Hinduism & Buddhism
Here is an attempt to deal with an idea we only briefly discussed in class. How might our society in the US today be different if it were influenced heavily by either Hinduism or Buddhism? As we are talking about religion here, please try to keep your comments diplomatic - I have faith in all of you!
posted by Mr. Hess at 3/13/2006 01:43:00 PM
19 Comments:
Generally, If our society were heavily influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism I would first like to point out that beef wouldn't be what's for dinner! haha. Okay, on a more serious note, we would all have a greater desire toward preserving and respecting all lifeforms and ahimsa would matter a lot. In the long term it may effect our economies like the Jains, i.e. all the drilling for oil and building of factories over the terrain, cutting down the trees, and the million other things that we do with the land--it's hard to say if each day and minute of our lives would be spent thinking of how to stay true to our dharma (becuase it's not something people think about every single day in India at least--modern day India has become very Westernized, but then again, it's a belief they've held for centuries) , but the basic lifestyle definitely revolves around the beliefs of the religion. Also, regarding Buddhism, we probably would not be having a "caste system" dividing the rich and poor since we talked about how money defines a great portion of our lifestyle. Our spiritual places and beliefs in society would all be similar/ equal and little Jane wouldn't care what little John wears to school or what his daddy does for a living.
I agree with Shamita on this one. If the society of the United States was more focussed on being respectful to ALL beings--from plants to elephants--not to mention other people, I personally think that we would be living in a better place. If we are able to look beyond the differences and just see that yes, indeed, we are all people, we would be able to have less disagreements about differeing views. By loosening our grip on material possessions, I also believe that we could benifit from it. There's this poster that says something along the lines of "In thirty years it won't matter what jeans you wore or what your hair looked like. What will matter is what you learned and how you use it." If we can pull ourselves away from thinking that we NEED all those cool new gadgets to be accepted, we would get so much more out of life.
I recognize the fact that there would be both positive and negative effects on our culture. We would value each other and our surroundings more than money and materialism, hopefully. But then there's also the fact of a caste system, and that mean that everything the United States stands for, liberty and justice for all, would be collapsed into an unfair caste system. Many citizens would live unhappy lives, just trying to do the right thing. However, in some ways this is already like the United States, we strive to better our status by impressing the others around us and earning money. Maybe we aren't as different as we think.
I'm gonna have to agree with Anna on this one. Although I understand what Ashley I don't agree with her statement, "If we are able to look beyond the differences and just see that yes, indeed, we are all people, we would be able to have less disagreements about differing views." Like Anna said, with Hinduism comes the caste system. This model of society does everything but unite people. Like we talked about in class, Hindus are restricted to the caste they are born into which they can only escape through reincarnation. The caste system points out the differences between people, and, as we have learned through history, a divided nation is rarely a successful nation. So, if the U.S. was a traditionally Hindu nation, I don't think she would be as economically successful because the core values of capitalism (competition and free markets) wouldn't be compatable with the national religion and societal structure.
Today’s U.S. society would be much different if influenced heavily by either Hinduism or Buddhism. Initially, as Shamita stressed, the practice of nonviolence towards living things called ahimsa, would greatly affect our society, especially in the food industry. Personally, the loss of meat in my life would drive me to insanity, but the practice of ahimsa might actually lessen the amount of crime and murder in the U.S today. On the other hand, if the Jainism influenced the majority, we would have little or no agriculture. Instead of yoga as an elective at Arapahoe, it would be a requirement. In addition, if Buddhism influenced society we would have stupas instead of cathedrals and/or churches wherein we would learn about Buddha, the Eight Fold Path and the Four Noble Truths. In fact, one of the values in the Eight Fold Path is to free one’s mind of evil, thus we would not have to subject ourselves to the torturous anguish suffered through such tests as CSAPs. Hey everyone? Let’s all become Buddhist!
I agree Jacob. I also definitely agree that at one point in time, India's people were strictly divided into a caste system. But unless I'm missing out on a something, I think it's important to realize that a great majority of India is still Hindu, but parts of the country do not actually follow this caste system anymore--it's kind of slipped away. Or at least, I don't remember it being a such a big deal when I went. Don't get me wrong--I saw just about every aspect of their society that most Americans are unfamiliar with. It seems like today success through true effort and dedication matters more in India rather than being stuck in one part of the social pyramid.
I agree that if we were to live in a society with primitive Hindu beliefs that we would be divided by the system. But overall I think it's going a little too far to just assume that "with Hinduism comes the caste system". Good ideas though!
Sorry, Katie, if that statement wasn't entirely clear. I just looked back on what I had said and I guess I forgot to say that if we shared more views with Buddhism, that would be the case. Hinduism did have the caste system, but as Shamita said, it has kinda begun to fade away. Sorry about that misunderstanding.
If our country was controlled by the beliefs of Buddhism we would, as a society, be more charitable and caring. This is because of the idea of karma, and what goes around comes around. It would be a good change over the look out for number one philosophy. Also, as previously said, taking care of the environment would be higher on our national priorities.
If the United States was influenced by different cultures and religions, I think that there would be drastic changes to our society. Each and every American would have different morals and values and if we were able to respect everyone on this earth, the earth would be more peaceful. Instead of fighting over oil, we would divide it up and all would be well. We would have more respect for the environment which would be very important, especially in today's society. Many teens would act differently and repect elders more so than we do today. If people were to believe more in Karma and their Dharma, our country would be a less cruel place, and people would look out for others as well as themselves. I agree with Jacob. Let's all become Bhuddist!
I just have to say Shamita, I agree with the statment beef would not be what is for dinner tonight. And by the way that is a great line! But I think, that if Hinduism influenced the U.S today that their would be more of a seperation between classes even more than their is right now. I mean most of the rich, snooty people go to private schools. But it would be to a greater extent. I would have to say to Shamita that even thought the caste system may not be very influental now-a-days, we are talking about earlier times. Also, there would probably more concern for everyone's dharma. I think that there would be less resistance in every aspect of life because people do not want to go against anything.
Also, if Buddhism influenced the U.S today, I would have to say we would be a bunch of hippies. Now I'm not saying being a hippie is bad or anything, but there would probably less destruction of natural resources and more hugging trees. I would also have to say that there would probably no holidays, so we would never get days off of school for like Easter, Christmas and holidays like that. I also know that there would not be the word God in the pledge of allegiance, which would please quite a few people.
If Buddhism or Hinduism were one of the primary influences in our society, we would be about as polar opposite as we are now. Presently, our nation is materialistic, capitalistic, and opportunistic. We use survival of the fittest in our society, where constant competition lurks. Cows are slaughtered by the thousands to feed the mouths of people who do not even need the food. Now think about Buddhism and Hinduism. Material possessions are disregarded, ahimsa is taught throughout a community, people watch their actions on account of their karma, and preform their duties efficiently on account of their dharma. If thus influenced, we would also lose our fire. We americans are known to be competitive and proud people. That would be gone, and our reputation would fly out the window as well. Now whether or not that is good or bad is a different story...
I agree with what most everyone has said. The United States would be drastically different if it were influenced by Buddhist and Hindu religions. As a society, morals would be different along with values. We might even think twice before tossing that Chipotle foil out the window. Instead of being afriad of the cops for this littering we might be more worried about becoming an ant in our next life because of it. The debate over oil would be much different. A larger concern would be placed on the land and creatures living around it. As youth, we have been so influenced to be a materialistic society. Concerns would be taken away from things such as clothes and iPods and we would be much more mindful about our actions towards nature and others. Most of these things would be a positive affect on our society but keep in mind that there could be a caste system!
I don't agree that our country would change drastically in terms of morality if we were influenced by Buddism or Hinduism. The religion does not matter, it only matters how you act under the religion. The main religion in America is Christianity, and it is not a religion that encourages materialism and it does encourage people to treat others with respect. Yet, our society is materialistic and not everyone treats others with respect. Just because a country is Hindu does not mean that the country is more peaceful. However, we might be different politically if we were under the influence of Hinduism and Buddism. Our country would probably not be a democracy because the caste system does not promote equality.
I agree with Jackson to an extent. Just because a religion encourages or discourages something, it doesn't mean that the followers will nessicerily do it. However, as a whole, many Hindus follow their religion very closely because of their belif in reincarnation. Also, Hindus have a much greater respect for nature and animals and even though everyone may not follow this exactly, many would, or at least to an extent. Because of this, I believe that there would be changes in our society.
I think if the United States of America (the greatest country in the world) were to be influenced from day one from Hindiusm or Buddhism things would be very different. We would not be anywhere close to the world power that we are today and we would be several decades behind the advancing technological world. Look at some country that IS influenced by the religions now, I believe that speaks for itself.
I agree with what most everyone has said in that the United States would be different because of the effects of Hinduism and Buddhism. I think the social aspects of our lives are what would be most affected. Following the four noble truths and the eight fold path would lead to a much more structured way of life. It seems like there would be a lot more rules and respect. Our Economy would also be affected greatly because it is based on competition and survival of the fittest as said before. Hinduism and Buddhism would limit these qualities of our economy making it very different from what it is today.
Before I begin it is important to recognize the difference between religious values and religion in practice, I prefer to focus on religion in practice.
First, the United States was founded by diests, believing that there is a god, but not knowing who he is or what he wants. Therefore, they wrote a constitution that allowed for the existence of all religions. Had the founding fatheres been Hindu, or had the United States been committed to Hindu values, they would have created an oppressive Hindu state like that of India which advocated the exclusion of outcastes and a feudal system based upon birth. Hinduism also directly supports keeping the poor below the rich by emphasizing the fact that advancement cannot be gained in life (revolution) but only after death (after which the deceased can't revolt). The United States would be far less advanced socially and technologically today because of a lack of equality due to the allowance of class oppression through Hinduism. Also a Hindu government would not prevent the destruction of the environment. India, a predominantly Hindu government, has unwisely used its resources and is one of the fastest growing polluters in the world. Lastly, the argument that people would no longer care about possessions if they were Hindu is moot. If you all would remember the articles in Knalfelc's class last semester, you would remember that India's middle-class is becoming more and more "Americanized", that is they prefer a lifestyle of money, pleasure, and stuff that was previously unavailable in India. To say a Hindu America would be far socially superior to diest America is false.
On to Buddhism. I have a great respect for Buddhists because of their commitment to their faith unto death. Buddhists promote equality and the acceptance of others. America would have had a much smoother transition towards equal rights if it had committed itself to Buddhist ideals. However, any theocracy, as proven by history will become oppressive and it is probably better that the United States refuses to acknowledgy the existence of a specific god and also acknowledges that steak tastes good.
I particularly appreciate comments from the people that realize that a religion is only as good as those who practice it. A theoocracy under Buddhism or Hinduism is no better or worse than one under Christianity or Islam. All theocracies are extremely capable of oppression even though they go about it in different ways. Hindu style theocracies oppress by establishing an agreed upon set of rules and castes that are built in to the religion. Everyone is expected to know their place and be content with there status. It similar to a theoretical communist style of government where everyone has a duty. On the other hand,
Christian and Islamic theocracies rule with the iron hand of an omniscient and omnipotent being. The rules are attributed to this being but are favorably skewed towards a certain group that has power. It is much like a totalitarian dictatorship. No government, including the US would benefit by any rule by any religion.
I noticed that the actual prompt for this blog does not specifically mention theocracies. But if a predominantly Christian country such as the US were to be heavily influence by Hinduism, the most likely result would be a long and bloody civil war. Both religions are polar opposites in the theological spectrum and the disimilarities are bound to flare up. War with Buddhism seems to be less likely because Buddhists (as they appear anyway) are not quite as politically and socially active.
Looking at the beliefs and principals of Americans that I have observed in the past I would have to say that I believe that Hinduism has already had a big effect on America. For example, many people believe in the concept of karma. I myself stop and think before taking an action, wondering about whether it will influence my karma.
Although there may not be a great amount of Hindus and Buddists in our country these religions definitely already affect us. Many people look into Buddist and Hindu beliefs because it is the new fad to try something new that is spiritual. For example, yoga is becoming more and more popular in the United States. These religions also find spots in our pop culture because they are different and intriguing. For example, Lisa Simpson is a Buddist and this helps define her character as she struggles to keep her religious beliefs while living with a Christian family.
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