Understanding the Core Concepts of Buddhism
Three Rafts of Buddhism
- Theravada
- Mahayana
- Vajrayana
Four Noble Truths
- Life is suffering.
- The cause of suffering is desire.
- To overcome suffering, we must overcome desire.
- The path to salvation is the Noble Eightfold Path.
Four Signs Siddhartha Saw
- Old age – everything is going to change.
- Sick person – everyone suffers, and nothing can change that.
- Corpse – nothing is permanent.
- Ascetic – renounces material possessions, learns that there is hope and a chance to break suffering.
Anatma
The Buddhist doctrine of
Protestant Reformation: Causes, Conflicts, and Counter-Reformation
The Protestant Reformation
The Reformation was a religious movement which began in the first half of the 16th century. It instigated the division of the Christian Church and the founding of Protestant churches.
Causes of the Reformation
- The low clergy’s lack of training. The Church hierarchy did not give much importance to the training of its priests and, therefore, many of them did not behave appropriately.
- The bad example set by the high clergy. The majority of those at the top of the hierarchy occupied
Ancient Literary Traditions from Around the World
Understanding Myths in Literature
The word ‘myth’ often refers to a person or event that stands out for a particular reason, becoming an object of admiration and a model for others. Key features of myths include:
- The narration of an event prior to historical time.
- The involvement of superhuman beings.
- Attempts to explain the fundamental issues of existence.
- Holding religious significance.
Types of myths include cosmological myths and those detailing the practices of worship of gods and heroes.
Ancient
Read MoreMichelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling Frescoes Analysis
The Sistine Chapel Vault: Michelangelo’s Fresco Masterpiece
Chronology, Style, and Technique
The painting of the vault of the Sistine Chapel took place from 1508 to 1512.
The style is High Renaissance, transitioning into Mannerism (Cinquecento). The author is Michelangelo Buonarroti. The technique used is fresco, applied directly onto the wall support in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel (Vatican City).
This period saw significant artistic developments, including:
- The consolidation of oil painting techniques
Carolingian Monasticism: Benedictine Reform and Architectural Plans
Symbolism in Monastic Architecture
Some interpretations relate monastic structures, particularly those with towers, to the concept of the Heavenly Jerusalem or the fortified church. The presence of towers often carried military significance, but also served symbolically as a kind of bulwark against the forces of evil. The lack of written documentation and surviving furniture often leads to much speculation regarding the original intent and use of these spaces.
The Benedictine Monastic Reform of Aniane
Benedict
Read MoreSt. Paul’s Final Charge: Faith in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3-4)
Chapter Three
Verse 1: The Last Days
This refers to the time after you find the Lord Jesus Christ and His redemption, as well as the period leading up to the end of time—the days before the Second Coming of Christ. As we approach the end, we will witness an increase in evil. Evil will intensify, and ultimately, the deceiver will rise against Christ. Our teacher, St. Paul the Apostle, warns his disciple about the troubles arising from heretics, troubles that began during Paul’s time and have continued
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