Comparison Of Religious Approaches To Fundamental Questions

Comparison of religious approaches to fundamental questions in Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism

The origins of Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism span thousands of years, yet all three religions continue to influence the spiritual landscape of the modern world. While their historical development varies, their core philosophies offer profound insights into the nature of ultimate reality, the concept of divinity, and human purpose. This essay explores how each religion approaches these foundational questions, particularly focusing on their views on ultimate reality, the divine or self, and the role of faith. Additionally, it examines how these perspectives address the problems of the world, human suffering, and life purpose.

Approaches to Ultimate Reality and the Divine

Hinduism, one of the oldest religions, is characterized by its diverse conceptions of ultimate reality, often referred to as Brahman. Brahman is understood as an infinite, eternal, and unchanging substance that underlies all existence (Flood, 1996). In Hindu thought, the individual soul (Atman) is considered a manifestation of Brahman, emphasizing a monistic view where the ultimate reality and the self are interconnected. The spiritual journey involves realizing this unity through practices like meditation and devotion, leading to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth (Samsara).

Judaism, on the other hand, generally emphasizes a monotheistic conception of a personal, transcendent God (Yahweh). Unlike Hinduism’s abstract ultimate reality, Judaism conceptualizes God as a distinct, singular entity who is actively involved in the world and its history (Yetter, 2017). The relationship between humans and God is one of covenant, obedience, and moral responsibility. The focus is on worship, adherence to divine commandments (mitzvot), and a commitment to justice and righteousness.

Buddhism’s approach diverges significantly from the other two. It neither centers on a creator deity nor on an ultimate reality as an abstract divine. Instead, Buddhism emphasizes an understanding of the nature of existence itself—particularly the impermanence (anicca) and non-self (anatta) characteristic of all phenomena (Gethin, 1998). The concept of ultimate reality is closely linked to the realization of Nirvana—a state beyond suffering and the cycle of rebirth—achieved through enlightenment and ethical conduct. Notably, Buddhism does not posit a Supreme Being but encourages followers to look inward and realize their intrinsic potential for enlightenment (Rahula, 1974).

Concepts of Faith and Belief

In Hinduism, faith manifests through devotion (bhakti), rituals, and philosophical inquiry. While beliefs in specific deities and scriptures are integral, the practice of faith also involves experiential realization and personal spiritual effort (Eck, 2012). Faith in Hinduism is flexible, often personalized, and oriented toward direct experience of the divine or ultimate truth.

Judaism views faith, or “emunah,” as trust and commitment to God's promises and commandments. Faith is expressed through obedience, adherence to teachings of the Torah, and trust in God's providence (Scherman et al., 2016). For Jews, belief is intertwined with practice and moral responsibility, rather than solely doctrinal acceptance.

Buddhism generally refrains from emphasizing faith as belief in a divine being. Instead, it underscores confidence (saddhā) in the Buddha’s teachings and the Dharma—the path to enlightenment. Faith is more pragmatic than dogmatic, serving as a motivation for practice and ethical living rather than belief in a supernatural entity (Harvey, 2013). Consequently, faith in Buddhism is associated with experiential trust and commitment to the practice of meditation and ethical conduct.

Addressing the World's Problems and Human Purpose

All three religions offer frameworks for understanding and addressing human suffering and the state of the world, albeit in diverse ways. In Hinduism, the problem is rooted in ignorance (avidya) and attachment, which lead to the cycle of rebirth and suffering. The solution involves spiritual knowledge (jnana), devotion, and ethical living to realize one’s unity with Brahman—culminating in liberation (Samsara) from suffering (Flood, 1996). In this view, fixing the world's problems involves awakening to this higher truth and acting in harmony with dharma (cosmic law).

Judaism perceives the world's woes as stemming from moral failure, injustice, and deviation from God's commandments. The Jewish response emphasizes moral responsibility, social justice, and adherence to divine law as means of repairing the world (tikkun olam). The ultimate goal is to live righteously, foster justice, and work collectively toward a world governed by divine principles (Yetter, 2017). Faithfulness to God's covenant and ethical action are essential for restoring peace and harmony.

Buddhism views suffering as intrinsic to the human condition caused by desire, attachment, and ignorance. The Buddha’s teachings guide followers towards understanding the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path, which leads to enlightenment and Nirvana. This inward transformation is considered essential to alleviating suffering in both individual lives and society. Buddhism advocates compassion, mindfulness, and ethical conduct to create a more peaceful world, emphasizing personal and social responsibility (Harvey, 2013).

Conclusion

Although vastly different in their metaphysical claims and practices, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism each offer unique pathways for understanding the nature of reality, the divine, and human purpose. Hinduism’s integrated view of the self and ultimate reality encourages spiritual knowledge and liberation. Judaism’s relationship with a personal God emphasizes moral responsibility and justice. Buddhism’s focus on self-awareness and enlightenment underscores internal transformation as the route to overcoming suffering. Together, these perspectives provide comprehensive approaches to life’s fundamental questions: what is wrong, and how can we address it? They highlight the importance of spiritual insight, moral conduct, and inner realization as means to heal the individual and the world.

References

• Flood, G. (1996). The Associative Hinduism: Theology and Practice. Routledge.
• Yetter, S. (2017). Judaism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Gethin, R. (1998). The Foundations of Buddhism. Oxford University Press.
• Eck, D. L. (2012). Darsan: Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart. Columbia University Press.
• Rahula, W. (1974). What the Buddha Taught. Grove Press.
• Harvey, P. (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism. Cambridge University Press.
• Scherman, N., et al. (2016). The Torah: A Modern Commentary. Jewish Publication Society.
• Yetter, S. (2017). Judaism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Flood, G. (1996). The Origin of Hinduism. In The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism (pp. 123-135). Routledge.
• Yetter, S. (2017). Judaism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.