Hinduism and Buddhism

1. Hinduism and Buddhism By Bobby Muir November 4, 2009 Period 9/10

2. Hinduism and Abortion • Many Hindu medical ethics come from the principle of Ahimsa – meaning non-violence. • Many Classical Hindu Text oppose abortion. • One text compares it to killing a priest. • Another text considers abortion worse than killing one’s parents. • Another text says that a woman who commits abortion will lose her cast. • Sometimes in Hindu culture, abortion is done so that the family can have sons, this is called “Female Feticide.”

3. HinduismandAbortion continued . . . . • The doctrine of Reincarnation can be used to make a strong case against abortion. • If the Fetus is aborted, its soul suffers a karmic setback. It would be deprived of all the good karma it would get if lived, and now would have to repeat the cycle of birth. In short, it hinders a soul’s spiritual progress. • Ahimsa teaches that not only is wrong to kill living beings, but also embryos.

4. Buddhism holiday:Wesak • Wesak is the most important holiday to Buddhists. • It’s celebrated on the full moon in may. • It technically celebrates the Buddha’s birthday, while some Buddhists also celebrate it for his enlightenment and death.

5. Wesak continued . . . . • The holiday is celebrated with much color and gaiety. • Most homes are usually cleaned and decorated. • Many Buddhists will try to visit a local temple for services and teaching, and in return, provide the monks with food, candles, and flowers. • Gifts are also placed on the altars offered to Buddha statues. • During the festivities, most of the food provided is vegetarian, because most Buddhists try not to harm animals.