30 Jul 10 COMMANDMENTS OF CHRISTIANITY AND 10 DISCIPLINES OF HINDUISM HOW ARE THEY SIMILAR?
This is a paper asking for thoughtful answers to 4 questions. 10 commandments of christianity and 10 disciplines of hinduism How are they similar? How are they different? Plus 2 more detailed questions…. paper should be 1 page and single spaced
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REL-110
World Religions
READING / REACTION PAPER #4
Due date: Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Background Information
One of the aims of an introductory course in world religions is to introduce you not only to the varieties
and differences that exist among religions, but to acquaint you with elements of different religions that are
similar. Particularly by acquainting you with similarities that exist among the world’s religions, you are led to
think about whether or not all religions ultimately focus on the same outcomes, the same goals, or emerge from
the same idea of the Divine.
In the study of Judaism and Christianity, we considered the fact that Judaism became the basis upon
which Christianity was developed, even though Judaism was not understood to have existed for the purpose of
‘giving birth’ to another religion (Christianity). We discussed how Judaism featured a reliance upon a moral
code based upon the Ten Commandments, and how the Commandments were not only ‘inherited’ by
Christianity, but given new interpretation or meaning.
As a reminder, the traditions of Judaism and Christianity teach that the Ten Commandments were
given by God (Yahweh) to Moses, and are as follows (from Exodus chapter 20, in the Old Testament):
1. You shall have no other god to set against me.
2. You shall not make a carved image for yourself and shall down to or worship this image.
3. You shall not make wrong use of the name of the Lord your God.
4. Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not commit murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false evidence against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
The religion of Hinduism is vastly different from Judaism and Christianity. Not only does Hinduism
not believe in one single all-powerful, all-knowing God, it traditionally believed that there were many gods,
several of which were ‘attached’ to major, powerful aspects of the natural world. However, as Hinduism
developed and took on variations in its structure and beliefs, Hinduism also established guidelines for the moral
and spiritual practices of its followers. These are often referred to as the Ten Disciplines or Ten Commitments.
They are as follows (from the Bhagavad Gita):
1. Do no harm. (Ahimsa)
2. Do not lie. (Satya)
3. Do not steal. (Asteya)
4. Do not overindulge. (Brahmacharya)
5. Do not be greedy. (Aparigraha)
6. Be clean. (Saucha)
7. Be content. (Santosha)
8. Be self-disciplined. (tapas)
9. Study the sacred scriptures. (Svadhyaya)
10. Surrender to the Divine through prayer. (Ishvara Pranidhana)
(continued, next page)
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These disciplines or commitments were not considered to have had the ‘weight’ of commandments,
but, rather, were understood to have been strong recommendations for a way of life that would enable a Hindu
to follow Hinduism’s principles and ultimately achieve full understanding. They were not understood to have
been “dos” and “donts.” Also, Hindus were taught that there are options or choices available when making
decisions about many aspects of life, and a Hindu was to use the Ten Disciplines as a way of considering how
much harm could/would be done in thinking about alternatives for decision-making. A Hindu was to choose
the least harmful alternative and to include oneself in the analysis of options.
Writing Assignment
Having read the Background Information on page 1, review carefully the Ten Commandments and the
Ten Disciplines/Ten Commitments. Answer each of the following questions below in the form of a short
paragraph for each question. Think as thoroughly as possible about your answers and write the most complete
response possible as you consider the question and your reflection upon the Background Information.
1. When looking at the Ten Commandments and Ten Disciplines, where do you find that they are in
agreement?
2. When looking at the Ten Commandments and Ten Disciplines, where do you find that they are
different?
3. When looking at the Ten Commandments as a whole – and the Ten Disciplines as a whole – do
you believe it is possible that each set of teachings is ultimately aimed at the same outcome or
result for human beings to achieve? Why or why not?
4. If you had a friend who said to you, “I think it’s possible that the Ten Commandments and Ten
Disciplines came from the same Divine source” – what would be your response? Write as
thorough a response as possible – giving information to support whatever position you would take
in responding to your friend.
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