The Buddhist religion is based on reaching an enlightenment of complete nirvana. Once Buddhism was established as a religion and had a substantial amount of followers, the society it was taught in, began to change. Buddhism's refusal of the caste system made all people equal, therefore, jealousy and hierarchy began to dissipate. Religion is the base of any civilization. Laws are created around the teachings and guidelines the gods set forward. Almost every constitution states not to kill, as does each religion. Such things that people consider common sense, is only because we are taught not to do certain things by our religion, before we are by our laws.
             In India, and other parts of Asia, the dominant religions are Hinduism and Buddhism. Both religions follow the same basic principles: to reach an enlightened state. Being taught how people work and what to do, instead of what not to do, their society is more advanced. They aren't as focused on social statuses. Who has the most money, biggest house, greenest grass, etc? These things aren't of importance. If anything, they would compare who has the least but is still satisfied with life. As an example, let's say I'm eating a pie. A very large pie, and the whole time I'm having a conversation with the enlightened one, Siddhartha Gautama, himself. Now, this pie is the only thing I have. I don't have a house, car, or clothes. Just a pie, but I'm perfectly content because I'm living. I recognize the things that are important, such as family and friends; and keep optimistic about the things that will happen in the future.
             America has a very unique culture and society. No other country in the world is quite like ours. We base a lot of things on the Christian tradition. Such as, during the holiday of Christmas, city streets are decked with holly, Santa Claus's, etc. Christmas is a Christian holiday. You don't see Buddha's on the...