Apr
7
Believe
One of the few destinations I was looking for to in Hong Kong. This is really a magnificient site. I’m not a fully devout Buddhist, got my own views on things halfway through a Buddhist up-bringing. So yeah, at least I should go there have a look and experience with my own eyes, and see the experience of people of other faiths in a place not of their own. Or at least get a few photos for Mom.
Some feel a slight feeling of discomfort to be in another religions place. Ok, I experienced it before when I attended my first mass in JC. Totally different. A little uncomfortable. Good experience though =)
Now that I know firmly where to go in my own belief, I don’t get that discomfort anymore. Going to Shinto Shrines in Kyoto and Tokyo. Gothic cathedrals in France, Belgium. Abbeys in London. All these trips are really an eye opener to me of all their religious ceremonies, rituals and faith.
So when this discomfort of unfamiliarity of another faith comes in, would one naturally be protective of one’s own faith? Or is it a case of behavioral defensive mechanism activated to comfort oneself by appointing the other faith is so called “evil”, and that of their own as “good”? To act as a reinforcement to their personal faith and belief? Well, sad to say, these ideas are indoctrinated in many. Wars are fought over beliefs.
Myself. I believe that experience play a part in the path we take. The path in life can be changed by our actions. Not letting another person pull you by a string tied to the neck. Only to be influenced and to decided in the finality by myself, the choice to make to cut away the string, or being dragged.
This trip made me rethink of my actions in the past. What I have done, aimed, hoped for. Then I finally realised the stupidity of my actions. Was it worth it all? For the self-fulfilling, selfish me for self gratification? At the expense of others.
I got an answer from this trip. Glad I did. Or, I’ll be floating around again… =)
Work work!
