Can Someone Help Me With My World Religions Essay

Cosmogony – View(s) of Origin of the universe:

The origin of creation is believed to have been from a sacred sounds Aum and Om by the creator. Hinduism is believed to have begun around 5500 BCE in India where non-Vedic religious practices and traditions were practiced. These teachings were then passed through word of mouth up to the beginning of Vedic religion where scriptures were written about Hinduism

Sources: Ganeri, 2006; Pg. 4

View of the Nature of the Sacred (i.e., of “God,” “Ultimate Reality,” “gods,” “spirits,” “forces, … whatever term it uses): The nature of the Sacred in Hindu is based on a pure relationship between man and the supernatural forces which surround him. There are many different gods in the Hinduism religion who play specific roles in the life of man. These gods are all connected to the God of Creation called Brahman who manifests his powers in the life of Atman. Hindu believe in the sacred trinity made up of Brahma who is the creator, Vishnu who is the sustainer, and Shiva who is the destroyer.

Sources: Ganeri, 2006; Pg. 4

View of Human Nature; Understanding of Humanity: The nature of the Sacred in Hindu is based on a pure relationship between man and the supernatural forces which surround him. There are many different gods in the Hinduism religion who play specific roles in the life of man. These gods are all connected to the God of Creation called Brahman who manifests his powers in the life of Atman. Hindu believe in the sacred trinity made up of Brahma who is the creator, Vishnu who is the sustainer, and Shiva who is the destroyer.

Sources: Fowler, 1999; Pg. 9

View of Good /Evil, Right/Wrong; Morality; Key Values: Hinduism believe that human nature exists in a spiritual nature where a person’s soul lives beyond a false self; characterized by personal ego. This being is referred to as Atman. People are taught about self-actualization of the divine spirit in every individual in a pursuit to define life as well as to develop an acceptable and a rational human behavior.

Sources: Fowler, 1999; Pg. 117

View of “Salvation,” “Fulfillment,” “Attainment of Life’s Purpose”: The salvation of atman is achieved when an individual unites with God (Brahman). This can be achieved through following four different spiritual paths; Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.

Sources: Ganeri, 2006; Pg. 4

View of death and “afterlife” (if any): Hindu believes in reincarnation whereby after death, the spiritual self (Atman) is reborn in many forms but in a different physical body. Being reborn in the afterlife is viewed as either a punishment or a reward depending on one’s conduct during life.

Sources: Fowler, 1999; 34

Key Practices and Rituals:

Key Practices and Rituals:

Different practices in the Hindu religion are attached to the different life phases. Due to this, this is the religion with the highest number of rituals. Among the key practices include namaste greeting where people greet with bowed heads and palms held together close to the chest.

Sources: Fowler, 1999; 44

Celebrations and Festivals: There are different celebrations and festivals organized throughout the year to celebrate the Indian culture and religion. One of the most important festivals is the Divali celebrations which is held once in a year to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Sources: : Fowler, 1999; Pg. 70

Cosmogony – View(s) of Origin of the universe: Jainism was founded by Vardhamana Jnatiputra, similar to the present-day Buddha. The religion which begun between 599 to 527 BC teaches that the world has no beginning or end.

Sources: Calderon, 1998; Pg. 194

View of the Nature of the Sacred (i.e., of “God,” “Ultimate Reality,” “gods,” “spirits,” “forces, … whatever term it uses): Jains believe in a God called Jain meaning the liberator or the victor who is free from the powers of Karma. However, there are many gods classified in a multifaceted hierarchy. The sacred nature of Jainism has different gods, goddesses, and protective deities who are the source of divinity for the believers. The hierarchy considers the liberated souls (Jinas) as more esteemed than other gods and are believed to live on the highest heaven above other gods and goddesses

Sources: : Glasenapp, & Shrotri, 1999; Pg. 244

View of Human Nature; Understanding of Humanity: Humanity is viewed in two aspects; the material self and the spiritual self. The spiritual self represents the soul of a being which is uncreated, has no end, and has an infinite power and knowledge which helps an individual in achieving sacredness.

Sources: Glasenapp, & Shrotri, 1999; Pg. 281

View of Good /Evil, Right/Wrong; Morality; Key Values:

The laws of Karma form most part of morality and the values of the religion which stipulates that a man is repaid with his actions and deeds whether good or bad. When one is repaid in good deeds it is referred to as Punya, and when one is punished due to evil deeds it is referred to as Paap.

Sources: Glasenapp, & Shrotri, 1999; Pg. 232

View of “Salvation,” “Fulfillment,” “Attainment of Life’s Purpose”:

Salvation in Jainism religion is attained when one’s soul is completely liberated from karma. This liberation is attained by an individual who has lived a life of truth, discipline, non-violence, non-possession, non-stealing and purification. This enlightenment is considered as the most sacred level of the universe where free souls live with other souls in perfect happiness.

Sources: Glasenapp, & Shrotri, 1999; Pg. 274

View of death and “afterlife” (if any): Jainism teach about the cycle of life which is comprised of birth and rebirth of souls. The reincarnation of one’s soul from one body to another is based on the laws of karma.

Sources: Glasenapp, & Shrotri, 1999; Pg. 21

Key Practices and Rituals: To ensure the achievement of purity, monks are initiated through great vows which help to avoid any occurrence of harming life, lying, theft, indulging in sexual intercourse, and owning personal possessions. An example of the practices by the Svetambara monks include avoiding taking vegetarian meals after dark as this would increase the likelihood of harming insects which are attracted to the food.

Sources: : Glasenapp, & Shrotri, 1999; Pg. 377

Celebrations and Festivals: One of the important ceremonies for the Jains is the Paryushana Parva celebrated by the Svetambara Jains and the Digambara Jians to commemorate the importance of repentance and forgiveness. This ceremony brings Jains together who fast together as way to increase their spiritual intensity.

Sources: : Mosher, 2006; Pg. 121