Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism
In a Western world, many times Eastern traditions and beliefs are not fully appreciated or understood. However, in today’s society, it is crucial to understand the ever growing influx of both Hindu and Buddhist culture in America, and across the world. These two religions have many beliefs and traditions, and it is pertinent to understand the differences and similarities between them so that each can be fully appreciated and valued.
Buddhism was founded in North India during the 5th century B.C.E. by Siddhartha Gautama. Gautama was born into a life of luxury and pleasure, and maintained a privileged lifestyle until he was a young man. At that point, he left his home and quickly saw ...
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sitting under a tree as he reached his ultimate release from the suffering of the human world, and became the Buddha, or the “one who has been awakened”.
Buddhism is more a way of life than a religion insomuch as it follows the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and clearly defines how one should live their life. The Buddhist teachings stress the importance of understanding the true reality of life and also how crucial it is to reflect upon oneself.
Because a Buddhist’s ultimate goal is to be released from the binding human life, the concept of a soul, or “atman” is counterproductive. It would only provide an anchor that would hinder reaching Nirvana. However, there are specific creeds and disciplines that enables one to finally “let go”.
One must understand the three characteristics of Existence, the first being impermanence. Buddhism declares that there are five processes on which no human being has control and which none can ever change. These five processes are the ...
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not occur, dukkha cannot occur. Lastly is the Noble Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering and this path is the Eightfold Path. (2)
The Eightfold Path is how one will achieve liberation. Right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and lastly right concentration of meditation; these are the steps one must live by in order to achieve liberation. (1)
Also, Buddhist teachings stress the five moral precepts that delineate how to lead and live a moral and right life. The first ideal states that one cannot harm any living thing. Secondly, one must not take what is not given to him. Third, there shall be no sexual ...
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Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism. (2011, March 31). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Comparing-Hinduism-and-Buddhism/97286
"Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 31 Mar. 2011. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Comparing-Hinduism-and-Buddhism/97286>
"Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism." Essayworld.com. March 31, 2011. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Comparing-Hinduism-and-Buddhism/97286.
"Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism." Essayworld.com. March 31, 2011. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Comparing-Hinduism-and-Buddhism/97286.
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