Cass and the real world

So for the past two days I’ve been reading up on Buddhism, which is one of the biggest religions of the world. However, after reading about it, I found it very hard to look at it as a religion, but more so, a very good code of morals. So here is what I like about Buddhism:

• Buddha: Buddha is not actually a God, he was a prince who tried to understand the suffering around him. To do so he left his palace and traded his possessions with a homeless person on the street. He was humble, and I’m pretty sure he didn’t want to be worshiped, but for others to learn what he learnt on his journey so they to can become Buddha (which means Awakened One).

• Teachings: Pretty much, all summed up, Buddha taught people not to harm others, to stay away from evil (laziness, greed, ect.), to be humble, meditate and to be happy.

• Monks: Buddhas monks are people who live in a group with only what they need, they avoid speaking unless it’s absolutely necessary. They usually spend their time completely devoted to Buddha and anyone can become a monk and leave whenever they like.

• Karma: Now we all know about karma and how it pretty much means, if you do something bad, there will be consequences… And I love it.

• Living now: What I love about Buddha, is that he taught people to live in the here and now. It’s a hard thing for us to do, but once we learn it, it is well rewarded.

I can’t say I understand a lot about Buddhism, but I do think it is a good way to live. It’s all about stripping us back, leaving us with the essentials, living life and enjoying it. There is no need to devote yourself to a higher power, but to devote yourself to all around you, without forgetting about yourself. And to be nice, as rewards will follow.

Labels are beautiful things, they help people feel safe, as if they now understand the thing or person. I feel a quote coming on:

Penny: I’d feel better if I just knew what it was called.
Hammy: Let’s call it Steve!
Verne: Steve?
Hammy: It’s a pretty name.
Heather: Steve sounds nice.
Penny: I’m a lot less afraid of Steve.

Over the hedge (2006)

This quote from this children’s movie is exactly what I’m talking about. In fact I think they are taking the piss out of society and the compulsion for labels.

So as many of you know, I am “gay” or “homosexual”. Which according to the online dictionary I just found 5 seconds ago means:

“someone who practices homosexuality; having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex”

Looking at this definition, it is slightly wrong. Firstly, how do you practice homosexuality? Second of all is the word sexual… Which is just a scary word for me at the moment… Sex *shudders*. So my lack of sexual attraction, according to society, means I’m asexual. Which means:

“A person who lacks interest in or desire for sex”

So maybe this is right… But what about the odd occasion, like once a month or so? As you can see this is just getting confusing and there are so many complications and exceptions.

So what the hell is this blog about anyway???

When people look at me and talk about me, I want you to acknowledge me as a person. By a person, I don’t mean particularity a male or a sexuality, but simply a person. Who cares what I have between my legs and what I am attracted to, I don’t want your labels.

“The best way to learn is through the other students, I, the teacher am pretty useless, I just give you the exercises.”

I was face with this thought today in ballet by one of my favorite teachers, I somewhat understood what he meant. Firstly I want you to tell me if you think this statement is true or not? If you think it is true, how does this apply to other, non arty subjects such as maths and science? or does it just apply to dance?

It would be awesome to hear your thoughts on this as it has been lingering in my head all day.

Today most people see the term Wiccan as a religion of evil who are dangerous and play with dark magic and spirits. So I’ve decided to do a bit of research about this group to find that they may actually be one of the more reasonable and constant religions I have heard of. So, just for your reading pleasure and interest, I shall state why I like them so much:

• Code of ethics: The Wiccan’s don’t believe in a book of inconsistencies and contradiction. Each Wiccan is free to define what is moral or not on their own terms. Due to this they are free to live life in their own way and are not bound to any particular rules. With that said, they are mostly very moral people, so they won’t go around killing people or stealing.

• Freedom of believe: This is the first religion which I have read of that says this religion isn’t for everyone and that people should be free to believe what they choose to believe, so you don’t get people trying to convert you! 

• The Deities (the gods): This is summed up really basically, here is the God and Goddess. The Goddess is seen as the planet and the God is the life force. I like this idea as it implies that we are already part of our Gods land as opposed to having someone distant and earning our way into their land. There is also no devil equivalent in this religion.

• Spells and witchcraft: Now this is the one part I find a bit iffy. Their equivalent of preying is casting spells. Through casting spells they contact their deities. But they also state that you can’t just cast a spell and hope things can happen, you’ve got to go out and try make it work as well, which is kind of cool.

• The rule of thumb: Witches work a lot in cycles, and you’ll find that they don’t use magic to harm people, and try avoid being mean to people. Because they say that it will come back to hit you three times as hard.

• The body and sex: In most religions sex is taboo, to be a virgin is a huge deal and that the body is just a vessel to hold your spirit in. However witches believe that sex is just a natural part of life, and it may also power some people. Also they find that the body is highly important as it is life, and to deny this would be wrong.

I think you can learn a lot about this religion, you don’t have to start following it, but learn from it. In their religion there is a world full of acceptance and kindness… Now if all religions were like this.

So Cass.

If you agree or disagree with anything in these blogs feel free to state opinion, I would be more than happy to discuss ^_______^

This is me, or rather a personification of my my weird, simple thoughts… So this is me, I tend to think, differently, so I’m led to believe.

Anyways… My thoughts lately are a lot about humans relation to nature. How are we linked to it, how we were born here. How we rely on nature and how we neglect it. I really think that in the materialistic world we live in, we are missing out something amazing and with so much power. I’m not saying that we need to stop wanting money and stuff… I think we just need to take some time to acknowledge nature and all it’s done for us and it’s beauty.