Labyrinths a symbol of mystery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Labyrinths a symbol of mystery - Essay Example However, labyrinths that are built in inside places are made up of tiles and floors. Such labyrinths are generally found in churches, cathedrals and other places of worship. A labyrinth is quite similar to a maze in structure and shape but it has striking differences as well. A maze usually has obstacles in it creating difficulties for the traveler to finish it whereas a labyrinth is comparatively easier to walk on without hindrances in the pathway. There are significant meanings attached to the existence and walking of labyrinths that serve as rituals among ancient cultures. It, however, is being practiced by many even in this modern era by a multitude of people all over the world regardless of their cast, creed, belief or religion. There are many famous labyrinths in different parts of the world which are the site of preservers of sacred tradition. The labyrinth described in this essay is the labyrinth of Grace Cathedral, located in Sac Francisco, California in United States. Grace Cathedral labyrinth is one of the famous labyrinths of the world and is a replica of the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral situated in France. The labyrinth in Grace Cathedral had been introduced in 1994 by Dr. Lauren Artress. There are two labyrinths in this cathedral; one is placed inside the cathedral whereas the other one composed of terrazzo stone is situated outside. Both of these labyrinths are open for visitors to walk on it and sense spirituality and divine revelations during the walking experience of the labyrinth. The narrator recently experienced walking through this labyrinth situated inside the cathedral and has recollected his personal experience in the next passages. I started a journey of walking the labyrinth inside Grace Cathedral in the morning with a candle in my hand. Everything looked so bright and beautiful to me in the cathedral the moment I began my walk through the labyrinth. Before entering the starting point of the labyrinth I was unaware of the feelings I was going to experience in the labyrinth as it was my first visit. I was very excited and I wondered what I was going to feel while walking through it. I started my walk barefooted and took a deep breath while stepping inside the labyrinth. I closed my eyes for a while and prayed in my heart. I opened my eyes to see a candle in my hand and walked slowly while focusing my mind on a thought. I pondered over my existence in the world and my role as a human being in this broad universe. Instantly the messages started coming in my mind from nowhere as if a door of knowledge was opened before me. I got meanings of my existence in life and thought of myself as a precious being capable of doing great things in life. I immediately felt happy and felt a sensation of calmness and serenity in my heart and soul. With these beautiful thoughts in my mind, I completed my walk toward the centre of labyrinth and stayed there for a while to pray. When I stayed quietly at the central point I felt as if I had been bestowed with something precious by God; the message of thinking of myself as a capable human being worthy of doing good things in life. During my journey backwards toward the starting point, I felt myself being transformed into a new self as if by magic. The labyrinth appeared a rite of passage for me as I walked back from the labyrinth to the starting point.

Unitarian Universalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Unitarian Universalism - Essay Example It then establishes the historical and philosophical connection between Buddhism and UU. Unitarian Universalism emerged primarily from Christian roots but has drawn extensively from other beliefs and faiths, a practice that has grown to include practically all religions throughout the years. The Unitarians formed in Britain in the 1500’s during the time of the Protestant Reformation, an era of religious enlightenment at least in the context of that period in history (Hamilton, 2005). The Unitarian philosophy introduced people to new ways of thinking including the concept that Jesus was only a man, not a god or the son of God. Instead they maintained, much the same as the Jewish viewpoint regarding Jesus, that he was an important prophet and teacher. Instead of blindly following the Christian or any other religious doctrine, according to the Unitarians, people should employ reasoning and reject superstition with regards to their personal spirituality. It is not only acceptable but preferable to question the authority of the church, its dogma and beliefs but their own beliefs as well. John Murray introduced Unitarianism to America in the early nineteenth century (Hamilton, 2005). His church’s membership consisted predominantly of middle and upper-class intellectuals. The Universalist religion was formed during the eighteenth century based on the belief that all people, not just Christians, receive salvation and emphasized the significance of being compassionate and helping others in need. As opposed to the Unitarian Church in the U.S., Universalism was a populist movement that drew its membership more from the middle and lower-classes. However, both groups were very much alike in that they had disassociated themselves with the traditional Christian doctrines which prescribed dogmatic trials of faith. In addition, â€Å"they emphasized individual freedom of personal belief, individual responsibility to synthesize