Reference no: EM133733116
Assignment:
1. Compare and contrast the geography of India with Mesopotamia and Egypt. Compare and contrast Hinduism and Buddhism with the religions of Ancient Egyptians and Hebrews. Use specific examples and explain what makes India unique in comparison to the other cultures we've studied. What areas of overlap exist between Hinduism and Buddhism? Is it possible to practice both? What distinguishes Buddhism from Hinduism? How did the practice of these religions influence the first Mauryan Empire?
2. In your answer to the second part of this discussion question, please address all excerpts within the file you select in the list below for this module's reading:
Which articles did you read? What do these articles tell you about the point of view of the civilization that created them? Be specific and use examples. Then answer the matching questions below:
For Vedic Hymns and Becoming a Brahman Priest OR Buddha versus Brahman: What god(s) are described in the text and what role do they play in the lives of men? Who are the central human characters in the text, and what does their behavior or decision making process reveal about the point of view of people from ancient India?
For Ashoka's edicts: What are the reasons for Ashoka's conversion? What are the most significant of his new policies and his aspirations as a ruler? Do you think they can be achieved? Why or why not?
For Buddha verses Brahman: In what way do these articles illustrate the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism, and what are the specific differences illustrated? Which ideas are presented in a more sympathetic and congenial manner in respect to your own beliefs? In what way?