Buddhism

[Name of the Institute]

Buddhism

Introduction

Throughout the history of the human society, one factor has played an essential role in the establishment of social order. The religious factor can be defined as one of the most predominant influences in the context of the global human societies. This factor has a direct impact on the cultural fabric of the society and also influences the social structure. The global human society consists of various groups of people who have drastically different notions, regarding their spiritual lives. Although religion is not limited or restricted to a specific region, majority of the global religions are concentrated in certain regions. Hence the concept of religion can be identified as highly relative, as each major global society, has its own spiritual interpretation (Orrù, & Wang, 1992). Considering the impact of religion n the socio cultural aspects of the regional human society, the concept of religion cannot be viewed as only a spiritual concept. The fact is that through the human history, religion's role in the context of the human society has been highly diversified.

In the historical perspective religion has had a direct impact on the political and materialistic factors. The leaders in the pasty used the religious power to influence the masses, and encourage then to accept and follow their regimes. It is due to the power of religion to influence the massive public opinion, that in the past it was used as a political tool to achieve materialistic goals. Even though religion has been involved and manipulated by the ruling authorities in the past, it cannot be stated that the religion itself encourages human beings to lead materialistic and negative lifestyles. It is a fact that the human society has relied on the principles and various religious ideologies to develop their societies and form the relevant ethical coed of conducts. Even though religion is classified as a relative term, which is varied for different human societies, majority of the religions preach similar humanistic and ideological teachings (Tushnet, 1989). These ideologies help the followers of the religion to enlighten themselves and lead a life based on moral principles.

The primary role of any religion in the global society is to help the relevant followers, to broaden their minds and consider the moral obligations of their acts. It teaches mankind that there is another form of life after the materialistic and worldly existence, which is controlled by the divine being. Hence the human beings should seek to focus on that existence as well, and make substantial efforts to appease the Divine entity. These factors are not common in every religious ideology that exists in the world; however it is present in majority of the dominant religions in the world (Herbrechtsmeier, 1993). The critical analysis of the religious ideology of a given society can provide a crucial knowledge of the socio cultural and ethical principles of that region. Hence in the context of the contemporary cosmopolitan based society, it is important that the individuals seek to learn about the various ...