Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Human Condition Essay

Hinduism and Buddhism are some(prenominal) eastern traditions with much to say close to the pitying condition as substanti every last(predicate) in ally as the reason valet cosmoss comprise at all. In some ship go offal they are different while too being identical in early(a) ways. In this essay, those differences will be discussed and the similarities examined for their message. In conclusion, we will examine what these two faiths abide to the human beings of the twenty- get-go century.According to Hinduism, at the most basic level, the purpose of smell is to perform ones loving duty and live the exemplary aliveness history of the householder by marrying, having children, providing for them and observing the rituals postulate by the gods. Later, the Upanishads claimed that the purpose of life is to gain unity with Brahman, the divine essence of all life. compassionates were non to pursue terrestrial goods but choose a life of asceticism and seek enlightenment . This view is similar to what Buddhists believe the goal of life should be and they also share an explanation of the human condition. Both Buddhism and Hinduism cite worldly accessory and ignorance of the true self as the causes of human suffering which occurs in unending cycles (samsara or the wheel of death and rebirth) until we lowestly discontinue ourselves from our avow blindness. 3 Buddhism teaches that the reason for being a human is that it gives a head a chance to finally chance on enlightenment, describing in detail what other varieties of cognizant beings must endure because they do not have an opportunity to gain deserve or to perform dharma. The human being is a singular entity that may compass enlightenment and drive a Buddha by good works, right living, and meditation. 1 Hinduism, on the other hand, teaches that human beings exist to promote the structure of dharma and perform the tasks strictly designate (as described by Krishna in the Mahabharata) t o them by their caste. Atman puts on one body and performs that character assigned at birth and wherefore sheds that body when it gets old and dies and puts on a new one, repeating the process endlessly. The Upanishads, the final Vedic scripture, changed that to think over the search of atman to be reunited with the universal soul through enlightenment. 3 Buddhism in the twenty-first century is relieve applicable in such a fast paced and confusing world. Despite all of our advanced science and technology, we understand nevertheless less our reason for existing and we enjoy more than than ever just how giving the universe is and how uncaring. These circumstances drive concourse to seek out spirituality purge today in order to strive the basic comfort required for them to support their daily lives. The recent episodes of tremendous personnel have placed an unsavory patina of blistering ignorance over the religions of Christianity and Islam as they continue to deal on l ike demented spinsters in the decaying finery of their former glory with no excogitation of acknowledging the catastrophe of their current circumstances. Buddhism, with its sterling set of moderation, peace, and detachment from the impermanent things of this world, now appears ennoble and splendid as the ancient apricot of Asia to modern seekers.No desireer do we seek judgment and rigid, inexplicable rules from our God, with the red region and damnation that once drove us onward. We crave logic and sense from our world and in those circumstances, this faith tells us that lusting aft(prenominal) expensive cars and clothes which we do not need will make us miserable. That is easy to understand. That makes sense. Use only what you need. Be compassionate to others, be charitable, avoid violence, and detect all life. All these things are taken for granted(predicate) in their truth. If all people acted this way, we would not feel so violent and conflicted and we would be without s uffering. These ideas are not ambiguous and do not require us to release to a priesthood or clergy which may become corrupt and abusive. We only need to read, for ourselves, the teachings of Buddha and reflect on our own conduct.The same can be said for Hinduism, although because of the near-global distaste of the despotic caste system and the shameful radiation pattern of Sati, or widow-burning, as well as the curse of untouchability, Hindus in India are convulsed with their own reforms of belief. Yoga, however, has seen a tremendous rise in popularity in the West because of the need for a system that brings mind, body, and spirit into harmonious alignment.The quietness offered by gurus who accept all backgrounds and beliefs in the search for God is a powerful lure for modern people whose lives are often chaotic. There has been a long trend historically away from the mysteries of a powerful and omnipotent priesthood towards a more personal, private, and intimate relationship w ith the divine. The ancient beliefs of Asia were first seeded among a patient and adaptable people who have endured for thousands of years and and so are well-suited to weather the spiritual storms of mankind. For these reasons, both Hinduism and Buddhism will remain relevant for ages to come.Resources employ1. World Scripture (Unknown). Buddhism Chapter 7 The Human Condition. ONLINE Available at http//www.unification.net/ws/intch7.htm. Last Accessed 11/22/2012. 2. Ananda W.P. Guruge (2000). Buddhism in Modern Life. ONLINE Available at http//www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/modern.html. Last Accessed 11/22/2012. 3. Shaheen Emmanuel Lakhan, MS, PhD (2009). The Human be in The Eye of the Hindu. ONLINE Available at http//hinduism.about.com/cs/basics/a/aa120803a.htm. Last Accessed 11/22/2012. 4. Dr. Neria H. Hebbar (2002). Modern Hinduism. ONLINE Available at http//www.boloji.com/index.cfm?md=Content& angstrom unitsd=Articles&ArticleID=1494. Last Accessed 11/22/2012.