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Rel 212 Strayer

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Assignment 2: Report on Religious Field Research
Strayer University
REL 212

Misconceptions

The religion I decided to research was Buddhism. When it came to most religions outside my own, I for the most part never had any misconceptions and have always kept an open mind. One of the main things I was taught growing up was if I want to know something, just ask. From a young age I was always encouraged to learn as much as I can, and do not assume anything. Following this has always served me well, but as we all know, some truths can be blurred. Watching television shows, movies, the news, and even listening to the radio seems to somehow implant things in our mind that are not necessarily true, nevertheless we become comfortable with people tell us, and over time their truths can start to become our truths. With that mind, most people do not take the time to seek out the actual truth from a reliable source such as religious texts, or the local religious leader. If I had to say that I had a few misconceptions about Buddhism, they would be: 1. All Buddhists believe in reincarnation. 2. All Buddhists wear robes. 3. Spend most of their time in meditation.
After a recent family crisis, I figured visiting any place of worship would help to clear my head, and even possibly help me to understand this religion a bit better. While in Philadelphia I visited the Amitayus Kadampa Buddhist Center in center city Philadelphia.

Even knowing I was a walk-in, I was still greeted with respect and was allowed to sit-in/watch a service that was already in progress. The woman who greeted me at the door was very pleasant and understanding about my current situation, and took me on a brief tour while she explained to me the rules while being in the service. Some of the guidelines she asked me to follow were:

1. First above all was she asked me to

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