(continued).... is inevitable." I think the fact that so many people are becoming doctors every year and hospitals are continuously being built, it kind of implies the same Buddhist "suffering is inevitable" idea. #DrSethBuddhClass

...and religion are so relevant and heavily debated. (continued from my post because of character limit) #DrSethBuddhClass

Branching off of this, I think I remember that pandaka included homosexual people, so I wonder if their abilities to reach nirvana are still thought to be affected to this day considering that Taiwan, Nepal, and Thailand are the only asian countries with legal same sex marriage. #DrSethBuddhClass

I think it is admirable that the women of Buddhism had so much dedication to the path to enlightenment, even when facing significant discrimination in the past. I especially found that part of the poems to be inspiring as well. #DrSethBuddhClass

Squid Games is an interesting thing to bring up, I at first thought the show had zero relation to Buddhism, but after reflection I realized that it has themes about the dangers of greed, desire, and attachment to material things, as well as endless suffering due to these desires. #DrSethBuddhClass

I love this quote! It really does make me think of zen, mindfulness, and staying in the present moment without being attached to distractions, feelings, and emotions. #DrSethBuddhClass

I find Buddhist influences in art to be very interesting. After our discussion in class about Buddhism in songs, I looked for more music that may reflect these ideas. I found the "Momenta Quartet," who play songs inspired by things such as the feeling of walking in a zen garden. #DrSethBuddhClass

I was there too! I thought it was super cool how these were built as a form of protecting the castle from fire (due to the fact that Himeji Castle is a wooden structure). The castle itself also reminds me of some Buddhist structures we've seen. #DrSethBuddhClass

I believe yoga is altruistic because you are meant to gain a proper perspective/view along with self transcendence, so you are able to better be compassionate without being attached to any outcome or personal gain. #DrSethBuddhClass

Clarifying: I first assumed that awakening was sudden because we stated ideas like Earth-touching Mudras: moment where Buddha has reached nirvana; which I pictured it as instant. I never thought of gradual awakening; the concept makes sense and I see why it was such a big debate. #DrSethBuddhClass

I love the amount of symbolism there is when it comes to Buddhism! I think that the thoughtfulness in the meanings of seemingly ordinary things is really touching, and the lotus is my favorite one. I find it inspiring how it represents transcending from the bad things in life. #DrSethBuddhClass

I think it's super interesting to see Buddhist influences in virtual entertainment. For example, I enjoy Star Wars, which is largely impacted by themes of meditation/mindfulness, compassion, detachment, and becoming "one with the Force" (which could be reference to enlightenment). #DrSethBuddhClass

The diversity and acceptance of the different practices of Buddhism gives me more of an appreciation for it; I often hear of different religions shaming people who practice in a way unlike they do. Buddhism truly can be for anybody! #DrSethBuddhClass