science cannot answer everything. I need answers to whether or not dreams entail a special message, or what happens after death and why good things happen to bad people. I need to be able to know that I am not alone in this world, that there is someone or something watching over me, and that when one does die, there is something after that. And that’s why religion is there. It helps one get answers to their questions that science cannot (or may not have the best) answer for. There has to be a purpose to why we exist… doesn’t there?

Blog Three-

‘At birth honey was put in their mouths and gum on their hands…they learned the trade from the age of five…on reaching the age of twelve they were sent to do  business in a neighbouring state.’ -pg 66

The Sogdians could be seen to have played an active role on the Silk Road. Not only were they known to be great traders but were partly responsible for introducing religions such as Manichean, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism along the road. The Manichean religion was very interesting to read about. (Good being balanced against evil, Spirits being equated with light and matter with darkness, particles of light struggling to escape from dark matter and the preparation of food would divide up the good light particles within all things.) The mention of the “pious old women’ mistaking the figures of Mani as Buddha, made me feel as if one little error like that can actually cause much damage. People may mistake Manichean as something similar to Buddhism or Zoroastrianism, however the Polos had it best, when they noted that ‘…they did not worship fire so they were not Zoroastrians; they did not worship ‘idols’ so they were not Buddhists’. However, instead of characterizing them as a separate religion, they decided that they were a form of Christianity (Which I believe is not true either.)

Manichean Cao'an Temple

Statue of Mani

Sogdian Architecture and Art could also be seen to be of much significance. One is able to distinguish many facts from just the art alone. Illustrations produced by Sogdian artists, depict themselves (the Sogdians) as having ‘long thin faces, prominent noses, deep-set eyes and luxuriant beards’. The priests could also be seen to be neat, with pointed beards, rotund figures and long hair. One is also able to distinguish the type of clothing they wore as well. such as, felt hats, knee-length tunics and narrow trousers with leather boots. This not only helps historians see how these people looked like, but also the type of clothing and fabric and facial features could also help distinguish their social standing in society. Murals found in Sogdian towns, such as in the temples and private houses depicted of daily life rituals, as well as religious scenes such as a figures of various gods, ceremonial rites or stories taken from an epic and depicted on a mural. The art was also able to display a similarity to that of artifacts found in Iran, and the depictions of gods carry with them Indian and Chinese traits. They not only displayed a picture, however with the picture came a story. The mural paintings are valuable sources of information about how this society lived and what they viewed as important. One is able to catch a glimpse of the thriving and vibrant society which once existed.