Exploring the Rituals of Hinduism and Buddhism: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Hinduism and Buddhism services Christianity is a religion that fosters the teachings of Jesus Christ, which began in the 1st century after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the only religion practiced that believes in the holy trinity. Holy Trinity is the acknowledgment of three in one God in which God constitutes of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit all in equal portions. Being a Christian would be a good thing to learn about other religions and understand how they are different from Christianity or how similar they are. In this respect thereof, this essay aims at discussing Buddhism and Hinduism. Obviously, these two religions differ significantly from Christianity, and an in-depth look into their cultures and way of worship would make one understand the followers of the two religions. Additionally, it would be good to learn the difference between the two because many people think that Hinduism and Buddhism are somehow similar under their dressing. By understanding these two, people would respect other people’s religions and live in harmony without seeing the other faiths as superior to others but equal to a common quest. IndiaNet USA - Temple Puja: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqeCSiq95Dc Hinduism is quite different from Christianity but still, on the other hand, quite similar. From the Hindu Temple Puja part 1, the service indicates worshiping the Hindu. From the onset, one can tell that various images surround the temple. The women prepare the altar from the beginning, and the gods are well decorated in leis. The service seems like it starts outside, where the congregation meets before proceeding to the main temple. The congregation mainly consists of men and women, and notably, there are no children. The congregation is officiated by a single leader wearing a white robe and seemingly, no headgear. Before presiding to the inside of the temple, the leader does some anointing to the congregation members by applying a red spot on their foreheads. Interestingly, some men are in turbans while others are not, and it seems like women have the liberty of choosing to either cover their hair or not. Inside the temple, the congregation sits around the altar, which appears to be well decorated, and at the same time, it seems that fruits have been offered as offerings. People sit around the raised alter barefooted. There appears to be no particular arrangement order since both genders are mixed in no specific order. There are just a few chairs for what seems like for the elderly and maybe the sick. Otherwise, people sit on the carpeted floor. Since the altar cannot fit all the participants, some members sit away from the altar in the temple. But these particular ones have seats which they sit on. During the procession, some members partake in what seems like anointing, and some members receive it with their hands and apply it on their lips, faces, and the entire head. This act looks as if it is voluntary since not all members partake of it. The leader recites some prayers or petitions, and the crowd repeats after him. At some point, the leader picks flowers from vases and pots around him, shares them among the participants, who then place them on vases, bowls, and pots just around the alter. A bell is rung as a candlelit is taken around some of the offerings. The rituals are done with a recitation of hymns since it could not be termed actual singing. As these rituals are done, the hymns are done with the mention of Shiva. Those not around the altar follow quietly and calmly. They do not actively partake in the rituals but do so inactively through listening and probably recitations. As the processions go on, the principal celebrant is assisted by a man on his right in red robes. The altar is raised on both sides. Interestingly, on the left and right, the side with the celebrant is packed full, whereas the other has just a handful of participants. Interestingly, the entire celebration was done while sitting, where members crossed their legs in a scissors-like posture. There was no singing and dancing the whole time, and the celebrant led the entire service with no preaching but just giving directions. The directions given were either by sign language or by additionally, one would wonder why there was no presence of children in the temple the whole time. Wat Preah Buddha Rangsey – Kathina ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffiefgC6TW8 The temple is filled with images, and participants are men and women of all ages. It is officiated by several celebrants who are in maroon robes. The leaders recite some rituals whereby the congregation...