Buddhism, Religion, Traditions, Practices, And Rituals

There are many different religions with many different beliefs, traditions, practices, and rituals. These differences are a very important part of understanding and appreciating the culture and history behind the specific religion. However, the practices that certain religions have in common can aid even more in furthering the understanding of specific beliefs of other religions. Since most religions cultivate from the practices and beliefs of other religions, they use those core values and beliefs and transform them into what they believe is a better way practicing. Religions use similarities within each other and twist them into their own. There are certain beliefs within every religion that shape their practices such as their morals or their most essential or absolute value, their position on human beings’ problems and solutions, and their view on life and death within their religion. Pure Land Buddhism (a form of Mahayana Buddhism) and Vaishnavites (a group within Hinduism ) are great examples of this very concept. Mahayana Buddhism is one of two branches of Buddhism that follow additional teachings beyond what their divine power Buddha had set into place. In Phillip Novak’s book, The World’s Wisdom, he says, â€Å"Yet there are beings whose eyes are only a little covered with dust: they will understand the truth† (59). Buddha is saying that he will provide a way and guide his followers to that truth. Since the Mahayanists believe that no human goal can be achieved without theShow MoreRelatedEssay on Christianity And Buddhism Compared1486 Words   |  6 PagesPrayer: A Comparison in Practice and Purpose At first glance the traditions of Christianity and Buddhism appear very different from each other. 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