Title: Comparison of Two Religions Student: Jessica Figuereo Instructor: Dr.

Sanderovsky Class: REL 212 Date: 7/28/2013

The two religions I have chosen to discuss are Hinduism and Confucianism. In this paper we will discuss their origin, foundation of religious beliefs, and spiritual practices. I will also be comparing and contrasting the two religions. As all religions go over time they are practiced differently from era to era. Hinduism originated in India formed in c. 2000 B.C.E. It is a term applied to the many philosophical and religious traditions native to India (Patheos, 2013). Hinduism is comprised of many different religious sects, so in other words it is a compilation of the different religious practices throughout India. Although, it has no origin or founder, this form of religion has been practiced for thousands of years and incorporates numerous deities. One of the most important and sacred of Hinduism texts is called the Vedas, which are a collection of sacred texts (ReligionFacts, 2013). Hinduism is based off Brahmanic traditions and recognizes the existence of the Brahman, the unifying principle and Supreme Reality behind all that is (ReligionFacts, 2013). Confucianism is based on the ancient Chinese beliefs in Heaven, ancestor worship, and the efficacy of rituals (Fisher, 2014). This way of life is taught by Confucius in the 6th-5th century BC (ReligionFacts, 2013). Confucius real family name is Kong and his teachings Rujiao (Fisher, 2014), but it is not only a religion also a philosophy. It is characterized by human nature, faith in the possibility of ordinary human beings to become awe-inspiring sages and worthies is deeply rooted in the Confucian heritage (ReligionFacts, 2013). This is the type of religion that does not see any contradiction with practicing more than one religion. In fact many people who follow Confucianism also follow Buddhism. Showing that Confucianism is not only a religion, but philosophical as well. Confucius teachings have been around for a good 2,000 years and coexisted with Daoism and Buddhism.

Although Hinduism and Confucianism are two very different religions there are a few similarities. Here is where we will compare and contrast both of these ancient religions that are still upheld today. Both religions have the existence of Deities, believe in an afterlife, the nature of the deity is loving/benign and there is no recruitment into the religion. That is about the extent the similarities, other than these few qualities they couldnt be more different. Confucianism was founded by Confucius, whereas Hinduism there is no known founder. Hinduism in found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia among other countries and Confucianism is practiced in China, Korea, and Vietnam. Hinduism has way more followers and is rooted in Indian culture while Confucianism is rooted in Chinese culture. The basic teachings of Confucianism stress the importance of moral development of the individual so that the state can be governed by moral virtue rather than by the use of coercive laws. Hinduism is sometimes characterized by the belief in reincarnation (FindTheData, unk). The path to salvation is also different as with any other religion. For Hinduism salvation is freedom from this cycle of repeated birth and death and Confucianism the belief is humans should live and behave in such a way as to promote ideal social relations, rather than to act based on the expectations of rewards or punishments after death (FindTheData, unk). These two religions have been around for ages and even for those do not practice these religions take an interest in them. The teachings and philosophies that they have to offer are enlightening, encouraging and can be incorporated into everyday life.

References:
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism.html; Religion Library: Hinduism; Patheos, 2008-2013 http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/overview.htm; Hinduism/Hinduism overview; ReligionFacts 2004-2013 http://www.religionfacts.com/a-z-religion-index/confucianism.htm; a-z religion index/Confucianism; ReligionFacts 2004-2013

Living Religions, Ninth Edition; Mary Pat Fisher; 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc.
http://religions.findthedata.org/compare/4-49/Confucianism-vs-Hinduism-General; FindTheData