Buddhism : Buddhism And Buddhism

Keeping one’s intentions pure is important in the hope of achieving nirvana. Adultery can destroy a relationship. The fourth of the Five Precepts of Buddhism is to restrain from lying. Spouses need to be able to communicate openly and freely without the worry of falsehoods. Communication is a pillar of every relationship.

Even though, Hinduism and Buddhism have different similarities such as believes in god, soul, and rituals, which in some ways connected to each other, both religions believe of what happens after life. Although Buddhism evolved from Hinduism it differs from Hinduism in god beliefs. According to Buddhists there is no God, but they reverence the Buddha and his teachings as though he were one. Buddha, believe in no Atman’s, nor is there a Brahman or supreme being because all is not permanent. They believe that to have faith in a higher power is nothing more than illusion.

They worship Buddha’s teachings because it is morally right. The ways they think, feel, and live are based on certain principles taught by Buddha in result of where they will end up in the afterlife. Of course they all want to be saved and enter Nirvana. Buddhists must break the karma and not be reborn into the world. Salvation for Buddhists is enlightenment.

The fourth precept is to not avoid suffering, accept it and learn from it (Hanh, n.d). Do not be selfish with money or belongings are included in the fifth precept of the Order of Interbeing. The sixth precept is to not be angry or hold a grudge for too long because it hurts relationships and is not healthy. The art of practicing breathing (yoga) and to be a peace with personal surroundings is included in the seventh precept. The eighth and ninth precept are very similar, the eighth precept is to not say things that can affect the community in a negative way and the ninth precept is to not tell a lie, gossip untruthful things and to always have courage to speak their opinions (Hanh, n.d).

Buddhism is a unique religion that bestows upon its members that their actions accumulate karma and too much bad karma leads to rebirth. A person reaches Nirvana (also known as heaven) when achieving enlightenment and is no longer subjected to rebirth. Buddhism also believes there is no one almighty god, but rather many gods, which they refer to as deities. Dharma is commonly known as the sacred teachings of a deity. The Buddha is only born in certain situations that members are in need of re-teaching the Dharma.

The readings on Hinduism emphasized how important it is to fulfill your dharma, which is your role in society. Whether it be a Brahmin, warrior, cattlemen, or any other caste, it is essential that those roles are strictly adhered to. If people stray from their castes, then they inhibit themselves from getting ahead in their karmic debt and disrupt the society and lives of the people around them. It is even mentioned that if it is an obviously immoral action, people can be excused from it inhibiting their karma. A harmful action is still good as long as it is don for the right reason, that is upholding your dharma.

The Dhammapada is a religious work that is meant to provide a certain set of religious and ethical values, as well as a certain manner of perception of life and the problems that life brings along with the solutions. Although the verses may be looked at as trying to create good or bad people, the verses are actually trying to get people to understand what is good and what is bad in the Buddhist religion. In other words, the book is trying to produce someone who will think and comprehend the ideas of the Buddha. A person who reads the text should be able to form his or her opinions about enlightenment and Nirvana. The same is true for a person who is listening to the text being read.

Also, they do not believe in prayer and sacrifice or the existence of a human soul (Samovar et al., 2010). However, all Buddhists, including American Buddhists, accept the teachings of the Buddha and let his insights and wisdom guide their lives. The most central beliefs of the religion come from these teachings; they are called the Four Noble Truths. One of the

Right Conduct recognizes the need to take the ethical approach in life, to consider others and the world we live in. This includes not taking what is not given to us, and having respect for the agreements we make both in our private and business lives. Right Conduct also encompasses the five precepts, which were given by the Buddha, not to kill, steal, and lie, to avoid sexual misconduct, and not to take drugs or other intoxicants (smith 107-108). The next on the Eightfold Path follows on from Right Conduct, and this is Right Livelihood. If your work has a lack of respect for life, then it will be a barrier to progress on the spiritual path.

The Buddhist definition of right conduct and personal obligation, dhamma is the path which must be taken to escape the suffering of worldly life. Other similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism are easier to see. Both religions maintain a broad perspective of religious worship; they are very indirect about it in their teachings. Hinduism is polytheistic while Buddhism maintains no structured belief in an independent; Buddha himself did not want to be worshipped. Either of these concepts creates a religion which can adjust and conform to local tradition and adaptations in intellectual and spiritual thought.