Comparing Eastern Religions
Over the past several thousand years, many faiths and/or religions have arisen and developed all over the globe. All of these faiths are unique and seem to be quite different from each other, at least on the surface. However, when one investigates more closely they realize that there are often many similarities as well. A good example of this would be the religious traditions of the Middle East and Asia. Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism, for example, have very similar philosophies and practices while they all have different origins. Upon researching these faiths one will be able to more clearly see the relationship between the traditions of the Middle East. In Christianity, we bind our selves to the truth unveiled through scripture, myths, tradition, and the church's teachings. Hinduism, however has a much different interpretation on the idea of binding oneself to the truth. Like many religions Hindus have the basic belief that we all came from God and we must return to God. According to the Hindu faith, the way to accomplishing this is through freeing oneself from the material possessions and pleasures and thus obtaining Moksha. Moksha, for Hindus, would be the point of free
Specifically, this path includes; right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. A way between sensuality and asceticism, the "Middle Way" lye through intelligence. To accomplish this divinity, five relationships must be honored: ruler and minister, father and son, husband and wife, elder and younger brother, and friend and friend. Buddhism denies that man has an immortal soul. Not only did he reject self-denial, but the worship of gods. The first way to God is through knowledge. Confucius felt that love and respect for authority was a key to a perfect society; this strict respect was practiced through rituals and magic. The three steps taken on this path are learning, thinking, and the third, a little more complex, consists of separating one's material ego form one's Atman. As one can see, there is quite a strong relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism. The yoga's are the specific direction taken to unleash the human potential of Moksha. It helps to end mass misery and aids people in attaining Nirvana, or salvation. However, the main connection behind all three different beliefs is their belief in and strive for order and balance. He believed that a nation would be benefited by citizens that were cultivated people whose intellects and emotions had been developed and matured by conscious people. Those who were of lesser class should also seek out education to better themselves.
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