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Hinduism vs. Buddhism

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Hinduism vs. Buddhism
Cassandra Wan
History 9F
Religion Paragraph
6 October 2014
Buddhism versus Hinduism
While both Buddhism and Hinduism are opposed to war, the former discourages violence at all times, while the latter permits bloodshed in certain cases. Buddhism is a gentile, submissive faith which promotes peace. A famous quote by Kamcupamasutta, a Buddhist mentor, proclaims, “even if thieves carve you limb from limb with a double-handed saw, if you make your mind hostile you are not following my teaching.” The Buddha himself preached to love your enemies, regardless of how harshly they treated you. Hence, a faithful monk, named Thich Nhat Hanh, declared that he would let himself be killed even if he was the last Buddhist on the planet, because fighting back would mean betraying the teachings and giving way to desire. From a slightly more logical standpoint, Hinduism supports the use of violence in self-defense. A quote from the religion’s sacred text commands, “may your weapons be strong to drive away the attackers, may your arms be powerful enough to check the foes,” (Rig Veda 1-39:2). In another Hindu tale, Krishna tells Arjuna to fight since the warrior’s dharma, or duty, calls for it. Also, the god reassures the warrior that his soul will be kept holy; only the body would be harmed. Thus the ethics of Buddhism prohibit killing of any kind; the ethics of Hinduism, however, allow war under two circumstances: self-defense and duty.

Works Cited
“Hinduism and War.” Hinduism. BBC-Religions. Web. 3 October 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/hinduethics/war.shtml
“Buddhism and War.” Buddhism. BBC-Religions. Web. 3 October 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/war.shtml

Cited: “Hinduism and War.” Hinduism. BBC-Religions. Web. 3 October 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/hinduethics/war.shtml “Buddhism and War.” Buddhism. BBC-Religions. Web. 3 October 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/war.shtml

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