Introduction
Since the necessity and desire for a scientific report on religious phenomena were created, describing spirituality and outlining its features has been a procedure that has confounded experts. The researchers who established the framework for analyzing religion had defined faith as their primary goal. Though the concept of religion may vary in definitions, several overlapping factors exist.
Kessler (2008) provided two definitions of religion, citing Paul Tillich, a theologian, and Melford E. Spiro, an anthropologist. According to the first definition, religion is the eternal state that “contains the answer to the question of the meaning of life” (Kessler, 2008, p.25). As per the second definition, religion is “an institution consisting of culturally patterned interaction with culturally postulated superhuman beings” (Kessler, 2008, p.26). As a result, this essay aims to evaluate the two chosen religions—Hinduism and Buddhism—and determine whether they qualify as religions or ways of life.
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world’s leading and oldest faiths, established thousands of years ago. It is not of a specific origin compared to Christianity and Islam. Religion began as a way of life, but gradually evolved into a distinct form of belief. Hinduism was believed to have been created through a structure borrowed from Vedic culture (Rodrigues & Rodrigues, 2006).
Despite the belief that Hinduism is a religion, it is more accurately described as a way of life, as it does not comprise systematically connected commandments or values. The belief in Hinduism is influenced by societal, regional, and domestic practices (Rodrigues & Rodrigues, 2006). Therefore, various beliefs distinguish Hinduism as a religion rather than a way of life.
To begin with, Hindus believe in the idea of Brahman, who is the Supreme Being. In this case, Hindus believe that Brahman assumes distinct forms to benefit individuals. The concept of the Soul (Atma) implies that all living things possess a soul that takes the form of God (Rodrigues & Rodrigues, 2006). On the contrary, the concept of Karma in Hinduism is central, as it suggests that the actions of individuals shape their present and future lives.
Secondly, Hinduism is structured around a caste system, a social hierarchy in which people are categorized according to family heritage and occupation (Rodrigues & Rodrigues, 2006). The caste system is divided into five stations that define the social system, notably Brahmins, Vaishya, Kshatriyas, Shudras, and Untouchables (Rodrigues & Rodrigues, 2006). The Brahmins and the Kshatriyas defend the society from plunging into chaos, whereas the Vaishyas are farmers and merchants.
The Shudras are usually regarded as the working class, the lowest-ranking caste class in Hinduism (Rodrigues & Rodrigues, 2006). However, the Untouchables are a unique caste category as they are established outside the other regular Hindu castes. These social structures resemble the Christian structures that explain the origins of different cultures.
In addition, Hinduism is often regarded as a religion rather than a way of life, as Hindus also worship nature. For instance, Hindus tend to adore the banyan tree as they believe it provides oxygen for 24 hours (Rodrigues & Rodrigues, 2006). On the other hand, the Tulsi plant and the Indian Gooseberry are revered since they are considered medicinal. Finally, in Hinduism, feminine energy is adulated by Goddess Shakti (Rodrigues & Rodrigues, 2006). This is contrary to other religions, where there is no belief in worshipping God in a feminine practice.
Buddhism
The debate regarding the distinction between Buddhism as a religion and a way of life has garnered significant attention. According to scholars, the determination regarding the identification of Buddhism as a faith is based on an individual’s definition of religion. Buddhism is the world’s most considerable conviction after Hinduism, which originated in India.
Various concepts distinguish Buddhism as a religion rather than a way of life. Similar to other religions governed by commandments, the Buddha taught four Noble Truths, notably suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering. Suffering teaches that all persons are entitled to suffer in a specific way due to “cravings and attachment” (Kessler, 2008, p.314). On the contrary, Buddhists believe that suffering originates from desire, while the cessation of suffering notes that a person can overcome sorrow and realize enlightenment (Prebish & Keown, 2010). The concept of the path to the cessation of suffering outlines the steps required to attain enlightenment.
Additionally, Buddhism is regarded as a way of life since it does not uphold the worship of any supreme being. Buddhists believe that there is no superior being in the universe, but various spiritual figures can hinder people in their search for insight (Kessler, 2008). This aspect affirms that Buddhism is inclined towards an individual’s pursuit of happiness and “gradual enlightenment” rather than seeking divine redemption from sins (Kessler, 2008, p. 315).
Similarly, Buddhism is a way of life, as it relies on the concept of a wheel of rebirth, or samsara (Kessler, 2008). In this case, Buddhists consider that souls can be reborn in diverse forms depending on how a person behaved in their previous life. This idea is linked to “karma,” which states how people’s good or immoral conduct in the past can influence them in their future lives. However, liberated individuals “no longer accumulate karma” and remain in the world to eventually pass away (Kessler, 2008, p. 309). Therefore, there is no such phenomenon as absolute salvation in Buddhism.
Moreover, Buddhism is divided into two categories: Theravada and Mahayana. Mahayana Buddhism is prominent in regions such as China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan (Kessler, 2008, p.313). This group of Buddhists focuses on the ideas and teachings of beings that have realized enlightenment. On the other hand, Theravada Buddhism, also known as the “Way of Elders,” is prevalent in Thailand, Laos, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Cambodia (Kessler, 2008, p. 313).Theravada emphasizes the importance of meditation and a monastic lifestyle as the channel to enlightenment.
Finally, beliefs define the religions of a specific group of people in a superior being or God, to which Buddhism is opposed. Buddhists believe in a nontheistic religion, where an individual is not confined to adulate a superior being. Instead, it affirms that the realization of happiness and self-enlightenment is the ultimate goal of humans.
Conclusion
From the assessment, the classification of Buddhism and Hinduism as religions or ways of life depends on the definition. Therefore, it is clear that Hinduism is a religion, as evidenced by its description, since its elements define how individuals live and operate in society, and worship a superior being, despite having numerous forms. It is also religion, as rules govern the belief, similar to the regular commandments that direct other religions. On the contrary, from the assessment of Buddhism, it can be concluded that it is a way of life since there are no rules to govern how people behave. Buddhists also do not believe in the existence of a Creator, but rather that everything that happens in an individual’s life is based on their decisions from a past life.
References
Kessler, G. E. (2002). Studying Religion: An Introduction Through Cases. McGraw-Hill Humanities.
Prebish, C. S., & Keown, D. (2010). Buddhism-The Ebook. JBE Online Books.
Rodrigues, H., & Rodrigues, H. P. (2006). Introducing Hinduism. Routledge.