5 pages (Due in 10 to 12 hours)

5 pages. Abstract and small outline attached

Paper instructions and Guidelines attached

Confessionsof a renegade monk: Lessons learned at the monastery and the streets of Las Vegas.

Reflections on the nature of God from my earliest memories.

Abstract

This short essay is the beginning of a book I am writing about the spiritual life. It is being adapted to meet the requirements of a class I am taking at Seattle University. Psychospiritual Development examines human growth from a holistic paradigm with emphasis on the spiritual journey. This paper is largely self reflective and personal but it also is influenced by several views of what is means to develop as a human being over the course of a life.

The title of the book comes from my personal journey as a Zen Buddhist Monk. After leaving the monastery I lived in Las Vegas and started a ministry to help the homeless, drug addicts, and prostitutes to examine how they survive and to see if I could help reduce their suffering. Because I am 66 and an older student I have experienced a life time of examination and reflection on the nature of God. Throughout my life I have been deeply curious about the questions that are being raised in this class. As a former college teacher I had to chance to dialogue with students as they struggled with that stage of development. I continue to keep my monastic vows as a lay student which simply means I enter the marketplace and engage in the suffering of all beings.

Since this is a self reflective paper is addresses very painful memories of my childhood. I would like to jump ahead and assure the reader there is a happy ending to this story which points out a fundamental and critical element of the life experience. It is very possible to change and adapt to the concept and God and the questions of life. The very essence of spiritual growth seems to reflect a process of constant change. I believe that is good news for those who inquire about human growth and development. I would also like to add I am using this class for personal growth and reflection for the most part. On occasion I do spiritual counseling but I consider myself a simple retired monk who is enjoying the later part of life.

There are three major themes integrated into the class and they include depth psychology, family systems theory, and cognitive development. All three interest me but clearly I am focused on depth psychology. As a zen student we were mostly silent and sat in deep meditation for up to 12 hours a day. The deepest questions come to the surface in that form of spiritual discipline. With that introduction I would like to begin to reflect on my early childhood and the questions about life, god, family, and life.

Outline of the Paper:

A)What my mother was like:

B)Two examples of major events in my life that shaped my images of God

C)What our family system was like

D)Comments on some of the readings and authors: ( This should show I have read the material )

E)Summary