21. The Common Features in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism are all Eastern religions with similar philosophical beliefs. All four religions highly value ahisma, or non-violencein their actions, thoughts and daily lifestyle. Another common feature is theirhigh esteem for vegetarianism. Although it is not required by all religions, itis up to the individual’s conscience to have compassion towards animals, for itwill help with their karma. These four main Eastern religions place a great emphasis on the law of Karma, which is basically how you act and treat others will directly affect you in your next life, either positively or negatively. This brings me to the last similarity of these religions: the belief of reincarnation. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all believe that human life is spent in a cycle of birth, life and then rebirth all determined by thekarma attained in the previous life. All four religions view life as something they want to break away from, therefore their ultimate goal is to escape from the cycle of life in order to reach bliss whether that is with their God or just an eternal state of bliss.