Throughout this semester, the two main religions talked about in depth are Hinduism and Buddhism. Both of these religions are ancient and carry with them many valuable teachings. In this paper, things discussed will be: similarities and differences between the two religions, how one can choose the right path of action, and the concept of self.
Starting off with Hinduism, the concept of self is tied to Atman. Atman means the inner soul or inner self. From class notes, we have learned that every living being possesses a soul. The soul is directly tied to other beings of the universe through the power of Brahman. Brahman is the highest universal principle and the ultimate reality in the universe. “This metaphysical concept is the single binding …show more content…
The most basic ideas of these religions both deal with the life of an individual. Along with focusing on an individual, is the understanding of what ones purpose of life ought to be. Both religions talk about the proper actions one should take and the life path that is taken. In these religions, there are options on ways to reach true enlightenment. “In regards to how we act, or the success/suffering one encounters, both believe that our suffering is caused by excessive attachment to things and people in the physical world (wiki).” In Hinduism and Buddhism, it is essential to detach oneself from emotions and attachment. Both believe in an ultimate spiritual reality beyond the illusions of the physical world. To reach the right state of mind and refrain from the senses, both religions practice meditation and other forms of yoga. They believe that eventually all living spirits will achieve enlightenment. There is a nice amount of similarities between these two, but there are also a good amount of differences. In Hinduism, there is the concept that our soul has a life after death. By our actions, we are either taken out of the cycle of rebirth or are thrown back in it. In Buddhism there is no after life. Hinduism believes in self and Buddhism believes in no self. Throughout the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that only a certain type of soul can reach moshka. In Buddhism, anyone can enter Nirvana, no matter how lowly they are. Buddhism has no gods and Hinduism has over 30 million. Even though there lies differences, it does not mean that one religion is better than the
Starting off with Hinduism, the concept of self is tied to Atman. Atman means the inner soul or inner self. From class notes, we have learned that every living being possesses a soul. The soul is directly tied to other beings of the universe through the power of Brahman. Brahman is the highest universal principle and the ultimate reality in the universe. “This metaphysical concept is the single binding …show more content…
The most basic ideas of these religions both deal with the life of an individual. Along with focusing on an individual, is the understanding of what ones purpose of life ought to be. Both religions talk about the proper actions one should take and the life path that is taken. In these religions, there are options on ways to reach true enlightenment. “In regards to how we act, or the success/suffering one encounters, both believe that our suffering is caused by excessive attachment to things and people in the physical world (wiki).” In Hinduism and Buddhism, it is essential to detach oneself from emotions and attachment. Both believe in an ultimate spiritual reality beyond the illusions of the physical world. To reach the right state of mind and refrain from the senses, both religions practice meditation and other forms of yoga. They believe that eventually all living spirits will achieve enlightenment. There is a nice amount of similarities between these two, but there are also a good amount of differences. In Hinduism, there is the concept that our soul has a life after death. By our actions, we are either taken out of the cycle of rebirth or are thrown back in it. In Buddhism there is no after life. Hinduism believes in self and Buddhism believes in no self. Throughout the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that only a certain type of soul can reach moshka. In Buddhism, anyone can enter Nirvana, no matter how lowly they are. Buddhism has no gods and Hinduism has over 30 million. Even though there lies differences, it does not mean that one religion is better than the