Early_Religions

Running head: EASTERN RELIGIONS PAPER Eastern Religions Paper Antonio Smith, Andre Malone, Tennille Rainey, Janet Matthews, Summer Grimes University Of Phoenix World Religious Traditions REL/133 A.J. Merril October 20, 2009 Eastern Religions Paper Shinto and Hinduism are reported to carry approximately 674 million followers. Hinduism accounts for 670 million (4to40.com, n.d.). Shinto makes up only 4 million, and it continues to change because anyone practicing any form of Shintoism is considered part of that religion (Wikia, n.d.). With as many followers as is being professed, these religions are much more than just a slight belief. They have become a way of life woven into the fabrics of their region. The definition of religion has taken on many different forms over the centuries. Throughout history, religion has been used as a tool, which defines culture, establishes spiritual relationships, and guides the moral actions of the people that follow them. In fact, a formal definition of religion would be described as: “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.” (Dictionary, 2009) Based upon these principles, it can be determined that the first forms of religion as we know started in the Far East. Although, more popular religions such as Christianity and Islam are prevalent throughout the world religions such as Hinduism and Shinto have been instrumental to the development of their respective countries and the beliefs of their people. Hinduism is currently recognized as the third largest organized religion in the world behind Christianity and Islam. Over the years many various forms of this religion has manifested itself such as Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Although these religions have their own distinct principles, they all contain elements, which indicate that their foundation is a derivative of the Hindu faith. The basis practice of Hindu is centered on the fundamental belief of “Dharma” which is “a holistic approach to social coherence and the good of all, corresponding to the cosmos” (Fisher, 2002). The belief of Dharma emphasized a social responsibility amongst people to act accordingly by adhering to a divine order that was in line with the natural order of the universe. This set of beliefs set the course for how people should treat others, and how they should conduct themselves as faithful followers. It was that the first forms of Hinduism might have been discovered around 8000 BCE, which would make it one of the first forms of religion recognized by man. The first identifiable forms of Hinduism may have been the Vedas scriptures, which were a collection of four essential elements, which outlined instructions on how followers should govern themselves, hymns, and spiritual rituals instructions. In addition, The Hindus did not worship any one particular deity; they worshipped several gods and honored them through various rituals and by performing offerings and sacrifices. It was believed that by performing the rituals that one could gain favor by the gods and that they would be blessed for their actions in return. Hindu caste system is a division of society based on occupation and family lineage. The system has four distinct classes or divisions among people based on these criteria and enforced it through a rigid code of conduct that was specific to each class in the dharma. • Brahhmins • Kshatriyas • Vasishyas • Shudras The caste system has been the bane of Hindu society for centuries. This system was a clever invention of the later Vedic society, established by lawmakers. The upper caste member found it convenient to retain and perpetuate their social advantage with the exception of a few ancient ascetic traditions. Hindus believe in staying away from unclean people. They were fixed with the concept of physical and mental purity. However, the social impact with the Hindu was the Vedic Society, they recognized inequalities among men based on birth and family lineage and proclaimed it the will of God. These thoughts of the Vedics were achieved by Vedic scholars for centuries through the authority of scriptures and fear of the divine retribution. They created stereotypes to justify a social structure that favored a few at the expense of many, denying a vast majority of people opportunities to use their inborn talents and pursue their own dreams. The idea of the caste system still prevails in the minds of many Hindus. However, it served its purpose in ancient time, but does not fit the values and principles of modern times, such as democracy, fundamental rights, individual freedom and equality and discrimination. This does not uphold the values of modern Hinduism in tolerance and universal goodwill. Hindu politics refers to the political movements professing to draw inspiration from Hinduism. Hindu nationalism is the numerically most significant among the current political movements claiming to be inspired by Hinduism. All the political parties in India are controlled by caste Hindus. When the British offered to give separate electorates the ability to participate in democracy more securely, the so-called "Mahatma" (Gandhi) who strongly believed in the caste system. Mahatma Gandhi believed in the concept of graded superiority of birth promoted by the Hindu caste system.  Gandhi was a member of the third caste, but was revered by thousands of Brahmin priests as an expert on Hindu religion. Gandhi felt that as long as Hindu society retained this system of oppression, the nation could never truly be free in spirit and character, which he viewed as more important than mere control of the government. Gandhi never allowed the British government and other political groups to divide Hindu society along caste lines by granting them different political status. Gandhi was also a champion of women's freedoms and rights, and was especially critical of child marriage and the social castigation of widows. He wanted Hindu women to receive equal treatment in the eyes of the law, and a position of respect and honor in mainstream society. He also worked strongly against alcoholism, which had ruined the lives of countless women by claiming their husbands. Much of the persisting momentum to break with old, regressive social practices was fueled by Gandhi's leadership and the freedom movement he cultivated and strengthened. Spiritual beliefs are important in a practiced religion. In the Hindu religion, reincarnation and karma is a strong belief. Those who practice Hinduism believe in life after death or reincarnation. They believe that birth comes multiple times in countless bodies. These bodies can be those of humans or animals. Rebirth as a human being is privileged. It is not common for that to happen. “Birth as a human being is a precious and rare opportunity for the soul to advance toward its ultimate goal of liberation from rebirth and merging with the Absolute Reality.”(Fisher, 2003) Karma to those who are not familiar with the meaning believes that it means, “What goes around comes around”. That is actually close to what is practiced in the Hindu world. “Karma means action, and also the consequences of action”. Fisher, 2003) Hindus think the actions and thoughts that are made with a person will determine their future and experiences. This act also plays an important role in the reincarnation process. Karma is just not important during the time their lives are lived, but also during physical death. Purification by powerful water is the way to cleanse all body, mind, and spirit. The believer can cleanse in an ocean, but standing under a waterfall is most common. This ritual is called misogi. “A believer may stand beneath a waterfall, letting its force hit the shoulders and carry impurities and tensions away.” (Fisher, 2003) In the Shinto religion, there is no concept of sin. In the Shinto world, sexuality is not even considered a sin. The world is full of spirits that will lead and direct those the correct way. When purification is needed, a misogi is performed. As complex as the Hindu religion is due to its many facets and levels, so are the religion’s text. Through the vastness, the scriptures are generally broken down in two classes, “what is heard” and “what is remembered.” Amongst these are also manuals of worship, which tie into the sacred elements of this religion. Vadas is the oldest form of scriptures for Hindus. The collection, consisting of three parts, which include hymns, prayers and rituals, is over 1000 years old and is the foundation of Hinduism. The Epics are considered the oldest Indian poetry of the Hindu scriptures; with the preferred literary works being Sanskrit Epics that later evolved into four other epics. All of the Epics are written in a cantos form, a division of a very long poem, with variations of 100 to 500 cantos. The Puranas, another great collection, discuss the histories of Hindu gods and goddesses. These texts are written in a narrative form to give an account of kings’ genealogy, creation, demigods as well as descriptions by telling stories of one’s lives. Hindu’s sacred elements include common beliefs, common scriptures, common deities and common practices. Hindu beliefs share the same moral ideas of non-violence, honesty, and the search for ultimate Truth, friendship, destiny, compassion, patience, self-control and purity. All of this done in an effort of having better a perspective to become more objective, and more prepared in this life. Common deities come from the scriptures. They represent symbols of aspects of the Absolute and are fundamental to Hinduism. Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector and Shiva the Destroyer are the gods of Hindu Trinity and become personalized through consorts. The Protector is the only one who has an avatar, which enables him to take on human form when the world becomes over rout with evil. Shinto texts, dating back to the 7th and 8th century, are mainly Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. This form of Japanese worship is not a formalized or legalized way of worship with the focus being on natural spirituality of Japan and her people. Thus, Japanese practice it unconsciously as a way of life, which is unlike practicing Hinduism. Like Hinduism, Shinto’s practices incorporate traditions as well as the worship of gods and deities. Both religions deities come in the form of animals, stones and humans; however, Shinto’s is most commonly known for deities being in the elements and nature. Treating others well, having honor and seeking Truth are the fundamental beliefs of both Hinduism and Shinto with a difference in Hindus not actually seeking “God”, whereas the definition of Shinto is Divine Path or Way to God. Hindus have as many idols or statues as they do temples, while, Shinto’s have shrines with stones secluded by trees as representation of the “higher being. While both religions seek purity, Hindus believe they are reborn into different forms, Shinto’s believe the spirits merge with the Divine Spirits by ranks. Hinduism and Shinto share the same region of the world, and they share some of the same practices and ideals. Ironically, they seem to share commonalities with each other and with another major religion from the same hemisphere. As with most religions, their purposes remain the same. These belief systems give the people of that reside in the Asian area of the world something to tie the past with the future of their existence. Hinduism gave the world karma and reincarnation. Belief in karma told the believers that their actions had to be pure in spirit in order to ensure they would receive good things, in return. The same faith is found in other religions that believe, “a person shall reap what they sow.” In other, more secular circles of the world, the faithful have expressed the principle of, “what goes around, comes around.” The theory of reincarnation is found as far west as Africa. It can be married with karma. In order to be reincarnated in higher form of existence, those that walk in devotion to Hinduism try to live in a benevolent manner. Their behavior will warrant their being allowed to be born again, as something they consider honorable. Shinto differed in this perspective. Both religions worshipped various deities. Both of them have passed their beliefs through texts and verbally. They parallel in many ideals, although the ideals are practiced and shared differently. These two sects are also contrasting in other ways. One similarity found in both religions is the effort to achieve a spiritual state of being that will relieve them of a need for the physical body. Oddly, this seems to be found as the ultimate purpose of all belief systems. It gives the believer hope that he or she will find a connection with their idea of the creator of the universe. This spiritual and sometimes physical quest is more of a human belief and does not seem to be isolated in one belief system or another.