Confucianism, Buddhism, & Hinduism Confucianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism are all religions based on ethics: the universal human assumption that peace and happiness can be gained when all people are wise and do well. Hinduism comprises so many different beliefs and rituals that some sociologists have suggested thinking of it as a grouping of interrelated religions. Two other religions of the Far East include Confucianism and Buddhism. These ethical religions have no gods, but advocate ethical and moral principles designed to improve the believer's relationship with the universe. All three religions share many similarities of morals and ethics, but also have unique defining characteristics that separate them from the rest. Hinduism is in size
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Humans, according to the Buddha, can escape the cycles of reincarnation by renouncing their earthly desires and seeking a life of meditation and self-discipline. The ultimate objective of Buddhism is to attain Nirvana, which is a state of total spiritual bliss – satisfaction (Humanosophy 1). Like Hinduism, Buddhism allows religious divergence. Unlike it, though, Buddhism rejects ritual and the caste system. Buddhism acknowledges the same teachings (doctrine) of Buddha, namely the purification of consciousness through the Four Noble Truths: 1.) Life is suffering, 2.) Suffering is cause by desire, 3.) The way to overcome suffering is through severing earthly attachment, 4.) We can severe our self from our attachments through meditation and leading a spiritual life. Buddhism also follows the Eightfold Path, laying out ethical guideline for overcoming desire, and hence suffering: right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration (Eastern Faiths 3). Many different Buddhists have different interpretations of these ideals, but the fundamental doctrine of Buddha remains the same today as it was at its
Humans, according to the Buddha, can escape the cycles of reincarnation by renouncing their earthly desires and seeking a life of meditation and self-discipline. The ultimate objective of Buddhism is to attain Nirvana, which is a state of total spiritual bliss – satisfaction (Humanosophy 1). Like Hinduism, Buddhism allows religious divergence. Unlike it, though, Buddhism rejects ritual and the caste system. Buddhism acknowledges the same teachings (doctrine) of Buddha, namely the purification of consciousness through the Four Noble Truths: 1.) Life is suffering, 2.) Suffering is cause by desire, 3.) The way to overcome suffering is through severing earthly attachment, 4.) We can severe our self from our attachments through meditation and leading a spiritual life. Buddhism also follows the Eightfold Path, laying out ethical guideline for overcoming desire, and hence suffering: right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration (Eastern Faiths 3). Many different Buddhists have different interpretations of these ideals, but the fundamental doctrine of Buddha remains the same today as it was at its