Religion
When studying religion, it is usually common to find that religion varies between people living in different locations. The world is divided into two, the Eastern and the Western when it comes to religions. There are a few similarities between the West and the East religions. However, some of the people living in the eastern part believe in western religions and some Westerners as well as believe in the eastern religion. Eastern and Western traditions have had a great impact on world history, and there have been several wars that have been fought over religious influences across the world.
The distinction between the religions of the East and the West is not only about the location of their followers, but their beliefs as well. For instance, while the religions of East vary from atheistic to polytheistic, the western religion believes in one supreme God. For example, Jesus is considered by Christians as their savior, while the Muslims consider Muhammad as theirs. In eastern religions, the number of deities is different from that of western. Hinduism followers worship many deities and avatars while Shinto followers worship deities known as Kami which can be animals, objects, or nature.
Eastern Religions do not revolve around the existence of a divine power like the western religion. Their religions usually revolve around the teachings of an individual. Buddhists have adopted Buddha’s teachings from Siddhartha Gautama, including the eightfold path and the Four Noble Truths. Confucians adopted Confucian teachings about humanity and life, politics, filial piety, and the actions of gentlemen. There’s no God, just “the Path” in Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. In the Western world, some of the religions adopted include Christianity, Catholicism, Puritanism, Protestantism, Judaism, and evangelicalism. The position of such religions and believes are dependent on the historical influence of their followers. The western religions are not so much driven by certain principles and ideals, but mainly focus on good and bad conduct to reach Heaven after one dies.
China, Japan, India, and Southern Asia are among the regions that highly practice the eastern religions. Eastern religions are usually also polytheistic, while western religions are usually monotheist because one God alone is adored and worshipped. Most countries outside the east practice western religions. Only a handful of India’s eastern religions are Buddhism, Hindus, Sikhism, and Jainism. Buddhism is based on dharma, to liberate oneself from Earth’s pain. The famous Siddhartha Gautama began it in the 5th century BC. The teachings in dharma, samsara, and moksha are founded on Hinduism. It is one of the world’s oldest faiths which is focused on Bhagavad Gita teachings. Sikhism is the conviction to preach to illumination based on honesty, giving, and singing to God. The need to be pure, violence-free in all aspects of life is the basis of Jainism.
The eastern and western religions are also different in the way people worship. For instance, in western religions, people gather in groups called congregations and worship God usually in a church for Christians and Mosque for the Muslims. Such regular events build a feeling of belonging and the congregation gets to socialize during and after worship. However, people are likely to express their religion in Eastern religion at any time or place. They attend temples during their free time and hold private prayers from the comforts of their homes. Besides, their everyday lives are incorporated with their religious beliefs. For example, a Buddhist follower can meditate early on before working, while a Shinto follower can visit a Kami on his return from work. Similarly, western religions also incorporate religion with their activities. For instance, they pray every day before waking up, before eating, when starting meetings, traveling, etc.
Furthermore, when observing the difference between humans and other creatures the contradictions between the Eastern and Western religions are evident. People, animals, and even the Buddha are regarded as equal in Buddhism. Confucianism’s texts promote respect for all the people in society irrespective of their status. While in Shinto’s believes, even an insect can pose divine powers. In the western religions reference to the hierarchy between God, human beings, and the other creatures. God is at the top of everything as the supreme creator, below him are Human beings and then the other animals and creatures.
In conclusion, the difference between the two religions is that western religions are ‘religions of God’s historical revelation,’ Eastern religions ‘religion of the universal rule of the earth.’ The difference is that the Western religions have prophetic founders who God speaks to, whereas many teachers and avatars in Eastern religions are aware of the fact that they explain to people “Eternal World Law” (Dharma). Although the founding individual and his discovery in Western philosophies is a point of reference in Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. for all men regardless of time and location. Though in East and West religions differ, the goal of religion continues to be the same. All religions share a common aspect: an invitation to step past selfish, ordinary interests in search of a greater moral intent. Religions may take various approaches to that end, but all of them inspire a deeper meaning of existence rather than we see for ourselves.