THL discussion 3

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Concordia University Portland *

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355

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Philosophy

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by AmbassadorGull3166

1. From the recorded lecture and readings this week, what are the central teachings and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism? Central teachings of Hinduism include following the dharma, one's righteous duty. Karma and reincarnation are the concepts of cause and effect; actions in one life determine the nature of the next cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Hinduism aims for the ultimate enlightenment from reincarnation and union with the divine Brahman by obtaining spiritual growth through yoga and meditation with chanting. Based on the Four Noble Truths, Buddhism addresses the nature of suffering, its cause, cessation, and the path to release from suffering. The Eightfold Path summarizes the ethical and mental principles leading to enlightenment. Buddhists believe in the impermanence of all things, emphasizing that everything is subject to change. Mindfulness meditation is a central practice in Buddhism, involving observing thoughts and sensations to achieve insight and enlightenment. 2. How are they similar and dissimilar? Buddhism and Hinduism share several similarities as they both originated in ancient India. Both have a concept of dharma, or moral order, that individuals are expected to follow. They believe in karma or the idea of cause/effect and reincarnation, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Actions in one life influence the circumstances of the next life. Both traditions acknowledge the repeated nature of existence and the goal of obtaining enlightenment. They incorporate meditation and mindfulness to attain spiritual growth and emphasize the principle of non- violence. While Hinduism is characterized by a diverse range of beliefs and practices with no single founder, Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Hindus believe in one ultimate god or Supreme Being, Brahma, yet are both polytheistic and monotheistic concurrently, whereas Buddhism is considered nontheistic. In Hinduism, health involves the balance of mind, body, and soul with nature; the law of karma also determines health. Buddhism practices disease and illness as inevitable aspects of the human condition that no one can avoid. In contrast, in Hinduism, illness is viewed holistically; physical and mental illness are seen as strongly connected- any disturbance in one affects the other and causes diseases. There are no specific Buddhist birthing practices; however, in Hinduism, there are specific ceremonies and foods for the mother during pregnancy and once the baby is born. 3. What are some details related to healing, life, and death from the reading on Hmong religion? Hmong religion is often characterized by a combination of animism, shamanism, and ancestor worship. Hmong religion acknowledges the presence of spirits and supernatural forces in the natural world. Spirits influence daily life, and rituals and practices are done to appease them. Shamans play a crucial role in Hmong religious practices. They are mediums that communicate with the spirit world and are consulted for healing. Shamans perform rituals, communicate with spirits, and use spiritual tools to address illnesses or spiritual disturbances. Illnesses are often perceived as the result of a lost or stolen soul by spirits. After healing, there is a string-tying ceremony. Hmong people believe in the cycle of rebirth. Death is seen as a transition, and rituals are performed to guide the spirit to the afterlife or its next incarnation. 4. Why has the Buddha's message about suffering resonated for millennia?

The Buddha's teachings acknowledge the universal nature of suffering as part of the human experience; this message is relevant to people across cultures and periods. The Buddha's teachings are rooted in personal experience with an emphasis on self-discovery, which makes the teachings accessible to those examining their own experiences to understand their suffering. While the Buddha described the nature of suffering, there was also a path to enlightenment with actionable steps providing a roadmap for individuals. The Buddha's teachings are naturally human-centered, focusing on the concerns and challenges of human existence and encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their well-being. This humanistic perspective resonates with people seeking self-discovery. The Buddha's teachings are malleable to different cultures. Throughout history, Buddhism has integrated and coexisted with various cultural traditions, allowing it to resonate with diverse populations. 5. How does the Buddha’s teaching on suffering relate to your vocation as a nurse? The Buddha's teachings on suffering can be relevant to my nursing vocation in several ways due to the core principles of compassion, mindfulness, and alleviating suffering. The Buddha emphasized compassion as a central value and recognized that the universality of suffering encourages individuals to develop empathy and compassion for others. As a nurse, I will be providing care to those suffering regardless of who they are or their beliefs. Buddhism encourages active engagement in reducing and alleviating the suffering of oneself and others. Nursing is about alleviating suffering and providing the most comfortable care possible. I will provide physical, emotional, and psychological support to promote patients' best well-being. In addition, mindfulness is a crucial aspect of Buddhist practice. Being fully present and aware is essential for understanding and alleviating suffering. As a nurse, I plan on being present and attentive to patient needs, practicing mindful listening, and approaching care with complete awareness to contribute to practical and compassionate nursing. Buddhism emphasizes understanding the individual and their specific suffering, which is the definition of patient- centered care. As a nurse, I wish to understand patients' unique circumstances, beliefs, and preferences.

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