Religious and Ethnic Groups Paper Essay Example for Free

Religious and Ethnic Groups Paper Essay Mahayana Buddhism is considered to be a emanation or illusion of the highest power which is referred to as Buddha. They also believe that there has been many Buddhas on earth and in the whole universe. There are 3 bodies (forms) of Buddha: 1, Body of essence. The indescribable, impersonal absolute reality, or ultimate truth that is nirvana (infinite bliss). 2, Body of bliss or enjoyment, Buddha as divine, deity, formless, celestial spirit with saving power of grace, omnipotence. 3, body of transformation or emanation. An illusion or emanation in human form provided by the divine Buddha to guide humans to enlightenment. Anyone can achieve Buddha hood and those who choose this path to help others to become liberated are worshipped as gods or saints to some. Mahayana Buddhists believe that when you die, one becomes selflessness resulting in ultimate bliss known as the deathless state and doesnt believe in literal rebirth. They extinguish themselves from all worldly cravings, desires and attachments, through loving- kindness, compassion, charity, moral conduct, wisdom and meditation. Mahayana Buddhism deferrers from many religions. Christianity being one. Christians believe that there is only one god (not several) and there is life after death in heaven where all is good. Jesus is Gods son who was sent to earth by god to become human and live amongst us which was in human form. Hinduism is a dominate religion of the Indian subcontinent. When I think of Buddhism I think a foreign religion from another country but there in America and many other countries. As a matter of fact, Buddhism is one of the largest religions in the United States following Christianity, Judaism and nonreligious and close to being equal with Islam and Hinduism. Most Buddhism are Asian Americans. Its estimated there are around 1.2 million and 40% of them live is Southern California. The Mahayana Buddhist are not supposed to discriminate and usually they hold true to that if they are a TRUE Buddhist. Thats not to say that Americans dont discriminate against them. In February 2011 the Lao-Buddhist Association attempted to open a temple in Olathe Kansas but was denied. Residents said that the location was zoned for residential only. Christian churches are located in residential neighborhoods all over the country so Buddhists are saying its discrimination against their religion. Another instant of discrimination on them took place in Southern California. Buddhist wanted to put in a worship center but the government rejected it and said there isnt enough room but later built a mall there. The Buddhist people sued them saying it was discrimination on their religion. In America we have the right to express our religion but the government and prejudice people are making that amendment more and more difficult for some religions. Before I researched this religion, I knew nothing about it or the people. I know have a much better understanding what they believe in and how they live. They are a very peaceful and caring religion and people should be educated about them before they judge them. Part 2 Racial/ethnic groups: I chose Hispanic and Latino descend. Hispanics differ from white people in many different ways. Their way of life, language, and all around culture. They seem to get singled out by many races due to the overwhelming illegal entry into the states. It doesnt seem to matter it they are here illegally or not, they are all looked at the same by certain people. They are stereo typed all the time for stealing jobs and collecting welfare not to mention healthcare. A lot of them are working in the states under the table and sending the majority of their money earned back to their families in Mexico. The money made is not spent here to help benefit our economy. Hispanics are discriminated against often. I think Americans feel like they are paying a lot in taxes to help them financially when they should focus the help on legal Americans that actually pay their taxes. Employment is another reason behind the discrimination. In the landscape, nursery and construction trade, they seem to be taking over a lot of these positions because its cheaper labor but it still takes work away from legal Americans. After researching this topic I have learned that Hispanics have too many sources that are offered to them when legal Americans could use it more since we spend our money here in taxes. Comparing my racial and religious groups I can see how they are somewhat similar. Both struggle to find a place where they can be accepted. http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Buddhism/Galleries/What-Do-Mahayana-Buddhists-Believe.aspx?b=1p=10 http://prezi.com/onqasvrjg9ey/discrimination-against-buddhism/