Hindu and Buddhism: Concept of Karma

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Table of Contents

Upanishads Teachings
Comparison between Hindu and Buddhism Views of the Human Beings
Issues Affecting Christians, Muslims and Judaism Relation
Efforts Made To Overcome the Existing Tensions
Works Cited

Karma, a concept that is used by both Hinduism and Buddhism, may be described simply as action or doing, including any kind of intentional action either physical or oral. Basically, it involves all actions that are either right or wrong, as well as the moral and immoral choices; however, actions that are involuntary or those that are done unconsciously are not included in the description basically because they do not involve making choices or volition (Gyatso 3).

Karma is basically viewed in relation to the law of moral causation and forms an integral part in the doctrine of Buddhism, although this belief was commonly held in India earlier on even when Buddha had come into existence. However, the current practice has its source from the works of Buddha. The main philosophical argument involved in Kamma is the inequality that exists in the society in relation to sociological, physiological and psychological endowments (Gyatso 52). For instance, the society comprises people from different classes of wealth, different levels of intelligence and different levels of morality among other inequalities. In Buddhism, although genetic and environmental factors may have a hand in this inequality, Kamma also plays a significant role especially when the past and current actions are taken into perspective. Indeed, human beings should be held responsible for the miseries and issues that dog their lives based on their actions.

This is basically the same view held by Hinduism where it is taken that human beings create their own destiny such that , a person will reap what he sees in his li fe on this world. In other words, our actions, past and present will determine the future and Karma will obviously rebound whether in the current life or next births; it generally involves our thoughts, words, actions and influences according to Hinduism.

Upanishads Teachings

Basically, the Upanishads view a person’s nature (self) and as directly connected to knowledge in such a way that, through knowledge, one is able to attain self-realization and overcome all the miseries of life. Indeed, the teachings tend to create a balance between spirituality and ordinary human life in the sense that, by following the path of attaining knowledge and the quest to understand the oneself as human through the use of individual intelligence, wisdom and talent, a person is becomes more endowed with capability to define his own destiny (Gamay para 4-5). Thus the Hindu view human beings as endowed with faculties to define the kind of life they need to live and a fitting life can only be attained by following the teachings of Upanishad.

Buddhism Nobles on Human Beings

Buddha Shakyamuni provided his teachings based on the enlightenment acquired beneath the Bodhi Tree and identified Four Noble Truths which included “Truth of Suffering; the Origins of Suffering; the Cessation of Suffering; the Truth of the Path” (Simpkins and Simpkins 52). In suffering, people tend to experience both internal and external suffering whereby, internal suffering will involve lack of happiness, pervasive suffering, birth, sickness, aging and death, while external suffering will involve realms that tend to create mental suffering as one meditates upon them. Basically, Buddhism teaches that one’s suffering provides experiences that enable human beings to understand and believe the truth about various aspects. Moreover, human beings have the capacity to eliminate and end the sufferings through overcoming of delusional thinking which is the main cause of internal sufferings; thus defining the pleasure they require.

Buddhism Marks of Reality mainly comprises three characteristics that are evident as emerging from the Buddha’s dissertations, the major ones being devoted to each characteristic. Buddhists believe that there are three characteristics of life: “Humans suffer; humans and all things have no-self; and all things, including human beings, are impermanent” (Kolupahana 36-40).

Comparison between Hindu and Buddhism Views of the Human Beings

In Hinduism, there is not just one purpose of human life, but four which include Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha- enlightenment. Dharma generally means one’s “destiny or purpose in life as defined by one’s vocation or career, which is often defined by class and family” (Kalupahana 79). Artha mainly refers to prosperity or success in worldly endeavors despite the fact that the definitive goal of Hinduism is enlightenment. Moreover, wealth in the form of social order is an important aspect of human life. Kama is more concerned with pleasure, more so the romantic love and sexual pleasure and holds that human life is never complete without fulfillment of the desires for pleasure (Kalupahana 32). Lastly, Moksha, which is the ultimate goal of the Hindu or the main purpose of life, holds that, human beings will strive to attain enlightenment or self-actualization in life.

Both the Hindu and the Buddhism have a concept that defines the destiny of human beings purpose in life referred to as Dharma and dhamma respectively. However, the former posits that an individual has an obligation in the society and has to fulfill it before he gets acceptance from both self and the world at large, while the latter holds that a human being is well endowed to avoid worldly suffering. In addition, both Hindu and Buddhist believe in compassion and respect for all living beings including human beings and in particular, provide teachings that are aimed to benefit people as human beings; moreover, Both Hindus and Buddhists believe in the idea of karma (destiny of humankind), as well as the rebirth of human beings whereby following the death of a person, there is a new life that is more fulfilling than the current one.

Despite these similarities, there are differences that are evident in the two mainly in the area of social formation. Basically, Buddhism takes cognizance of the need for a balance between the individual freedom of spiritual nourishment and social wellbeing in the current life; however, Hindu omits such philosophy. Another difference is seen in the sense that Buddha taught his followers that life is equal to suffering, such that without suffering, one will never know what is true or not (Gyatso 36-39); conversely, Hindu’s teachings emphasize on pursuit of happiness as the ultimate goal although suffering will be inevitable in such an Endeavour. Moreover, although both seem to hold that meditation is the path to enlightenment, Hindu goes further to incorporate other ways such as compassion and doing good works as accompaniments to meditation.

Issues Affecting Christians, Muslims and Judaism Relation

Issue of State and Secularism

Basically, the three religions are torn apart by their belief in secularization whereby Muslims do not believe in the separation of ‘religion from state’ (secularism). However, both Christianity and Judaism do not mix the affairs of the church with the affairs of the government as the two are seen as separate entities with different ends. In Islamic oriented countries, although the functions of the government may be conducted by different individuals that are not aligned to religion, the religion tends to play a bigger role in defining the direction that politics will take. Moreover, there are strict restrictions and prohibitions concerning the religion making it not to attach a lot of importance to the external form of government as long as it is well-being of the society is taken care of and the Divine law (shariah) is applied. This means that all forms of rule are all valid in the Islamic community as long as they abide to the norms of the Islamic faith; the case of the middle east countries may be taken as an example of the connection that exists between the Islamic faith and the government, whereby, the government cannot make certain policies touching social norm without consulting religion.

In Christianity, the position is that the church is supposed to be governed by the divine scriptures (basically the biblical teachings) while the state should be governed by laws that are made separately by man; in other words, the issue of secularization should be upheld to separate the state from religion and where there seems to be religious doctrines that conflict with the function of the state, secular laws should be made to take precedence. Basically, this is an issue that rubbed some nations the wrong way based on the tension created on the position of kadhi courts in the state. The main issue of contention is that while Muslims view kadhi courts as part of their pre-requisite, Christians view it as away promoting one religion practices and beliefs; therefore the relation between them continues to be one characterized by tension.

Issues of Western Civilization and Moral Conduct

One issue or practice that differentiates the three religions is the issue of culture whereby, while Muslims and Jews do denounce the consumption of swine flesh (pork), Christians have the freedom to consume it. In addition, Islamic faith completely forbids alcohol consumption and/or intoxication; indeed, in most Muslim countries, beer brewing and selling is a taboo and is punishable under the Islamic laws; however, though alcohol intoxication is forbidden in the Christian faith, its consumption is normally not exclusively forbidden in various Christian faiths, for instance, in the catholic faith, one is not denied the privilege of taking alcohol so long as it does not amount to intoxication. Another area of contention between the religions touches on the free-mixing of sexes, whereby in Muslim community it is discouraged based on the highly emphasized aspect of purity and decency whereas to Christians, mixing of the sexes is never an issue to lose sleep about.

Therefore, such beliefs and practices among the three religions intensely prompt and heighten tension among them, more so in the event of inter-religion misunderstanding. In relation to evangelism, unlike Christians and Jews who can influence people to convert to their religion, Muslims use different approach that does not create any pressure on a person to convert though may be persuaded to do so. Indeed, the teachings of the Qur’an clearly illustrate that conveyance of the message of God is the primary objective; thus any convert will do so from the understanding of the message. However in Christianity, though preaching the word of God is primary, the work of Missionary tends to be very influential and to some extent has resulted into conflict between them and other religions especially when the Christian missionaries try to penetrate and introduce Christianity in the Muslim community.

Efforts Made To Overcome the Existing Tensions

Acceptance of the other and Respect for Differences

Availability of correct information about the various biblical faiths will show all Christians that their beliefs are destined to a common goal. For example, all the Christian faiths believe in one God who is deemed to be supernatural, believe in resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah and aim at providing spiritual nourishment to the faithful among other similarities. Generally, it can not be denied that religion play a very big role in the society and therefore it is important that all the faiths take cognizance of the strength that the society will have were they to unite in their efforts to endeavor their theological/spiritual, moral and cultural agenda to the society. The Catholic Church has been in the forefront in trying to unite all the faiths of the world claiming that it is through communion that the world will be peaceful. For instance, the recent Vatican declarations have been on communion, the message being that all human beings are creatures of God and it is important to view others with dignity and respect regardless of their faith. Moreover, respect for each other should follow through the inter-faith co-operation and mutual acceptance and in the resulting respect, made more insightfully by love and reconciliation of the human society.

Actual Engagement in Dialogue

When all the faiths understand one another and strive to uphold acceptance and uncompromised respect for each other, they create a formidable platform for engaging in constructive dialogue. One case to note is the Vatican declarations of communion among the church and other religions stating that “religions are invited to meet, engage in dialogue and act to bring people together, especially in times of crisis and wars” (Synod of Bishops Para. 76); more so in relation to the political conflict between Palestine and Israel. This was emphasized by Pope Benedict XVI during his lecture at Regensburg where he stated that there is “the need for the convergence of, and to invite a dialogue on, faith and reason and on religion and violence” (Heredia Para. 1). He specifically pointed out that there is need for peaceful coexistence between the Jews and the Christians, emphasizing that the both should live in peace in “their homeland, with secure internationally recognized borders and in peace with their neighbors” (Synod of Bishops Para 78). In addition, interfaith cooperation in matters touching on the welfare of the society such as assistance for refugees or victims of disasters play a big role in smoothing out the inherent differences that are the subject of conflict.

Works Cited

Gamay, Atam. “Teachings of Upanishads.” Akhandjyoti Magazine. 2004. Web.

Gyatso, Geshe K. Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life. London, Tharpa Publications UK. 2001.

Heredia, Rudolf C. Papal Reflections: Benedict XVI’s Lecture at Regensburg. New Delhi. Indian Social Institute. 2006. Web.

Kolupahana, David. Buddhist philosophy: A historical analysis. Honolulu Hawaii, University of Hawaii Press. 1976.

Simpkins, Alexander and Simpkins, Annellen M. Simple Buddhism: A Guide to Enlightened Living. North Clarendon, Tuttle Publishing. 2000.

Synod of Bishops. “The Catholic Church In The Middle East: Communion And Witness.” Special Assembly For The Middle East. Vatican City. 2009. Web.

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