What is the gist of the chapter or essay?
The goal out of practicing Buddhism is to become a self-less person. Everything we do in life causes another. Nothing in this world happens independently. In Buddhism the relationship between on thing leading to another is called casual connectedness. This chapter explored the aspects of Buddhism relating to who experiences belong to, what is considered an individual being, and what and who controls the events, which occur. Throughout a lifetime we do not change we are who we are we simply build and develop what we were. Buddhism breaks down an individual into five classes of mental and physical events called aggregates.
What parts did you find difficult to understand?
I am not clear on how the five aggregates bodily phenomena, feelings, labeling or recognizing, volitional activities and conscious awareness can lump together every feeling, desire and action which takes place in our lives.
I was further confused by the twelve spheres (ayatana) p.140.
Which parts do you agree, or disagree, with?
I disagree with what Steven Collins claims about his denial regarding the "self." Collins states our body and self are not connected. In other words a body is not a self. I believe our body is associated and connected to our self, both counter acts with one another.
What are the issues or ideas you would like to discuss in class?
A movie came out last year called Magnolia the whole basis of the story revolved around several people in different circumstances and points of their lives. However the common thread throughout the movie was the ideal behind casual connectedness. All of their lives inadvertently affected one another. I would like to discuss with the class how they feel about casual connectedness and see how far or deep they see a connection. Personal I believe everything on earth is related to something.
What does this have in common with your personal reli...