Document Based Essay Hinduism and Buddhism
Introductory Paragraph
Thesis Sentence – Buddhism and Hinduism have many key
beliefs and practices, in this essay I will compare and contrast
these two religions. (Taken from Historical context) Throughout
history belief systems have influences social economic and
political developments in many regions. Although different,
these belief systems often have similarities and in some cases
grow out of each other. Hinduism and Buddhism are an
example of this.
Body Paragraph #1 – Compare
Hinduism and Buddhism share a lot of similarities. The ultimate
goal of each religion is to have your soul freed from the cycle of
reincarnation. In document #1, “Achieving Moshka is the Goal of Life,”
the author explains how cycles of reincarnation allow union with
Brahman. A believer in Hindu will ultimately achieve or becoming one
with the universe when this “Moshka” happens. A similar theme can be
seen in Document #3 from Buddha’s first discourse. In this
selection Buddha sets forth his four noble truths. By truth
number three the student learns that through cessation of
suffering he can reach nirvana. The concept of Nirvana is
Buddhism’s idea of being freed from human form.
Body Paragraph #2 – Contrasting.
Hinduism and Buddhism also have a lot of differences.
Hindus believe in a caste system, this is a social system that you
are born into. In document #2 “the Hindu Caste system” the
article shows the different levels of the Hindu caste and how
they are represented on Purusha. Purusha is a Hindu god. In the
Buddhist tradition they do not believe in a caste system.
Instead, Buddha taught that anyone could reach enlightenment
by following the eight fold path. Document #4 shows what a
student of Buddha would need to do to achieve Enlightenment.
Body Paragraph #3 – You have choices, you can write about another similarity;
you can write about another difference. Try to add some outside information
about these religions into this paragraph. Depending on what you write about in
paragraph #3 you will know what to write about in your conclusion.