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“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