Reflective Comparison on Eastern Religions

Reflective Comparison on Eastern Religions

Jennifer E. Mikka

Ashford University

Religion 113: Comparative Religion

Jonathan Sharpe

March 10, 2007

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Reflective Comparison on Eastern Religions

Religion is a very general term that has characteristics that are as wide as the mind can think. However, when looking at religions in a specific area usually one can see similarities in their ways. I was surprised at the difference in the concepts and practices in eastern religions. Through the Comparative Religion course at Ashford University, I learned that life can have an entirely different meaning when looking at it through eastern faiths. Eastern Religions include concepts as no specific God or Gods, multiple Gods, religions with different or no sacred books and man made paths to righteousness, meditation practices and paths that are neither 'right" or "wrong" but should be balanced. When looking into these religions one must keep an open mind and look at the pros in order to fully appreciate the worth of each individual entity.

Golden Buddha Statue of Gold Buddhism Religion

Taoism

The Rig Veda is one of the oldest religious texts....

One of the characteristics I have always presumed to go hand in hand with religion is the belief in a God or Supreme Being. In the case of Taoism and Buddhism the theory of a Supreme Being stays in tact. However, both these religions hold God at a height far above human understanding. In Taoism, God is considered the Great One. Buddhism takes God to a whole new level whereas the purpose of the religion is not to understand God or to follow him rather to become one with him or her through enlightenment. When one becomes one with God his or her soul is extinguished and no longer exists.

Through the comparative religion course I have been exposed to religions that hold multiple gods or...