Reflection On World Religion

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Reflection on World Religions

It has been an outstanding five weeks. This was the course that I've been waiting to take since I started Capella back in April of 2004. Finally after weeks of reading World Religions by Huston Smith, I have developed an understanding of some of the world's religions. I can never be an expert in this field, and I don't want to, but at least I have an idea where these religions originated and have a general concept of the beliefs behind each religion. Each of the religions we covered have one thing in common that stick out, and that is promoting peace and harmony.

Hinduism

One thing that I have learned is that Hindus do not worship cows. Hinduism has no founder or date of origin. Hindus believe in one supreme God who created the universe. He created many Gods, highly advanced spiritual beings, to be his helpers. Many Hindus are devoted followers of Shiva or Vishnu, whom they regard as the only true God, while others look inward to the divine Self, meaning meditation. Whomever they decide to worship, it all points to the same deity.

Buddhism

Buddhism was founded around 520 BC by Siddharta Gautama, who was an Indian Prince. Buddhism emphasizes practice over belief. In reality, however, Buddhism centers on correct understanding of human nature and ultimate reality. The Buddha was, after all, called the "Enlightened One." He taught that the way to eliminate suffering began with understanding the true nature of the world. In Buddhism, the purpose of life is to end suffering. The Buddha taught that humans suffer because we continually strive after things that do not give lasting happiness.

Taoism

Lao-Tze founded Taoism around 550 BC. The goal in Taoism is achieve Inner harmony, pea...

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...hrist. But even way before I read this book, I've always believed that Confucius, Mohammed, and Buddha once existed. I think, and I'm sure everyone else in the classroom will agree with me, that all of us live a religious/spiritual life that combines all of the religions we've covered. When I pray, I do it to relax my mind. I get migraines and I found out that by praying (meditating-Hinduism) helps a lot. I pray to only ONE GOD (Islam), but through Jesus Christ (Christianity). I have many responsibilities at work and at home. I try my best to keep a balance in order for me to have peace and harmony within me (Taoism). And at times I find myself in a sweat lodge along with my other Native American friends (Primal). This is who I am.

References

Smith, Houston (1986). The Illustrated World Religions, A Guide to Our Wisdom Traditions. Labyrinth Publishing.

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