...Similarities and Differences of the Belief in Karma and Reincarnation in Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism “All of the religions in the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth” –Mohandas Gandhi. Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism are three major world religions that differ on many different levels, but they all collectively provide hope and meaning to the lives of people all over the world. The Marriam-Webster dictionary defines karma as the force generated by a person’s actions held in Hinduism and Buddhism to perpetuate transmigration and in its ethical consequences to determine the nature of the person’s next existence. Reincarnation is defined by the Marriam-Webster dictionary as rebirth in new bodies or forms of life; especially: a rebirth of a soul in a new human body. Karma and reincarnation are core concepts in the Indian religions, although their specific views on each vary. The Hindu’s view of karma is causality in which good deeds, words, thoughts and commands lead to beneficial effects for a person, and bad deeds, words, thoughts and commands lead to harmful effects. Hinduism beliefs say that karma is the force of punitive justice that Brock 2 encourages believers to behave according to Dharma, the moral order of the universe. Karma is an essential portion of the Hindu worldview because Hinduism governs not only individuals but society as a whole. Karma sustains active worship throughout the believers...
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...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 underlies, the entire universe and is identified as nirvana itself (Wangu, 2002) (BUd). On this journey to moksha or nirvana, one creates karma for himself. Karma as it is understood in the modern...
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...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...
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...Religions are an important aspect of many lives of the people around the world. Religion is a cultural aspect in different countries, meaning different things to different people. When comparing religions there are six areas that are looked at these are; the absolute, the world, humans, the problem for humans, the solution for humans, and life after death. There are many religions around the world, some religions branch off of other religions. When looking into these religions I came to see why many are similar. They have the same beliefs but worship and view some aspects in different ways. Hinduism and Buddhism are sometimes mistaken as being the same religion, though they are similar. They both originated in India. Buddhism came to be by breaking off of Hinduism and now has their own beliefs....
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...it is impossible to be free of suffering (lecture 8, pg. 1). Samsara is a continuous cycle of birth and death and the being cycles through six realms of existence (Shiva). Both concepts of samsara and karma are closely related: if we want to help the deceased get rebirthed in the better realm or pure land, the confessional ritual is the first step (Shiva). It allows one to repent their zui while doing the verbal chanting to show their emotions for understanding what they have done wrong—a sense of fear. Through having good karma and reciting zui, that clears karmic obstacles. The involvement of each individual in samsara is not impacted; instead, every sentient being is responsible in eliminating their zui to be free of suffering (lecture 9, pg. 3). Typically, wrongful actions are seen as “evil, bad, demeritorious, or corrupt” which leads to a “deeper entanglement in the process of suffering and samsara (lunhui) and away from fulfillment and enlightenment of nirvana” (lecture 9, pg. 3). Only through thorough understanding of “kong” can the individual escape samsara, lunhui. Therefore, only through a concrete understanding can one “eliminate meaningless attachment—absence of attachment is absence of delusions, which means liberation”...
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...Buddhism has become a religion that millions across the globe have started to participate in. Many people believe in the idea of karma, that if one does good things, good things will happen to them. However, several people do not realize that many Buddhist practices such as karma and reincarnation are rooted in Hinduism. How do the different Hindu and Buddhist prayers compare and how are they used amongst the lay people? These two religions have stark differences with their methods of prayer, so how have lay Buddhists found a balance between Hindu traditions and Buddhist traditions? Buddhism is known as the middle path between the relaxed version of Hinduism and the strict rules of other religions such as Jainism. Buddhism attempts to break...
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...differences between Hinduism and Buddhism. Although these two religions have a lot in common, they also have many differences as well. There are many different branches or deviations of each religion. I will be talking them both overall and as a general whole, unless otherwise stated. I will show the differences based on the foundational difference of the beliefs in having a soul vs. not having a soul. There is a big difference between Hinduism and Buddhism in terms of being a human. In the Hindu religion they believe that we have an eternal, unchanging soul. This is referred to as the atman, which simply means “soul”. Whereas Buddhism believes that there is no permanence, which is referred to anatman meaning no eternal self or “no soul”. Although both religions believe in the cycle of rebirth, it is hard to understand who is being reborn if you have no soul. It is explained as if a flame is being passed from candle to candle and is eventually blown out, which is different from Hinduism because you have a soul so you are actually completing the cycle of rebirth. Like in most religions, there is a basic problem in life. They both have very similar problems. In Hinduism karma is the problem. You will be trapped in the cycle of rebirth if you do not have good karma. Being stuck is called samsara. You must live each life and past life until you no longer have karma holding you back, then you will finally be able to reach liberation. In Buddhism suffering (which is called dukkah)...
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...What Buddhist traditions lead to spiritual growth and eventually spiritual enlightenment? Where did it originate from and why? How has these traditions changed with the movement and progression of Buddhism? Spiritual growth and enlightenment in Buddhism come through practicing the beliefs they emphasise like, asceticism, meditation through yoga and fasting, knowledge of Buddhist texts, and Anatman. Originating in asia and spreading through the world, it has had many advances and changes including the separation of Theravada and Mahayana The word Buddha means The Awakened One, coming from the Sanskrit root budh – 'to wake'. He is a man who has woken fully, as if from a deep sleep, to discover that suffering, like a dream, is over. The historical Buddha was however a man like any other, but an exceptional one; what he rediscovered was a way that anyone can walk, providing that they are so inclined. The historical Buddha Gautama was not the first Buddha. There had been others who had walked...
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...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...
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...eternal, conscious, irreducible, spiritual source of the universe of finiteness and change. Brahman is impersonal being in itself but it can be known through the many gods and goddesses that are manifestations of Brahman. We will look at atman first. . Moksha is the spiritual release from the cycle of life. In moksha the individual soul joins the atman. Atman is the eternal self, refers to the self beyond ego or false self. It is often referred to as spirit or soul and indicates the true self and underlies our existence. The individual soul becoming part of the larger soul of the universe. Achieving Moksha can span over many lifetimes. This process requires loss of attachment to life and the things in life. It also requires a balance of karma by a person’s duty and becoming aware of the right relationship with Brahman. Which brings us to Brahman, is the unity in the cosmos that is eternal and infinite. It cannot be known in the normal ways of the world. The cycle of life in the Hindu religion are as follows with an explanation for each aspect. Let’s look at Dharma which is the moral code to sustain society. It should be thought of as the moral...
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...Buddhism Presentation: Zen Buddhism Chiffon Anderson REL/133 Deborah Wilkinson February 23, 2015 Buddhism Presentation: Zen Buddhism The religion of Buddhism started in the country of India around the fifth century BCE. Buddhism is known as a noneistic religion or as dharma which is the right way of living. Buddhism has a number of traditions, practices and beliefs all largely attributed t Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha “the awakened one.” The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to attain nirvana by practicing the middle way or the Noble Eightfold Path. Zen Buddhism became popular in China, Korea, and Japan and it puts stress on deep meditation. Zen Buddhism puts stress also on scriptures than other forms of Buddhism and focuses on direct spiritual break through to truth. HISTORY OF BUDDHISM Buddhism started in the country of India around the fifth century BCE. The religion of Buddhism encompasses a variety of beliefs, traditions, and practices all taught by their religious leader Buddha. Buddhism believes in samsara, karma, and rebirth. Samsara which is the continual repetitive sequences of birth and death. Karma within Buddhism is a life force that drives samsara; this is the sequences of suffering and rebirth for each person. Karma is also the action of the body, speech, and mind that comes from mental intent and brings forth the penalty or result. Reincarnation or rebirth is the process where the individual being goes through a series of lifetimes as one of many...
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...Contemporary Issues in Eastern Religions Common Characteristics between Buddhism and Hinduism Buddhism is closely related to Hinduism, they both share some important beliefs. They both believe in reincarnation and the cycle of samsara - birth, life, death, and rebirth - and in the influence of karma on the circumstances into which you will be born in the next life. They both believe that the ultimate end is to escape from the cycle of rebirth. However, they are quite different in some very fundamental ways. For Hindus, there is an eternal soul that does not change, in essentials, from life to life. The material bodies it inhabits are like clothes. Buddhists believe that there is no core soul - that your experiences, actions, and intentions (your karma) constantly act upon you and you are constantly changing in response, so that the cycle of samsara is a long process of becoming. They also have different beliefs regarding the escape from the cycle of reincarnation. For Buddhists, achieving enlightenment, seeing the true nature of phenomenon and of oneself, eliminating all craving and desire releases you from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. For Hindus, realizing the oneness of existence, achieving mental peace or perfect unselfishness, perfect detachment from the world, or perfect knowledge of oneself, or the realization of unity with god releases you from the cycle of rebirth. As it relates to salvation, Buddhist believe that One has to work...
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...Buddhism The religion of Buddhism has approximately 370 million followers worldwide, but it all started with one man. His name was Siddhartha Gautama but he is better known as The Buddha which means enlightened one in Sanskrit. Before he became the Buddha, Siddhartha lead an extravagant life as the son of an Indian warrior king. But eventually he got bored of his glamorous life and wandered off into the world in search of understanding. During his journey he met a sick old man a realized that everything leads to suffering. Then he gave up his royal life and became a monk and deprived himself of worldly possessions so that he could understand the truth of the world around him. He achieved this understanding while meditation under a tree. He finally understood how live a without suffering and ultimately how to achieve salvation. After his discovery he spent the rest of his life journeying across India teaching other what he had come to understand. Buddhism has several different texts. One of them is the Tripitaka which means the three baskets. The baskets are divided up by subject matter. The first basket is the Discipline Basket which set rules and guidelines for followers living the life of the Sangha. First it focuses on the 227 regulations for monks. These concern everything from basic morality to robe making. There are additional rules for nuns and for the interaction of monks and nuns. The second basket is the Discourse Basket which contains records of...
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...Buddhism Buddhism is one of the oldest and most practiced religions in Asia. There are two different types practiced today Theravada and Mahayana; Theravada is practiced in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka, and Mahayana is practiced in China, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Tibet and Mongolia. Even though Theravada and Mahayana fall under the same religion, they are different styles because they were developed at different times. Theravada is considered to be the original, orthodox Buddhism, while Mahayana was developed later. It all started with Prince Siddhartha Gautama, he was born 563 B.C.E. in present day Nepal and died at 80 in India. He was sheltered much all of his life until one day he disobeyed his father and left the royal grounds. That day he witnessed all the suffering of ordinary lives and realized that he had been hidden from the true world, even if bad things were beyond the walls. Later he decided to run away to try and solve all his questions about suffering and death. Later on he became enlightened under the Bodhi tree after six years of extreme ascetic practices. If he/she follows key aspects of Buddhism, one can reach nirvana like Siddhartha once did. Buddhism has many teachings to offer for anyone who follows the religion, but the Four Noble Truths are one of the most important. The Four Noble Truths state, “1. All life is suffering (dukkha). 2. The immediate cause of suffering is desire. The ultimate cause of suffering is ignorance concerning...
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...Realms, according to the severity of one’s karmic actions, Buddhists believe however, none of these places are permanent and one does not remain in any place indefinitely. So we can say that in Buddhism, life does not end, merely goes on in other forms that are the result of accumulated karma. Buddhism is a belief that emphasizes the impermanence of lives, including all those beyond the present life. With this in mind we should not fear death as it will lead to rebirth. According to Buddhism, our lives and all that occurs in our lives is a result of Karma. Every action creates a new karma, this karma or action is created with our body, our speech or our mind and this action leaves a subtle imprint on our mind which has the potential to ripen as future happiness or future suffering, depending on whether the action was positive or negative. If we bring happiness to people, we will be happy. If we create suffering, we will experience suffering either in this life or in a future...
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