Family with Teen(s)

Mantras

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Mantras are commonly used in Buddhism and Hinduism as a form of meditation. This can also be a powerful way for Catholics and other Christians to center themselves to enter into quiet prayer time. 

A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase repeated to aid in your concentration while meditating. A mantra can be as simple as the word 'love,' something you are thankful for, or a phrase such as "Jesus, I trust in you". You can also meditate on an affirmation, such as "I am a child of God". Scripture and standard prayers can give you a focus. 

You can choose a mantra for yourself depending on what you are needing in life. This is why our mantras can change from day to day. Here are some ideas for Catholic mantras:

"Jesus, I trust in you"
"Thy will be done"
"I am a child of God"
"Let it be done unto me according to your will"
"Love one another"
"Grant us peace"
"Today I choose joy."
"Let go and let God"
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
"Lord have Mercy, Christ have Mercy, Lord have Mercy"
"Blessed are the poor in spirit..."
"Thank you God for all that is good"

Pray these phrases and spend some time in silence just listening to what God has to say to you. Choose your own mantra, or find one in scripture that fits with what you are needing today. 

At the end of another faith formation year it is always good to review! Below we have short introduction videos and some "fast facts" about each of the faith traditions we talked about this year. Below those  are videos and "fast facts" on the faiths of Hinduism and Buddhism, two major world religions we did not get to address in our sessions but are very well worth taking a look at.

As a family discuss things that interest you about these different religions and most importantly, what we can learn from them as Catholics.

Protestant Denominations
  • Follow the teaching of Jesus who they believe was the son of God.
  • The scriptures used by Protestants is the Bible.
  • These churches began in Europe during the Protestant Reformation in 1517 when they broke away from the Catholic Church.
  • There are many different Protestant Churches including, Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Episcopalian, Evangelical, etc.
  • Leadership is not very defined in these churches because there are so many different groups. 
Orthodox Church
  • Follow the teaching of Jesus who they believe was the son of God. Has a strong connection to the Trinity.
  • This faith tradition split from the Catholic Church in 1054 due to cultural and political factors.
  • Variations of orthodoxy include Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Armenian, etc.
  • Celebrate Sacraments in the Church such a Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. All three are typically celebrated at the same time as a baby.
  • Icon art, candles, bells, incense, and other bold sights, sounds and smells are an important part of their liturgies. They help those present experience “a touch of heaven”. 
Islam
  • Their God is called Allah, and they believe in one God. They follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammed.
  • Their major scriptural text is the Quran.
  • This religion was founded in the Middle East around the year 610.
  • The five pillars of Islam are as follows: profession of faith, prayer, fasting, giving to those in need, and pilgrimage.
  • Special feasts include Ramadan, a time of fasting during daylight hours.
  • Muslims pray 5 times a day and it helps to set the rhythm of each day. 
Judaism:
  • Their God is called Yahweh, and they believe in one God.
  • Follow the teachings found in the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible.
  • This is the faith of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Sarah, David, Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Apostles. It is over 3500 years old and is one of the oldest monotheistic religions.
  • Some special fests include Hanukkah (the festival of lights) in winter and Passover in the spring, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the fall, and Pentecost in the summer. 
Buddhism
  • Follows the teachings of the Buddha who lived during 563-483 BC in India. His writings are known as the Sutra and it is the major religion of many Asian countries.
  • Karma is the belief that good deeds/behavior will be visited back on individuals as well as bad deeds/behavior. This is the basis for living a good, moral life.
  • Buddhists believe in reincarnation and that one must stop the cycle of rebirth as a suffering, selfish individual, and must attain Nirvana, which is the highest point and the end of the self.
  • Buddhists are seeking enlightenment and Nirvana, or ultimate bliss. To get there they follow The Eightfold Path which is to be "right" in all these areas: concentration, views, speech, resolve, action, livelihood, effort, and mindfulness.
  • Buddhists practice mindfulness and mediation as a form of prayer and can be beneficial for living a healthy lifestyle.
  • Do not hold a belief in god, but believe that what and how you practice faith is more fundamental.
Hinduism
  • Hinduism is the world's third largest religion after Christianity and Islam with about 80% of India’s population being Hindu. The Vedas are the primary literary works, containing sacred verses and hymns composed in Sanskrit and took on their current form around 1500 B.C.
  • The Hindu belief is that gods or divinities can take many forms, but all form one universal spirit called Brahman. The three most important representations of Brahman are Brahma, the creator of the universe, Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and Shiva, the destroyer of the universe.
  • The Hindu belief involves reincarnation of the soul, which is rebirth after death. Hindus believe the conditions of one's present life are due to karma, or accumulated good or bad behavior in past lives. One improves one's conditions through good behavior and creates suffering for oneself through bad behavior. Eventually the soul will achieve moksha, or salvation, and stop the cycle of rebirths to become a part of the absolute soul.
  • Pilgrimages and festivals are common in Hinduism. Diwali, the New Year's celebration, features giving of gifts and lighting of ceremonial lamps. Holi, the Festival of Colors, marks the arrival of spring each year.
  • Paths to salvation are called the margas or yogas:
    - karma marga - performing social obligations and offering selfless service.
    - jnana marga - studying and cultivating an intellectual understanding into one's identity with the universe.
    - bhakti marga - devotion to one's personal god.
    - raja or dhyana marga - uses meditation to gain insight into the absolute soul that resides within one's self.

Summer is a great time to get outside in the community and get some exercise! Yoga is a great example of the connection between body and soul that we see as a focus of many eastern faith traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism. This is a great connection for Catholic Christians to make as well.
Lucky for us, Des Moines has POP UP YOGA DSM!  You can join in free Yoga classes all around the metro area, Not only is it a great workout for your body and soul, but this opportunity allows you to engage in the community. Sign up for their list and never miss an event! http://www.popupyogadsm.com/