The Roles of Priests of Eastern Religions
The organization of the eastern religions ranges from simple to complex. Many religions have spiritual leaders or priestly figures. These leaders have the responsibility to conduct religious services, ceremonies, and rituals, to advise or command believers, and to govern the religious organization at various levels. This document attempts to present the various roles, responsibilities, authorities and lifestyles of the spiritual leaders of five eastern religions. The eastern religions reviewed will be Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism. In the earliest centuries of Buddhism, monks were itinerant. They wandered from place to place during nine months of the year. During the other three months, the rainy season, they would gather together in a "rain retreat" for teaching, learning, and encouragement. Over the centuries, the wandering aspect has mostly died out. Monks are now usually located at monasteries, temples, and other religious sites. Not only do they meditate, they usually have other duties, as well. In the modern world, many attend university and study a range of subjects.There are 3 main types of buildings in Buddhism: Stupa, Temple and Monastery.
Buddhism does not place great emphasis on economic achievement, but Buddhist teachings can be made applicable to economic development. Confucian morality is generally expressed in social and cultural ways. · Brahma Yajna: Studying the scriptures everyday on an on-going basis. These skills may include herbal medicine, carpentry, construction techniques, painting and other crafts. Ordination generally takes place throughout the month of July, before the commencement of the three- month Rains Retreat observed during the rainy season. An image of a specific god is worshiped in the temple. They may literally build schools themselves, or recruit volunteers, or hire construction firms to do the work for them; but money for construction and operation costs comes from donations. After eating the rest of the day is devoted to meditation, reading, studying the Dharma, at twilight he attends the ceremonial chanting (Reynolds, 2002). In Theravadin Buddhist countries, a man is regarded as 'unfinished' if he has not served, for however briefly, as a monk. His path to nirvana is unwavering, every hour of his day, every day of his monk-hood (Reynolds, 2002). In most homes there was an altar for wood plaques or paper with the names of deceased relatives. The guru is considered a respected person with saintly qualities who enlightens the mind of his disciple, an educator from whom one receives the initiatory mantra, and one who instructs in rituals and religious ceremonies. · Pitra Yajna: Remembering the ancestor's everyday. Taoism began as a combination of psychology and philosophy, which Lao-Tse hoped would help end the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts of his time. The Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a pedestal of pillows, and is opened and closed ceremoniously.
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