(Solution) 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:

Comparison-Contrast Essay

Due to the same similarities in practice, many people usually think that Hinduism and Buddhism fall under the same religion.  However, the two are diametric religions that exercise different rituals. The two religions also observe diverse religious principles.  Taking this consideration, this paper seeks to compare and contrast the idea of karma and rebirth from the perspective of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Karma and Rebirth in the Religious Tradition of Hinduism

The twin beliefs of karma and rebirth are considered to be among the many jewels of knowledge in Hinduism. This is attributed to the vital role they play in shaping religion. Karma is regarded as the causality in which good deeds, thoughts, commands, and words result in beneficial effects to an individual. Similarly, bad deeds, thoughts, commands, and words result in harmful effects on an individual. According to Herman (2018), despite the fact that these effects are not necessarily immediate, they can be visited upon in the future, particularly through reincarnation. From Hinduism perspective, good or bad experiences in life may be a consequence of good or bad actions performed by an individual in a past life.  Most of the Hindus have subscribed to the theistic view of Karma in which a personal god such as Shiva in Shaivism and Vishnu in Vaishnavism is responsible for administering karma in accordance to the actions of the sole. Nonetheless, a non-theistic strand of Hinduism typically upholds that karma should be regarded as a basic cause-and-effect without considering a deity when it comes to meditating the effects.  Knott (2016) and Herman (2018) stresses that in the realm of Hinduism, karma is one of the most critical forces of retributive justice that compels the believers of the religion to behave in a righteous manner in accordance to the moral order of the universe, Dharma.  Taking this into consideration, Karma is a pivotal component in regards to the ethical worldview of the Hindu.  Owing to the fact that Hinduism ordinances typically govern the society as a whole, belief in karma has been found to play a pertinent role in enforcing as well as perpetuating systems of social organizations (Molloy, 2013).  It is also evident that karma enhances active worship among Hindus. This is attributed to the fact that many Hindus believe that bad karma can be counteracted through a wide range of rituals including, but not limited to temple worship, religious pilgrimages, as well as making offerings to the gods.

On the other hand, when it comes to the idea of rebirth, ….Please click the Paypal icon below to purchase full solution for only $15