Compare and Contrast the Concept of ‘Self’ in Different Religions (Essay Sample)

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World Religions
Part 1
Describe, compare and contrast the concept of ‘self’ in Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Hinduism
This religion represents Atman as the existence of peoples' self which is hidden in all human beings. It also depicts the existence of some microcosm aspects which are seen to represent other microcosms seen on different individuals. The idea imparts some divine characters which device some conducive environment for survival with alternatives to cope with difficulties. It gives individuals the hope to live and also regardless of all the challenges. Atman represents the actual Brahman which is a representation of the ‘self' a descendant of a variety of elements begotten by nature. The idea of the ego personality is seen to be the enemy of the ‘self’ in individuals. Jiva people don’t have any traces of truth in all their deeds due to the influences of the ego personality. Ones an individual is engaged in activities in the environment, he or she tends to forget who he or she is.
Buddhism
In this religion, the concept of explaining the ‘self’ is not well detailed neither is it understood. In a few attempts to explain this aspect, it has been seen to be the most complicated teachings as far as the religion is concerned. Even though it is faced by a myriad of challenges, the founder of this religion tried to explain the concept of individuals ‘self'. He represented five components of an individual which are; the form of individuals, sensation and how they perceive things, the formation of a mental process, and also the conscious mind. Several doctrines have been seen to claim that humans lack the soul component in them. This has received a variety of critiques as others say it’s one of the components of the inner ‘self’ of an individual.
Confucianism
In this culture, the idea of ‘self' is individually based. As it is seen to be individualistic, it mainly depicts the development of good moral values, desirable virtues among the members of a given society. Several questions arise as to who is a good person and how such persons should behave in the eyes of society. They claim that every human being has the capability to identify his ‘self' depending on the developed virtues. Cultivation of individuals ‘self' is one of the fundamental requirements of the education systems in these societies. The ‘self' in different people is seen to be one of the binding aspects among the members of a given society.
Taoism
The religion represents the cultivation of an individuals’ self by trying to seek healing. It also presents the idea of the self-being controlled by nature where an individual tends to presume his or her early childhood. The religion suggests that every individual has got two distinct components which are seen to oppose each other. These two components are yin and yang.
Judaism
The concept of self in Judaism is seen to share similar principles as those in the Christian religion. This is basically due to the fact that these two religions have a common phylogeny and they share similar doctrines. The view of self-begins with first appreciating God the creator from which they are able to interpret the nature of the soul. Negative and positive self-aspect concepts are also evident which are seen to shape the personality of an individual.
Christianity
Christians are seen to define themselves based on their appearance, mental intelligence, their abilities to perform some specific duties, and their possessions. They also view the idea of self and how it dictates the relationship present between individuals. The concept of self in the positive perspective helps individuals Christians have a better feeling of themselves. On the other hand, the concept of self in the negative perspective develops bad attitudes towards oneself. The self-concept in Christianity starts God the creator where Christians are created in the image of God. Christians are then seen to understand the concept of the soul after first appreciating the image of the creator. The Gospel books in the New Testament are seen to dictate upon the idea of oneself in the Christian life.
Islam
The concept of self in Islam is seen to take a different approach. It is based on the heart, soul as well as the psyche of a Muslim. The heart is the most important component of the self in an individual since it describes their wisdom. It is through the heart that an individual is able to create close links with Allah. It also helps one understand the aspects and the fundamental requirements of life. The soul is seen to form the innate personality of an individual. This religion presents three distinct aspects of self which are; neglect self, regard self, and striving self.
The concept of self in these religions is seen to be similar in a way as they all appreciate the existence of the inner self the soul. They all present a way of developing self-characteristics which are desirable. The religions are seen to vary at some points since they have different doctrines and teachings based on their Holy Books.
Part 2