Essays and Research Papers on Eastern Religions

A 5 page paper discussing the philosophy of the Roman scholar Boethius as it applies to the untimely death of Congressman Sonny Bono. Bibliography lists four sources.

An 8 page essay on the similarities and differences between these two sects of Buddhism including historical background behind their split. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 7 page paper on the art of Ch'an Buddhism with special attention on one of its masters, Mu-Ch'i (Fa-ch'ang). Ch'an Buddhism has often been considered one of the most irreligious of religions. It had great impact on the world of art especially during the flower and bird school of the Sung dynasty. During ...

A 5 page research essay on the similar use of koans between the pratityasamutpada (ancient) and Zen forms of Buddhism. The writer provides a background for the similarity between the two forms of Buddhism, and discusses examples of the koans and the reasons behind them—the Middle Way. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page research paper on the emergence of Buddhist feminism and the quest for equality within the Buddhist religion. The paper gives a brief background of the Buddhist background of male domination and describes the struggle and achievement of Buddhist women within the last 15 years to attain equality. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

The Chandogya Upanishad saw a true release from space and time, a form of existence that can only be compared to 'the wind in its freedom to roam at will, unhampered by material things.' In this 5 page research paper, the writer explores the ideas behind this particular aspect of Hindu philosophy and details its ...

The Bhagavad-Gita -- 'Song of the Lord' -- has been a source of meditation in India for more than 2000 years. In this 5 page research paper, the writer explores the ideas behind this particular aspect of Hinduism and details its main ideas, historical perspective, and enduring value today. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

An 8 page research paper on Yoga, -- an ancient Sanskrit word generally meaning 'union,' which refers to a method of gaining a certain profound release from the bondage of Karma and rebirth that has constituted the highest aim for most Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains for millenniums. Properties, practices, and forms of Yoga are discussed ...

A 5 page paper that provides an overview of the elements of Hindu monism and compares them with Spinozian monism. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page paper that provides a comparison of Taoism and Confucianism and their applications for an understanding of modern Eastern culture. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 6 page paper addresses the subject of secularism in the Middle East. The term is defined and analyzed. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 3 page paper discussing China’s transitions through the end of Confucianism as political and personal philosophy; the rise of the New Culture Movement of the early 20th century; and the emergence of China as a fully functioning member of the world community. Though the latter has not yet been attained, the nation’s leadership ...

A 10 page paper discussing the tenets of the philosophies of Ch’en Tu-Huiu and Hu Shih of the early 20th century. The leaders of what has been called China’s literary revolution, the two in combination called for the elimination of Confucianism both as political and personal philosophy. Ch’en Tu-Huiu advocated political parties, a ...

A 13 page paper which examines German sociologist Max Weber’s criticism of Confucianism, as explored in his books, 'Economy and Society,' 'The Religion of China' and 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.' Bibliography lists 10 sources.

An 8 page paper which examines how Buddha images are conveyed in India, and how they are compared and contrasted with the Hindu images of Vishnu ('the preserver god') and Shiva ('the destroyer god'). Bibliography lists 7 sources.

12 pages in length. This very interesting paper gives a background on both Zen Buddhism and psychotherapy, and shows how the combination of the two can create an even more successful and meaningful therapy for patients. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 4 page report discusses the anthology compiled by the late Zen scholar Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki (1869-1966). Much of what Suzuki has to say reflects the fact that, in Buddhism, there are degrees of enlightenment and the enlightened one can move from realm to realm and world to world yet is at home in each. Progress in the practice of Zen ...

This 5 page paper looks at the way in which this book, a basis of the Taoist path, perceives nature and mans place within nature. All the points raised are supported with quoted from the book. The bibliography cites one source.

This 6 page paper explores the basic themes presented in The Analects of Confucius. No additional sources are listed.

(3 pp). The Eight Fold Path, a basic tenant of Buddhism, is a strong emotional outline or framework , for the modern holistic health movement. Holistic health is a theory that believes good mental health is essential to good physical health. "Enlightenment does exist," Jack Kornfield assures us. "Unbounded freedom ...

6 pages in length. The writer discusses the differences between God as they relate to Buddhism and Hinduism, referencing only Huston Smith's "The World's Religions." No additional sources cited.

A 6 page summation and analysis of Opening the Eye of New Awareness by Tenzin Gyatzo (the 14th Dalai Lama). After summarizing the Buddhist philosophy, the writer does a comparison with Christianity. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page analysis and summation of some of the points made by Kapleau in his book, which surveys the practices and traditions of Zen Buddhism. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which looks at Benjamin Hoff’s correlation of Winnie-the-Pooh with the Taoist perspective on meaning, and how Pooh’s interaction with the other characters demonstrates the Taoist essence of being. One work cited. Taoism.

This 2 page paper considers the differences between Vajrayana Buddhism and other schools of Buddhism. The differences are described clearly and concisely. This is the fourth paper in a series of four papers. The bibliography cites 2 sources.