Sofia Reyes, a recent graduate of the University of Southern California (USC), enrolled in the course “Religion 342: Buddhist Modernism,” which led her on an unexpected path of self-discovery. Sofia’s major objective as a student working for a bachelor of science in health promotion and disease prevention was to complete her final prerequisite and graduate in the spring of 2022. She enrolled in the course because she wanted a less hectic schedule, but she had no idea how much it would change the way she thought about religion and faith.

Sofia’s conservative Latina and Religious upbringing prevented her from ever being encouraged to consider ideas or actions that went against her background. She was raised to believe that non-monotheistic and non-conservative actions may cast doubt on or disparage her belief in God and the Bible. Sofia, however, went into the training with an open mind and the intention of learning at least one practical skill or technique for self-reflection.

During the training, Sofia’s mistrust of other religions and customs started to lessen. As she saw in Buddhism as well as Christianity and Catholicism, as well as among her Buddhist classmates in class, she came to the realization that preconceived conceptions might conceal the fundamental substance of religious beliefs. Sofia, embracing a feeling of awareness, saw the need of examining and resolving problems within her own faith and being receptive to learning from others.

Sofia’s perspective on non-monotheistic faiths has been favourably altered by Buddhist Modernism. She had never been really intrigued about or interested in embracing other people’s religions, though she had always been courteous of them. Yet, Sofia was now willing to accept some Buddhist beliefs and practises, especially those connected to socially active Buddhism (SEB). She saw the virtues of empathy, altruism, and compassion for others through service, finding common ground between SEB and her Religious principles. Sofia was attracted by the notion of using religion to address socioeconomic, cultural, and political challenges.

Sofia had plans to keep up the behaviours emphasised in the course in the future. She wanted to talk more about religion and philosophy and break the taboo that still exists in American society. She had experienced a significant effect from meditation, and she wanted to incorporate it more into her daily life to feel more at peace and present. She also found it appealing to teach meditation to young children.

Sofia regarded her encounter with Buddhist Modernism as illuminating, enlivening, and relaxing. Her students and the instructor were able to share their knowledge with her, and the course introduced her to meditation as a way to find peace. It also exposed her to other facets of Buddhism.

Sofia realised that her path into Buddhism had been gratifying and perhaps the outcome of earlier well-intentioned deeds, in accordance with the notion of karma, despite the fact that it had first been overwhelming owing to the enormous array of new vocabulary and concepts. Sofia’s academic experience at USC gave her a wider perspective and a fresh respect for the uncharted, and it prepared her for the next stage of her educational path, which will involve getting a master’s in public health and advancing health fairness for all.