Asian Philosophy

Choose one topic from the list below. Some might seem easy, while others might seem difficult. That is not the point. The important thing is to choose according to your interests and to write honestly. It is also important to reflect back on what you've learned in class, while exploring your topic. To be written directly into your blue book or typed and stapled into it—due when blue book is due. Two-three single-spaced pages. 50 pts.


1. RENUNCIATION Conduct a personal experiment in renunciation — for this option, you will give up meat for at least four days (a week is optimum). and write about it. Make sure to explain its purpose and its roots within the context of eastern traditions, along with other motivating factors. If you choose this option, here is useful info from the Gentle Barn to get you started:

Info from Gentle Barn (外部サイトにリンクしています。)外部サイトにリンクしています。.

Part of this assignment is then to first watch any two of the following three options:

1. VEGUCATED (Netflix)
2. FORKS OVER KNIVES (Netflix) 
3. DIET for a NEW AMERICA:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTvrhQIKanc (外部サイトにリンクしています。)外部サイトにリンクしています。

...Plus this one:
4. MEET your MEAT:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykTH_b-cXyE (外部サイトにリンクしています。)外部サイトにリンクしています。These documentaries are for inspiration & information--summarize and say exactly how the documentaries informed and affected you/your work. Another facet of this assignment is to consult a friend/family member, who is already vegetarian (or vegan), for advice and enlist them as a "support buddy." Ask them these sorts of questions and include their responses in your work:

-"Why did you become a vegetarian/vegan?"-"How do you deal with opposition?"-"What advice do you have for me?"-"How has it impacted your life?"Explore, in your write up, these sorts of questions: whether or not you feel you were successful, whether you encountered support or resistance from family and friends, and whether or not you had cravings and how you dealt with them, whether it impacted your worldview and way of looking at animals and food, etc.

*Note: A journal-style entry is acceptable.


*Note: If you're already vegetarian, you may still choose this option by going all the way vegan! *Note: If you "lie" about your experiment, I will know. But more importantly, you will have failed yourself. This is a test of your own character! It is also a commitment of your heart and mind. Enjoy your journey, knowing you're making a positive difference to you, the animals and the environment!
*Note: To my Jewish students, here is a useful website, for support from your own tradition: www.jewishveg.com.
*Note: To my Christian students, here is a useful website, for support from your own tradition: http://www.all-creatures.org/cva/default.htm (外部サイトにリンクしています。)外部サイトにリンクしています。.