A Zen Master at Creighton Authors: Instructor and Students in PHL 353 Intr. to Buddhism, Spring 2011

 At Creighton our professors expect us to write papers using logic and want us to strive for perfection. However, one should not use logical thinking and life is imperfect.  Professors urge us to achieve perfect grades, however life cannot be perfected.  Professors give so much homework that we do not have time to practice our Zen meditation, zazen.  Creighton students have been taught to believe everything that their professors say as true and not to doubt them, but real truth can only be found within, it cannot be taught.  Most Creighton students are too distracted and stressed by school work and other activities to take the time to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Poem about Hixon Lied A building standing tall It glimmers like a gem A home to learning It holds bodies within its body And teaches those with John Williams Gabe Pilla Nathan Hieb. Where? Here V

Lack of beauty in living quarters. How can one live in such a horrific looking building? Looks too industrial There needs to be a greater emphasis on nature and the beauty all around us. Not much connection with students and nature. Students simply rush to class and do not take time to enjoy the simple aspects of life.

Ode to the Creighton Squirrels Lazy, fat, slow, asymmetrical… Your cup is full. You are our guardians and protectors—swashbucklers! Scared of birds and cars alike. SOME PROTECTORS YOU ARE! Gorging your chubby faces, chewing on trash, biting our fingers. Squirrel popsicles! Bravo!!!!

Incorporates the beauty of nature in terms of the fountain, trees and flowers all around central campus. St. John’s Church brings a sense of serenity and acceptance. There should be more places like the Jesuit Gardens around the campus to give faculty and students a location to reflect on their themselves. Campus has many locations for classes to be held outside—for example, the philosophy and theology classes can appreciate the natural beauty around us.

The fountain in front of St. Johns brings peace to the students with its flowing water; observing the fountain is a calm, tranquil experience. Sitting in the Jesuit Gardens, I feel as though I am one with nature and I can grow and take in the sunlight.

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