My group did a fantastic job of illustrating the important concepts to a couple of the questions asked, particularly questions one and two. Mythology is spread amongst several individuals socially. For example, traditions/beliefs passed down from generation to generation, traveling, or word of mouth (through this course). According to Leontovich (2015), personal identity is “formed as a result of their life experiences, education, observation, imitation, adopting values, beliefs, and convictions viewed as a norm in their community (p. 304).” As an emerging social worker, I discuss the major influence that social factors have on the perceptions of others a lot in school. Social factors help with shaping our critical thinking to understanding why we believe or do not believe the things that we do. What guided you to these decisions? Have you always thought this way? What developed your thinking? I find that these are important questions to see what social aspects, among others that contributed to your thinking and worldview. We had written about how mythology continues to have great relevance as it helps us in understanding worldviews and reasonings- suggesting that it helps engage individuals who are going through a rough time to find meaning and some similarities between the higher power and themselves. For example, in Christianity and Catholicism, it discusses that God does not give someone more than they can handle, suggests they keep the faith in God throughout anything, and stories are giving within the bible to provide interpretations and examples. Mythology brings light to why aspects are the way they are. As a group member of mine stated, it raises the questions in nations by asking “What did your world come from?” How did your ancestors get along with nature?”
Buddhist Mythology
We had discussed the relevance of mythology in today’s modern world as a wide array of individuals uphold the attached values. Buddhism is a concept that interested a few in my group as The Middle Path is so genuine and humbling. The Middle Path applies to most individuals whether they are aware of it or not. For example, the vast majority do not want war and injustices or to be too pious, therefore maintaining moderation is the key to balance. Buddhism is practiced worldwide by about 535 million people (World Population Review, 2020). I can only imagine the social impacts that have contributed to this number!
Mythology can help us imagine the values and beliefs that are embedded within cultures. For example, a group member of mine gave a great personal experience from when she had traveled to Thailand, which is largely Buddhist. She explained that several locals “notorious for smiling (even if you are standing on someone’s foot in a crowded bus, they’ll smile as they ask you to move),” which reflects from the concepts of the Middle Way. I think that traveling is a wonderful way to be impacted by other cultures socially. For example, I have traveled a bit and have tried to talk to the locals to understand the culture first-hand, go to museums, and be in the midst of everything to have that experience. The Middle Path has to be a lot with finding peace, and again, a balance in all that we do (not being on too much of a high but not too much of a low). A balance with individual desire and community responsibility- doing what is right for most people. I think that adapting to Buddhist concepts and teachings is practiced by several all over the world whether they are aware of it or not. Individuals strive for peace, balance, and happiness. Ultimately, wanting to reduce stress and suffering from reaching a higher state-of-mind (reaching enlightenment).
Jayaram, V. (n.d). The Middle Way or The Middle Path of Buddhism. [Online Image]. HinduWebsite. https://www.hinduwebsite.com/buddhism/middlepath.asp
Chan-Wyles, A. (2013). Marx & Buddha: The Middle Way. [Online Image]. The Sangha Kommune. https://thesanghakommune.org/2013/12/22/marx-buddha-the-middle-way/
Sedna
I have enjoyed the teachings and discussion posts about the beautiful Sedna! Sedna’s story has been spread amongst a wide range of individuals as story-telling and other forms of communication have been pasted on from generation to generation. We engaged in the social impacts related to Sedna, the Inuit Goddess of the Sea, particularly to global warming that has been made worse by corporations and individual ecological footprints. In a mythology standpoint, the pollution going into the water is killing so many of Sedna’s sea creators, including seals, fish, and whales. Also, it is affecting the individuals who are dependent upon the sea animals for survival. It was discussed that the myth of Sedna in relation to global warming is changing the perception of how we treat the land and make a difference to those around us. For example, looking at what we can do in each city and even country can do to start that process. Perhaps, start by not pouring harmful chemicals and garbage waste into the ocean? We suggested that informing others through educational pieces such as activism can improve these outcomes by having a positive social impact. Sedna, along with other Inuit Peoples, has high respect for the land by giving and taking.
Southern Sea Witch Blog. (2017). Deity 101- Sedna. [Online Image]. Amino. https://aminoapps.com/c/pagans-witches/page/blog/deity-101-sedna/ERZk_wMVIPuLjBzRrnqwZ4lrmNN3blnKDb
I found that Buddhism and Sedna were hot topics within the week’s discussion post. However, examples were raised in China’s folk mythology, including the Legend of Pangu and NVMA Created Woman and Man as well. Also, Brahma which derives from Hinduism. Mythology impacts our society daily in positive ways. I enjoyed the mythology that was brought up in discussion this week, especially Buddhism. As shown, Buddhism is very relevant as everyone in some shape or form can relate to it. For example, in Buddha Philosophy and Western Psychology (2013), it goes into detail about how Western Psychology is known to overlap Buddhism with traits such as psychotherapy and cognitive psychology. I feel as though credit should be given to Buddhism and all of its moral teachings. It seemed as though this week brought up amazing points and insights (believe it or not I did not even explain it all)! We took a lot away from a few different mythologies to tie into social impacts and how they help influence an understanding of particular worldviews.
References
Aich, K. T. (2013). Buddha philosophy and western psychology. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(2), 165-170. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.105517
Leontovich, O. (2015). The world of chinese fictional narratives: Content, characters and social impact. CrossMark, 2(3), 301-317. doi:10.1007/s40636-015-0026-x
World Population Review (2020). Buddhist countries 2020. Buddhist Statistics. Retrieved July 14th, 2020, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/buddhist-countries
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