Coexistence of Violence and Nonviolence †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Coexistence of Violence and Nonviolence. Answer: Introduction: At your work place, you have been asked to prepare a concise report to address colleagues of various religious backgrounds (namely Buddhists, Daoists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians). You are required, in your report, to give suggestions to believers of each religious group to apply religious teaching and practice in coping with problems at work and at home. Religion is an aspect of human beings that is found in communities across the world. Singapore is rich in religious diversity due to ethnic mixtures of people who originated from various countries. Various aspects such as religious dialogue are of important concern. Religious dialogue helps in promoting understanding among different religions through increasing acceptance to others. One interesting thing about religious diversity is that sometimes, at the level of concepts, people holding different religious believes do not always agree. Understanding fundamental teachings in all religions is a vital tool in enhancing tolerance. The core beliefs that make the principles of Buddhist philosophy are basically guides to human way of life. This religion teachings are based on what is known as the four noble truth. The nobble truth teaches that lack of satisfactoriness exists and experienced universally. Desires are the causes of lack of satisfactoriness and sufferings. However there is an end of these sufferings which can be obtained by following certain specified principles. The principles include right understanding, right thinking, right speech, right conduct, right acquisition of livelihood, right balance between spiritual path and usual life, right mindfulness and right concentration (Chia, 2009). Furthermore, there are ethical guidelines to followers of Buddhism. The common ones known as five precepts asks the believers to refrain from destroying of living creation, stealing, sexual misconduct, incorrect speech and intoxicants. As believers of Buddhism, we should integrate teachings of nobble truth which are reflective to our living codes, and the ethical codes at our places of work and at home. Daoism combines traditions, beliefs and social practices into a religion. The believers of this religion are guided by three core principles or virtues which are translated to compassion, moderation and humility (Maki, 2016). Human life and the way of dealing with others and with God are guided by these main values. The teachings from Taoism requires us to be like a bamboo; simple, straight and with a vacant center that can be filled. We need to simplify our lives by helping others, being ready to be filled where we are empty and maintain important values. The major guiding belief in Hinduism is that sin, also known as bad karma, leads to suffering in the present and after life. The believers of this religion believe in reincarnation. Soul which is known as Atman, is immortal and that human body should not limit good intentions by giving in to the selfish desires of the body. It teaches that parents, teachers and food are of utmost importance. Parents and teachers are the leaders that guide people about everyday life dealings with others. Food is what we consume in our thoughts and body (Rambachan, 2017). The guiding principles are Dharma, which is the righteous way of living and Vedas, which is the sacred scriptures. Hinduism, from its teaching perspective, is a way of life. As Hindus, we should live upon the earth like the principles of Hindu Dharma teaches. We should use the freedom of life given to us to add value to life of others. This will help us cope up with colleagues at work and our families at home The guiding principles of Islam is a set rules known as sharia. Core elementary virtues of Islam are Supremacy of God (Allah), Love for one another, Prayer, Charity (zakah) and fasting. Muslims believe that you can only claim to love God if you adhere to his teachings in the book of Quran. Loving others is shown by extending a hand in charity to assist those in need. Prayers and fasting will guide Muslims on how to live with others through forgiveness (Elbih, 2015). With regard to the Islamic teachings that actions are judged by motives behind them and that a person is not a believer not unless he has good intentions for his brother, as Muslims we should take control of our lives. Being conscious about other peoples welfare will help us improve relationships at home and at work. Christians have principles or values summarized in a set of ten laws known as Ten Commandments. Christians believe that the Commandments are ultimate laws that were given by God to control humanity and their behavior in dealings with each other and with God Himself. The teachings from the Bible show how human being can please God by loving fellow human beings. The laws command them to show their love for God by acknowledging that there is only one God whom should be worshipped and respected. Respect for father and mother (authority), respect for human life, respect for other peoples and their properties among other teachings are emphasized in the Christian law. Forgiveness is of great importance and according to the bible if you do not forgive fellow human beings, then you also do not deserve forgiveness (McKim, 2016). As Christians, we need to embrace the teachings such as respect to authority and respect to other people and their properties. This will help us improve our social life and that of others at home and at work. Conclusion The major lessons from all the five religions promote living in harmony with others. Forgiveness is a key aspect in all the religions. It is important to embrace religious biodiversity since it promotes tolerance. Religious dialogue should be encouraged since such dialogues help various religious group to interact and discover various aspects that could cause conflict. After all, all these religions acknowledge God as Supreme Being and respect for human life. All religions agree that evil deeds will lead to suffering in the present life and that to come. References Chia, JT 2009, 'Teaching Dharma, Grooming Sangha: The Buddhist College of Singapore', SOJOURN: Journal Of Social Issues In Southeast Asia, 24, 1, pp. 122-138, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 October 2017. Elbih, R 2015, 'Teaching about Islam and Muslims While Countering Cultural Misrepresentations', Social Studies, 106, 3, pp. 112-116, Professional Development Collection, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 October 2017. Maki, WJ 2016, 'Deweys Link with Daoism: Ideals of nature, cultivation practices, and applications in lessons', Educational Philosophy Theory, 48, 2, pp. 150-164, Professional Development Collection, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 October 2017. McKim, DK 2016, 'John Calvin's 'Institutes of the Christian Religion': A Biography', Church History, no. 4, p. 845. Rambachan, A 2017, 'The Coexistence of Violence and Nonviolence in Hinduism', Journal Of Ecumenical Studies, 52, 1, pp. 96-104, Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 October 2017.