The Body and the Mind


Many of the major religions today such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, are great sources of intellect, morality and guidance. However these religions are quickly becoming outdated in the modern world and with the younger generations. While still holding sway over the masses, they are less popular. Yet there may be simple reasons why this is the case.

In his book, Pop Cult, Till examines several reasons for the change from traditional religion to pop culture religious movements. One of the areas he investigated was that traditional religions neglect parts of human culture; in particular, matters of the body (p. 170- 171). Religions teach us how to act mindfully, and while many aspects of religion inspire emotion and emotive responses, the doctrine of traditional religion is to observe your behaviour and change it according to strict guidelines. These religions address the mind, but neglect the body. The two are usually inseparable but traditional religions force a ravine between the two and this is where many pop religious movements differ.

Emotions rule and the movement, whether addressing music, celebrities, etc. focuses on the body to shape the mind. Buddhism may be a less extreme example of this, as such a religion intertwines the body and the mind, for example through meditation (Cantwell, p. 66). Perhaps this is one of the reasons Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions in Australia where Buddhism affiliation increased by 79% from 1996 to 2001 (Year Book Australia, 2003).

Humans need a way to express not only their thoughts and emotions, but the behaviours and impulses that drive such mindfulness. The modern world is about instant gratification and pleasing the soul by addressing the body's needs. We are visual creatures who crave community and sensation.This is how to appeal to the masses now, and why traditional religions may be outdated. 

Relax - Buddhist Meditation Music - Zen Garden - Kokin Gumi

(7 minute music video)

Referneces:

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2003). 1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2003. Available at: http://www.abs.gov.au?Ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/9658217eba753c2cca256cae00053fa3?OpenDocument

Cantwell, C. 2009. Buddhism: The Basics. Florence, USA: Routledge, Ch. 2, The Dharma. 57-92. Ebook.

Till, R. 2010. Pop Cult: Religion and Popular Music. London: Continuum International Publishing  Ch. 9, Do You Believe in Rock and Roll. Musical Cults of the Sacred Popular. 168-192. Ebook.

Relax - Buddhist Meditation Music - Zen Garden - Kokin Gumi (2008). Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR3dM-GlZK8