Monism Essay

The major Eastern religious traditions have had a shaping effect on their societies by the way they look at the world and the “hope” they offer their followers. Their traditions and beliefs are different than those in the West. The four major religious traditions in the East are all older than Western religions. Each religious tradition can be examined for common concepts and differences. Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism have several common concepts and several differences: their worldviews, their views on the nature of reality as a whole, the nature of persons, the perspectives on the “human dilemma,” human spiritual goals, the significance of moral values and the hope each offers its followers for their lives. The world view

Monism is a view of the world and reality as all being part of the same thing. They believe mind and matter are ultimately the same thing. They do not recognize a creator or God, only natural physical world (“What Is Monism and Pantheistic Monism? Who Believes in Monism? Is It Biblical?”). Their moral values all point towards achieving nirvana and their societies are very pacifist because their ultimate hope is to achieve nothingness so they do not reincarnate. Buddhism is more and more common in the West (Francis). World travel has mixed cultures with western travelers adopting Buddhism and eastern migration into the western world. As a result, Buddhist temples have spread all around the world and are very popular cultural and spiritual centers (“Buddhism”). One of the largest Buddhist temples in the world is in Australia south of Sydney. Many people find peace from the meditation and Buddhist philosophical outlooks, but do not consider themselves Buddhists and keep their own personal religious faith (“Nan Tien Temple”). The temple probably has more non Buddhist visitors than worshipers. add a sentence Daoism and Confucianism are different from most other religious traditions. They are both set apart from a lot of other religions from their nature and historical beginnings; but the trait that sets them apart from the others is the one they both have in common. Both religions, stand for something different, but the thing that puts them

Hsiao, which is love of family, and especially parents. Yi, which is righteousness. Xin, which is honesty and being a person one can trust to behave properly. Jen, which is kindness to others. Lastly Chung, which is political loyalty. Confusciousism focuses on ethical, moral living, ancestors and traditions and the stages of life. These fit together with the Daoist focus on nature and influence their society to be in tune with nature and behave morally and ultimately join their ancestors (“Confucianism”). This personal goal is a major aspect of this