Karma in Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism - Essay Example

The World’s Religions Question Karma is defined as natural way that a person is affected by their actions. Specifically, the interpretation of karma explains the future of a person from their actions today. The term is mostly used to interpret the religious interpretation of revenge and natural law. The vice is mostly used in Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. However, the religions have different interpretation and perception of the vice. Karma in Buddhism In this system of belief there are two perceptions of karma. The first perception is on a specific level which analyzes the actions of someone as influenced by intention. The perception is likened to a seed that will naturally and inevitable mature to create another fruit. This pattern in inevitable and out of our control. The other perception is based on the general role of karma to influence results and action (Matthews 109). This level covers the entire process karmic action as provided by Buddhist teachers. Under the Buddhism path, genuine and accurate explanation of karmic action is developed. The accuracy of the process is only explained by the assumption that a person’s action shaped the consequences or outcome of the entire process (Matthews 142). In addition, the religious perspective includes the assumption that karma dictate the cycle of rebirth in human beings. In an argument by Matthews Buddhism does view karma and enforced by a supernatural being, but as a natural cycle that must occur regardless of the intent to action by a person (109). For this reason, intent towards an action, either negative, positive or neutral attracts a karmic result. Karma in Jainism Different from Buddhism the perception of Karma in Jainism includes the assumption that karma is a cause of our actions from the mind, body and soul. Consequently, a person attracts karma when they think negatively about another person. In addition, Matthews asserts that in Jainism good actions are not important if the thoughts of a person are not good (161). The theory also develop the assumption that karma exists in small particles, pudgala, across the universe. The particles ensure that karmas are attracted to the karmic field by vibrations from the mind, soul and body. With no person or being controlling the vice, Jainism believes that every person has a similar potential to attain eternity. However, this can only be achieved if a person tries and attains it by minimizing their karma. Karma in Hinduism The concept of karma in Hinduism is similar to the other religions as it cites the action of a man determines the consequences of the results. However, early interpretation of karma in Hinduism sort to explain the destination of man after the death (Matthews 69). People who seek material things and superficial power followed a path similar to their fathers and provided with another life. On the other hand, people who sort spiritual knowledge were offered a superior path with the gods. A person fails to be reborn if the two paths are not followed. Conspicuous from other religions is the fact that karma is influenced by gods. Matthews is of the assumption that; the belief in a supernatural being determined the ability of a person to be granted with happiness or remorse (172). In the religion, the gods determine the morality and uprightness of a person. Regardless of the perception, Hindus believe that good actions are rewarded with good results and the general interpretation of karma. Question 2 The creation of reformation Christianity was controversial similar to their beliefs. Prior to the division from other Christian groups, the religion had only one groups with the belief in one God and one perception of good an evil. However, reformation Christians were developed after the realization that the only way that a Christian would enter the kingdom of heaven was by understanding their sins and seeking forgiveness. In addition, this realization was accompanied by the assumption that that the bible provided the only doctrines that Christians should adhere to (Matthews 316). The beliefs were opposed by the Roman Catholic Church which insisted on retaining the significance of human hierarchy and traditions. In addition, the church retained the decision that their leaders would have the right to interpret the scriptures. One major difference between reformation Christians and the Roman Catholic is that the latter have the perception that their traditional and religious teaching have the same significance and authority as the scriptures. On the other hand, reformation Christians perceive the Bible as the only authority. In an argument by Matthews the Roman Catholic Church differed from reformation Christians in the perception of the leader and authority of the visible church (324). From the catholic point of view, the Pope succeeds Peter. His role as Bishop of Rome gives him the privilege to be the head of the visible church. Reformation Christians believe that only Christ has the authority of the church. Moreover, they perceive the reign of Christ as universal. From the Roman Catholic point of view, the Magisterium provides the only accurate interpretation of the bible. The Magisterium is the official is Rome’s official interpretation of the bible. The reformation, on the other hand, do not value the Magisterium. They dictate that Christians have the duty to interpret the truth as it relates to the scriptures (Matthews 331). Moreover, the most believable interpretation of the Bible is one controlled by the spirit. Both parties differ on their understanding of baptism. Catholics believe that through baptism a person is fully justified. In addition, their justification must be improved by deeds. However, the reformation do not view baptism as a way of justification. They argue that justification is only provided by God after the judgment on one’s faith. Additionally, they only view baptism as a sign of justification and a cleansed life. The life after death perception of the Roman Catholic Church is that a person that has not satisfied his sins through his actions is provided with a second chance to do so in purgatory after their death. In purgatory, the experience can be influenced by the living through praying and observing mass. From the reformation point of view, purgatory does not exist in the scriptures. In addition, they assert that the scripture asserts that the soul depart the body to be Christ in heaven after death. The soul awaits resurrection, immortality and glory. Work Cited Matthews, Warren. World Religions. Boston: Cengage Learning. 2012. Print. Read More