Comparing Eastern Influences

Hinduism, according to the text, is the religious beliefs and practices of most of the Indian people. It contains both monism and dualism. It does not have a unified set of doctrines. It is not like other religions; it is not a single belief system but rather a spiritual attitude that gives rise to a wide range of religious and philosophical beliefs and practices. The text states that all forms of Hinduism, however, accept the authority of the Vedic scriptures as basis for understanding the true hidden nature of things. Those that practice Hinduism believe that reality is absolutely one, that there is only one ultimate reality-being-consciousness. Hinduism has no founder like other religions do.

Buddhism was founded in India by Prince Siddhartha Gautama, also known today as Buddha, “the Enlightened One”. It is an Asiatic religion that teaches self-denial. It teaches by right thinking and self-denial one achieves nirvana, a state of blessedness. Buddhism was originally a philosophical response to what might be called the problem of suffering, according to the text. Those who practice Buddhism follow Buddha’s doctrines known as the Four Noble Truths. They also follow the Eightfold Path which basically sets the means of proper living. Buddhism later mixed with other influences such as Taoism and Confucianism which gave it a whole new and different meaning.

Taoism is a Chinese philosophy that was mainly founded by Lao Tzu and his main follower, Chuang Tzu. Those who practiced Taoism believed that the Tao is ineffable and beyond our ability to alter. They believed in effortless non-striving. Sun Tzu used Taoism in the military strategies. This religion advocates simplicity, selflessness, etc.

Buddhism and Taoism are alike in that they both believe in reincarnation. They both teach the belief that when one dies that life does not end is an essential part of both of these religions as well as the culture of the Chinese people. The main object of both is to reach the ultimate goal, to transcend life on earth as a physical being, and to achieve harmony with nature and the universe. Their main goal is to achieve immortality. All three of these religions have modified and borrowed from each other. Hinduism has many variants which may seem contradictory but all are nevertheless accepted as being part of the “unity in diversity” philosophy which has been adopted in the West. The Taoist and Buddhists beliefs of human conduct differ in their reasoning as to “why” things happen. With Taoism, everything that happens is a part of the natural and eternal process of change. Buddhists believe suffering on earth is caused by man’s desires and attachments to earthly goods. Both Taoists and Buddhists believe there is nothing they can do about what happens on earth. However, the Taoist lives a life of humility and quietude in order to have a good life on earth; whereas, the Buddhist’s life of humble existence is to escape the miseries of life on earth.

Buddhism, in my opinion, is the most persuasive because they believe in Karma. Karma means action or doing. Any kind of intentional action, such as mental, verbal or physical action, is regarded as karma. All good and bad actions constitute karma. A person’s karma determines what he deserves and what goals can be achieved. I have always believed in Karma or what some might say, “What goes around comes around.”