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Hinduism Vs Buddhism Research Paper

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Hinduism and Buddhism are large eastern religions, which have many rituals and practices within them. Marriage is a large practice that is common between them. Hinduism’s concept of marriage is very complex and includes 9 stages/rituals. On the other hand, Buddhism has a very simple perception on marriage, they only have 4 stages/rituals which are very small compared to Hinduism. The importance of marriage is also different in these religions, Hinduism sees marriage vital and is represented in the Grihastha stage of life. Marriage in Buddhism esteemed in the same way as it is in Hinduism, it is perceived as more of an option and not fundamental. The concept of divorce and abuse is looked down upon in both Hinduism and Buddhism, both eastern …show more content…

The rituals before marriage are called Khachang and Nangchang. Khachang is the groom choosing his bride (via Buddhists or the parents), once the girl is selected a visit would be made to her house. The groom would carry a bottle of whiskey and a white silk scarf to offer, it is meant to see if an approval would be given. If the two families agree, there would be a meeting would occur to find a good date for the engagement to take place and what colors the bride and groom would wear. The next ceremony is the Nangchang, which is the engagement. This happens in the presence of a lama or a rimpoche, the maternal uncles of both sides play a meaningful role during marriage negotiations. On the groom’s side, the mother and the siblings play important roles whereas on the bride’s side have the entire family joining the occasion. The guest would bring Tsang and many kinds of meat to the bride’s house, specifically rice and chicken to the fuel's mother. These are also given to the unmarried elder brothers and sisters. After this occurs an auspicious date for the marriage would be fixed, along with a date for the bride to leave her maiden home. The couple mostly lives together in either the groom or bride’s home after the engagement. After the engagement comes to the …show more content…

Hinduism sees marriage as an important duty and brings two people together to perform their dharma. Marriage is viewed as a sacrament, not a contact. These sacraments are performed during the wedding and mark the second and most important stage of life. The Grihastha Ashrama mainly made for a man and begins when a man is married and has to fulfill his duties towards a wife, children, father, and mother. During this stage, the man has to earn a living by using the skills he learned from his teacher during the last stage. This is also the most important stage of life and tends to last longer. Marriage does not only join a man and woman, it joins two families hence it beginning with the two families meeting to approve of the relationship. When taking the seven sacred steps around the sacred fire, the end of the bride’s sari is tied to her husband’s scarf to show they are joined together. Often the bride puts her foot on a stone to show that she is willing to overcome all obstacles to perform her duties as a wife. This can also be seen in the Ramayana when Rama is sent to exile as a sadhu for 14 years, but Sita being a loyal wife she accompanies him. On the other hand, marriage in Buddhism is not seen as holy or unholy. When compared to Hinduism, Buddhism does not uphold marriage as a religious duty or a sacrament or a “matches made in heaven”. Marriage is

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