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Critically examine the relationship between religion and society
Study of religion from a sociological perspective
Study of religion from a sociological perspective
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Society is constructed around organizations whether they are religious, political or based on a common denominator such as a hobby. Within these groups there are goals set in place by the members, including spreading the word of their God, getting a candidate from their party elected and making it to a championship game. At times these goals are not so clear-cut and can go over the line of what a member believes to be ‘right’. In both Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha and Sophocles’ Antigone, the main characters face challenging decisions in doing what they believe to be right, even when it is not the favored view of the majority, but in the end they follow their own beliefs despite the opinions of others and the consequences they may face. In the novel Siddhartha, the main character, Siddhartha encounters …show more content…
After determining that the life of the Brahmins was not fulfilling, Siddhartha decides to follow the Samanas with his best friend Govinda (Hesse, 6-11). Siddhartha and Govinda shadow the ways of the Samanas until Siddhartha announces that he will be leaving them soon (Hesse 16-20). Siddhartha and Govinda hear that they will be able to hear the Buddha, which they then decide to tell one of the eldest Samanas about their departure, and he becomes immediately upset (Hesse 20-23). This illustrates that Siddhartha followed what he believed was going to be the way to achieve ‘oneness’ despite what anyone thought. Siddhartha and Govinda go out to find the Buddha to hear his teaching, while Govinda finds comfort in it and decides to follow him; Siddhartha is not so convinced and the friends part ways (Hesse 28-34). Even though
Early on, Siddhartha realizes that he isn’t happy. Hesse writes, “Siddhartha started to nurse discontent in himself… the love of his friend, Govinda, would not bring him joy” (23). His confusion results in him isolating himself from those who care about him the most. Later on, Siddhartha further isolates himself. Govinda says, “You’re mocking me.
Siddhartha is a much respected son of a Brahmin who lives with his father in ancient India. Everyone in their town expects Siddhartha to act like his father and become successful. Although he lives a very high quality life, Siddhartha is dissatisfied and along with his best friend Govinda- wants nothing more than to join the group of wandering ascetics called Samana’s. This group starves themselves, travels almost naked and must beg for the food they survive on. This group of people believes that to achieve enlightenment and self-actualization: body image, health, physical and material desires must be thrown away. Although this is the life Siddhartha wished for himself, he soon discovers that it is not the right choice for him. Near desolation, Siddhartha happens upon a river where he hears a strange sound. This sound signifies the beginning of the life he was born to live – the beginning of his true self. Hesse uses many literary devices to assure Siddhartha’s goal of self-actualization and creates a proper path for that success.
Eventually, Siddhartha decides to attempt the teachings of Buddha. However, this lifestyle leaves him unsatisfied as well. Even though Siddhartha decides not to follow the teachings of Buddha, he says, "I have seen one man, one man only, before whom I must lower my eyes. I will never lower my eyes before any other man. No o...
Siddhartha’s childhood friend, Govinda, educated him about the importance of choosing a path in his own life. Govinda had always been a step behind Siddhartha, following every decision he made. The one time he stepped out on his own, to accept the Buddha, he was merely following the path of thousands of others. Siddhartha saw this and he learned that he had to listen to himself even if he wound up making a wrong decision. Meeting with Govinda at the end of the novel reinforced his thought that one had to have experience in order to attain Nirvana -- not someone else’s knowledge. After following Gotama for years Govinda still hadn’t reached peace although Siddhartha had. Siddhartha had done things many would consider wrong and immoral and yet he reached something that many others wanted so desperately because he had experience.
When he reached peacefulness, Siddhartha became the ferryman. He delivered people across the holy river just like Vasudeva once did and yet, deep within himself, there was an eternal peace. On the other hand, Govinda was still struggling with desire for knowledge and had not yet attained what he was seeking, so he came to learn from Siddhartha. Surprised when he heard Siddhartha mentioned the five considered teachers Siddhartha had during his quest for peace, Govinda thought Siddhartha was joking. Saw the confusion in his friend's face, Siddhartha told Govinda to bend and kiss him on the forehead and as Govinda did this, he understood everything Siddhartha had said. Siddhartha, whose smile was similar to the Illustrious One's, finally attained peace for his Self.
	The second concept in Siddhartha is the idea that knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. Siddhartha believes this very strongly, and feels it is only right that one must gain wisdom for himself. When he and Govinda come to the garden of the Buddha and listen to Gotoma’s words, Govinda is immediately converted and stays. Siddhartha, however, does not. He respects Gotoma and believes that he has actually reached Nirvana, but Siddhartha does not believe that Gotoma can teach him to reach it. Later Siddhartha finds himself at a river, having run away from his riches. Here he sees another wise man, Vasudeva, the ferryman. He stays at the river and learns wisdom for himself. Siddhartha learns of the wonders of life, and that what he had always held to be true was true; that wisdom is not teachable.
It is largely understood that laws are put in place for the good of the communities which they govern. Laws are meant to reflect the wishes of the people and the general consensus is that as a result, these laws should be followed without question. In reality this is not always the case. There are often laws worth questioning whether it be for convenience, personal gain, or deep personal or moral reasons. A historical connection to the latter would be the protection of Jews from the Nazis during WWII and the Holocaust. Hitler created a document outlining a death penalty for any and all persons who were caught aiding Jews in any way, small or large. Despite this law being enforced with dire consequences for infraction, there were still
One of the most popular and enduring dramas of all time, Sophocles’ Antigone has intrigued and provoked audiences for nearly 2500 years through its heartbreaking story of a tragedy that could have been avoided if it were not for the inalterable wills of its two main characters. Even in light of its absorbing tale, however, it might be said that what keeps us coming back to this great work is that its central theme is one of mankind’s oldest and greatest struggles—the conflict between man’s law and divine law.
As individuals, we are entitled to certain obligations and expectations constrained to us as we navigate throughout our life journey; either socially or familial obligations. An example would be working in the family business or marrying an individual chosen by your family members. Similarly, main protagonists Siddhartha and Antigone had expectations/obligations thrust upon them, obligations meant to be followed throughout their lives. Yet, both decide to disassociate from their obligations even with the disapproval of others around them. In relation to obligations/expectations by others that don’t comply with an individual’s inner sense of truth, Siddhartha and Antigone both emphasize on the consequences associated with breaking away from obligations/expectations as well as determination that contributed to their outcome in the story. Nonetheless, Siddhartha and Antigone encounter their conflict differently. Siddhartha disaffiliate from his obligations and expectations to seek his own enlightenment and purpose in life while Antigone disassociate from hers to fulfill the gods’ will. Despite addressing their conflicts differently, Siddhartha and Antigone manage to achieve their main objectives at the end of their story.
Throughout the tale, Siddhartha strives to be one with Atman, or internal harmony/eternal self, but by his own attainment. Even when he is offered the insight of Gotama, the divine and perfect one, who is the embodiment of peace, truth, and happiness, he refuses following him and decides to attain Nirvana in his own way. In this, Siddhartha shows his prideful nature but also reveals a positive aspect: self-direction. He realizes that others' ways of teaching can only be applied to their past experiences, but is still reluctant to ac...
Siddhartha, after realizing that the Brahmins will not aid him in achieving his ultimate goal, joins the Samanas. This brief stay wit...
In Antigone and Things Fall Apart, the readers are left with glaring lessons of injustice that, if left unchecked and unquestioned, would never change. Achebe and Sophocles offer characters who go against society’s norms and traditions for the good of humankind. Throughout history, leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Susan B. Anthony, have helped to bring equitable balance to mankind. Individuals who represent opposing views mold and change the course of history; without such risk takers, life may never progress for the good of humanity.
Siddhartha has the urge to become enlightened There was something telling him to endure on his journey to enlightenment and thus begins the Hero Journey This is the first step towards his journey After seeing the Samanas, he decides he wants to follow in their footsteps to learn more about himself and the world that he has been sheltered from his whole life When he tells his family about his decision of becoming and Samana they refuse to let him go, especially his father who has done most of
Philosophers as well as ordinary people have different ideals and morals. They sometimes agree on things, but most of the time they contradict each other on certain ideas or principles. Both Pericles and Aristophanes were wise men that analyzed certain aspects of life that are essential for a thriving society. Although Pericles has a point on democracy being the essential way to rule Athens, through seeing Aristophanes’ evidence I argue that unjust speech can corrupt the society because it makes people engage in selfish behavior and make bad decisions that affect everyone.
Within two classical works of philosophical literature, notions of justice are presented plainly. Plato’s The Republic and Sophocles’ Antigone both address elements of death, tyranny and immorality, morality, and societal roles. These topics are important elements when addressing justice, whether in the societal representation or personal representation.