Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of environment in Hindu culture in religion. Hinduism lays immense stress on the protection of the environment, which they feel is an integral a part of man, and casts its influence on human beings. Therefore they preach protection of the ecology that includes everything from trees and groves to wild animals and birds.

From the Paper
"The nature and environment have immense importance in the Hindu religion and man is advised not to tamper with the ecological balance as it plays a great role in man's life. No religion of the world stresses as much importance on the preservation of the environment as Hinduism does. The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad, Gita, Puranas and Smriti are all holy books of this religion and they contain messages regarding the significance of ecology and environment in the life of man."

Tags:preservation, animals, ecological, beauty, responsible, civilization, harm, natural, resources

Abstract
This paper explores the text of R.K. Narayan's telling of "The Ramayana" in relation to the human qualities in the characters of Rama and Ravana. Rama is explored as embodying all of the positive human qualities, while the demon-king Ravana exemplifies all negative human qualities.

Abstract
This study examines and compares the different views of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism, including consideration of the Buddhist theory of dependent origination, the role of actions vs. intentions in karma, and the difference between the Hindu concept of reincarnation and the Buddhist concept of rebirth.

From the Paper
"This study will examine and compare the different views of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism, including consideration of the Buddhist theory of dependent origination, the role of actions vs. intentions in karma, and the difference between the Hindu concept of reincarnation and the Buddhist concept of rebirth.


The concept of karma in general is not as simple as the popular interpretation of it would hold. Comparing the two religions' views brings out additional subtleties and complexities. On one level, karma would seem to lock the individual into a cycle of behavior from which he has no hope of breaking free, as Schroeder writes with respect to the Hindu definition of the concept:
Karma: "deed, action, impression": The law of causality: all events have causes and results; the principle of universal..."

From the Paper
"This study will examine Taoism in terms of the impact of that religion of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. The study will compare these two men's philosophies and ideas as they relate to Taoism, and will explore the implications of their thoughts for governing oneself and others. Also included will be the consideration of the relationship of their approaches and contemporary counterculture.

A comparison with the conformity of Confucianism shows the non-conformity to be a clear reflection of contemporary counterculture. The latter rejects the traditional culture just as Taoism rejects Confucianism. It is no surprise, then, to find the contemporary counterculture leaning toward Taoist thought, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu in its attempts to find an alternative world view and a fresh, radical, individualized and more ..."

Abstract
An examination of the role of the Indian woman in society. An analysis of the "Mahabharata" which goes into great depth when describing this role. The author looks at the lives of Indian women, their status, education, goals and contributions.

From the Paper
"The Mahabharata is essential for understanding human nature and the culture of India, past and present. As declared by Vyasa, "Whatever is not found in the Mahabharata cannot be found anywhere else." The Mahabharata does indeed present a complete picture of the lives of women in India, dealing with such topics as status, education, goals, marriage, achievement, family life, social life, moral codes, duty (dharma), and etiquette."

Tags:hindu, india, indian, ramayana, vedas, vishnu

Abstract
This paper discusses the ways in which two members of the theosophical society, William Judge from the West and Subba Row from the East, approach the Bhagavad Gita. The paper specifically looks at how, with respect to their backgrounds, their interpretations vary considerably. The paper also examines a number of similarities in Judge's and Row's understandings, which are explored in greater depth.

From the Paper
"Consistent with the dominant Theosophical position, Judge believes that the Gita needs to be interpreted as an allegory. Judge believes that it is important not to interpret the Gita literally but rather, read between the lines and find the hidden meaning within the text. This view is consistent with the Theosophical mandate in that they seek out esoteric works from a variety of religious and philosophical sources in order to expound their inherent meanings. In his discussion about the Great War found in the Gita, Judge states, "No doubt such a conflict did take place, for man is continually imitating the higher spiritual planes; and a great sage could easily adopt a human event in order to erect a noble philosophical system upon such an allegorical foundation." It is difficult to determine with any degree of accuracy whether or not the Great War found in the Gita was a historical event. It may very well have been the best setting to present a didactic exposition of the teaching. In any event, the intention of the author(s) remains open for interpretation."

Tags:ahimsa, allegory, avatar

Abstract
This essay will explore Indian legislation concerning women and its impact on women and their children who marry out of the Indian society. A look at recent changes and implications for society.

From the Paper
"In June 1985, Parliament passed legislation, which ended over 100 years of discrimination in the Indian Act. These amendments commonly referred to as Bill C-31 respect three fundamental principals. First, the amendments exclude discriminatory conditions from the registration criteria from the Indian Act .For instance, Indian women no longer lost status through marriage to non-status Indian and a non-status woman can no longer gain status through marriage to Indian men. In recognition of the problems of discrimination contained within the Indian Act; the government chose to pass a law to eliminate the obstacles people had to endure. "

Tags:native, studies, women

Abstract
This essay discusses the iconoclastic Controversy in the Eastern Orthodox Church and its defense by John of Damascus. It follows John's separations of the topic and explores what each argument entailed and the resistance which it faced. It outlines both the strong and weak points of the argument and how each issue was solved.

From the Paper
"It seems that art is such a natural part of everyday life. It would be difficult to picture a world where art was not involved. From the flower pots outside on the window sill to the mounted picture in the living room, art pervades every aspect of our lives. It is difficult to imagine that there was a controversy over whether such type pf media should be allowed in a Church setting. The word icon usually describes those religious pictures-mainly portable wood panel paintings-which have a prominent place in the life and worship of the Eastern Orthodox Churches (Baggley, 1). The Iconoclasm controversy dealt with the debate over whether painted images of the Divine Christ were valid or idolatrous. Popular culture felt that the icon was a necessary part of their worship because it gave them a sense of understanding. It gave the worshiper a visual image of what he/she was praying to and so, made the person feel that his/her prayers were not futile and wasted. However, it was these exact beliefs that sparked the controversy, but also led to the writings in defense of the images. John of Damascus was one of the greatest Christian defenders of the iconodule position (Sch nobon, 192)."

Tags:damascus, john

Abstract
This paper seeks to explain the ways in which Confucianism affected both Japan and Vietnam, and the similarities and differences between those effects. The basic philosophy of Confucianism is examined first and then the inception of Confucianism into both Japan and Vietnam is detailed. Next, the subsequent transformation from the top of society to the bottom is evaluated. Also, the general cultural and religious changes are examined.

From the Paper
"One does not need to look far to see the profound effect that China has had on the countries surrounding it. What it more interesting to examine is the ways in which this influence has shaped these countries in respect to government, society, and philosophy. From the same glorious bundle of Chinese culture and thought the greatly disparate societies of Japan and Vietnam emerged. Confucianism, the native Chinese philosophy that governed all aspects of life, naturally spread to Japan and Vietnam and morphed into something endemic to those two countries. From the emperor to the peasant, Confucianism affected how the people lived their lives, and was used from the peasant to the emperor to form a strong national identity still visible today. The difference between the small land tucked under the behemoth that is China and the independent archipelago is apparent."

Tags:religion, gender, roles, elite, class

Abstract
This paper discusses the significance of gods in two different religions, specifically Hinduism and Judaism. In particular, the paper looks at how the Hindu gods and the Jewish God are extremely significant to members of those religions. The paper consists of sections on both the Hindu and Jewish significance of gods and points out common traits between the way the religions treat gods and the ways in which they differ in their practices. The paper uses MLA style footnotes but does not include a works cited page.

From the Paper
"Hindu religion emphasises a need for release from this world. One of these methods of release is the Bhakti Marga. The Bhakti Marga is a reaction of the common people to the other more intellectual paths to release. It focuses on devotion to the gods, and is a significant part of modern Hinduism. The Hindu gods are not all-powerful immortal beings, and originally the religion was philosophically based, with little emphasis placed on worship of these deities. Over time, worship of the Hindu gods became an avenue for the less intellectually inclined people of India to participate. In developing a justification of worship to the gods, Hinduism became a more practical religion, and this helped secure its own survival in a world where there were many religions to choose from."

Tags:torah, Bhakti, Marga, prayer