Liquide Life Essay, Research Paper

Liquid Life

Abortion and Buddhism in Japan

After reading this book my mind instantly flashed back to the first day of class. I remembered a statement that was made by the instructor. This statement being of how he wanted us to walk away from this class in awe or astonishment for the various things that would be talked about throughout the semester.

I remember thinking to myself that this would never happen for I have physically taken in part in the Japanese culture through exploration of the country and research on the countries background. Never would I have imagined what I would discover as I started to scan over the texts of this most impressive and yet disturbing book. A book that attempts to take on one of the worlds most controversial questions of right and wrong and try to make sense of the various topics. One of the biggest questions asked about abortion is how rreligion looks upon this devilish act.

To give you a better understanding of my interpretation of this book I feel I should answer the question myself in order to help you understand the direction of this paper. Is abortion right or is it wrong, do my religious beliefs influence my decision? My answer to the first part of the questions is YES, abortion is a devilish act of irresponsibility. It is not my religious beliefs that lead me to believe that such an act is wrong, but more my belief that you are taking the life, of the innocent.

I believe that when the child is conceived it takes on the start of its human existence, I believe that this is a person who should have the chance to live his/her life accordingly, and have the opportunity to make its own choices as he/she develops through out life. Unlike some of the Japanese beliefs that I see through out this book. I find it hard to understand how a culture or anybody for that matter can believe that when a child is in the womb being developed it is not a person. How can one think that there is a crossover point during this period of nine months, how can one believe that the child is in a position midway between human society and the world of the gods and spirits (kami).

An interesting concept I must admit, but only believable if the gods above were to be the immediate mother or father of the child to be born, such as that of the mythological tale of Hercules and his father Zeus whose wife so happens to be human. When it has to do with us, the human race, I believe it is more a belief that is used to ease the pain of those who know they have done wrong.

In reading this book it reminded me of a chapter I read ounce in a philosophy class. The chapter is entitled “What is a Person.” I had to refer back to this chapter for this paper to see if an aborted fetus meets the criteria outlined to be classified as a person. Characteristics of a person:

1.Exists materially.

2.Is biologically alive.

3.Is aware.

4.Feels physical and mental pleasure.

5.Has a sense of self.

6.Controls it own behavior.

7.Recognizes other persons.

8.Analytical & connectional thought.

9.Is able to learn.

10.Problem solving skills

11.Capacity for Communication.

These traits are what we use in order to define a person. Because a child isn’t able to demonstrate all of these traits to us when it is in fetal development, does this mean that we are not to consider the fetus an individual.

If you can prove to me that these traits are not the during fetal development then maybe, just maybe I might open my mind up for more of a discussion. Until then I will not accept the ideal that there is a position midway between human society and the world of the gods and spirits.

I was astonished to find out some of the reasons for such a high abortion rate. Some reasons are due in part to the fact that physicians earn large incomes from the lucrative abortion industry. Another explanation for their high abortion rate can be explained in part by the fact that contraception is not readily available.

Despite my disagreement that the author tries to make sense about abortion by trying to explain the link between abortion and Buddhism, I have found something that I do find most impressive about Japan. This is the Development of the cemeteries that have evolved from the graves of aborted fetuses through out Japan. To read about these places can really give you a feeling of appreciation, but to actually step foot onto these grounds is another sensation all alone.

When I was in Japan I had the opportunity to visit a Mizuko Kuyo Temple located in Kamakura. No ware in the world have I ever heard of such a place that pays tribute to the departed children that were aborted fetuses. Not even in the States ware abortion has become a much-heated discussion is there any type of cemetery dedicated to the children who have not had the opportunity to experience life.