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Please read each P carefully: 500 words minimum per paragraph, use at least three scholarly sources, and list references in APA format. The assignment covers: characteristics of Buddhism, comparison between Buddhism and Sikhism, characteristics of Shinto, comparison between Taoism and Confucianism, characteristics of Judaism, teachings of Jesus Christ and the Gospel, comparison between Christianity and Islam, and reasons for the growth of Islam.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Characteristics of Buddhism and the Life of Buddha

Buddhism is one of the world's major religions, originating in the 5th to 6th century BCE in ancient India. Its founder, Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, sought to find a solution to human suffering. Buddhism emphasizes the understanding of suffering, its causes, and the path to its cessation. The core teachings are encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths state that life involves suffering (dukkha), suffering is caused by desire (tanha), there is an end to suffering (nirvana), and the path to cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. These teachings are aimed at achieving enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) (Rahula, 1974).

Buddhism's history can be divided into several traditions, including Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna, each with unique practices but sharing core principles. Early Buddhism was organized around monastic communities, now known as Sangha, which serve as custodians of the teachings. As Buddhism spread across Asia, it adapted to local cultures, resulting in diverse practices and organizational structures (Keown, 1996). Criticisms of Buddhism include accusations of passivity in the face of social injustice and the challenge of maintaining monastic discipline (Lopez, 2001).

Practices in Buddhism include meditation, ethical conduct, chanting, and participating in rituals that vary across traditions. Meditation, especially mindfulness meditation, is central in cultivating awareness and insight. Many Buddhists also venerate Bodhisattvas and Buddhas through rituals and offerings. The organization of Buddhist communities varies from highly structured monasteries to lay-led organizations, reflecting historical and regional differences (Williams, 2008).

The question "Who was Buddha?" refers to Siddhartha Gautama, born a prince in present-day Nepal. He renounced his royal life after witnessing human suffering and sought enlightenment through ascetic practices and meditation. Upon attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, he became known as the Buddha, meaning "the awakened one." His teachings laid the foundation for Buddhism, emphasizing compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of enlightenment (Harvey, 2013).

References:

Harvey, P. (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices. Cambridge University Press.

Keown, D. (1996). Buddhism: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.

Lopez, D. S. (2001). The Scientific Buddha: His Short Readings. University of Chicago Press.

Rahula, W. (1974). What the Buddha Taught. Grove Press.

Williams, P. (2008). Buddhism: Critical Concepts in Religious Studies. Routledge.

Comparison Between Buddhism and Sikhism

Buddhism and Sikhism are both emerging religious traditions from South Asia that emphasize spiritual development, ethical conduct, and a path toward liberation, yet they differ significantly in origins, doctrines, practices, and organizational structure. Buddhism arose in the 5th century BCE in India founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, and focuses on overcoming suffering through enlightenment. In contrast, Sikhism was founded in the 15th century CE by Guru Nanak in Punjab, emphasizing devotion to one God, equality, and community service (McLeod, 2014).

Buddhism primarily emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as the means to achieve Nirvana, the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Its core teachings include compassion, mindfulness, and meditation, with a goal of attaining wisdom through personal effort and insight. Sikhism, on the other hand, teaches belief in one God (Vaheguru), the importance of honest living, sharing with others, and meditating on God's name (Waheguru) (Fenech, 2010). Its teachings reject caste distinctions, and it promotes social justice, equality, and service through the concept of Seva.

The practices in Buddhism include meditation, monastic discipline, and rituals such as offerings and chanting. Sikh practices involve daily prayers, reciting scripture (Gurbani), and community service at Gurdwaras. While Buddhism emphasizes personal meditation and achieving enlightenment, Sikhism stresses active devotion, honest work, and community involvement. Regarding organization, Buddhism has a diverse range of monastic institutions and lay communities, while Sikhism has a centralized religious structure with the Guru Granth Sahib as its scripture and Gurdwaras serving as communal centers.

Despite their differences, both religions advocate compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of spiritual and social harmony. They also address social issues—Buddhism historically engaged with caste and social reform, while Sikhism explicitly condemns social inequalities and promotes equality for all humans. Both religions have evolved and spread beyond their origins—Buddhism through Asia and increasingly worldwide, Sikhism mainly in the Indian subcontinent and diasporas—highlighting their enduring relevance (Barz, 2014).

References:

Barz, L. (2014). The Brill Companion to Sikh Studies. Brill Academic Publishers.

Fenech, L. (2010). The Golden Temple: A Guide to Sikhism's Holiest Shrine. HarperCollins.

McLeod, W. H. (2014). The Evolution of Sikhism. Clarendon Press.