Abstract This paper looks into three major world religions, discussing and analyzing these religions in the context of other religions. The religions discussed are Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, analyzed with other major world religions, like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In addition to the comparative analysis of the religions mentioned, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism are also analyzed in the context of the African-American race, specifically among black American males, aged 17 to 30 years, belonging to either the low, middle, or high economic social class.
Outline:
Introduction
Discussion and Analysis
From the Paper "Chappell (2005) described the difference between Christianity and Buddhism, which he also considered complementary to each other. In Buddhism, the individual has "many levels of reality," brought about by the fact that it has a well-defined description of religious realities experienced by the individual (13). While in Christianity, religious states are only divided into two, and radically different realms, achieved initially while one is alive, and the other religious state experienced in death. Thus, the state of "nirvana" within the individual in Christian terms is achieved once the individual is in the "next life," that is, experienced death."
This paper examines the values and traditions of Hinduism while stressing the importance of reform and modernization of those same traditions and values in order to continue thriving in a more Westernized world.
Abstract This paper focuses on the original values and traditions of Hinduism as well as the flexibility found in this religion which has spawned numerous sects which include Buddhism, the Rama-Krishna movement and Brahmo Samaj. Hinduism offers a unique liberalism that allows followers to remain loyal even when rejecting one or more of its tenets. The writer of this paper discusses how Western thought has stressed the need for social reform in countries such as India and Cambodia. Like Hinduism, Buddhism also needs to address the encroachments of Western civilization. This paper examines how communist-led countries such as Indochina and Cambodia have abolished Hinduism entirely. As both Hinduism as Buddhism stem from the same roots, both faiths continue to grow and face complex challenges caused by an increasingly global society where international interdependence is essential.
From the Paper "Western thought has also influenced the calls for social reform in India. Among the most problematic issues is that of the caste system. Some opponents of this social structure have opted to withdraw into monasticism, while others have chosen the more productive option for lasting change. The introduction of such modern developments as public developments as public transportation and fast-food restaurants has led to a practical relaxation of the prohibition against social contact between separate castes. More dramatic have been affirmative action measures towards outcastes or "backward castes," with such policies advocated by the former British administration, Mahatma Gandhi, and recent political policy. Other practices which have fallen victim to social reforms include child marriage and encouraged population growth."
Abstract There are two primary parts to this brief discussion of Mahayana Buddhism. In Part I., the basic features of Indian Buddhism will be presented and addressed. In Part II the concept of the "One who is enlightened" is seen in the beliefs of the Mahayan as they are shown in relation to Hinduism. The comparison with Hinduism is limited to one area because Hinduism is a diverse set of beliefs which can not be all covered in such a short space.
Abstract Although different human cultures have established and practiced different relationships with their conception of the divine, the existence of scriptures appears to be a common element in all religions. This being said it must be noted that just as religions and religious practices differ widely across cultures, so too does the form, number, function, and nature of scriptures. This essay compares and contrasts the role of scripture in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Abstract This paper investigates how religions that are so diverse as those of Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity are believed to share elements to a degree where Christians now believe that their traditions are supported by the philosophies found these alternative practices. Through investigating the commonalities found within all three practices, this paper provides reasons as to why the Western traditions of Zen Buddhism and Hinduism have become popularized in the West, and within the Western religion of Christianity over the past fifty years.
Abstract This paper explains that Buddhism is a somewhat unique religion in that it does not personify the concept of god but rather the Buddha, who is a normal human having come to enlightenment and salvation through suffering; however, Hinduism is far more focused on divinity and messages from a spiritual realm beyond the understanding of humanity. The author points out that Islam, which is considered one of the three Abrahamic, monotheistic faiths, the other two being Judaism and Christianity, uses Allah (God), who is eternal, transcended and part of humanity in his compassion and mercy. The paper relates that Sikhism, which shares with Islam the paradigm of a single god, operates on the principle that all human beings are equal and should not be distinguished by parameters such as social class and royalty.
Table of Contents:
Buddhism Hinduism Islam
Sikhism
From the Paper "In terms of salvation, Sikhism is close to Hinduism in its belief of the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. According to Sikhism, there is a progressive journey of the soul from the lowest orders of life, such as plants and animals, to the highest order of physical existence, being human. While several rebirths at this level of existence is possible, having reached human life means that the journey is close to completion. The soul reaches God at the point of physical death, where it is judged in order to determine whether more rebirth is required."
Abstract This essay focusses on two major features of Hinduism that impacted on Siddhartha Gautama ? dharma and nirvana. The paper examines predominantly Buddhist texts in order to analyse the negative and positive responses they had on Gautama's teachings. However, since both terms can have widely varying meanings attached, depending on sect, especially within Buddhism, and usage, only a general overview is practical in this short essay.
From the Paper "At the time Siddhartha Gautama (c. 560 BCE ? c. 480 BCE) was born both Western and Eastern civilisations were experiencing a sharp rise in intellectual and religious development, and India was no exception. Born into the kshatriya, or warrior caste, in the predominantly Hindu region of north-east India, raised in luxury and well educated, Gautama took advantage of the developments of this period and attempted to reinterpret traditional Hinduism."
Abstract This paper examines and explains the essential differences and similarities between Jainism and Hinduism. The paper explains that the main aspect that differentiates Jainism from Hinduism is the mode of thought in Jainism, which denies the theistic and ritualistic aspect that Hinduism incorporated into its doctrine. Another difference noted in the paper is Jainism's emphasis on liberation through self-knowledge and through the radical denial of the world and all sensual aspects associated with it. Finally, the paper notes that there are also many similarities between the two religions, one of which is the shared acceptance of Hindu gods.
From the Paper "A comparison of these two faiths also brings attention to bear on the various interpretations of Hinduism. It should also be noted that Hinduism is not one homogenous body of clear-cut practice and doctrine, it is in fact a complex amalgam of various interpretations and views that form a sometimes contradictory whole. Jainism also cannot be seen in isolation from the cultural and philosophical substratum from which it broke away."
Abstract Hinduism is a very peaceful, reflective and meditative form of religious belief. This paper provides an overview of Hinduism. It includes information about this religion's history, beliefs, traditions and festivals.
From the Paper "It interesting to note that although there are Hindu temples, the worship of the Hindu religion is basically an individual one. Many Hindu homes have icons or statues and shrines at which the devout repeat the name of their favorite deity and offer a prayer. The truly devout Hindus worship three times a day. There are a number of explanations of the very word "Hindu." It does not represent a deity. It may be from the Arabic name for India, "Hindustan", or it could be that the origins came from an area near the Indus River."
Tags: Jawaharlal, Nehru, India, caste, system, Buddhism
Abstract The paper gives an explanation of a mortal man called Buddha and tells us about his life and how he became a Buddhist. The paper also tells us that Buddhism shares many beliefs with Hinduism. In addition, the paper explains the four noble truths and the eight fold path which forms the basis of Buddhism.
From the Paper "The two commonly recognized divisions or schools in Buddhism are Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. The Theravada School emphasizes detachment, seclusion, and a solitary life of personal religious discipline. It commonly recognized as the oldest school since it is the only one of the original 18 still practiced today. It is mostly practiced in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. The Mahayana school emerged later and emphasizes compassion and service to others and is commonly found in Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan. "
Abstract This paper explores the reasons and events that led to the introduction of Bhagavad Gita, which means 'Song of the Lord,' a religious branch of Hinduism. In the evolving world of Indian religion, the Bhagavad Gita, and with it the adulation of Vishnu, can be seen as a reaction to previous and concurrent forms of worship. The Bhagavad Gita built itself in partial opposition to the older teachings laid down in the Upanisads, yet another branch of Hinduism. The writer of this paper discusses the Bhagavad Gita's revolutionary text that grew out of the Hinduism that came before it and which compared favorably with emerging traditions in its own period. The writer of this paper examines the similarities and differences between the Upanisads, Vishnu and Bhagavad Gita belief systems as well as the historic significance of each form of religion.
From the Paper "In its most basic form the Bhagavad Gita is exactly what the title translates to-'Song of the Lord'. Though in her introduction to the translation Barbara Stoler Miller writes that it is more of a "philosophical poem" than a song. This poem, then, relates the philosophical conversation of Arjuna the warrior and his chariot driver Krishna (an avatara of the god Visnu) on the battlefield. Divided into 'teachings' the poem moves through the methods in which one can best serve the lord god Visnu. Almost every teaching reiterates the ones that come before it in miniature and then elaborates the teaching from something old and recognizable into something new and reactionary."
Tags:hinduism, theology, religion, krishna, india, history, culture
Abstract This paper examines the effect of Hinduism on modern India and looks at the complexity of beliefs and practices included in the term Hinduism. The paper further discusses the origin of the practice of Hinduism and its impact on Indian politics.
From the Paper " To write about the impact of Hinduism on the India of today is to be beset by numerous difficulties of definition, of historical interpretation, of cultural perspective and to be struck most of all by the amazing complexity of beliefs and practices that have been included under that ethnic religious rubric. As Marty Pat Fisher puts it, in the Indian subcontinent there has developed a complex variety of religious paths. Some of these are relatively unified...
Abstract The paper explains Hinduism's basic aspects and the concept of a philosophically elastic but socially rigid tradition. After introducing important sources of scripture and beliefs, mention is made of Hinduism's endless variation before a section that addresses the Tamil Hindu Saiva Siddhantin tradition and social variations attached to it. The paper explains how the idea is one of a strong shared body of tradition that also produces countless differences from place to place and according to caste and educational backgrounds.
From the Paper "Though a tradition involving a billion of the world's population, Hinduism tends to be little understood beyond what is seen in India where the religion developed as a forceful aspect of South Asian civilization. This essay explains scriptural and philosophical components and the imprint of concepts and values that are particularly important to the tradition. Hinduism is a totalizing religion in so far as it offers a way of life to millions of people and with considerable diversity in terms of beliefs, rituals and other practices, ethics, or what is seen as significant."
Abstract This paper explains that Cha'an Buddhism, also known as Zen Buddhism, emerged in China in the sixth century after Buddhism had been brought to China from India. The author points out that Zen Buddhism later was transferred to Japan and eventually reached America and other parts of the world. The paper relates that Cha'an Buddhism is only one of several major schools of Buddhist thought.
From the Paper "One of the prevailing schools of Buddhist thought in China has been known as Cha'an Buddhism, or Chan Buddhism, and is known in America as Zen Buddhism. While Zen Buddhism was adapted from the Chinese, it also became common in Japan. Zen means the discipline of enlightenment. Much remains uncertain about the early history of Chan Buddhism, but the general development of the school is understood, as is the way it spread through China and into other regions. A School of Buddhism Chan Buddhism is the religion of jiyu, or "self-reliance," and jizai, or "self-being" (Suzuki 6). "
Abstract The paper analyzes the differences in the role and status of women within Christianity in the United States and Hinduism in India. It looks at the history of women in religion and notes how the role of the women has evolved in the United States. There are now women ministers and deacons within the Christian Church in the United States. However, women within the Hindu religion in India are still submissive with few rights. The paper looks at the history behind the changing role of the woman within Christianity in the United States and concludes that Hindu women in India must follow this example and fight for their rights.
From the Paper "What would religion be like without women? Are women important in religion? Women throughout history have played different roles in different religion, but most of the time women were submissive to men. Women would never dream of becoming a minister or involved in the leadership of the religion regardless which religion it was. Today, women play more roles in leadership than ever before. Christianity in the United States and their role of women is different than Hinduism in India and their role of women. Christianity in the United States allows women to become leaders in the church such as a minister or a deacon, while Hinduism in India's role of women are required to be submissive with few rights. As women of the Christian faith have fought for rights in America to become ministers, deacons, and other leadership roles, women of the Hindu faith must receive more rights and stop being submissive to men."
