BIG Questions

Hinduism

Hinduism is a religion that has many different beliefs. They are devoted to three major Gods. They get attention from the Gods when they worship at temple, offer sacrifices, praying, supporting the priests of temples and more. They believe strongly in reincarnation and life after death. They are born into a caste system which they can not get out of until rebirth. The only way they can get out of their caste system is if they fulfill their duties in their previous life; they will be reborn into a higher class. They are all trying to reach samsara. If they are able to accomplish that they have reached moksha. They think what they do in the life before will determine what caste system they will be reborn into in the next life. Karma is a big part of their religion. They believe in it very firmly, and they try to not build up any bad karma.

Jainism

Jainism is one of the few religions that does not have a God/leader. They believe in dual nature. They feel that the world is split into two parts; one being the jiva, meaning the soul (eternal) and the other is ajiva, which is matter (useless). They live by five vows: ahisma (non-injuries to all creatures,) always speak the truth, take everything that is given to you, renounce all sexual desire, and renounce all possessions and attachments including your family. They don’t believe in harming any creatures so they walk with a broom and sweep away any bugs they may have the chance to kill, this also goes with out saying they are vegetarians. Which also means that they are non-violent people all of the time. In addition they believe in karma and reincarnation. If they build up any karma they are bound to comeback in another life. They are responsible for their own actions and they must control themselves at all times



Sikhism

Interestingly this is one of the rare Indian religion that allow their followers to eat meat and cause harm to animals. However they also believe in karma and reincarnation. They believe that there is one and only one God. As well as they consider men, women and children to be equal, which most religions don’t recognize.

Buddhism

Buddhism is the largest and fastest growing religion in the United States. Buddhism practices the teachings of Buddha. He was at one time a very wealthy man that preferred to leave his home and practice Buddhism. While he was practicing he decided that there is no soul. There are two types of Buddhism. One example is Zen, which is based on meditation and the other is Tendai. Buddhism depends a lot on ones self. For example don’t trust what you hear, find out for yourself. There are also the four noble truths: life is dukkha, dukkha is cause by tanha, nirvana, and the eightfold path. Similar to other Indian religions this religion they also believe in reincarnation and karma. They believe that any bad karma from a pervious life will follow them into the next life. Considering they believe strongly in karma they constantly have to think positively.