RUNNING HEAD: QUESTIONS FROM RELIGION COURSE

Questions from Religion Course Students name Name of the Institute

QUESTIONS FROM RELIGION COURSE

Contents
With reference to the Taoist and Confucian worldview, address how these traditions differ in their attitudes toward virtue? .................................................................................................................................................... 3 Discuss the Jain path of non-injury (ahimsa), noting how it is practiced differently by monks and nuns as compared with lay-persons. ....................................................................................................................................... 3 References............................................................................................................................................................................. 6

QUESTIONS FROM RELIGION COURSE

With reference to the Taoist and Confucian worldview, address how these traditions differ in their attitudes toward virtue?
Confucianism philosophy in many ways is less flexible than Taoism. If studied deeply, practitioner will realize that there Taoism is dependent on irrationalism which Confucianism doesnt supports. Whereas on other hand philosophy behind Taoism doesnt supports Confucian idea about importance of traditions. Taoism believes that forcing human to behave in a certain manner is totally pointless and artificial (Low, 2011). Thus according to Taoist thought people whose fear come out because of being virtuous are not actually virtuous. Thus Taoism has strong philosophy which believes in leading by example rather than getting buried under pressure of virtue and morality. On other hand Confucian thought believes that virtue, wisdom and benevolence are three important pillars for any individuals, whereas Taoism debunks this thought by suggesting not to worry about virtue at all, rather than suggesting it to be more intuitive and instinctive instead of forcing it on some one. Confucian thought believes that virtue can be acquired through study and practice over the time. Taoism terms virtue as a second nature, which cant be imbibed forcefully or intentionally, it has to come naturally.

Discuss the Jain path of non-injury (ahimsa), noting how it is practiced differently by monks and nuns as compared with lay-persons.
Principle of Ahimsa in Jainism is the platform over which entire code of conduct practiced by Jain religion has been based on. Ahimsa has been termed as a method which can lead way towards achieving salvation. Principle of Ahimsa lead to practice and rituals like Vegetarianism and other non-violent activities. Unlike other religions where ahimsa (non-

QUESTIONS FROM RELIGION COURSE

violence) is assumed as doing to other, in Jainism, non-violence includes inflicting harm to ones own self. For a common person ahimsa means, not giving any kind of suffering to other person, whereas for monks and nuns in Jainism ahimsa has to be taken as a vow to ensure that protection of life is their supreme goal. Monks and Nuns in Jainism undergo five vows out of which Ahimsa is first and most important, for a Jain monk or nun, they had to pursue their life as most non-violent individual in the world (Stevenson & Taylor, 1970). Unlike lay-man for whom ahimsa doesnt mean putting own life at stake, monks and nuns in Jainism has to uphold this principle of Ahimsa, even if comes at cost of their lives.

Discuss the Shinto creation myth from the Kojiki that is excerpted in both of your textbooks and explain what you can learn from this myth about Shinto's ethical teachings.
The Kojiki can be basically termed as scripted history of Shinto which outlines religions creation myth. The Kojiki basically refers to. Thus many people also term Kojiki as collection of myths which relates to appearance of islands of Japan (Ellwood, 1973). Thus Shinto practices and myths are more or less inspired by Kojiki. In terms of structure and content, Kojiki basically is formed from numbers of poems and songs which are written in Chinese characters. Though Shinto is not as popular as compared to other religions. However it maintains its relevance through its ethical teachings and by demonstrating basic concerns like: Sympathy and esteem for nature Kindness in terms of approach towards most moral and doctrinal issues Aesthetically pleasing rituals

QUESTIONS FROM RELIGION COURSE

Emphasis on making decisions on the basis of what seems best for a particular

situation rather than blindly following some single doctrine or style Thus it becomes quite relevant from Shintos teaching that environment is very crucial for human existence and humans are more of an extension of the environment they live, thus environment should be preserved.

QUESTIONS FROM RELIGION COURSE

References
Low, P. (2011). Confucianism Versus Taoism. Conflict resolution & negotiation Journal, 2011(4), 111-127. Stevenson, S., & Taylor, G. P. (1970). The heart of Jainism. Munshiram Manoharlal. Ellwood, R. S. (1973). Shinto and the Discovery of History of Japan. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 41(4), 493-505.