Hm5503 : Hinduism And Buddhism Assessment Answers

Answer

Hinduism and Buddhism

Smarts six dimensions of religion are considered to be intertwined together since they are structured in a manner to find common ground between world’s religions(Connolly, 2001). Each dimension seeks to expose a different aspect concerning the religious experience. In this paper, my primary focus will be applying smart’s six dimensions of religion to determine the similarity and differences between Hindu and Buddhist forms of religion.

To begin with, we have the ritual dimension which merely describes what the subscribers of a specific faith have to do to maintain links to what is sacred. It is also referred to as a set of patterned behaviors since the rituals can be formal or part of everyday activities. They include rites of passages or rites of worship. Both Hindus and Buddhists perform rituals or in other terms conduct various forms of worship. However, they conduct them a different way. For example, Buddhists practice meditation and recite mantras since according to them, by performing such activities, they concentrate their mental energy (Momen, 1999). They do not employ the elaborate or traditional means of prayer rituals such as prostrations. On the other hand, Hindus practice prayer rituals including bowing, prostrations, and pujas. Also, both religions regard meditation as a tool for enriching their spiritual life.

Secondly, we have the mythological dimension which encompasses aspects of the history of religion. In both Hindu and Buddhism, each religion has a history, that is stories passed down through generations. For example, Buddhists have three significant texts used in their rituals. This includes; Mahayana Sutras, Tripitaka and the Tibetan Book of the Dead. On the other hand, the Hindus have a sacred text known as the Vedas that depicts the view of creation (Parboteeah,Paik & Cullen, 2009). However, both religions have some differences. The Buddhists do not have gods as of Hindus who have an endless variation of gods. Many Hindus hold the view that Buddha is mainly an incarnation of Vishnu who is one of their gods.

Thirdly, we have the ethical dimension which includes the rules and laws rooted in the doctrinal facets of religion. In the Buddhist religion, Buddhists follow the eightfold path which is a belief system of primarily four noble truths. On the other hand, Hindus practice dharmas in other terms, “individual ethics and obligations.” One similarity is that both religions practice karma and also dharma. Karma refers to as consequences of an individual’s actions during the phases of his or her existence(Momen, 1999).They also share a belief in reincarnation which is a form of endless cycles of births.

Fourthly, we have the experimental dimension which involves the expression of divinity or the experience of faith. The Hindus hold the element of Moksha which is the ultimate reality for them. It’s complete liberation from the self. Therefore, every Hindu strives to achieve it. On the hand, Buddhists regard self-involvement as a way of gaining enlightenment. This is through meditation to promote spiritual growth. Consequently, both religions consider meditation as a tool for spiritual wellbeing.

Fifthly, we have the doctrinal dimension which attempts to prove the existence of God. Hinduism does not have a set of beliefs set by an elite group to be followed by all believers. They operate in assumptions about the world and reality(Parboteeah,Paik & Cullen, 2009). Buddhists on the other hand, believe that their movement was from a prince known as Siddhartha Gautama. However, in both religions, their ultimate goal is Nirvana where one can no longer reincarnated.

Lastly, we have the social dimension which speaks of the social outgrowth of religion. For instance, Hinduism is regarded as the third largest religion worldwide by having about one billion members(Connolly, 2001). Buddhism, on the other hand, has approximately three hundred million members. In addition, Hindus have a caste system composed of brahmin, shudra, vaishya and kshatriya. This system defines the Hindu society. The Buddhists on the other hand, have senior monastics known as Sanghas.

References

Momen, M. (1999). The phenomenon of religion: A thematic approach. Oneworld.

Connolly, P. (Ed.). (2001). Approaches to the Study of Religion. A&C Black.

Parboteeah, K. P., Paik, Y., & Cullen, J. B. (2009). Religious groups and work values: A focus

on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. International Journal of Cross Cultural

Management, 9(1), 51-67.

Heaven, s. (2018). 10. Applying Seven Dimensions to Hinduism. Retrieved from

https://toseventhheaven.blogspot.com/2010/04/10-applying-seven-dimensions-to.html