Buddhism

Throughout the years, there have been many religions which have dominated different parts of the world. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism are the names of just a few. Buddhism was a religion that initially began in India some 2,500 years ago, and it remains to be one of the most dominant religions in the world. Buddhism was initially founded by Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, who lived around 500 BCE. “The word Buddha literally means ‘the enlightened and awakened one’” (Hansen and…

Islam and Theravada Buddhism will be the religions we will be observing in this essay, all three having a unique view on homosexuality; also all having scriptures that define a general approval or disapproval of engaging in homosexual acts and how their community believes is appropriate to act towards those who practice a homosexual lifestyle. As far as the layout of…

Buddhism is easily detected as a religion unlike any other. The reason for this all comes down to the founder of the religion himself, Buddha. Also known as ”the enlightened one,” Buddha created a religion that would forever be questioned on whether Buddhism should be considered a religion, like it currently is, or a philosophy. Buddha is widely seen as a “rebel saint” because he did not teach his followers similar beliefs and ethics which all other religions posses. Instead, Buddha’s religion…

In this essay, I will argue that to some extent the Buddha can be seen as functionally equivalent to a god, due to the similarities of leadership roles in Buddhism and Christianity, but in actuality cannot function as one because that would go against a core principle of Buddhism. The term ‘god’, for the purpose of this essay, is considered solely in the context of the uppercase, God. To American Christians, the belief associated with this spelling represents their deity as a ‘singular’…

Within Buddhism, death is considered to be one of the most significant events that occurs (just as in most other religions). It is important for the deceased, as “it marks the moment when the transition begins to a new mode of existence within the round of rebirths,” and for those who survive, as it gives them time to focus on what has occurred and to acknowledge impermanence. In reading on the rituals of Death in Buddhism, I have come to realize that just as in other major religions, the…

inherent “impurities” and “pollutions,” but they also need to battle the image of themselves as uncontrollable temptresses who exist only to lead pure men away from enlightenment. Both of these factors are crucial in maintaining the image of women in Buddhism as being inferior to men, and both lead to an overall negative view of women. However, there are some stories that offer a positive view of the lives of Buddhist…

incorporated Buddhism into their society by the first century B.C.E., and this syncretism of Buddhism into Chinese society allowed for the religion to rapidly gain converts, many in the lower class, who strived to fulfill the appealing teachings of the Buddha, rather than those detailed in Confucianism. As Buddhism’s hold grew stronger within China and the religion was assimilated further into society, many different viewpoints of Buddhism became apparent. The responses to Buddhism ranged from…

The Fundamental Concepts of Humanistic Buddhism The term “Humanistic Buddhism” was raised by one of Taixu’s disciples, Yin Shun, to indicate the criticisms against the deification of Buddhism. Humanistic Buddhism can be understood as the integration of our spiritual practice into all aspects of our daily lives. The important features of Humanistic Buddhism can be discussed in following six characteristics: 1. Humanism/altruism Yin Shun followed his master’s idea that the Buddha was neither a…

Buddhism, a serene and peaceful religion inspired by the teachings of Siddhartha, preaches non-violence and pushes the ultimate goal of both internal and external happiness for all. After introduction in the nineteenth century, many of their beliefs have been integrated in society and can be seen in aspects of animal rights, and peace views. One is able to adopt this religion freely, without having to convert which interesting enough, has truly shaped and allowed Buddhist ideas to become…

In the religion of Buddhism, there are stories that range from life lessons to the way the Buddha achieved the “Middle Way.” Although the stories differ in the lessons and plot, they all share the same gendered protagonist who obtains enlightenment- a male. The males play the key role in the stories as they are the ones who search for enlightenment, leave their old ways and life behind, and achieve liberation from saṃsāra ( ).Women who practice Buddhism are not perceived as the great Buddha or…