Open mind, open heart. The art of being open..

Alright so it's Tuesday. This means that I am a day behind. Little do you know that I am actually studying for the next challenge. Yes. Studying!
As I was contemplating what I should do for the challenge this week (so many ideas!) I began to think of the TV show 30 days on Planet Green. The show was created by Morgan Spurlock, the same man who did the incredible film Super Size Me. Anyways Morgan takes people who are completely different from each other (say the super Christian and the Muslim) and puts one in the others environment for 30 days where they have to live, pray, eat, etc. like the family they are placed with. The show is pure genius. One of the most thought provoking in fact was the super Christian and the Muslim family, where the Christian learned a great deal about something some people are very stereotypical about- other religions.
That got me thinking. I was raised in a Christan family, we aren't really regular church goers, but we never really looked into any other beliefs other than our own. In college, I learned a bit more about other peoples' views and started making my mind up a bit more about what I follow, or what I don't. (College is an excellent place for ideas and opinions to be shaped and formed- part of the reason I loved school and not just in the sense of religion either). So last night I began looking into a religion/and or belief system that I find rather interesting- which is Buddhism. I promptly told my mother my idea for the new challenge and she blatantly said "why?"
Exactly. With her comment it became more clear that this was a challenge that should be done. Because why not? As people and religion go most except what they are taught, most don't question it.  More interestingly however, most don't even try to find out what others around them believe. Maybe that is the reason we all don't get along..we hardly even try.
So therefore for this challenge- I must study, learn about, and at least practice some of the ideas taught by major religions of the world. (Thanks Byron for the added challenge). (I also must note that in no means whatsoever will I no be forsaking what I know as God, but I am saying that I feel using the key ideas that these religions believe I can convey their message without angering people who may feel like I am abandoning my own faith). I feel this challenge is an important one and it is important to gain an understanding and a knowledge of others in the world and their beliefs. Call it understanding religion week or something. Or in the eyes of the Buddhism religion to not judge others.
For the next six days I will study and partake in Buddhism, Hinduism, Native American beliefs, and Islamic beliefs.  Each day I will take on these beliefs and/or moral codes and abide by them. For the idea of Buddhism, as well as Hinduism I must meditate to get in touch with my spiritual self. Since this was a mega fail last week I MUST partake this week. For Buddhism I must do right by someone else- whether it be a stranger or if I must volunteer or even give blood. I must forget for two days the idea of money and not be consumed by negative thoughts. For Hinduism I must give up beef (easily done) and practice at least one of their rituals. For Native Americans I will follow the same basic ideas as above, and for Islamic I will fast for one day (Sunday) from sun up to sun down.
Whew! I have my work cut out.
For your reading pleasure here is the general idea/ and or moral code that Buddhists follow since that is the religion I am starting with.

These are known in Buddhism as the Four Noble Truths.

4. THE TRUE PATH, OR EIGHT-FOLD NOBLE PATH

If we can control our body and mind in a way that we help others instead of doing them harm, and generating wisdom in our own mind, we can end our suffering and problems.

The Buddha summarised the correct attitude and actions in the Eight-fold Noble Path:

(The first 3 are avoiding the 10 non-virtues of mind, speech and body:)

1. Correct thought: avoiding covetousness, the wish to harm others and wrong views (like thinking: actions have no consequences, I never have any problems, there are no ways to end suffering etc.)
2. Correct speech: avoid lying, divisive and harsh speech and idle gossip.
3. Correct actions: avoid killing, stealing and sexual misconduct
4. Correct livelihood: try to make a living with the above attitude of thought, speech and actions.
5. Correct understanding: developing genuine wisdom.
   (The last three aspects refer mainly to the practice of meditation:)
6. Correct effort: after the first real step we need joyful perseverance to continue.
7. Correct mindfulness: try to be aware of the "here and now", instead of dreaming in the "there and then".
8. Correct concentration: to keep a steady, calm and attentive state of mind.

The Buddha explained that we can use the Four Yardsticks to assess if we are practicing the correct way:
one should feel happiness, compassion, love and joyous effort when practicing.
(as found on http://viewonbuddhism.org/4_noble_truths.html)

So it begins....follow my journey.

Pardon me though I must leave you,  I have to meditate.