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watch the movie which highlighted above then answer question one and choose thre

ID: 3487426 • Letter: W

Question

watch the movie which highlighted above then answer question one and choose three questions from ( 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 ) and answer it. you may use any sources but you have to state the sources.

Answer the following question (34 points) 1. In the Darjeeling Limited the train connects peoples' lives and each segment of the film. Using what you know about pilgrimage traditions, and the values associated with Hindu monism (non- attachment, the search for enlightenment, karma, and rebirth), write an essay that helps the reader understand how Wes Anderson negotiates these themes in the film and places them in the context of the journey by rail. As part of your essay, answer the question, "What is the train?" Answer any three of the following (22 points each) Why is religion in America so closely tied to patterns of belief when in other societies the linkages between religion, culture, art, social organization, and ritual are more easily understood? 2. Recent trends in the study of scripture have applied critical methods that have been associated with the study of history to Jesus but rarely to figures like the historical Buddha. Explain what historical biblical criticism is and the principles that it relies on. Then, using what you know about the differences between monotheism and monism as systems of religious thought and practice, explain why the tenets of historical scriptural criticism have rarely been applied to monistic religions. 3. 4. When conflict is associated with religion the result seems to quickly polarize American society, creating lasting divisions that frequently reoccur. Why? Popular American culture can be described as secular, privatized, highly individualistic, and grounded in empirical levels of meaning that suggest that the "real" world is that which we see. Describe the effect of these forces on the practice of religion in the United States with special reference to the role of cults.

Explanation / Answer

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. (I have answered points 2,4, & 5)

(Answer) Wes Anderson has presented “irony” very well in this film with the trope of Hindu values like ‘nirvana’, ‘non-attachment’ etc. It is ironic that the three brothers are so attached to the past; they make a journey to India, to look for their mother. A mother is the best symbol of an individual’s past.

With their hearts heavy with attachment, they go on a train journey to find their mother. Upon finding her, they realise that she herself is no longer attached to her children as she has adopted the value of ‘non-attachment’.

These themes are very well placed at the beginning of the film, which represents the beginning of the journey. Also, towards the end of the film, the brothers come to a realisation of ‘nirvana’ and ‘non-attachment’ which is like the end of the beginning of their journey. In this context, the “train” is their medium. It is a medium because on their train journey they have the time to think and experience various situations that actually lead to their awakening. Just like Gautama Buddha’s medium was “sitting under the peepal tree” to attain enlightenment, the brothers’ medium was sitting on a train.

2. In America, religion is not as interwoven in the culture like it is in other nations. Even in the UK, it is still the archbishop of Canterbury who will coronate the monarch. In Indonesia, dance forms and architecture are based on religion and India more so than any other country has religion deeply rooted in literature, art, music, dance and the culture in general. This is because, in India, one’s conviction becomes a part of one’s thought process. When convictions are a part of one’s mind it is easily visible in thoughts and actions.

4. American society is largely Christian. India however, is the complete opposite as it is a petri dish of several religions and cultures. But every religion in India, be it Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Sikh, the population lives with the philosophy of “live and let live.” Even communal riots in India are known to have been politically spurred and not really a result of disagreement of personal convictions. In American society, even fandoms are taken seriously. It is only appropriate to wear a “NY Yankees” cap in New York. If the cap is worn in the area of an opposing team, people may sneer or pass remarks. But it is not so in India. For centuries since the Mughal and Maratha kings, people have learned to co-exist. If American society is easily polarised, it is perhaps because differences are taken too seriously instead of being celebrated through art and festivals.

5. Since American culture is individualistic as opposed to communal, it is evident in religious practices too. Even Christians in America are not particularly known to have a “Church football tournament.” In a country of opposing culture like India, the “Archdiocese of Bombay” regularly plans cultural, sports and charity events to get the laity to participate actively in their faith. It is not merely about Hinduism, Christianity, Islam or any particular religion; it is about the willingness to celebrate together as a community and not the desire to be privatised. Cults play an important role in this mentality as well. Since cults fuel the belief of a person’s uniqueness and their entitlement to get special treatment, this individualistic is further incubated. Cults prey on people who believe they deserve more than society gives them. They believe that they are victims of society. Cult leaders make such people feel good and wanted within cult groups. They give them a sense of belonging and community. This is why cults tend to target the emotionally vulnerable people.