Asian Religions, Essay Example

Insights from class and what I want to pursue next

From class discussions I learnt the major religions in Asia and the way that religious worldviews enables us to understand and to appreciate one another better than we would do without such study. The notable religions in Asia include Asia religion which includes Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto and Islam. The inevitable differences among us will be better informed, more justly understood, and hopefully, more effectively negotiated. This sort of understanding in turn will enable us to take action together on concerns and crises shared in common.” (Professor June O’Connor)

Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism are commonly found in India while Confucianism and Taoism are found in China. Shinto is common in Japan while Zoroaster persists in Persia. In the Middle East, the prevalent religions include Judaism, Christianity and Islam. However, most religions are found almost everywhere. Buddhism traveled to Korea, Japan, China, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Hinduism travelled to Southeast Asia and other part of Asia while Confucianism and Islam travelled to Southeast Asia. Islam is also widespread in the West.

Internal Multiplicity in religions

Internal Multiplicity exists within the major religions. For example, Saktas, Saivites, Vaisnavites, Arya-Samaj & Brahmo-Samaj are subsets of Hinduism. The subsets of Jainism include Shvetambara and Digambara while Buddhism is composed of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana as the major subsets. Islam on the other hand comprises of Sunni, Shiite, traditionalist and the modernist while Sikhism is a composite of conservative, reformist and spiritualist. Confucianism is composed of traditionalist, Neo-Confucian and modern Confucian while Taoism comprises Celestial Masters, the Yellow Turbans, religious and philosophical while Shinto is made up of official and popular. Finally, Christianity comprises of Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant.

I intend to pursue Islam due to my desire to join Muslims striving to re-establish Islamic values in the world and United States of America so that the religious practice could be perceived worthy. The concern of Muslims across the world is how they are profiled in American politics due to the 9/11 accusations. It is true that Islam religion has emerged from an era of civil war and destructive practices within the ranks. Islam is one of the oldest religions on earth. The Quran is the holy book outlining principles practiced by devotees. This religious culture contains five era, which are likened to strong features of the development of Islam.  They begin with Muhammad 610- 31; caliphate and civil strife 632 – 749; classical era 750- 1258; pre-modern 1259 to 20th century and modern 20th century and onward. The period stretching from Muhammad to presser from insight gained from lectures seemed the most difficult stages of the religion’s foundation. Islam became a house divided against itself after Muhammad’s death. Here is where it could be perceived that religion and politics are inseparable. Liberal Islamic practices are aimed towards non-violent protests as espoused by the prophet Mohammed. As such, my goal is to study about the spirituality of the Islamic religion in identifying a non-violent God who wants all men to live at peace with each other. Conflicts could be resolved without gun spots or terrorists activities. The world needs to know that Islam has such a message of peace. The message that Muslims are worshipers of a God that belongs to everyone must be spread. All people are loved by the same God. As such, Islam is a religion that embraces love for all men.