Analyze Hindu and Buddhist Beliefs

Objective

To examine beliefs about life after death.

Once we have achieved this objective, we will have also made progress in obtaining our learning outcomes of:

• Evaluating the conjector of an afterlife.
• Analyzing attitudes and practices about death and dying.
• Examining religious, philosophical, and popular beliefs about death and dying.

Prepare

To prepare for writing the paper or producing a media presentation:

1. Read Chapter 14, pp. 543-567 in the text. (Mcgraw Hill's Online Learning Center,  Textbook resources Links to an external site. provides recommended supportive text material.) As you read, compare the Hindu concept of Moksha (the soul's merging into the Universe) with the Buddhist notion of Nirvana (energy extinguishing into nothingness).
2. Watch the following videos on Hinduism and Buddhism:

• Velayutham, Karthikeyan (2016), What is Hinduism? Beautifully Explained by a non-Indian.

Focus your note taking on the Hindu understanding of Karma (good/bad behavior) on what type of reincarnation the soul will have in the next life.

• What is Hinduism? Beautifully explained by a non-Indian. Links to an external site.
• Das, Vishuddha (2015) Karma & Reincarnation/Rebirth (Buddhism for Beginners Part 3).

Pay close attention in this video to the Buddhist perception that there is no permanent soul, only the transmission of energy from one existence into another.

Karma & Reincarnation/Rebirth (Buddhism for Beginners Part 3) Links to an external site.

While not required, you may want to consult the following recommended article: Comparison of Hinduism and Buddhism Links to an external site..

Reflect

• Think about your own view of an afterlife. Why do you think there is or is not life after death? If you do believe in an afterlife, do you think the way you behave in this life affects the quality of your next life? Have you learned anything from the Hindu and Buddhist perspectives that moves you to reevaluate your belief? 
• Consider discussing  the readings and video with other students at an optional weekly Student Chat Hour on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 pm.

Example of Model Paper

To see a model paper go to: Hindu-Budda (2).docx Download Hindu-Budda (2).docx

Write or Produce a Media Presentation 

In this assignment:

1. Analyze Hindu and Buddhist beliefs about the afterlife from the perspective of your own belief and
2. Show what, if anything, you have learned that motivates you to reevaluate your belief.  

Academic Integrity

In accordance with College of the Desert’s Student Code of Conduct cheating and plagiarism with not be tolerated. Incidents of cheating and/or plagiarism will result in a failing grade on the work and a report filed with the Office of Student Life.

Disabled Student Programs and Services

College of the Desert views disability as an important aspect of diversity and is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) office is the office that collaborates with students with disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations. Please contact the DSPS office at (760) 773-2534, dspsinfo@collegeofthedesert.edu for more information. Once registered with DSPS, students will be provided with an Authorized Academic Accommodations form that can be shared with faculty.

Submit Paper or Media Presentation

• Your paper should be at least 500 words in length or your media presentation should be at least 10 minutes. Your media presentation may be by audio or video.
• If you have problems uploading your file, go to Student Canvas Help

Grade

• Please see the grading rubric.
• I will provide a grade and evaluative comments within 5 business days. If you wish to discuss my response, contact me by email at jwaddell@collegeofthedesert.edu or by phone at 760-346-8041 ext. 5900.