Abstract
This paper explores the text of R.K. Narayan's telling of "The Ramayana" in relation to the human qualities in the characters of Rama and Ravana. Rama is explored as embodying all of the positive human qualities, while the demon-king Ravana exemplifies all negative human qualities.

Abstract
This study examines and compares the different views of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism, including consideration of the Buddhist theory of dependent origination, the role of actions vs. intentions in karma, and the difference between the Hindu concept of reincarnation and the Buddhist concept of rebirth.

From the Paper
"This study will examine and compare the different views of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism, including consideration of the Buddhist theory of dependent origination, the role of actions vs. intentions in karma, and the difference between the Hindu concept of reincarnation and the Buddhist concept of rebirth.


The concept of karma in general is not as simple as the popular interpretation of it would hold. Comparing the two religions' views brings out additional subtleties and complexities. On one level, karma would seem to lock the individual into a cycle of behavior from which he has no hope of breaking free, as Schroeder writes with respect to the Hindu definition of the concept:
Karma: "deed, action, impression": The law of causality: all events have causes and results; the principle of universal..."

From the Paper
"This study will examine Taoism in terms of the impact of that religion of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. The study will compare these two men's philosophies and ideas as they relate to Taoism, and will explore the implications of their thoughts for governing oneself and others. Also included will be the consideration of the relationship of their approaches and contemporary counterculture.

A comparison with the conformity of Confucianism shows the non-conformity to be a clear reflection of contemporary counterculture. The latter rejects the traditional culture just as Taoism rejects Confucianism. It is no surprise, then, to find the contemporary counterculture leaning toward Taoist thought, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu in its attempts to find an alternative world view and a fresh, radical, individualized and more ..."

Abstract
Compares and contrasts the three religions. Their origins and basic beliefs. Idea of suffering. Hinduism's vision of existence. Belief in reincarnation of the two Eastern religions. Christian belief that individuals have one life on earth and eternal existence. Monotheism of Christianity. Many gods of Hinduism. Godhead of Buddhism.

From the Paper
This study will compare and contrast Christianity, Hinduism,
and Buddhism, focusing on their origins and basic beliefs as
presented in the historical context of The Heritage of World
Civilizations, by Albert Craig, et al. In general, Hinduism and
Buddhism, religions of the East, are more similar to one another
than to Christianity, a religion of the West. Both Hinduism and
Buddhism are much older historically than Christianity, while
Christianity, unlike the other two, is monotheistic. Both the
Eastern religions believe in reincarnation, while Christianity
holds that the individual has one earthly life and thereafter
experiences an eternal existence in either hell or heaven.
Hinduism is the major religion of India, traceable to "the
second millennium before our common era." Craig adds that today
the term Hinduism "has become a catchall term used for all the

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of environment in Hindu culture in religion. Hinduism lays immense stress on the protection of the environment, which they feel is an integral a part of man, and casts its influence on human beings. Therefore they preach protection of the ecology that includes everything from trees and groves to wild animals and birds.

From the Paper
"The nature and environment have immense importance in the Hindu religion and man is advised not to tamper with the ecological balance as it plays a great role in man's life. No religion of the world stresses as much importance on the preservation of the environment as Hinduism does. The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad, Gita, Puranas and Smriti are all holy books of this religion and they contain messages regarding the significance of ecology and environment in the life of man."

Tags:preservation, animals, ecological, beauty, responsible, civilization, harm, natural, resources

Abstract
An examination of the role of the Indian woman in society. An analysis of the "Mahabharata" which goes into great depth when describing this role. The author looks at the lives of Indian women, their status, education, goals and contributions.

From the Paper
"The Mahabharata is essential for understanding human nature and the culture of India, past and present. As declared by Vyasa, "Whatever is not found in the Mahabharata cannot be found anywhere else." The Mahabharata does indeed present a complete picture of the lives of women in India, dealing with such topics as status, education, goals, marriage, achievement, family life, social life, moral codes, duty (dharma), and etiquette."

Tags:hindu, india, indian, ramayana, vedas, vishnu

Abstract
This paper explores how different religions approach matters of sexuality in what are often radically different directions. The paper begins by comparing eastern and western, Christian and other religions. Early in its history, Christian doctrine adopted a position where sex was intrinsically linked with sin. However, in India, traditions of religious tolerance ensured the links between sexuality and religion were kept alive. The end result of Eastern and Western traditional attitudes towards sexuality and spiritualism are expressed in the attitudes and tolerances of the people living in those societies. While the Hindu tradition ensures a dynamic religious experience, accepting, indeed demanding input and change, the Christian Church continues to cling onto ancient ideals put in place at a time when social control was sought and social cohesion required.

From the Paper
"Attitudes towards sexuality vary widely across different religious traditions, these variations in attitude being particularly evident when comparing Western Christianity with Eastern religious traditions embodied in Hinduism. There is a fundamental connection between religion and sexuality, however this connection is often hidden under layers of doctrine and is therefore not always clear. Different religions approach matters of sexuality in what are often radically different directions. In this essay, I will outline the similarities and differences in attitudes towards sexuality in these two religious traditions, Christianity and Hinduism, the history behind and reasons for these attitudes, and lastly, I will look at the effects these attitudes have on people who live under and adhere to those religious traditions."

Tags:catholic, hindu, paedophile, priests, sin, tantric

Abstract
A primary source-based examination of the similarities and differences between the understanding and description of 'Ultimate Reality' (or God) as found in the Taoist and Hindu main theological texts, the "Tao Te Ching" and the "Upanishads". History and explanations of the differing religious traditions and the concept of 'Ultimate Reality' are supplied. Cause of creation and nature of reality are discussed. Many textual references included. Includes annotated bibliography.

From the Paper
"Although composed over two thousand years ago, the Upanishads and the "Tao Te Ching" are considered to be the mystical texts par excellence of their respective religious traditions. The content of these documents were foundational to the establishment of Hinduism and Taoism and continue to be highly referenced within these traditions today. Primarily identified for their mystical content, these texts reflect a desire on the authors' behalf to identify through direct contact a reality that transcends their own, an Ultimate Reality."

Tags:brahman, dao, daoism, god, hinduism, religious, taoism, texts, upanishads

Abstract
A very involved and thorough examination through both primary and secondary textual sources of the figure of the Goddess within Hindu tradition. A history of Hinduism and the development of its deity plurality is outlined, with specific reference to the many and varied female deities. A more detailed history of the development of goddesses is included, outlining the symbolic and mythical purpose of the female figure to the male figure. The Shakti principle is discussed, along with specific Hindu philosophy as found in the numerous Puranas, or Hindu texts. The importance of the female aspect in life as creator is highlighted specifically in regards to the Tantric tradition. The paper's final conclusion outlines the underlying, two-fold way in which the Goddess has gained theological significance within the Hindu tradition.

From the Paper
"Goddesses have been worshiped throughout the world for thousands of years. However unlike most cultures, goddess worship persisted within the Hindu tradition and continued in to modern times using a combination of both traditional and original forms. Today goddesses exist alongside masculine deities as some of the most important figures within the Hindu pantheon. The Hindu tradition itself has not remained unchanged however. What is understood as "Hinduism" today has been the result of a dynamic and ever-changing tradition which continues to evolve and adapt as time progresses. The nature of this spirituality is therefore such that it almost becomes impossible to identify one religion or one tradition that can be truly identified as "Hindu." Similarly, the concept of the goddess figure within this tradition has also changed, her theology evolving to reflect the differing stages of the Hindu tradition. As such, the significance of the goddess today does not reflect an accurate account of her historical place within this tradition. To discover the significance of the goddess today an exploration of the development of Hinduism is necessary, as well as an understanding of the transformation the goddess figure underwent from individuated identity to unified "goddess" energy. This will thus lay the foundation for an examination of the two prime theological functions to which the goddess became attached for within the Hindu tradition."

Tags:brahman, deities, devi, hinduism, purana, shakti, tantra

Abstract
This essay examines the content of Pre-Qin Chinese religious thinking, namely the religions of the Shang and Zhou dynasty. It explores the forces, which according to the religious beliefs of the Shang and Zhou people, controlled the human and non-human world. It shows that, according to these beliefs, the two worlds mentioned above co-existed and affected one another. Subsequently, the essay reveals that the ancient Chinese ideas about cosmic order and disorder were very closely related to the political domain.

From the Paper
"However, at the same time, it can be argued that the human world also controlled, or at least affected, the non-human world. The term "non-human" can be defined very broadly. It simply means "anything that is not human". The people of the Shang Dynasty believed that natural happenings such as storms, droughts, comets or eclipses were affected by human conduct. They were seen as warnings sent by the heavens, so that "human beings especially rulers might reform their personal conduct as well as their conduct of government." It is clear that there was a belief that the behavior of the human world would affect the happenings of the non-human world- bad behavior would cause natural disasters."

Tags:ideas, religious, supernatural, Shangdi, Confucius