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Q2 Week2 Introduction To World Religions and Belief Systems
Q2 Week2 Introduction To World Religions and Belief Systems
Quarter 2 – Week 2 :
Comparative Analysis of
Hinduism, Theravada
Buddhism, and
Mahayana Buddhism
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In Hinduism and Buddhism (Mahayana and Theravada), dharma is an
integral concept. In Hinduism, dharma refers to the religious and
moral law governing a person’s conduct. It is also one of the four
Hindu goals of life. For the two Buddhist schools, it may pertain to
the cosmic law and order or to Buddha’s teachings. Apart from the
Buddha and the sangha, the dharma is one of the “Three Jewels” to
which Buddhist followers go for refuge.
ORIGIN
Both Hinduism and Buddhism, two of the world’s great religions, trace
their origin in India. Believed to be the oldest living religion in
the world, the early beginnings of Hinduism with its forms and themes
may have begun around the third millennium B.C.E. (Hopfe 1983). As the
precise time of its founding is very much difficult to determine,
Hinduism evolved and developed during the ancient Indus Valley
civilization. It is widely regarded that both pre-Aryan and Aryan
elements are found in Hinduism (Brown 1975). A timeless religion as it
is and a way of life for its adherents, Hinduism has no precise moment
of origin and no one specific founder or prophet unlike most other
world religions. Throughout its long history, Hinduism became the
source of three other religions, namely, Buddhism, Jainism, and
Sikhism.
Buddhism also traces its origins in northern India around the sixth
century B.C.E. as another interpretation of the Hindu belief. This
religion is closely linked to its founder Siddhartha Gautama who is
also referred to as the Buddha or the “Enlightened One.” A son of a
Kshatriya chief, the once affluent Siddhartha abandoned the comfort of
his palace and family as he set to discover the remedy to universal
suffering he observed in this world. After long periods of abstinence
and meditation, he finally reached enlightenment (nirvana) and became
known as the “Buddha” or the “enlightened one.” He preached mainly
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in the eastern
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part of the Indian subcontinent such as in Magadha and Kosala. About
500 years after Buddha’s enlightenment, a schism within the Buddhist
religion resulted in the emergence of two major branches around the
first century C.E, namely, the Theravada and Mayahana schools of
tradition. Both schools owe their fundamental teachings to the Buddha
whose life has become an inspiration to millions of followers all over
the world.
MORALITY
PURPOSE
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dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Dharma means to behave appropriately
and act righteously. In essence, dharma is a path toward a pleasant
rebirth
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through fulfillment of one’s destiny that is often defined by class,
family, social status, age, and gender. It also involves paying debts
to gods, fellow humans, and other living beings during their lifetime.
Artha pertains to the pursuit of legitimate worldly prosperity or
material well-being. Wealth must be gained by way of lawful measures.
As one pursues success, dharma must always be kept in mind. Kama
refers to the pursuit of legitimate pleasure as one obtains enjoyment
in life, such as those related to arts, music, and dance. This could
also include satisfaction of one’s desire or sexuality. Moksha is the
final meaning of life that involves enlightenment, self-realization,
or union with god. For the Hindus, this is the most difficult goal of
life to accomplish. While some can accomplish moksha in just one
lifetime, others may take several reincarnations in another physical
form just to be liberated from the cycle of rebirth. While ignorance
and illusion hinder the enlightenment of sentient beings, they can
still escape these bondages. In essence, the main purpose of their
life is to obtain release from the cycle of reincarnation or at least
a better rebirth.
DESTINY
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VIEWS ON WOMEN
For the Buddha, men are not always wise and women can also be wise. In
Buddhism, women should not be treated as inferior to men because both
are equally valuable in society. Women as wives and mothers have roles
to fulfill in the family and society. Husbands and wives must equally
share responsibilities in the family with the same zeal. Wives must
also familiarize themselves in trade and business dealings so that
they can
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also handle these affairs. Men and women have equal status in Buddhist
societies.
Critical Thinking
1. Why do you think Buddhism gradually died down in India even though
it originated there?
2. How does the concept of reincarnation differ from the concept of
heaven and hell in other religions?
3. How does karma affect one’s destiny in both dharmic religions?
Explain.
ASSESSMENT
B. Compare and contrast Hinduism and Buddhism using the table provided
below.
HINDUISM BUDDHISM
Origin
Morality
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Purpose
Destiny
Views on women
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REFERENCES
BOOK
Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. and Jerome Ong. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Textbook. Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc.
TEACHERS GUIDE
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