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Essay / Eastern and Western Religions - 903
The “soul” according to Eastern and Western religionsThe idea of the soul varies considerably between religious traditions. Although these variations exist, its basic definition remains unchanged. The soul can be described as the ultimate internal principle by which we think, feel and want, and by which our bodies are animated. The soul is considered the fundamental principle of life or the essence of a being1. Views on the permanence of the soul also vary across religious tradition. While some view it as an evolving mortal entity, others believe that the soul is an immortal, permanent unit. These interpretations vary from one period to another and from one religion to another. These characteristics of the soul are interpreted differently from an Eastern or Western perspective. In general, Eastern and Western religions, with the exception of Buddhism, view the soul as a permanent entity, which is either reborn or condemned to a permanent heaven or hell. Christianity views the soul as the permanent entity within itself, which is judged. by God. The purity of the soul decides whether it goes to heaven or hell. Christianity shares this fundamental belief with Islam and Judaism, which also affirm that heaven or hell is the final resting place of the soul. The Eastern religion, Hinduism, preaches that the Atman, or permanent soul, is present in every being and is the embodiment of the ultimate divine, Brahman. Buddhism, on the other hand, believes in Anatman, or impermanent soul, because everything in the world ...