Reference no: EM13736106

Hinduism and Buddhism

I need these 4 questions answer according:

1. The passage below is a conversation between the sage Yajnavalkya and a questioner, excerpted from the Upanishads. Write one to two paragraphs explaining the difference between the questioners understanding of the Divine and Yajnavalkya understanding of the Divine. Which of Brodd's explanations of the Divine reality, theism, monism, or polytheism best characterizes Yajnavalkya's interpretation of the Divine reality (Brahman)? Explain.

"Just how many gods are there?"

In response he cites a sacred hymn, singing

"Three and three hundred and three and three thousand!"

But then he asked Yajnavalkya again, "But how many are there really?

He said: "Thirty-Three."

But the man persisted, "But how many are there really?"

"Three."

"But how many are there really?"

"Two."

"But how many are there really?"

"One and a half."

But how many are there really?"

"One."

2. As Brodd argues, Brahman and atman are two principles that are generally visible in most forms of Hindu belief. Moreover, Brodd wants the reader to consider that the relationship between atman and Brahman is directly linked to many Hindu forms of worship and ritual. Write one paragraph explaining the meaning of atman and how it is related to Brahman and the concept of samsara (reincarnation). Give one example of how this relationship is reflected in Hindu practice or worship.

3. According to Brodd some Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist believers understand the Divine reality as sound, image, nature, other deities, etc. Write one to two paragraphs that explain one Hindu and one Buddhist manifestation of the Divine? What is the goal of venerating these manifestations?

4. Enlightenment is a concept that both Hinduism and Buddhism share. In general we have seen that both of these religions understand enlightenment as the escape from the cycle of rebirth. Nevertheless, how these religions understand the human person and their journey through the cycle of rebirth and the process of enlightenment is quite different. Write one to two paragraphs.