1.

How do Eastern and Western belief systems differ in their views of the divine (God or Gods or Other)
and time?

Eastern and Western belief systems differ in their views of the divine and time by having the
Western’s point of view toward time is it “flows one direction -- toward eternity” This represents that
the West doesn’t reflect with the past, only the future that awaits them. This meant when the West
says, “We don’t know and we don’t care.” They don’t care about where they came from and life before
birth. To add on, the Western’s belief were based off historical events as “time means history” what
their God taught, rewarded or punished the West formed Judaism, Christianity and Islam from events
such as “The Exodus, the Crucifixion, and the Night of Power.” However, in the East, their point
of view on time is that the existence of time is forever lasting, we rely on it for, “source and our
destination.” Since, it’s present right now. Additionally, Eastern belief systems do not believe
history is significant to the Buddhists or Hindus or Taoists. This is due to the divine action is a
result of our acts.

2. Why is it difficult for Westerners to understand Eastern belief systems?

It’s difficult for Westerners to understand Eastern belief systems because in the East religions
offer tools to enable a person to live life to its fullest. Also, the East believed karma could lead to unity
with “Braham.” In contrast, the West who thinks in terms of categorizing, labeling and defining , The
East have strange belief systems. An example is when Occidental students discuss the “absolute,
unconditioned reality only in terms of negatives” it makes the students insane. So when the
West stops requesting the East to look at beliefs from the West point of view, the West wants
to also understand the East’s beliefs.

3. Which details from the article did you find most surprising? Explain

Details from the article I found most surprising was the fact that Western students were driven
insane studying the Hindu convention in negative terms. Since, I thought the West hope to understand
the Eastern beliefs, then how would the West learn from the East? Also, as the West to me is a topic
that is less known, because of this I didn’t know that the West believe that time flows one direction
which is Eternity.

4. According to the author, what do Eastern and Western belief systems have in common?

According to the author, Eastern and Western belief systems both have an explanation for the
ideal life we should we living. In addition to a perfect life, it also offers us a past to overcome obstacles,
for our lives to be more rich, joyful and wise. This is because most of us aren’t perfect and we aren’t
living the life we wish to desire. But most importantly belief systems give us something to strive for or a
goal in life.