Entry Five, Journal, Tuesday, November 30

In The Truman Show, a human being comes to discover his life is not what it seems. His true life has been, at least until now, trumped by an illusory one. Deep down, Truman knows this has been the case, on some level, for much of his 'life.'

Reflect on your own life. Do you remember a time when you were in the process of living and you did not feel true, did not feel a sense of your own authenticity? In what way did this revelation offer you a sense of freedom?

Write this memory's story.

Message-on Wednesday, November 3rd and Thursday, 11th's classtime - CAFE BOMBAY

Dear Meaning folk,

As we conclude our discovery of Hinduism, my sense is that you might enjoy venturing into the experience of enjoying some Indian cuisine. Depending on the class, we will be journeying off to Café Bombay either Wednesday or Thursday of next week. This restaurant serves a wonderful, authentic Indian cuisine buffet during the week. My hope is that we will eat our lunch meal in a manner true to the people and culture of India. Please bring $15 in cash ($11.20 – buffet cost plus a beverage (mango lassi or chai) and tip) on your particular lunch day.

The lunchtime schedule:

Wednesday class – meets 1:35-3:00 p.m. – meet at 1:15 p.m., my office (211)

Thursday class – meets 11:00 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. – meet at 11:00 a.m., my office (211)

Thanks so much for your gracious participation in this luxury of a lunchtime outing.

Entry Four, Journal, Wednesday - October 27 and Thursday, October 28

Please reflect on the film Born into Brothels and write a journal entry on the following:

The documentary Born into Brothels tells the story of eight Indian children who are offered the opportunity to practice the art of photography. With the class, the teacher, and their own creations, a life unknown is newly revealed to them. Illustrate the story of one or two of the children and how the layers of his/her world were expressed in his/her photographs and through his/her new artistic discipline.

Entry Three, Journal - Tuesday, October 19 and Thursday, October 21

Jonah Blank in his text Arrow of the Blue- Skinned God writes, "You cannot change the world, but you can - and must - change yourself. The Hindu faith places greater emphasis on an individual's actions than any other religion in the world. ... For a Hindu, ...salvation can never come from outside. It is something you must build for yourself. Something you earn. ... Belief in absolute destiny would be depressing only if it came from outside. If Hindus saw some external force dominating all their actions, perhaps they would wallow in despondency, but in their view destiny is a power inside our very souls. Faith is the search for the power each of us carries within."

Mahatma Gandhi declared, "Be the change you want to see in the world." In this, Gandhi tells of the soul's story and the soul's destiny in the Hindu tradition. Consider this very morning, in what way(s) have you become the change, the good, the righteous, the good karma you wish to see in the world. Write freely. Let your thoughts run wild. Share your story.

On Meaning, assignment due THURSDAY, October 14

Please bring your journal to class. Over the Fall Holiday, please be attentive to your dreams. Take note of the ones you remember and with which you resonate.

Entry Two, Journal - Tuesday, October 5

The director of the film Water spoke the following about the message of her film:

"We are very good, as different nations and different cultures, to have a collective amnesia about our own [problems]…[Water] is about three women trying to break that cycle and trying to find dignity, and trying to get rid of the yoke of oppression, and if it inspires people to do something in their own culture, that´s what´s important." (Deepa Mehta, as told to the CBC).

We all have our own sense of amnesia of ourselves (our own life stories) and our own cultures. We tend to forget ourselves to some extent and find ourselves unable to be open to change ... to life, even. Yesterday, we, as a class, practiced some simple breathing and stretching exercises with yoga. Many of us probably felt a little out of our comfort zones. What did yesterday's practice help you to remember about yourself and your story? Tell the story of what you remember or where the practice may have taken you.

Message-on Monday, October 4th's classtime - YOGA

Please bring comfortable clothes and either a yoga mat or towel for class on MONDAY, October 4th. Your beloved and bare feet are also required!