Archive for the ‘Religion’ Category
Religion - The Benefits of Targeting Your Community Members
Are you a member of a church congregation? If you are and if you are active in the planning of fundraisers and other events, you may want to make sure that you and your congregation are placing a large focus on your community, if you aren’t already doing so.
One of a most reasons since we should cruise targeting your community, either it be by giveaway village events or fundraising events, is since it can assistance your cause. For instance, if we have been seeking to widespread recognition upon issues which most people face, such breast cancer, we might wish to move recognition to your community. We can do this by carrying giveaway informational courses upon a significance of unchanging breast cancer exams, as great as outline ways which any of your village members can assistance in their own way.
In addition to brining attention and awareness to an important cause, you can also use this opportunity to educate the community on your church congregation, your followings, and your goals as a whole group. When getting out in the community, no matter how it is done, you will likely find that a large number of individuals are interested in joining a church congregation or even just attending church services, but many are unsure as to how they can get started and many are even afraid of the unknown. By increasing your presence in the community, you may see a steady increase in attendance at your sermons and church related events.
Speaking of church related events, there are a number of different ways that your church congregation and all of its members can reach out to the community. As previously stated, one of those approaches is by sponsoring free events. These events can be ones that are educational in nature or ones that may be focused on fun. All you really need to do is advertise your events in your local newspaper or on community bulletin boards and you may see a large amount of interest from those in your community.
Another event that you may want to consider hosting is a fundraiser. What is nice about fundraisers is that they can come in a number of different formats. For instance, you can sell, by way of donations, crafts that your congregation members made, or host a public community dinner, where donations are accepted. This will not only help to support a good cause, whether that cause is cancer research or for repairs on your church building, but it may also give those in your community an opportunity to learn more about your church, its members, as well as the goals that apiece of you share.
In keeping with ways that you can reach out to your community, one of the best approaches that you can take is by targeting children and their parents. This is best done by sponsoring activities that are captivating to children and their parents. For instance, your church congregation can place on a play or you can host a fun filled day at your artefact or a public park that includes game, music, and “yummy,” foods. By showing that you are a family friendly congregation, you are more likely to see interest from parents.
The on top of referred to ways have been usually a couple of a most ways which we as great as your church assemblage can aim your village members.
Tags: Christianity, Hinduism, Metaphysical, Religion, Society
Is Nichiren Buddhism Right For You?
Buddhism is a wonderful philosophy and religion by which millions of people live their lives. But for those who are just starting out on the path to enlightenment, it can be vastly overwhelming. There is so much information to learn that it can be completely exhausting. Just when you think you have the basics down you find out that there are different branches of Buddhism and you have to decide which branch aligns most closely with your beliefs. Just sit down and take a breath, it will be okay. With a little reading you will be able to decide if you should follow Nichiren Buddhism or another branch of Buddhism.
Just as there are different variations of the same religion found in the United States, i.e. the Baptist faith versus the First Baptist etc., there are different branches of Buddhism. What the Zen Buddhist studies differs from what the Tibetan Buddhist studies. The Buddhism Nichiren taught was based on a different set of mantras handed down from Buddha in his later years. These teachings were known as the Lotus Sutra. These Buddhist teachings allow for people to find their own way to enlightenment through following his studies but Nichiren felt differently about the other branches of Buddhism. He thought that they had become splintered and fractured due to not following the correct path to enlightenment.
Nichiren Buddhism was founded in the 13th century by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Nichiren Daishonen. He believed that the Lotus Sutra handed down from Buddha in his later years of life was what people were meant to follow. His belief was that if a person chanted the Lotus sutra mantra it would lead to universal knowledge and the ability to help mankind, while also attaining enlightenment.
Nichiren believed that the Buddhist teachings of others were wrong. It was not about just abdicating earthly possessions. It was about reaching out to your fellow man to overcome trials and adversity together. His Buddhist studies allowed him to show that everyone, regardless of age, gender or status, could reach enlightenment. This opened up Buddhism to many new people and showed them that there was a possibility of overcoming problems to attain peace.
Is Nichiren Buddhism the right path for you to take in order to seek and reach enlightenment? That depends on what you believe. The common theme among all Buddhist branches and teachings is that enlightenment is possible. It may be in this life or it may take you several lifetimes in order to find the right way. It is not a religion or a philosophy for everyone but it can be a rewarding and fulfilling one for those willing to make the journey.
Tags: Buddhism Nichiren, Buddhist monk, Buddhist studies, Buddhist teachings, Nichiren Buddhism, the Zen Buddhist studies, Tibetan Buddhist studies
Religion - krishna bhajans
Many Hindus are taking to Krsna consciousness, and this is great. However, there is a misconception that politicians like Dave Cameron visiting Bhaktivedanta Manor or holding a Diwali festival with 20,000 Hindus attending is good publicity for Krishna consciousness. Such activities support the belief that the Hare Krishnas are part of the Hindu religion. In some countries, it may be beneficial to align with the local Hindus for preaching purposes; this is not so in Britain where there is a large Hindu population and Hinduism is just another minority religion. I appreciate the effort of the present leadership, and their intentions are commendable.
Something needs to be done separately, to address the lack of preaching amongst other groups, mainly the populations whose ancestors’ heritage is from the British Isles. The activities at the Manor should continue, so as not to cause a disturbance. The situation can be beneficial if the devotees there were encouraged to co-operate with financial and utilititarian support for broader preaching.
The activities at the Manor should continue, so as not to cause a disturbance. The situation can be beneficial if the devotees there were encouraged to co-operate with financial and utilititarian support for broader preaching. Something needs to be done separately, to address the lack of preaching amongst other groups, mainly the populations whose ancestors’ heritage is from the British Isles.
No material education is necessary to understand the language of Bhakti. Dynamic preaching is needed. I propose a dynamic resurgence of preaching, as during the days of Srila Prabhupada. To the east, west, north and south of London are many boroughs, districts and towns and villages with thousands of streets and millions of people. All are searching for happiness.
Actually, all the devotees I’ve mentioned are constantly preaching in all parts of the world, and they are great achievers for Srila Prabhupada. They have dedicated their lives to his mission. Charity begins at home, and these senior devotees should be encouraged by the GBC to cooperate in taking Krsna consciousness to every corner of London and to reach out to every little street in every part of the country.
However, it is counterproductive to get tied down with unnecessary meetings, wasting hours of valuable time speaking of strategies, getting anxious and all fired up, but without action. Just reach out and preach. This will surely please Srila Prabhupada. Some planning is required.
Tags: Religion, Society, Spirituality