Looking for information on hinduism:
1) Considering that Hiduism lacks a united belief system, what makes up the hindu religion?
2)What are the cultural and societal influences that have made hinduism vital to the region in which it originated?
3) Explain the desire for liberation from earthly existence.
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Hopefully some of the following sites will help you:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism
2. http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism.htm
3. http://www.hindunet.org/
4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/
5. http://hinduism.about.com/
That first one is a question I had to tackle in my world religions class in college. What I did was looked at how the religion developed. It is as much a reflection of the entire culture it grew up in as it is a belief structure. Probably more so.
To give you an idea of how to think of it and how it is different from the Western Culture, there is a great story the person who came to talk about Hinduism told us. I don't remember it exactly, so if it's a famous story and I am messing it up, I apologize. But you'll get the idea.
A Hindu always gave his guests a watermelon to take home with them. Finally, someone spoke up and said, "A watermelon is so big and hard to carry around. Why don't you give something like an apple?" So the next time the person came over, he received an apple. And a watermelon.
The idea is that when the Hindu religion is encountered with a new idea, it doesn't outright reject it and say it's contrary to their beliefs. They adapt it into their belief system somehow.
I hope that helps make it easier to answer some of your questions.
Matt
Good response.
compare the Judaismreligion and Buddhism
To compare the religions of Judaism and Buddhism, you can start by examining some key aspects of each religion. Here's how you can approach this comparison:
1) Belief System:
- Judaism: Judaism is monotheistic, meaning that it believes in one God. It is centered around the covenant between God and the Jewish people, as described in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
- Buddhism: Buddhism is non-theistic, meaning that it does not believe in a personal God. It focuses on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and the attainment of enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
2) Founder and Origins:
- Judaism: Judaism traces its origins back to the ancient Hebrews and the covenant between God and Abraham. It developed over centuries and is deeply connected to the history and culture of the Jewish people.
- Buddhism: Buddhism originated in ancient India with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha. It spread across different countries and underwent various developments and interpretations.
3) Sacred Texts:
- Judaism: The Torah (comprising the five books of Moses, also known as the Pentateuch) is the central sacred text of Judaism. It is supplemented by other writings, including the Talmud, Mishnah, and Prophets.
- Buddhism: Buddhist scriptures are known as sutras. They vary depending on different Buddhist traditions and can include texts such as the Dhammapada and the Lotus Sutra.
4) Central Teachings:
- Judaism: Judaism emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments, ethical behavior, and the pursuit of justice. It places emphasis on concepts like chosenness, chosen people, and the connection to the land of Israel.
- Buddhism: Buddhism revolves around the Four Noble Truths, which address the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. It emphasizes the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and moral conduct.
5) Rituals and Practices:
- Judaism: Judaism has various rituals such as circumcision, Sabbath observance, dietary laws (kashrut), and prayer services in synagogues. It also celebrates festivals like Passover, Yom Kippur, and Hanukkah.
- Buddhism: Buddhist practices include meditation, mindfulness, and studying Buddhist teachings (Dharma). It also involves observance of ethical guidelines (Five Precepts) and engagement in acts of compassion and generosity.
By exploring these aspects, you can develop a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between these two religions. Remember, this is just a starting point, and further research can provide more comprehensive insights into Judaism and Buddhism.