Total Word Count: 852
Topic 1: Excerpts from the Buddhist Society  
Excerpt: The Pali Canon, Words of the Historical Buddha
            Some of the oldest scriptures of Buddhism have been gathered into a collection called “Tipitaka.” In other words, it means “three baskets,” because the scriptures are divided into three major sections. This collection is called the “Pali Canon” because it is a language that has been preserved in Pali, which is a variation of Sanskrit. I decided to analyze two Buddhist scriptures from sacred texts that are provided down below.
            “Let none find fault with others; let none see the omissions and commissions of others. But let one see one’s own acts, done and undone.” – The Dhammapada, Verse 50
            This quotation is important because it teaches us about the idea of “treating others the way you would want to be treated.” The author suggests that we should not look for fault in others, nor should be judge them for their faults. Instead, we should focus on our own actions and decisions and work on our own areas of improvement. This quote is also important because it urges all of us to be kind to others and not judgmental. This quote can be applied to experiences in my life because I have always been taught to treat others with respect. Throughout college, I have met so many people and have acted respectfully towards them. This is a valuable principle for me because I am allowing relationships to grow and in return, getting the respect I deserve from others.  
            “Should a person do good, let him do it again and again. Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.” – The Dhammapada, Verse 118
                        This quotation is important because it talks about the benefits of good deeds and demonstration of kindness towards others. This quote is similar to the one provided above in that we should be supportive and respectful of one another. This quotation can be applied to experiences in my life because doing kind things for others makes me feel good about myself. For example, I volunteered my time to work at Life Link in the Hub. Life Link provides special-needs students with an opportunity to interact with other students on campus. It is a space where students should feel comfortable sharing their experiences with one another and getting to know other classmates. Volunteering with this organization helped me to better myself by being kind and genuine to other people. I had the ability to meet mentors and students of different ages, which was something that I loved doing.
 
Topic 2: News Report on Indian Cultural Fest
 Title: Dance, drama, action and road show at this cultural fest!
Source: Times of India - India Times
Web Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/dance-drama-action-and-road-show-at-this-cultural-fest/articleshow/73838571.cms
 (Links to an external site.)
Publication Date: February 1, 2020 written by Manyaekta Gugliani
           Recently, members from the India Cultural Association, along with the District Administration and Bareilly’s Municipal Corporation, organized a cultural festival in town that would be held for three days. Members from all organizations and from different parts of India would participate in the festival and showcase their cultural side. During the festival, performers performed on the streets and danced around the crowds. Some of the dance performances showcased were performed by theater groups including Hariom theater trust and Farrukabad. The performances touched the audience both emotionally and mentally. Pratyush Parjapati, one of the theater performers, said, “the performances were so surreal and the screenplay was so wonderful that it was a treat to watch the artists performing live on stage. Their expressions, body language, dialogue delivery, and postures while acting were quite emotional and touched our hearts” (Parjapati, para. 3).
            In India, February is all about enjoying the winter weather and holding festivals in important cities across the country. I think that this event is a great way to showcase India’s culture in the town. While reading the article, the images provided were quite beautiful and the costumes were elaborate and colorful. The performances showcased by the theater groups looked quite meaningful to the performers. The article also talks about “a road show organized that kicked-off the fest, where performers performed on the streets merrily” (Gugliani, para. 1). I think that these festivals are a representation of religion and a strong bond of the community. They help to bring people closer together and celebrate life. Teaching the importance of religion and rituals through a road-side celebration is a great part of their culture.
            Over the course of the semester, I have learned about the Indian culture through our online readings. Under Lesson 3, titled “Indian vs. Hindu,” I delved deeper into the Indian culture by understanding the history of the two civilizations. The Indian social and cultural system is very prominent and traces its origins from the Vedas. Indian culture has continuously evolved throughout history and some of the basic ideals incorporate worldviews including Christianity, Buddhism, and Jainism. Showcased in this festival were rituals from many of these worldviews. This lesson helped me to understand the importance of religion in the Indian population and how it can be showcased through a festival piece.