It was Friday afternoon, the last class of the day, and they were entering winter break. Jimmy and his friends were deciding on where to hang out over the weekends. However, before school ended, Mrs. Chen, their homeroom teacher assigned a homework assignment, asking if everyone could bring an item that would best represent what they believed the symbol of life should be.

 Before you guys go, make sure to bring something on Monday!

When Jimmy was walking home from school his friends decided it'd be best for them to check out the antique shop in town just so that they could have an idea of what to bring on Monday. When they got there, all of Jimmy's friends knew exactly what they wanted to buy, except for Jimmy. 

    "Jimmy you sure you don't know what you want?"

    "I mean it's no rush as I've got a week to prepare."

    "yeah you're right."

I don't know what I want.....

Leaving the store confused, Jimmy decided to go home and get inspiration from his dad. "Dad, Mrs. Chen assigned an assignment but I don't know what she meant. What is the meaning of life?" 

    "Son, do you want to know? It's going to be a long journey, once told you can never go back!"

    "Yeah, I'm down for the challenge"

    "I'm guessing that Mrs.Chen is talking about religions, however, I can't help you, I'm not really good with religions, but I'll make something work. Gimme a second, let me make a call." 

A few minutes later, Jimmy's dad returned and told Jimmy "Okay Jimmy, we're going on vacation for a few days, I got some fun events set up when we arrive in Asia!"

    "We're going to ASIA?!?!?!"

    "Of course we are, you said you wanted to learn about religions right? come on now, pack your bags, tidy up, and let's fly!" 

    "OH MY GOD! I can finally see a panda!"  

  ASIA!

11 hours and 15 minutes later, Jimmy and his dad arrived at Asia. They took a quick power nap and was headed to the Temple of Pha That Luang. They arrived at the Temple and before entering Jimmy's dad needed to go to the restroom. "Oh hello there, young folk."

    "who are you?"

    "I'm Sengoku, the wise Buddhist that lives here, come now I shall teach you the ways of a Buddhist. The ways are difficult but are you up for this challenge Jimmy?" 

    "Yes the almighty Buddhist, Sengoku. 

        I'm Sengoku

The Monk told Jimmy that Buddhism is about finding peace and happiness by being kind to others and understanding that everything in life is connected. The Monk has Jimmy practice a style of Buddhism named Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism is a stripped-down, determined, uncompromising, cut-to-the-chase, meditation-based Buddhism that takes no interest in doctrinal refinements. (Fischer) The Monk had Jimmy sit quietly and breathe deeply, getting him into the Meditating zone.

After Meditating for some time, Jimmy found himself calm and spiritually awakened. The Monk awoke him and asked him "How do you feel, now that you understand the peace within?"

    "I feel enlightened now that I've understand the concepts of Zen Buddhism, I can feel the life around me." 

Not before long Jimmy's dad returned. "Oh, Jimmy, you've met Sengoku, your teacher for Buddhism." 

    "Dad... I'm already done, you took too long!"

    "Oh oops.. My bad, anyways next stop we go! thanks Sengoku!" 

I've taught him all about the ways of a Zen Buddhist

Before leaving the Temple, a sage called upon them and requested to teacher Jimmy about Taoism. "What is Taoism, and why do you want me to learn it?" 

    "Well" said the sage, "I've seen what the Monk taught you and decided that my teachings may also help you with what you want to learn." 

    "If you insist, I'll learn The ways of the Tao."

The sage told Jimmy that Taoism is about living in harmony with nature and going with the flow of life. He explained that Taoist believed in a concept called Wuwei.

Wanna learn the ways of the Taoists?

    "Wuwei? What's Wuwei?"

    "Wuwei is an action that doesn't force things and letting life unfold naturally. Wuwei follows something called Dao, and Dao unfolds the entire universe as well as the cosmos." (Stefon) 

    "how can I practice Wuwei?"

    "well, there is only one way but yet no way. The practice of taking no action that is not in accord with the natural course of the universe is Wuwei."

    "So I don't do anything?"

    "not quite, just keep in mind not taking actions not within the natural course is Wuwei."

Nothing

   NOTHING?!?!?

 After learning from the Monk and getting interrupted by the Sage, Jimmy and his dad were finally able to head towards their next destination. They were headed for the only Orthodox Church in the area. When they arrived Jimmy met a friendly pastor who was eager to teach him the ways of Christianity. "Jimmy" said Dad, "there was only supposed to be two lessons for today, but I guess now there is three due to the sage we encountered earlier. Well you go on and learn about Christianity, I'll be out here by the church waiting." 

Good Luck, and Have fun!