Comparitive Religions- Purely My View, No Offense Intended : )
- Submitted by: kateraffety
- Views: 466
- Category: History: Religion
- Date Submitted: 12/07/2011 10:07 PM
- Pages: 7
- Report this Essay
GIVEN THE CHOICE OF ISLAM, BUDDHISM AND HINDUISM, I WOULD CHOOSE TO BE A BUDDHIST.
There are many different ideas of what religion is. The Encyclopaedia Britannica says that religion is “Human beings relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, spiritual or divine.” People follow religions for a variety of reasons, it may be in search of answers, to give them purpose or if the religion represents their personal values. This essay will look at Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, which are religions diverse in their beliefs and practices. Of these three believe that Buddhism has the most to offer those of us living in a Western culture.
Buddhism is not so much a religion but a way of life. It offers practices and beliefs to live by, but Buddhists don’t worship gods or prophets. They practice training the mind to reach enlightenment, true happiness and an end of suffering. Buddha was not and did not claim to be a God, he was a teacher who showed the path to enlightenment according to his own experience. Buddhism is open to different interpretations with no strict rules and limitations. Alternate beliefs and views are recognised, respected and tolerated. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions although it provides answers and purpose through wisdom and understanding. Also Buddhists do not believe their way is the only way but are accepting of other religions and they do not concern themselves with labels such as ‘Muslim’ or ‘Hindu’, this is why there have been no wars fought in the name of Buddhism. “Buddhists do not preach or try to convert, only to explain if an explanation is sought” (Brian White, 1993). It is believed that all living entities are created equal. Also one of Buddha’s teachings was that wealth is no guarantee of happiness and it is also impermanent. The Western World can learn allot from all of this because there is a great deal of focus around wealth and superiority.
The central tenets of Buddha’s...
There are many different ideas of what religion is. The Encyclopaedia Britannica says that religion is “Human beings relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, spiritual or divine.” People follow religions for a variety of reasons, it may be in search of answers, to give them purpose or if the religion represents their personal values. This essay will look at Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, which are religions diverse in their beliefs and practices. Of these three believe that Buddhism has the most to offer those of us living in a Western culture.
Buddhism is not so much a religion but a way of life. It offers practices and beliefs to live by, but Buddhists don’t worship gods or prophets. They practice training the mind to reach enlightenment, true happiness and an end of suffering. Buddha was not and did not claim to be a God, he was a teacher who showed the path to enlightenment according to his own experience. Buddhism is open to different interpretations with no strict rules and limitations. Alternate beliefs and views are recognised, respected and tolerated. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions although it provides answers and purpose through wisdom and understanding. Also Buddhists do not believe their way is the only way but are accepting of other religions and they do not concern themselves with labels such as ‘Muslim’ or ‘Hindu’, this is why there have been no wars fought in the name of Buddhism. “Buddhists do not preach or try to convert, only to explain if an explanation is sought” (Brian White, 1993). It is believed that all living entities are created equal. Also one of Buddha’s teachings was that wealth is no guarantee of happiness and it is also impermanent. The Western World can learn allot from all of this because there is a great deal of focus around wealth and superiority.
The central tenets of Buddha’s...