Rough Draft Narrative

Chris Dunfield

Knapp

English 1A

24 February 2013

Shi'i Ulama and the Revolution in Iran

      The revolution that took place in the 19^th century in Iran was both long and strenuous, and can be attributed to a plethora of causes. The Shi'i Ulama, or religious leaders, are powerful people, clerics and shahs, who are authorities on the Shi'i doctrine and its interpretations. Some of these influential leaders are a partial cause of the Islamic revolution of 1979.

In the 19^th Century, the Shi'iulama are said to have played a large part in defending native peoples against tyrannical oppression by the Qajar. The interpreted doctrines require leaders and believers alike to “strive to end injustice and limit tyranny.”(American Historical Review, p. 1481, ALGAR) Thus it was that these principles creates a natural flow of movement from those under its' faith to revolution. Khomeini, an important religious leader, is said to have started a movement which caused a massive readjustment to the 'traditional understanding'. After this reformation of sorts, it was understood there was no instance of Shi'i ulama taking over political power to control the government themselves. Furthermore, the Shi'i system had constitutional guarantees and checks on government. Although it is clear that the most of the Shi'i ulama faith tried to end tyranny naturally through their religious fundamentals, some doctrines did hold opposing beliefs, “The Shi'i doctrine can be mined to justify and encourage active opposition to the state as readily as to justify political quiescence in the face of oppression.” (SHAUL BAKHASH)

I Am...

Dunfield 1

Christopher Dunfield

Knapp

English 1A

02/17/2013

I AM...

              Who am I? What I mean by this is who am I beneath all these attachments, beneath my name, beneath my family, separate from my ego identity? Surely me being born elsewhere, raised in a different family, exposed to a different culture, and given a unique education, I would still be ME. So what is it that eludes definition yet at the very same time unites us all? What is it that gives us our sense of individuality? Some people spend their whole lives searching for this answer trying to find something to validate their own existence or for something that sets them aside from one another. With constant focus on external senses we as humans forget to look inside; often we are so caught up in egotistical self- centeredness and materialism we lose all connection to each other, and thus to ourselves. As we know now we project our consciousness onto others, creating flaws in them that really reside in ourselves. In the same way, without knowing anyone else you hardly know yourself. Without relationships between each other we would be without experience, without knowledge of self. For what can be perceived if there is only one?
            By separating oneself from everyone else they only create the illusion of individuality; a misconception that furthers the anxiety, depression, and mental psychosis we see running rampant in today's society. If one is continuously fed the Ptolemaic perception of self given to us by culture, they lose all sense of connectivity to life. Behind this illusions, you are nothing but pure consciousness, infinite in potential and only hindered by the limitations of your own self. Binding all life on earth is the only reality, a pervading sense of I AM, or consciousness that courses through all of life, from plant to man; through thoughts I define and create my reality. By internal mental change, all of external life changes in response; thoughts create my reality, but, you are not thought, you are the Source of though, the perceiver There is a saying, “The sounds of the rain needs no translation,” and in the same way what you are cannot be quarantined by definition of words, it can only be perceived.

           On a more shallow note, however, in this here and now, I am Chris, an easy going student. I love nature, the ocean, and wildlife, probably from growing up in Hawaii. I try my best to be thoughtful and considerate of others and their feelings, and am pretty sensitive myself. Sometimes, my sensitivity gets the best of me and I'll catch myself over analyzing simple things or wrongly perceiving others. I enjoy outdoor activities, attending concerts and festivals, making jewelery, cooking, and relaxing with friends. I have a twin brother, through this I have learned how to better share and get along with my peers. This is my 5^th semester at Cabrillo College if you count summer semester, and I plan to transfer to a UC with a general degree or possibly and associates in Sociology. I am here to enjoy life and create relationships that further my personal growth and that of others.