Religious studies Hinduism Essay

Answer the five below questions on Buddhism. Text book pages will be emailed.

“Questions for further consideration:

1. In your estimation, is Buddhism primarily a religion or a philosophy? Why? Why not?
2. What is unique and what is similar to the religions of Hinduism and Jainism, both of which existed in Siddhartha’s day?
3. What is significant about Siddhartha’s Four Sightings?
4. Are there any parallels, or hints of similarities, to any of the monotheistic religions practiced in the West?
5. What is the middle way, and how is this different from both Hinduism and Jainism”

Information from Professor – In this module, we focus on Buddhism. Though originating in India 2,500 years ago, Buddhism has spread throughout Asia. Buddhism focuses on how attachment to impermanent things leads to suffering. The realizing of this fact leads to Nirvana, release from the cycle of birth and rebirth. After an examination of the life of the Buddha (which is a title, meaning “the awakened one”) in northern India, we will look at the historical development of the three major schools, or vehicles, of Buddhism. Theravada (“The Way of the Elders”) is the most conservative tradition, and is closest to ancient Indian Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is currently practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Laos. Mahayana (“The Great Vehicle”) developed several centuries after the time of the Buddha, and proposed a new enlightened ideal in the bodhisattva (“Buddha-to-be”). Mahayana Buddhism is now dominant in China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan. Vajrayana (“Thunderbolt Vehicle”) is mystical, esoteric Buddhism, and is now mainly practices in Tibet, Mongolia and Russia.