...“Thank goodness for eastern religion, I’m going to yoga class now and I redid my room to improve like my Zen, it really works…” for many in the western world, this is the most that is understood about eastern religions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. Although many would be interested to know that yoga is not just an exercise class; there are many more important details about Buddhism and Hinduism we are misinformed about, Especially, the differences of these two religions. Since Buddhism evolved from Hinduism, they are very similar, but they are two different faiths, with different sets of beliefs and interpretations on life and enlightenment (the ultimate objective of both). It might be in our best interest to begin this discussion at the end, with enlightenment. This is the goal of both Hinduism and Buddhism. To be exact, enlightenment in its simplest definition, is the ultimate release from the cycle of samsara, or the cycle of birth, death and rebirth (Wagnu, 2001). In both faiths, every living spirit will eventually achieve this goal, even if it takes numerous reincarnations. In Hinduism, this goal is also called moksha , existence in the realm of the gods (Wagnu, 2001). However, in Buddhism enlightenment is called nirvana, and is a release from the cycle completely, not a deployment to the realm of gods. The sort of middle way between these two extremes is a belief held by Mahayana Buddhists, whom identify the Buddha in three bodies, one of which, the Ultimate Buddha...
Words: 926 - Pages: 4
..."Buddhism, in its origin at least is an offshoot of Hinduism." -S.Rahdhakrishnan Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the world’s largest and most influential religions. Both religions originated in the Asian country of India, and thus stem from a similar culture as well as philosophy. While contrasting greatly with the monotheistic religions of the West, Hinduism and Buddhism also contrast greatly with each other. Although similar in respect to general philosophy, the two faiths differ markedly on matters of social structure. The two religions also contrast in that Hinduism omits and Buddhism emphasizes individual freedom to progress spiritually and socially in the current life. By comparing the two traditions, one can unambiguously see why it is that Hinduism has proved the more unwavering and Buddhism the more humanitarian philosophy. Hinduism and Buddhism are more philosophical than doctrinal. Both exhort and encourage an all-encompassing way of life and define existence itself. For instance, the essential Hindu concept defining the individual and humanity’s responsibilities is called dharma. An intricate term, dharma is conceptually one’s sense of obligation. One must fulfill his role in society and the world. Such responsibilities include procreation and caste duties, but extend into the philosophical realm of peaceful and humble acceptance of one’s position...
Words: 1278 - Pages: 6
...Comparison of Two Religions Hinduism & Buddhism By: Darilyn M. Parks Week 4 Assignment 1 Strayer University Chamblee Campus REL 212 Professor Dr. Bell Belew 02/02/2014 Page 1 Introduction Comparison of Two Religions Religions can overall be very dynamic in their effects, where they can really bring about many changes in individuals as well as societies. The religions Buddhism and Hinduism had existed for thousands of years. Religion has always been the very basic foundation of life, as well as an object that could be studied. Religion can often become tools of great oppression; they are found in many places because are useful. Overall religion has actually held society together, where we use religion in helping us to have an organized structure. We as humans have a way in having the need for a stable frame of reference (Erich Fromm (1900-1980). We all know that religion has a way of transforming people and can just as well help us in understanding life. Religions are considered to have political powers, and in this paper I will speak more of the comparison of Buddhism and Hinduism religions. Hinduism Hinduism is not easily separated from many of the other religions that were created back in India. The scriptures called the “ Vedas “ are considered as being the foundations of Hinduism. Both Hinduism and Buddhism has a devotion that takes the forms of rituals and other different practices...
Words: 923 - Pages: 4
...3) Compare Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism. How were these religions influenced by India's social structure? Although there are similarities to Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, they are more different than they are alike. The three most popular religions in India in the early 5th century B.C.E., and arguably still very popular in the region today, all have ties to the early Brahmanic religion that they were formed from and in some cases attempted to separate themselves from 1. Starting with Jainism, is a religion that was at its roots was an attempt to establish a new religion that went against or separated itself from the original Brahmanic religion. It came to life similar to the way Buddhism did by way of a person leaving their comfy life in search of religious freedom and investigation. One of the biggest points that Jainism established was that everything in the universe has a soul, even inanimate objects such as rocks and furniture have souls and that everything should be respected in that respect. Many of the earlier followers took such extremes that they did not eat anything, being that would destroy a life, and starved themselves to death. All of this was off of a premise called Karma. In summary, Karma is the fact that every action has a reaction, be that negative or positive depending on the person’s actions. In comparison, Jainism is not a huge religion such as Buddhism and Hinduism but still has a few million followers today and even was influential in the legendary...
Words: 702 - Pages: 3
...Buddhism and Hinduism are two very comparable religions. One way that Buddhism and Hinduism are similar is that they both believe in a type of reincarnation. In Buddhism, reincarnation centers around their idea of Karma, which is the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, and is ultimately viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. This means that their actions have consequences. Every good thing a person does affects them in a positive way, and every bad thing a person does affects them in a negative way. As a person continues their lives making these choices, their Karma is always changing. According to Buddhism religion, followers of Buddhism continue to make these better choices, which in turn makes their Karma better, until they have reached the point that their mind becomes free and pure. This is when Buddhist reach the state of Nirvana, which is the ultimate happiness, and Buddhists lose their sense of self and become released from the cycle of rebirth. Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism, as their fluctuating Karma is their idea of rebirth or reincarnating, until they have reached their ultimate happiness in the state of Nirvana In Hinduism, the idea of reincarnation is more of the traditional cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Hindus believe that their souls are pure and everlasting, and what they do in one life directly correlates with what there next life will hold. A Hindu’s soul will reincarnate into a being repeatedly...
Words: 649 - Pages: 3
...Comparison of Buddhism & Hinduism For many in the western world zen, yoga and feng shui concepts are the most that is understood about eastern religions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. Although many would be interested to know that yoga is not just an exercise class that makes you zen; there are many more important details about Buddhism and Hinduism we are misinformed about; especially, the differences of these two religions. Since Buddhism evolved from Hinduism, they are very similar, but they are two different faiths, with different sets of beliefs and interpretations on life and enlightenment (the ultimate objective of both). It might be in our best interest to begin this discussion at the end, with enlightenment. This is the goal of both Hinduism and Buddhism. To be exact, enlightenment in its simplest definition, is the ultimate release from the cycle of samsara, or the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. In both faiths, every living spirit will eventually achieve this goal, even if it takes numerous reincarnations. In Hinduism, this goal is also called moksha, liberation of the soul from suffering. However, in Buddhism enlightenment is called nirvana, and is a release from the cycle completely into a state of bliss. The sort of middle way between these two extremes is a belief held by Mahayana Buddhists, whom identify the Buddha in three bodies, one of which, the Ultimate Buddha underlies the entire universe and is identified as nirvana itself. On this...
Words: 819 - Pages: 4
...Hinduism and Buddhism are two religions that both originated in Asia. Together they are the most popular religions across Asia (http://spiritualityinformation.in). Buddhism is thought to have developed based on Hinduism. It is said that the creator of Buddhism liked Hinduism Theology but found it lacking in some areas and therefore created Buddhism to fill those gaps (http://spiritualityinformation.in). Since Buddhism was founded on Hinduism there are many similarities, however since it was created on the basis that Hinduism was lacking some fundamental values there are also a wealth of differences. Buddhism originated in the 5th Century B.C.E in northern India. Most historians agree that Siddhartha Gautama was the founder and the original Buddha, which means the “awakened or enlightened one.” (http://www.patheos.com). Gautama started a journey to make life better when he observed so much suffering in the world. It has been said that he meditated and achieved a state of peace, therefore putting an end to suffering and freeing his soul from rebirth. (http://www.patheos.com) Buddhism is a study and religious practice building off Hinduism and incorporating Gautama’s life teachings and living from his experiences in order to achieve divine happiness. Hinduism is a religion based out of India, there is no known founder or origin that it can be traced back to. Hinduism is understood to be built on a collection of historical traditions and beliefs that are timeless. To many...
Words: 1200 - Pages: 5
...Comparison of Two Religions V. Tracy Woods Strayer University Margaret Rinck Religion 212- World Religions April 28, 2014 Comparisons of Two Religions Select two (2) religions from those that we have studied so far. Identify and describe the cultural and geographical origin of each religion. According to Fisher, (2014), “Hinduism is a term derived from a name applied by foreigners to the people living in the region of the Indus River, and was introduced in the nineteenth century under colonial British rule as a category for census- taking”. The spiritual expressions of Hinduism range from extreme asceticism to extreme sensuality, from the heights of personal devotion to a deity to the heights of abstract philosophy, from metaphysical proclamations of the oneness behind the material world to worship of images representing a multiplicity of deities. According to tradition, there are actually 330 million deities in India (Fisher, 2014). The Hindu spiritual beliefs is based on the existence and immortality of the Atma (the soul), Karma, the cause and effect of an action, the spiritual law in which they practice, and reincarnation, which is the cycle of birth, death, and the rebirth on to Earth (Fisher, 2014). Buddhism was founded in the late sixth century by Siddhartha Gautama, (The Buddha) and is a religion that is practiced throughout most Asian countries. Dhamma or Dharma, which is the teachings of life experiences of the Buddha and the spirit of essence that he...
Words: 953 - Pages: 4
...civilizations are Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Although China and India were governed by their beliefs and it determined how they were supposed to live their lives, the civilizations have different lifestyles and believe in different aspects of life. (Siwei, 2010) (Buddhism & Hinduism Compared, n.d) Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism have been a major part of life for the Chinese. In c. 500 B.C.E, Confucianism, a system of teachings by Confucius, was founded. Although many people consider it to be a religion, Confucianism is thought of more as a series of teachings. The way the Chinese go about life or think is often based on the teachings of Confucius. Two thousand years ago, Buddhism came into existence and was implememnted into the Chinese culture. Buddhism is solely based on the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the belief that suffering is the path to overcome. Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of Buddhism. Written by Laozi, Daoism is a spiritual philosophy that focuses on living in harmony and peace....
Words: 593 - Pages: 3
...religions that dominate many parts of Asia are Buddhism and Hinduism. Both of the faiths have many similarities. Buddhism was inspired by Hinduism due to the its founder being a Hindu prince before he became known as the Buddha. For example, Karma is a central idea to both teachings. The term “Karma” essentially means every action comes a reaction. If one was to commit a murder, then something bad will happen to that person. And if one was to give to the poor, something good will happen. Another belief Buddhism and Hinduism share is reincarnation. It is the belief that a being/lifeform that is living now will begin anew in a different physical body once he/she/it dies. Both religions also believe that there are several hells and heavens. Buddhist even consider the world we live in a type of hell. Heaven and hell are not eternal for all people in both religions. A life can...
Words: 722 - Pages: 3
...Comparison of Two Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism Strayer University Professor Carla Thompson April 28, 2014 Comparison of Two Religions: Buddhism and Hinduism Buddhism Buddhism was founded around 500 BCE by Prince Siddhartha Gautama. Gautama Buddha who was born about 2,500 years ago questioned his sheltered luxurious life in a palace. Leaving the palace he found four sights, a sick man, an old man, a dead man and a monk. Seeing this he realized that even a prince could not escape the issues of illness, suffering and death. So a monk told him to relinquish all his power and become a wandering holy man and seek the answers of why must people suffer and what was the cause of the suffering” (United Religions Initiative, 2002). For many years of doing many religious practices, including praying, meditating and fasting, he finally understood the basic truths of life. He realized this all by sitting under a popular-figtree in India for many days in meditation and this is when he was enlighten which is actually known as nirvana and this is when he was given the title of the Buddha which is the meaning of the Enlightened One. Buddha spread his teachings from India as far as Asia, becoming the dominate religion in many countries” (Fisher, 2014).It is thought that the Buddha lived many lives before his birth as Gautama, and that he continues to live through his teachings and his relics. Buddhism is the religion and philosophy which developed out of the teachings of...
Words: 1861 - Pages: 8
...this paper I will be comparing and contrasting the different western religions which are Hinduism and Buddhism and the eastern religions which are Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The country of origin for Hinduism is India and Southeast Asia. Hinduism was originated from the word “India” which has the very similar spiritual and cultural practices; this was developed in India more than one thousand years ago. There are several societal and cultural influences that made the religion of Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated. The Hindus of India tends to follow several traditions and social standards. When it comes to culture, the Hindus have several myths indicating that there are multiple faces of the divine, and also myths indicating that the divine interacts in many forms with the believers Hinduism is a religious belief system that lacks unity; it is also referred to as the Santana Dharma. The Santana Dharma means the “eternal religion” (Fisher, 2005). The Hindu religion is made up of several religions that were placed under the same or one category. In the Hindu religion, the people or the believers can be the followers of multiple faiths, they worship in a different way, and they tend to follow different types of rituals. In the Hinduism faith, the followers or believers do not have one Bible, they have multiple, and they do follow one single idea. Hinduism follows a range of practices and...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
...Comparison of Two Religions By: Matthew Dane Religion 212 Mr. Owen Miller 11-3-2013 For this paper I was asked to compare and contrast two of the different Religions we have studied over the last four weeks. I learned about about some religions I knew nothing about so this is going to be interesting. I am going to do the paper on Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism you are to worship many Gods. They do only believe in one Supreme Being, Brahman; but they pursue knowledge of Truth and Reality; they strive for moral order and right action; and they promote tolerance. They follow the Vedas very closely. 1“The Vedas are the Hindu scriptures that contain revelations received by ancient saints and sages.” Hindus believe that the Vedas are without beginning and without end; when everything else in the universe is destroyed, the Vedas remain. So by this the Hindus believe the Vedas are the ultimate authority. These people also believe that everyone should achieve Dharma. Unfortunately there is no true translation for this word, so this is the closest we can find. 2“Hindi word “dharma,” often translated into English simply as “religion,” refers to a broad complex of meanings, encompassing duty, natural law, social welfare, ethics, health, wealth, power, fulfillment of desires, and transcendental realization.” Anyone who makes dharma central to one’s life strives to do the right thing, according to one’s duty and abilities, at all times. In the world today, millions of people...
Words: 827 - Pages: 4
...A Comparison of Eastern Philosophy Asia, the world’s largest continent, consists of over one third of Earths total land are and approximately 60% of the world’s population. Further, a large percentage of Asia’s 4.3 billion people live in the countries of China, Japan, and India (Exploredia, 2011). Out of these densely populated countries three eastern schools of philosophy were born between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, and it is these same ancient philosophies that flourish throughout Asia today. Confucianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism are three major schools of thought that significantly have impacted the political, social and religious views of Asian culture. Confucianism, which was inspired by Confucius, has been followed by the Chinese people for more than two thousand years (Confucianism, 2012, pp.1). Because Confucianism is described as a way of life, it is sometimes viewed as a philosophy and sometimes viewed as a religion, although it does not share the aspect of organization that most other religions share. The idea behind Confucianism is that wisdom and knowledge can be obtained through study, ritual practices, and learning from experiences. Humans are perfectible by wisdom and the ultimate goal is to reach a state of superior wisdom. The first principle Confucius taught is called the principle of mean, which is the importance of seeking balance and moderation in life. Any circumstance of extreme should be avoided. The second principle Confucius...
Words: 1064 - Pages: 5
...Eastern Philosophy Matrix and Essay Part 1 Matrix: Analyze Eastern philosophy by completing the following matrix. Provide a definition of the branch of philosophy as given in a philosophical source (the readings, supplemental materials, or outside academic sources) and list a minimum of three historical developments, theories, key contributors, and principal issues. Bullet point answers are acceptable. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Historical...
Words: 832 - Pages: 4
