Hinduism
The Absolute in Hinduism is Brahman. Brahman is ultimate reality. Brahman is an impersonal
force or the fundamental substance of existence. Brahman is everything in the universe.
Everything is Brahman and Brahman is everything. Because of maya (illusion) we mistakenly
believe that we are individual persons or atman. In reality we are not atman we are Brahman.
Brahman cannot be described by positive characteristics except that some gurus say that
Brahman is bliss. Since Brahman has no form, it is not depicted in pictures or statues.
Relationship between dharma, karma, and samsara: All life exists in a continuous cycle of life,
death, rebirth and death called samsara or reincarnation. The goal of life is to escape samsara
through moksha. A person can achieve moksha through yoga. Through yoga a person can reach
a state of self-realization and enlightenment and achieve moksha and liberation from samsara.
Along with yoga a Hindu must also follow his or her dharma (law, virtue) to achieve moksha and
release from samsara. When a person follows his dharma he achieves good karma and gets
closer to moksha which is release from samsara.
Buddhism
What makes Tibetan forms of Buddhism distinctive? Tibetan Buddhism includes traces of an
older folk religion and shamanism such as belief in spirits, magical rites, divination, and
exorcism. Tibetan Buddhism is a mixture of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Vajrayana
Buddhists brought their preoccupation with Indian Tantrism. Tantrism in Tibetan Buddhism is
characterized by esoteric teachings that include initiation ceremonies. These ceremonies center
around the use of mandalas, mantras, and an emphasis on ritual. Tibetan Buddhists worship a
great multitude of deities and spirits. Another aspect of Tibetan Buddhism is its concern with
helping a dying person “cross the borders of death”. Tibetans believe in bardo the place between
life and death. There are six bardos or stages through which a person must go on his or her
journey to Nirvana. These bardos are explained in the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
How do Theravada and Mahayana forms of Buddhism differ?
Theravada is “The Way of the Elders” because it tries to stay true to the oldest traditions of
Buddhism. Theravada Buddhists focus on the Buddha’s example as a monk and live in
monasteries spending much time in meditation. Only men can be part of the sangha. Theravada
Buddhists believe that Siddhartha Gautama is not a god or divine being. The Buddha was only
an enlightened man. Theravada Buddhists do not believe in any god or in any bodhisattva. They
must attain Nirvana through their own efforts.
Mahayana is the “Large Vehicle” because these Buddhists believe that anyone can achieve
Nirvana. Mahayana Buddhists are more open to a variety of different ideas and approaches to
Buddhist life. Meditation is important but not the only way to reaching Nirvana. Living
according to Buddha’s Eightfold Path is more important. Men and women can be members of
the sangha. Some Mahayana Buddhists believe that Siddhartha achieved godhood. Some of
them pray to Buddha and worship him. Some believe in other buddhas. They also believe in
bodhisattvas who can help people reach Nirvana through the grace and mercy of the bodhisattva.
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The four noble truths:
1. Life is dukkha, suffering.
2. Dukkha or suffering is caused by tanha desire, craving, and attachment to the things of this
world.
3. The problem of suffering can be solved. Attachment to the things of this world can be
conquered. To rid ourselves of dukkha, suffering, we must get rid of tanha. When we stop
being attached to this world then we will no longer suffer. Dukkha and tanha can be
overcome through nirvana. Nirvana means “no craving”. When we reach Nirvana we no
longer crave the things of this life so Dukkha or suffering comes to an end.
4. Dharma (the teaching of the Buddha) and the Eightfold Path is the middle way to nirvana and
enlightenment. We can have victory over attachment to this world and can attain Nirvana
through following the Eightfold Path.
What are the three characteristics of existence?
1. Dukkha, suffering
2. Anitya, impermanence
3. Anatman, no-self
Confucianism and Daoism
1. What is the difference between the teaching of Confucius and Laozi?
Laozi sought harmony between man and nature. Laozi’s approach was to cultivate your
spiritual life. He emphasized individualistic pursuit of the Dao. Confucius emphasized
harmony in society. He believed that by being virtuous and loyal society would function
smoothly.
2. In Confucius's teachings, what were the characteristics of the junzi?
The junzi is the ideal person, the gentleman, who is loyal, trustworthy, studious, respectful of
authority, and hardworking.
3. What is the Daoist concept of harmony? We can have harmony with the Dao by balancing
yin and yang, practicing Tai Chi, following principles of feng shui, living a life of wu wei.
And maximizing qi in our life.