Merriam Webster defines Enlightenment as the obtainment of knowledge, understanding, and insight. As a general definition, this is a very accurate statement to describe the way Buddhist and Hindu religious texts define enlightenment, but both religions have more specifications regarding the process of achieving enlightenment such as dharma, karma, reincarnation, and an eight-fold path, all of which is explained in both religion’ sacred texts: The Upanishads and The Dhammapada. What texts do Hinduism and Buddhism use? Hinduism subscribes to the Upanishads while Buddhists subscribe to the Dhammapada . The Upanishads are sacred texts originally written in Sanskrit and contain the central ideas of Hinduism and also contains several Buddhist lessons …show more content…
If you were born into the Dalits, the lowest caste, you must live your life as as a Dalit, and cannot go up or down the caste system without fulfilling your currents life’s duties. Karma is the objective good and bad of your actions, thoughts, and words. Karma follows you as you reincarnate after death and also helps to determine what caste you are born into. As explained in the Upanishads, Dharma and Karma work together like the ebb and flow of the tide as you get closer and farther from the release from the endless cycle of lives that reincarnation is. People who fulfill their dharma and have good karma will move up in the caste system and be closer to achieving release. Achieving enlightenment is dependent on your past life and the caste system and therefore has no straightforward guideline in Hinduism to achieve enlightenment like there is in Buddhism with the eight-fold path and the four noble truths. Hinduism only has suggested behavior which can be interpreted in many different ways. Rather than laying out the rules, Hindu texts portray morals and guides through stories in the …show more content…
The eight-fold path includes understanding, intent, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and meditation. Having a good view is the understanding that our actions have consequences and the respect and usage of the four noble truths. To resolve is to adopt the life of religion to follow the path and giving up your home, material possessions, and non-permanent physical life. Speech is being honest and kind with your words. Having good conduct means you have good morals and do not kill, lie, or indulge in pleasure. Good livelihood means you only possess what is essential to sustain life. Effort is to guard against sensual thoughts to prevent unwholesomeness which disrupts meditation. To be mindful is to always be conscious of what is going on. Finally, Samadhi is the practice of meditation. By following all of those, you will achieve