Download Buddhism Reflection

“Even if things don't unfold the way you expected, don't be disheartened or give up. One who continues
to advance will win in the end.”
― Daisaku Ikedapurpose
Recently, I moved into a house located next to Lake Superior Zendo which is a Soto Zen Buddhist
Temple. The Zendos purpose is to support, encourage, and facilitate the practice of Soto Zen Buddhism
in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I had the chance to speak with a few people who help maintain the
temple and they are very nice and down to earth. After a few brief conversations, I realized I know next
to nothing about their practices. Being a very open-minded and curious person, I have been wanting to
learn more about Buddhism. This Classical Empire assignment has presented a perfect opportunity to do
so.
Hinduism and Buddhism are two closely intertwined religions with a few challenging differences.
Both religions have North Indian origins. Hinduism grew over centuries amongst Indian culture with no
historical founder. Outsiders gave the religion its title in order to consolidate the wide cultural patterns.
Early Hinduism was a melting pot of beliefs that set itself apart from other religions accommodating
diversity. “This endlessly variegated Hinduism served to incorporate into Indian civilization the many
diverse peoples who migrated into or invaded the South Asian peninsula over many centuries ago”
(Strayer, 174). This evolving religion comprised of various sacred texts known as Sanatana Dharma. The
texts first comprised of rituals, numerous gods, prayers, and controversial sacrifices carried out by
Brahmins (priests). They also suggest that Hindu societies were patriarchal. Women were presented
decent opportunities during this time, but these opportunities were short lived. Eventually transforming
into philosophical Hinduism between 800 and 400 B.C.E., the religion began asserting the fact that
people were actually connected with the unchanging reality (Brahman). It also focused on the law of
Karma. Meaning that “Pure actions, appropriate to one’s station in life, resulted in the rebirth in a higher
social position or caste” (Strayer, 175). Buddhism also incorporates karma into its teachings. Buddhists
believe “it is the result of our own past actions and our own present doings. We ourselves are
responsible for our own happiness and misery. We create our own Heaven. We create our own Hell. We
are the architects of our own fate” (Buhhdanet.net). Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism began a movement
with a prince as a founder. Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, he began teaching a small
following his methods for achieving enlightenment. His pragmatic teachings were based on
observations of the way things are. “Buddha was not interested in abstract speculation about the
creation of the world or the existence of God, for such questions, he declared, “are not useful in the
quest for holiness: they do not lead to peace and to the direct knowledge of nirvana” (Strayer/Buddha,
177-178). This belief is major contrasting element between the two religions. Buddhism also challenged
Hindu-based inequalities such as gender and status rankings by stating that nirvana was achievable by
anyone. As the religion grew, direct teaching became difficult and the understanding of awakening was
difficult to for followers to comprehend. A new form of Buddhism known as Mahyana allowed for
experienced Buddhists to halt their own personal goal of enlightenment in order to help others along
the path. “Elaborate descriptions of these supernatural beings, together with various levels of heavens
and hells, transformed Buddhism into a popular religion of salvation” (Strayer, 179). This interesting
practice eventually decreased due to economic interference and other intrusive religious practices such
as Islam. Both Hinduism and Buddhism are still flourishing today. Each religion offers a form of salvation
for those willing to commit to practice. During the Classical Era, Hinduism seemed to appeal to
individuals seeking an end to the painful process of life and death. The region offered this fulfillment
through a variety simple selfless duties. Warriors or those forced into battle found light in Hinduism
because of Hinduisms tolerant nature. For others looking to achieve more immediate results through
patient practice, Buddhism was the way to go. Buddhism could have also been more appealing due to
its simplified purpose. Women were attracted to the religion during the Classical Era because they were
given more respect. As well anyone against violence in any way.
The law of Karma is something that I have always firmly believed in. What goes around comes around. I
am the type of person who cringes when killing a fly. I do not think that violence is the answer to
anything, so I could definitely see myself following Buddhist practices. Learning more about these two
religions has been eye-opening. I am even considering attending a Zendo meeting soon to learn more!
"A Basic Buddhism Guide: Introduction to Buddhism." A Basic Buddhism Guide: Introduction to
Buddhism. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2014