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."

Tags:nirvana, polytheistic, monotheistic, religious, diversity

Abstract
This paper discusses the different teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism in regards to their respective conceptions of the nature of the human soul. This paper also examines each religion's doctrines and their respective views on the cycle of life and rebirth.

From the Paper
"Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism (particularly the teachings of the Upanishads) are all Dharmic religions with many similarities. However, upon more thorough inspections, they each distinguish themselves from one another through their teachings and practices of important religious issues and tasks. Of particular note are the unique and differing doctrines surrounding the nature of the soul in each of these religions. These conflicting views over the nature of the soul also contribute largely to each religion's exclusive beliefs of the processes of rebirth, karma, and asceticism. Regardless of these differences, each religion has managed to sustain popularity over time and all remain important world religions in contemporary times."

Tags:atman, upanishads, jivas, rebirth, soul, buddaghosa, dharma, karma, bhakti

Abstract
This paper gives a brief history and explanation of three Eastern religions known as Tao Te Ching, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In addition, the paper points out the many similarities between the three philosophies, as well as their differences.

From the Paper
"The Tao Te Ching shares a great number of similarities with Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, although there are some important differences between the three religions. The Tao Te Ching and Buddhism share similar ideas of harmony with the environment, nirvana, and even reincarnation. Similarly, Hinduism and the Tao Te Ching share a common understanding of human suffering, the relief from suffering, and the nature of the divine. Nonetheless, the differences between the Tao Te Ching and Hinduism are important. Ultimately, the Tao Te Ching, Hinduism, and Buddhism provide an interesting and welcome contrast to Western philosophy and thought."

Tags:lao-tzu, taoist, tao, universal, entity, nirvana, harmony, environment, brahman, atman

Abstract
The paper considers the impact of change over time; in other words, the paper looks at how attitudes towards women have evolved in each faith - and how they have remained the same. The paper discusses how in general, Buddhism has historically been somewhat more receptive to the idea of allowing women to enter into religious positions (like the nun-hood of the renunciate community) but Hindu women are now given the luxury of being sannyasinis if they so desire. Moreover, the paper notes that both religions have been formally supportive of the idea that women should be allowed to pursue their spiritual growth and evolution.

From the Paper
"What follows is a paper that compares and contrasts the role of women in the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. The paper will also consider the impact of change over time; in other words, the paper will look at how attitudes towards women have evolved in each faith - and how they have remained the same. In general, Buddhism has historically been somewhat more receptive to the idea of allowing women to enter into religious positions (like the nun-hood of the renunciate community) but Hindu women are now given the luxury of being sannyasinis if they so desire. Moreover,..."

Tags:buddhism, hinduism, women

Abstract
The paper compares the numbers of adherents and their locations, origins of the religion and differences in philosophy. The paper explains that Hinduism is older, focuses on reincarnation and a rigid caste system, while Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Buddha or enlightened one and focuses on personal moderation and meditation.

From the Paper
"Hinduism and Buddhism are the two largest and most important religions of Eastern and Southern Asia. Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world today (after Islam and Christianity) with approximately one billion followers. It is practiced primarily in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Buddhism, with between 300 and 500 million followers, is most important in India and Southeast Asia (Lorentz; Novak, p.1). Hinduism is the older of the two religions. Hinduism began approximately 4,000 years ago and is based on the concept of reincarnation. There are actually many variations in Hinduism, as the religion is not organized by..."

Tags:hinduism, buddhism, siddhartha

Abstract
This paper examines the origins of both Hinduism and Buddhism and looks at how they are very similar religions in comparison to the monotheistic religions of the West. It discusses how both have general tendencies to lean toward the family and community and how Hinduism does so at the expense of women and the lower castes, while Buddhism remains more universally accepting.

From the Paper
"Hinduism and Buddhism are all more philosophical than religious. However both Hinduism and Buddhism describe an all-encompassing philosophy and both have definitions of existence itself. For instance, the essential Hindu concept defining the individual and his responsibilities is dharma. The elaborate term, dharma, is for one to have a sense of obligation; One must fulfill his roles in society and the world. Such responsibilities include reproduction and caste duties, but extend into the philosophical realm of peaceful and humble acceptance of one's position in society. "

Tags:castes, women, karma, nirvana, dharma

From the Paper
"The quote heading Chapter 8 is an excellent illustration of the paradox of intention. It is not a means of fooling God, nor primarily a means of accomplishing some material goal, although using paradox can be a useful technique in healing some conditions. Instead, it seems to reflect a deeper understanding both of our inner desires and the means to allow them to be fulfilled. According to Shaw, the reversal of effort is a solution to the problem of being a self at all, and as such separate, isolated, and seeking. It is a redefinition of the goal completely. The goal becomes letting go itself, rather than freedom or immortality or perfection. The focus of this paper is on a theory of activity in the world and its bases. Why, when, and how do we act in the (...)"

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."

Tags:culture, thailand, hinduism, buddhism, religion, cambodia, communism, reform

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.

Tags:mahayan, buddhism

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.

Tags:scripture, hindu, buddhism