Buddhism Vs. Christianity Essay

(119). Despite its brief history in the West, Buddhism has gained increasing popularity in part due to its frequent portrayal as an exception to the conflict between scientific and spiritual thought. Proponents of this view—deemed “Buddhist Modernists” or “Secular Buddhists”—argue that Buddhism possesses certain qualities which make it compatible with a secular view of the world, while providing a source of purpose…

God. However, Buddhism eliminates all the obligations and pressures because it is more of a spiritual journey for an individual and it is not connected to a group. There are times when an individual backslides, and in order to get themselves back on track they have to tune into their inner self. Buddhism started off as a religion practiced by Chinese immigrants when they came to America during the Gold Rush, and the religion was put down due to hatred for the Chinese. Today Buddhism is practiced…

One similarity between Buddhism and Stoicism is both focus on the importance of mindfulness. In Buddhism "awareness begins with remembering what we tend to forget" (Batchelor 58). In Stoicism "...reflection... will make us appreciate how wonderful it is that we are alive and have the opportunity to fill this day with activity" (Irvine 71). Once we become mindful of what's presented to us in that moment we have a more positive outlook of life. Because, we took the time to embrace whose and what's…

Rinzai focuses on the use of the Koan. A Koan is paradoxical statement or question used as a meditative tool. Rinzai disciples concentrate on a koan to discover their own nature and become Buddhas. Practitioners must realize himself as the answer to the koan; a koan cannot be answered by knowledge or thinking. If the practitioner focuses solely on the koan, he will forget both the passing of time and the outside world. This will allow the practitioner to unexpectedly “wake up” form their former…

~1st Slide~ He lived in India 2500 years ago; who’s story of confronting suffering inspired one of the world’s greatest religions, Buddhism, the 4th largest religion in the world. While scholars agree that he did in fact live, the events of his life are still debated. But according to the most widely known story, he was the son of a king in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, who abandoned life of luxury to seek enlightenment. It was a difficult and spiritual journey. Meditating under the Bodhi…

For most of India, Buddha’s teachings are a way of life and a path to reaching Nirvana. With his teachings brought about many new converts including King Asoka who had edicts made of the dharma for people to follow. Although Asoka seemingly respected and lived by the dharma, some of his beliefs and laws contradicted Buddha’s. Buddha and Asoka both believe that the dharma is to be respected and follow, but Asoka’s idea of dharma focused more on society purposes especially within this world than…

Hinduism The Axial Age is a concept developed by the German philosopher Karl Jaspers. Jaspers observed that the Axial Age, which approximately covers a period from the 8th century BC to the 3rd century BC, was a period of profound human development, which not only gave way to several of the great world religions but also changed these great world religions as well even to the current day. There has never been a time as crucial in human development as the human thought during the Axial Age.…

Anny Bravo PHI2010 Assignment 3:Questions/discussions 1. Compare and contrast various views of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism all share notions of karma, samsara and reincarnation, and all three believe in the ultimate purpose of our existence is reach nirvana or the enlightment. Hindus believe to be one with universe. Hindus believe in a single deity, however they see gods and goddesses as a manifestation of their deity. Brahman is considered by the hindus as the…

our society today there are five main religions practiced in the world, these are; Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. The eight characteristics of a religion include cultic practices or rituals, beliefs, sacred stories, social structure, sacred texts, sacred symbols, religious ethics and religious experiences. Out of the 5 major religions I have chosen Buddhism. Buddhism roots started in 6th century BC in India. Its founder was Siddhartha Gautama. Many buddhists visit, pray…

A similar character to Gandhi is Siddhartha Gautama or as he is better known, the Buddha. Both the Buddha and Gandhi share the desire to better the world through the abolishment of both racism and sexism. The Buddha, who was kept away from the world for the first twenty years of his life only to then emerge and see horror and suffering, sought to free the world of its misery and suffering. Gandhi also did not see much suffering until his experiences in South Africa which drove him to try and…