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Topic
Indian Religions
Western Religions
Virtue (contd.)
Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, or Zoroaster). Salvation is assured
It is the first step toward higher mystical communion. Liberation requires knowledge and personal attainment, not only belief.
Religion Origin:
Religion is cosmic, eternal, and transcends cyclical human history. Stress is placed on revelation of God's presence in the here and now.
Religion is historical, beginning with a prophet or event. Stress is on the past and on future rewards or punishments. History is linear, never to be repeated.
Reality:
There is more to reality than we experience with the five senses. The soul is immortal, deathless, and eternal. Ultimately the soul is liberated from the death and rebirth cycle.
There is more to reality than the things of this world. The soul is immortal, deathless, and eternal. The soul is living forever in God's presence or separated from Him in Hell.
Doctrine:
Doctrines tend to be subtle, complex, and even paradoxical Freedom to worship and to believe in a variety of ways is predominant. Other paths are accepted as God's divine will at work. It is universal and tolerant.
Doctrines tend to be simple, clear, and rational. Worship and belief are formalized, exacting, and required. Other paths are endured, but not honored. It is exclusive and dogmatic.
Ascetic Life (Sainthood):
Through renunciation, self discipline, purification, contemplation, and meditation. Value is placed on individual religious practice (Sadhana): yoga, meditation, and super conscious awakening. Little emphasis on social work and concerns.
Submit to God through selfsacrifice, and concern for others. Value is placed on good work, social concerns, and scriptural study. Little emphasis on yoga and meditation.
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