Christianity And Buddhism Ethical Practices - 1382 Words

Alexandra Madar Term Paper 1 July 26, 2015 REL 3308 Christianity and Buddhism Ethical Practices Religion is not, especially in the societies that anthropologists study, an institution with sharp boundaries. The world that is known upon every individual is based among numerous religions that seek morality, spirituality, and good deed. In a way, religion allows one to achieve a sense of purity and to truly define the ground in which they stand upon. Every religion is based upon a specific foundation by which those who follow can develop individual characteristics and true principal. Many of the foundations that uphold religions are based upon historical analysis by which the religion itself was created, that in turn has helped mold the†¦show more content†¦Many of those who follow Buddhism see it as a way of life, rather than a religion. There are three understandings that are used by Buddhists by which lead them to the path of enlightenment. They are as follows: to lead a moral life, to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and to develop wisdom and understandi ng. Though these paths are followed, there is no set list of rules that one Buddhist should mirror. Rather, a life filled with love and compassion, a longing for spiritual enlightenment is what ultimately becomes the primary focus. The essence of the Buddha’s teaching is known to be summed up into two principles: The Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths, both of which mold the Dhamma, the doctrine-and-discipline. The Noble Eightfold Path is considered as an aid to being moral and to develop wisdom, all the while preventing a life of suffering. It can be described into these eight categories: right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Suffering is the main focus in the Four Noble Truths as it is comprised of Buddha’s teachings. The truths are of suffering, the cause of suffering, the freedom from suffering, and the way to eliminate suffering (the eightfold path). The moral code that lies within Buddhism is know n as the five