For centuries many religions have been discovered, practiced and studied. In South Asia, three in particular are predominantly practiced; Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Much like classic definitions of religion, each have focused on its importance as a way of thinking, as a way of feeling, and as a way of being human in relation to other human beings in a community, however each go about it in their own ways. Although each different religion may sound alike in some people’s eyes, every religion contains different ideas of the divine. Best explained by David Chester, “religion works to identify certain persons as supernatural, superhuman, or at least as greater in power than ordinary humans” (Chester).
Hinduism, a mystical religion, leading the devotee to personally experience idea of the basic eternal self, the atman, to finally the pinnacle of consciousness where man and God are one, starts with the Purana, stories of events, a principle source for knowledge of Hindu mythology today (Dimmitt (3)). Beginning centuries ago, puranas have documented stories attached to the religion via word of mouth. These texts give information of traits…
Jains are non-theistic, believing there was no creator god but still divine beings existed (Simmons). They believe in the Jiva, or that all beings have souls. One, divine being in Jainism would be the Tirthankara (Sanskrit tirtha?kara), an omniscient teacher who preaches the dharma (righteous path) in Jainism. Much like that of Buddhism, Jainism also strives for total enlightenment, however its goals are based on non-violence and liberation the soul. Jains believe that with violence in their lives, bad karma will turn around and harm them in their future reincarnation to come, forbidding them to ever reach total enlightenment. With a clergy made up of monks and nuns, heir basic principle is to respect all living things…
