World Religion (Buddhism) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

World Religion (Buddhism) - Essay ExampleThe basis on Buddhism is constructed on recognizing the need to help living beings and actually understand their suffering. If this is achieved, the individual is capable of reaching the highest status available for all followers, nirvana freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. There are various ship canal of practicing Buddhism meditation, physical exercises, devotional practices, ethical conduct and the cultivation of wisdom. Thus, Buddhism is based on teaching its followers a life that would be useful in this land and the next. Religion is an something that is practiced by its followers eachday, thereof making it deeply engraved in their lives and consummations. Buddhism is similar in this effect because it works to ensure that every belief or practice is beneficial not only to the follower but society as a whole. The word Budh comes from awakening and k at presenting (Smith 1995). Buddhism is split up into a number of branch es. These are practiced and spread over different areas. Theravada is practiced in Southeast Asia and the doctrine states that a follower can slip their ignorance by understanding reality and thus reaching the end of the rebirth cycle. Mahayana is practiced in East Asia and the followers feel Buddha to be omnipotent and thus beyond the reach of the material world. Vajrayana is considered to be a part of the Mahayana sect while others see it to be the third Buddhist path. Though Buddhism is considered to be the strongest in Asia, it now exists all around the world. There are various scriptures in the Buddhist religions. They are divided into two broad categories canonical texts are the like a shot sayings of Buddha himself and non-canonical texts are observations of Buddhas words, compilations of quotes and this history of Buddhism. An instance of a non-canonical text is the Tripitaka which has text written on long leaves and stored in baskets. It has been in existent since Buddhas life and with new additions, now comprises of three volumes. Buddhism resides in various beliefs, most of which are given in the afore menti unmatchabled scriptures amongst these, one is karma. The idea of karma is to be reborn into the cycle of suffering for every individual. Karma refers to the whatever idea that is affected by a mental or physical action and brings an equal result (Harvey). In this way, every action an individual conducts is through with a specific intent and it is that intent which makes the difference rather than the action itself. In Theravada, there is no forgiveness for a followers karma. In this way, any action carried out by an individual has to be considered pure at both levels physical and spiritual for it to help in the attainment of nirvana. Rebirth is another concept present in the Buddhist religion, it represents the different cycles an individual undergoes. This cycle represents the actions of the follower in the world which is determined by karm a, rather than an unexplained jump from one life to another. This ensures that every individual in this society is bound to behave in an acceptable and amicable way in the hopes of reaching one of the half-dozen births Naraka beings (those from hell) being the lowest and Devas (deities or angels) is the highest. Buddhism also pays great attention to practice of the faith. First and foremost is the show of devotion bowing, pilgrimage, offering and chanting. This form is perfect in showing the due respect and reverence to the faith. To show this devotion, Buddhist temples, monasteries and stupas have been created all over the world for the followers to gather and practice. Creating a structure for delegation allows the religion to