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Current Issues Paper and Class Handout
CURRENT ISSUES PAPER 1

Buddhism
REL/133
Week 5
Elton Shaw
March 17, 2015
Instructor: Susan Cameron

CURRENT ISSUES PAPER 2
Intro
As one of the most popular religions in the entire world, Buddism is believed to be originated by Siddhattha Gotama, also referred to as Siddhartha Gautama, 2500 years ago in Northern India ("Religious Tolerance", 2015). More than 75% of its followers are from the Far East. Burma, Korea, Japan, China and Sri Lanka are places where Buddhism is commonly practiced (Molloy, 2010).
Common Characteristics Although Buddhism is a major, strong religion on its own, it does share some similarities with other religions of the world. Hinduism is the one religion Buddhism probably shares the most similarities with. They share commonality on issues of reincarnation, enlightenment, salvation, suffering and yoga practices (Molloy, 2010). Reincarnation: the way you live presently will determine the worth of your reincarnated life. So if you live an honorable life now, you’ll be rewarded in reincarnation, vice versa.
Enlightenment: both religion philosophies agree there’s no one path to achieve enlightenment. The paths are vast and can be attained through the mastering of one’s six senses. Salvation: can only be achieved individually and taking full responsibility of your own fate and the actions you take in your life. Suffering: is caused by materialism or becoming attached to things in and of the world we live in excessively.
CURRENT ISSUES PAPER 3 Yoga: both religions believe concentration and meditation promotes liberation and the path to enlightenment. Buddhism also shares a few


References: Buddhist Studies. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/position.htm ncyclopedia Britannica . (2014). Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/83184/Buddhism/68769/Buddhism-in-the-contemporary-world Sri Dhammananda Maha Thera, Venerable K. (n.d.). What Buddhists Believe. Retrieved from http://www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/227.htm The Pluralism Project. (2006). Retrieved from http://pluralism.org/reports/view/46 Religious Tolerance. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism5.htm Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World 's Religions. 5th ed. NY: McGraw, 2010. Print.
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