Spring+Break+Project

=Reflecting Upon Siddhartha's Experience=

Over spring break, I'm excited to give you a very special creative project. The objective of this assignment is for you to consider some of the interesting lessons Siddhartha learns and how those lessons can improve the happiness within people (Buddhists or not). Teaching this book has been a terrific experience and I hope this project will provide you with an opportunity to apply some of the Buddhist principles to your own life. =Film Project Ideas=

1. Develop a story line that reminds audiences of the challenges of balancing Dharma and Mara in our lives, especially when making decisions. Create a movie that teaches audiences the effects of good or bad intentions.

2. Create a chain of intentions movie. Create a movie that celebrates the chain of positive and negative intentions (this movie will have two alternate endings). It only takes one person to start a chain of intentions.

3. Create a movie that focuses on a personal experiment of detachment. The story will follow an individual as he or she detaches him/herself from something that is holding them in a static position of suffering. Show the process for which someone would have to go through (the eight-fold steps) to reach this important accomplishment and relieve themselves of just a little bit of suffering.

=Art Projects= 1. Symbolism Art Portrait Research the important symbolism behind one of the objects below. Create an artistic representation of this symbol and include an important Buddhist quote that helps demonstrate the meaning of the picture. Keep in mind that the colors you use are equally as symbolic so look up the meaning of colors before choosing your color pallet. Lotus Flower-padma (comes in different colors) The Golden Fish-matsya The Five Qualities of Enjoyment The Eight Lucky Articles Triple Gem Buddhist Eyes Wheel of Life Footprints of the Buddha

2. Endless Knot Geometric Art Project (perfect for people who like to play with rulers) or this can also be depicted by two snakes. Create your own 'endless knot'. Research this beautiful phenomenon of harmony and balance and be prepared to share your understanding with the class.

3. Jewelry Design Create a Buddhist symbolic bracelet or necklace made from natural materials. Consider carving, molding, shaping, designing, painting, and any other hand-making techniques to creating this piece. The piece should include an important symbol or mantra. You will have to make this with only good intentions on your mind and then, when completed, you will give this piece away to someone without any anticipation for reciprocation or favor in return.
 * Consider using old Scrabble/Domino pieces and painting them. They are perfect wooden squares and great for detailed paintings.

Create your own Malas (Buddhist Mantra Beads) There are very specific requirements for stringing a true Malas. Research and be prepared to share with the class the meaning of your project.

Origami 1. Research the role that origami has played in Zen Buddhism. Learn the importance of one particular animal and learn how to create this creature through origami. Then, once you have your prototype, bring in a small square of origami paper for everyone in the class and teach us how to create our own. (You will need to write your own directions to distribute as well.) Come prepared to teach the class the importance of this symbol and art.

One-Two People 2. Research Sodako Sasaki and her dream for peace. Create your own 1,000 tiny paper cranes in the spirit of good intentions and good will and keep them in a simple glass jar. After completing this project, share with the class the person you have decided to dedicate who you are going to give this gift of peace to.

3. Choose your colors and shape your paper into origami cranes or lotuses. Make a string of beautiful of 100 paper origami symbols to remind someone who you care about very much that peace is attainable in this lifetime.

Photography Create a photo album of beautiful self-taken photographs that are complemented by ten Buddhist quotes.