(Answered) RELI 448N Week 3 Assignment: Comparison-Contrast Essay

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

  • Textbook: Chapter 4
  • Lesson
  • Minimum of 4 scholarly sources (at least 2 for Hinduism & 2 for Buddhism) 

Instructions
Select one of the following pairs and compare and contrast these ideas in the religious traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism:

  • Self/No-self
  • Samsara/Nirvana
  • Karma/Rebirth

Your paper should include an introduction and thesis that clearly states your central claim, thoughtful examples and analysis in your body paragraphs, and a conclusion to finalize your thoughts.

Writing Requirements (APA format)

  • Length: 1200-1400 words (not including title page or references page)
  • 1-inch margins
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Title page
  • References page (minimum of 4 scholarly sources

Solution:

Hinduism and Buddhism

A majority may think that Buddhism and Hinduism fall under the same religion bearing two dissimilar names. However, no matter the wide acceptance of this assumption, Buddhism and Hinduism are two diametrical religions that exercise different rituals and observe diverse religious principles. Nonetheless, there exists a controversial premise citing Buddhism being an offshoot of Hinduism since both religions are believed to have originated from India. Consistent with this view, although both religions may appear different, they somehow share certain similarities in their practices and belief systems. Thus, this paper seeks to explore Buddhism and Hinduism religions through comparing and contrasting karma and rebirth doctrines in both religious systems.

Karma is a fundamental concept that is deeply ingrained in both the Buddhism and Hinduism religion. Like a majority of other philosophies such as Taoism, karma constitutes a general principle and cosmic law. The karma concept refers to the belief that an individual action usually has a significant influence either positive or negative towards a person’s life or the next (Molloy, 2013). Alternatively, karma is perceived as an undertone of causality that subtly implies that past actions impact future events. Buddhism and Hinduism usually share a common belief towards the karma doctrine and its mechanism. In both religions, actions have consequences, and human beings are predominantly bound by individual desires that shape their future actions. Both Buddhism and Hinduism have a high conviction that karma is responsible for existential torment and affliction as well as rebirth (Fuchs & Bond, 2016)……Please click the icon below to purchase full solution at $10