The Religion of Buddhism

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of world religions. Specifically, it contains an examination of the religion of Buddhism. The paper looks at the many different sects and factions in the Buddhist religion. It also discusses the history of Buddhism, as well as the five precepts and four noble truths that make up much of the beliefs of the religion.

From the Paper:

"Buddhism differs from many of the world's major religions in many ways. For example, monks are the holy men of the religion, but they do not act as priests or officials of the church. In fact, many rituals, such as baptism and marriage, are considered family rituals and are not presided over by monks. They do attend funerals, because Buddhists believe death is simply the gateway to another life, and the beginning of a rebirth for another life here on Earth. A central tenet of the Buddhist religion is reincarnation and rebirth, which can occur repeatedly. A person may come back as the same person again and again, or they may come back as many different people, which is more common. However, this does not mean that a person does not have to "pay" for their sins on earth. One writer notes, "Rebirth is thought to take place among all forms of sentient life, and the worlds into which beings can be reborn include a range of heavens and hells." If, during these many lives, a person reaches a plateau, where they live selflessly and with love for others, they can reach a state of Nirvana, or perfection. However, many of the Buddhist sects' different beliefs have blended together to form central beliefs that all sects practice, and some western customs, such as the marriage ceremony, have found their way into Buddhist culture and religion."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Keown, Damien. Buddhism A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.
• Robinson, B.A. "Buddhism, Based on the Teachings of Siddhartha Gautama." ReligiousTolerance.org. 2007. 28 June. 2007.<http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism.htm>
• Schmidt-Leukel, Perry. "Buddhism and the Idea of Human Rights: Resonances and Dissonances." Buddhist-Christian Studies (2006): 33+.
• Seager, Richard Hughes. Buddhism in America. New York: Columbia University Press, 1999. Witham, Larry. "Buddhism Influences U.S. Thought." The Washington Times 11 Oct. 1997: 7.

More papers on The Religion of Buddhism:

• Analytical Essay # 128613 : "The Spread of Buddhism and Christianity"
• Essay # 12322 : "The Contributions of Buddhism to the Asian Culture"
• Analytical Essay # 68596 : "The Dream of the Red Chamber"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: