Hinduism And Buddhism Comparison Essay
Comparison of Hinduism and Buddhism
Jasmin Ponce-Hall
Professor Eric Speir
World Religions
May 6, 2014
Hinduism and Buddhism are two religions that I have found to be very interesting to me since I’ve started this course. In the following paragraphs I will explain the cultural and geographical origins of each. I will explain in detail, a few of their religious practices and an example of how they are practiced in our world today.
Hinduism originated on the Indian subcontinent. The name “Hinduism” is relatively new. British writers in the first decades of the 19th century thought of the name itself. Many sacred texts and languages served as a vehicle in spreading the religion to other parts of the world. From …show more content…
Siddartha Gautama, who is referred to as Buddha (the “Awakened” one) observed the suffering in the world and set out to find an antidote. Through meditation and analysis, he attained and enlightened state of being. Over the course of its 2500 year history Buddhism has experienced many modifications. Buddhism has spread from its roots in India to every corner of the world. Three specific religious practices of Buddhism are meditation, mudras, and mantras. Meditation in Buddhism refers to mental concentration and mindfulness. This leads to enlightenment and spiritual freedom. There are two main types of Buddhist meditation: insight and tranquility. These are often combined or used one after the other. Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used to evoke certain ideas. Just like symbols held by saints in Christian art, Buddhist mudras indicate the identity of a particular scene being depicted. Mantras are sacred sounds that are believed to possess supernatural powers. They are believed to embody the power and attributes of particular deities. They are also often used as protection from evil and misfortune. One example of how Buddhism is practiced in the world today is by believing in Karma. Karma means action. Good intent and good deeds result in good Karma and future happiness. This has definitely impacted my life
Jasmin Ponce-Hall
Professor Eric Speir
World Religions
May 6, 2014
Hinduism and Buddhism are two religions that I have found to be very interesting to me since I’ve started this course. In the following paragraphs I will explain the cultural and geographical origins of each. I will explain in detail, a few of their religious practices and an example of how they are practiced in our world today.
Hinduism originated on the Indian subcontinent. The name “Hinduism” is relatively new. British writers in the first decades of the 19th century thought of the name itself. Many sacred texts and languages served as a vehicle in spreading the religion to other parts of the world. From …show more content…
Siddartha Gautama, who is referred to as Buddha (the “Awakened” one) observed the suffering in the world and set out to find an antidote. Through meditation and analysis, he attained and enlightened state of being. Over the course of its 2500 year history Buddhism has experienced many modifications. Buddhism has spread from its roots in India to every corner of the world. Three specific religious practices of Buddhism are meditation, mudras, and mantras. Meditation in Buddhism refers to mental concentration and mindfulness. This leads to enlightenment and spiritual freedom. There are two main types of Buddhist meditation: insight and tranquility. These are often combined or used one after the other. Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used to evoke certain ideas. Just like symbols held by saints in Christian art, Buddhist mudras indicate the identity of a particular scene being depicted. Mantras are sacred sounds that are believed to possess supernatural powers. They are believed to embody the power and attributes of particular deities. They are also often used as protection from evil and misfortune. One example of how Buddhism is practiced in the world today is by believing in Karma. Karma means action. Good intent and good deeds result in good Karma and future happiness. This has definitely impacted my life