Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Human Condition Essay

Hinduism and Buddhism argon both eastern traditions with much to register about the homophile condition as well as the origin human beings exist at all. In some ways they argon different while also being similar in separate ways. In this essay, those differences willing be discussed and the similarities examined for their message. In conclusion, we will examine what these both religions offer to the human beings of the twenty-first century.According to Hinduism, at the most staple level, the purpose of life is to bring about matchlesss social concern and live the exemplary life of the householder by marrying, having children, providing for them and observing the rituals withdraw by the gods. Later, the Upanishads claimed that the purpose of life is to action unity with Brahman, the divine meaning of all life. humankinds were non to pursue worldly goods but admit a life of asceticism and seek reason. This view is similar to what Buddhists weigh the goal of life shou ld be and they also share an explanation of the human condition. Both Buddhism and Hinduism cite worldly attachment and ignorance of the true self as the causes of human suffering which occurs in unending cycles (samsara or the wheel of goal and rebirth) until we utmostly free ourselves from our own blindness. 3 Buddhism teaches that the reason for being a human is that it gives a soul a chance to finally achieve enlightenment, describing in detail what other varieties of conscious beings must endure because they do not deem an opportunity to gain merit or to perform dharma. The human being is a singular entity that may achieve enlightenment and pose a Buddha with good works, right living, and meditation. 1 Hinduism, on the other hand, teaches that human beings exist to uphold the structure of dharma and perform the tasks rigorously assigned (as described by Krishna in the Mahabharata) to them by their caste. Atman puts on one luggage compartment and performs that function a ssigned at birth and then 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 reflect the search of atman to be reunited with the universal soul through enlightenment. 3 Buddhism in the twenty-first century is still applicable in such a fast paced and confusing world. Despite all of our advance(a) science and technology, we understand even less our reason for existing and we have a go at it more than ever just how big the universe is and how uncaring. These circumstances sit people to seek out spirituality even today in order to achieve the basic comfort required for them to conduct their workaday lives. The recent episodes of tremendous violence have placed an unsavory patina of muffle ignorance over the religions of Christianity and Islam as they continue to carry on like grim spinsters in the decaying finery of their former glory with no intention of acknowledging the c atastrophe of their up-to-date circumstances. Buddhism, with its sterling values of moderation, peace, and detachment from the impermanent things of this world, now appears dignified and fine as the antediluvian patriarch beauty of Asia to modern seekers.No longer do we seek judgment and rigid, inexplicable rules from our idol, with the hellfire and damnation that once brood us onward. We crave logic and sense from our world and in those circumstances, this faith tells us that lusting after 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 respect all life. All these things are self-evident in their truth. If all people acted this way, we would not feel so violent and conflicted and we would be without suffering. These ideas are not ambiguous and do not require us to submit to a priesthood or clergy which may become corrupt a nd abusive. We only need to read, for ourselves, the teachings of Buddha and reflect on our own conduct.The identical can be said for Hinduism, although because of the near-global distaste of the oppressive caste carcass and the shameful practice of Sati, or widow-burning, as well as the whammy 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 symmetrical alignment.The tranquility offered by gurus who accept all backgrounds and beliefs in the search for God is a powerful lure for modern people whose lives are a lot 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 with the divine. The ancient beliefs of Asia were first seeded among a patient and adaptable people who have endured for tho usands of years and therefore 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 utilized1. World Scripture (Unknown). Buddhism Chapter 7 The Human Condition. ONLINE operable 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 Being in The shopping centre 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&sd=Articles&ArticleID=1494. Last Accessed 11/22/2012.