Comparing Buddhism and Hinduism Essay - 644 Words

Comparing Buddhism and Hinduism As mentioned at the first meeting of our seminar, I originally took this class to fulfill a requirement set forth by the Hutchins School. However upon a little investigation and contemplation of my own, I have begun to think that I might find myself truly enjoying this class. Never having been much of a religious person, I suppose Ive shied away from the ideas of organized religion. Though this may always be the case for me, I have recently developed a craving to learn why so many people, perhaps the majority, flock to one categorization or another. I feel that I have a little bit of an upper hand in these investigations of religion; this is due to the fact that I do not have any current†¦show more content†¦Perhaps it was because of this shock that these images made such an impact. It was at this time that the young Buddha got the idea that life was a transient thing. Something that was ever changing and cyclical. I think that in our own way we all turn away from things we do not wish to see. Maybe it is this reaction by default that helps us get through the day by days. For some, it is enough to ignore these misfortunes for others such as Buddha, finding personal guidance in his own life helps him recognize these upsets. For this, he made personal sacrifice in the Six years that followed, during which his energies were directed to this end. He began his teachings, seeking the guidance of others when he left for enlightenment in the forest. What he found there was others seeking the truth. It was then that the realization came that he needed to find his inner peace on his own. It was at this time that the notion of a middle way became apparent to the young Buddha. Was his body holding him back? He would crush its interference. Having tried both extremes; living a material life and indulging himself as a young ruler, and then to shift to the extreme opposite by starving himself for devotion. Finding this Middle Way was only possible for Buddha after having tried both existences. I am appalled and envious of the discipline that Buddha found within himself. After learning about the teachings of Buddha I am again reassured as toShow MoreRelatedEssay on Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism478 Words   |  2 PagesComparing Hinduism and Buddhism While Hinduism and Buddhism come from the same cultural backgrounds, they are extremely diverse in their beliefs on afterlife, deity, and rituals. Both religions believe in reincarnation, but it is where an individual goes after he or she gets off the endless cycle that differs. These religions also part when it comes to whom they do or do not worship. Every religion comes with rituals and Hinduism and Buddhism are no exceptions. Hindu followers have no doubt theyRead MoreEssay on Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism1932 Words   |  8 PagesComparing Hinduism and Buddhism Hinduism and Buddhism have different similarities and are in some ways connected to each other. Some of the practices of the two religions are similar in various ways and there are several examples to show this. Hinduism first started in India around 1500 BC. The word Hindu comes from the Sanskrit word sindhu, or river. The Hindu community define themselves as those who believe in the Vedas, or also those who follow the way, or dharma, of the fourRead MoreComparing The Religions Of Hinduism And Buddhism Essay1459 Words   |  6 PagesExam II #2. Compare and contrast the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. What were the essential differences between the two? What hope did they give to the common people of India ? Both Hinduism and Buddhism are prominent religions in the ancient and modern world. 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