Hinduism And Confucianism: A Comparative Analysis

Belief systems and religions around the world are often established in particular regions. The various beliefs of belief systems influence a society’s social, economic, and political aspects: belief systems of a society shape the way it functions, grows, and prospers – they form a society’s culture. Two exemplary paradigms that portray this ideology are Hinduism and Confucianism.

Hinduism, a monotheistic religion, was founded in the Indian subcontinent in the Indus River valley around approximately 3000 B.C. as a product of Aryan invasions, which drove its development through the process of cultural diffusion. One of Hinduism’s prime beliefs is the belief in Moksha – reincarnation, where every being is born in to a specific social class (the
A Hindu’s main purpose is to consent to dharma (duty/laws), and to achieve this goal Hindu’s must have good karma (destiny) for the future. Historians argue that these practices have negatively affected the South-Asian region due to the use of the caste system, in which every being corresponds to a particular community (jat). Many Indian villagers who belong to lower castes are still victims of discrimination even after the caste system was prohibited by the Indian supreme court. Harijan’s, or Pariah’s are a class in the caste system in which one is not allowed to climb the social ladder, they are considered ‘outcastes’. Pariah’s are only allowed to receive ‘odd’ and low class jobs such as sweeping, or toilet cleaning. Fortunately, such idea’s have begun to clear up in urban areas. Even today, people find it very difficult to climb up the social ladder, conjoined with the belief that it exists and takes place every time one reincarnates. Consistently, all powerful jobs such as politics have been saved for the upper classes. Due to Hinduism’s caste system, India has succeeded in the promotion
by Confucius in China) in shaping its government, and practicing certain social traditions. This was a time when people began to rethink everything they believed, especially in China, opened schools of thought, and redevelop their mindsets. The heart of Confucianism was to maintain peace and harmony in the world by maintaining harmony in Confucianism’s 5 key relationships; father – son, friend – friend, older brother – younger brother, ruler – subject, and husband – wife. Respecting each one of these relationships was considered imperative for China’s prosperity. This was portrayed by the scholar gentry class, a group of people who were responsible to help maintain order in the ruler – subject relationship to allow China to flourish. The golden age of the Han dynasty created civil service exams as a means to bring the brightest people to work for the government; however, this level of social mobility was limited to the wealthy, those who could afford to train for and succeed in these exams. Additionally, filial piety’s (the value of respecting your elders) importance spread throughout China. Confucianism developed a very perplexing and complicated tie with communism: on one side, it tried to misuse the ruler – subject relationship to become powerful and at the same time tried to rid of traditional values such as family and elders. Communism exploited Confucianism for the government to become