會議地點：越南胡志明市；時間：2009.12.18 - 2010.01.03；大會主題：傑出的女性修行者與典範=Eminent Buddhist Women
關鍵詞
感恩頂禮
摘要
Bowing is a ritual gesture found throughout the Buddhist world. Bowing in a Buddhist context is often done as an expression of respect, deference, and gratitude. It can also help one dissolve the ego that often obscures one’s view of our interrelatedness. When bowing is done in this way, it has power to effect non-confrontational change, at personal and social levels. It has helped Japanese Buddhist nuns bring equality to sect regulations and helped bring the concerns of Korean farmers to the World Trade Organization.
In physical terms, bowing is the taking of a vulnerable position. In the animal world, bowing demonstrates acquiescence to the power of other animals nearby. It is a tactical decision that even goes beyond the “fight or flight” response. It is done in the recognition that neither fighting nor fleeing would be helpful. However, when one bows voluntarily as an expression of gratitude, one has chosen to trust that the surroundings are safe. Paradoxically, rather than indicating fear, bowing to express gratitude can open the heart to kindness, and, instead of priming it for submission, primes it for the expectation of good things to come. This quiet and simple act of bowing in gratitude and respect might generate a cascade of bio-chemical, electrical, and “spiritual” energies that help one thrive in life, rather than succumb to negative conditions. Perhaps there is a “respect and kindness” response that counterbalances the “fight or flight” response that has already received much attention. Whether or not this can be scientifically proven, we do have another option beyond fighting, fleeing, or succumbing. We can choose to respond with respect and kindness.
Since our expectations influence sensory processing, the act of conscious bowing as an expression of gratitude can rewire our brains so that what was once felt to be unsafe becomes an occasion to feel safe and connected. When the body feels safe, the immune system can function smoothly. Due to our neural plasticity, bowing in gratitude over and over undoubtedly changes the brain, strengthens the practitioner’s perception of safety, and thereby increases her ability to heal. Through exploring the power inherent in this ritual, we can discover new possibilities for bringing the benefits of bowing to contemporary society and thus further world healing.
This workshop will include: 1. An introduction to the power of bowing in human society and scientific examinations of bowing 2. An exploration of different types of bowing and responses to bowing 3. Group discussion of Buddhist bowing practices: sensations of body and mind, the power of bowing in participants’ own experience, etc. 4. Written reflections on the bowing experience. This exercise is designed to give people a quiet time to process. Those who are interested may submit their written reflections for consideration in future research. 5. Participants’ performance of bowing in their own traditions.
