Abstract
This paper explains that Jainism often is seen as very similar to Hinduism and Buddhism, since all three religions preach the doctrine of achieving 'moksh' or release from the recurring cycle of reincarnation. Jainism, however, differs significantly in its conception of the universe and soul and in its conception of life and death. The author points out Jainism's central doctrine of 'ahimsa,' or non-violence, non-action, and non-attachment, is based on Jainism's worldview that there is too much violence and suffering involved in the continuous cycle of birth and death. The paper relates that Jainism helps its followers overcome the fear of death by projecting the promise of a state of eternal bliss, painting a rather divine picture of liberated souls rising through the universe to inhabit the 'siddha loka,' which is not 'the heaven' as understood by many world religions, but rather a place above the highest heaven at the very top of the universe.

From the Paper
"According to Jain doctrine, the universe is composed of both dead (ajiva) and living (jiva) matter. However, jiva and ajiva matter are not disparate. In other words, jiva matter contains ajiva elements, and the ajiva, jiva elements. The idea that living and dead matter are intermingled is an important one in understanding Jain doctrine, for it forms the very basis of the religion's conceptualization of ahimsa and the cycle of reincarnation."

Tags:austerity, reincarnation, ahimsa, universe, cycle

Abstract
This paper takes an academic but practical look at this diverse belief system of the Hindu religion. The origins and development of Hinduism are discussed as well at its role in the world of today and in the lives of its adherents. Contrasts are made with Christian belief systems and Hindu and non-Hindu scholars are quoted.

Outline
Hinduism's Ancient Roots
Hinduism's Holy Writings
Teachings and Conduct - Ahimsa and Varna
The Frustrating Cycle of Existence
The Pantheon of Hindu Gods
Hinduism and the River Ganges
Hinduism and the Soul
Hindu Teaching of Hell
Hinduism's Rival

From the Paper
"Brahma, although central to Hindu mythology, does not occupy a place of importance in the worship of the average Hindu. In fact very few temples are dedicated to him, even though he is called Brahma the Creator. However, Hindu mythology attributes the assignment of creating the material universe to a supreme being, source, or essence-Brahman, or Brahm, identified with the sacred syllable OM or AUM. All three members of the triad are considered part of that "Being," and all other gods are viewed as different manifestations. Whichever god is then worshiped as supreme, that deity is thought to be all-embracing. So while Hindus openly venerate millions of gods, most acknowledge only one true God, who can take many forms: male, female, or even animal. Therefore, Hindu scholars are quick to point out that Hinduism is actually monotheistic, not polytheistic. Later Vedic thinking, however, discards the concept of a supreme being, replacing it with an impersonal divine principle or reality."

Tags:brahma, ganges, soul, hell

Abstract
This paper looks at the life of one of the most influential Hindu figures of the 19th and 20th centuries, Mahatma Gandhi. It examines how Gandhi?s life was guided by a search for truth and how he believed that truth could be known only through tolerance and concern for others. It shows how he dedicated himself to truth, to nonviolence, to poverty, and to honesty, and how he believed in "Ahimsa" or nonviolence, and taught that to be truly nonviolent required great courage.

From the Paper
"The most influential factor in Gandhi's philosophical development was religion. Gandhi did believe in God, and his religion is Hinduism. "My religion is Hinduism, which for me is the religion of humanity and includes the best of all the religions known to me" (Gandhi, Para1). Gandhi inherited Hinduism from his parents, but he was more influnced by the religion through reading many books. ?It was thanks to his theosophist friends that Gandhi started learning about his own religion, by reading the Bhagavad-Gita Gita, which he was ashamed of never having read, in the original, either in the original Sanskrit or in a Gujarati translation, and which he now tackled eagerly in Sir Edwin Arnold's popular English translation."

Tags:hinduism, god, nonviolence, peace, poverty

Abstract
This paper discusses the ways in which two members of the theosophical society, William Judge from the West and Subba Row from the East, approach the Bhagavad Gita. The paper specifically looks at how, with respect to their backgrounds, their interpretations vary considerably. The paper also examines a number of similarities in Judge's and Row's understandings, which are explored in greater depth.

From the Paper
"Consistent with the dominant Theosophical position, Judge believes that the Gita needs to be interpreted as an allegory. Judge believes that it is important not to interpret the Gita literally but rather, read between the lines and find the hidden meaning within the text. This view is consistent with the Theosophical mandate in that they seek out esoteric works from a variety of religious and philosophical sources in order to expound their inherent meanings. In his discussion about the Great War found in the Gita, Judge states, "No doubt such a conflict did take place, for man is continually imitating the higher spiritual planes; and a great sage could easily adopt a human event in order to erect a noble philosophical system upon such an allegorical foundation." It is difficult to determine with any degree of accuracy whether or not the Great War found in the Gita was a historical event. It may very well have been the best setting to present a didactic exposition of the teaching. In any event, the intention of the author(s) remains open for interpretation."

Tags:ahimsa, allegory, avatar

Abstract
This paper explains that the religion of Christian Science impacts the health care of religionists because Christian Scientists generally choose not to consult doctors, use medicine, and even refuse vaccines unless mandated by law. The author points out the extensive influence of the Spanish culture, with Roman Catholicism as the main religion that is prevalent in Spain and several other countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Columbia, Cuba, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The paper relates that the main religion practiced in India is Hinduism, though India has large population segments that follow the Christian and Islamic faiths. The most commonly followed traditions are those that are linked to popular Hindu festivals, such as Diwali or the festival of lights, which is celebrated every year to mark the anniversary of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya from exile.

Table of Contents
Religions
Roman Catholic
Christian Scientist
Buddhism
Cultures
Spain
Vietnam
India

From the Paper
"The Roman Catholic religion believes in the Holy Trinity of a creator God the Father; Jesus Christ, His Son; and the Holy Spirit. Other beliefs that characterize the religion are the original sin; the forgiveness of sin; the second coming of the Lord; and life after death. Given its belief in sin, the religion offers the hope of salvation through its sacraments and baptism. Infant baptism is encouraged to erase the original sin and as a start to a spiritual life through the Church. In addition, the Roman Catholic Church holds that the mass is a continuation of the sacrifice made by Christ and thus teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation or that the bread and wine at communion actually become the body and blood of Christ. Generally, the religion has no dietary restrictions. However, it advocates abstaining from meat and meat products on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of the month of Lent."

Tags:ahimsa, diwali, health, influence, sacraments

Abstract
Mahatma Gandhi was a representational character, meaning he symbolizes a particular set of values to a culture, and a particular mythology is therefore associated with him. This paper looks at how Gandhi represents the nonviolent lifestyle; nonviolent action became not passive resistance, but a technique capable of taking the initiative in active struggle. It explores how the combination of these various factors resulted in his important contributions to civil rights history. Though flawed, Gandhi exploited his humanity to the fullest extent and worked to live his life as an example that would be carried throughout time as a symbol of justice and harmony.

From the Paper
"Dave Dellenger said, "The major advances in nonviolence have not come from people who have approached nonviolence as an end in itself, but from persons who were passionately striving to free themselves from social injustice." In 1893, Mahatma Gandhi received an offer from Dada Abdullah & Co. to instruct their counsel in a lawsuit in South Africa; having failed to establish himself as a lawyer in Bombay, Gandhi jumped at the opportunity. Upon his arrival, one of the first things he noticed was the aura of racial segregation and portentousness. After about a week's stay in Durban, Gandhi left for Pretoria, where his presence was needed in connection with a lawsuit. A first class ticket was purchased for him by his client."

Tags:ahimsa, anthropology, character, civil, ethics, ethnic, figure, historical, history, india, movements, philosophy, political, racism, rights, satyagraha, science, significant, social, studies