So, Malory will appreciate this one, because she is in Philosophy of World Religions with me.
Hinduism is thought to be the oldest religion. It is VERY widely beleived that it was at least around during the period that we are currently studying in Honors.
In Hiduism (and Buddhism, for the matter), life is not seen as linear, like we see it now. It is circular. It is a system of birth, life, death and rebirth(called Samsara). The goal of Hinduism and Buddhism is to escape this cycle, and move on to become one with nature(or God). The better you are at what you are, the closer you come to Nirvanna(escaping the cycle). THIS IS THE GOAL.
Now, in direct contrast to this, we see Rome. In the Aeneid, book 6. We see the underworld, which gives us the belief of afterlife. Here is also a view of reincarnation(this is also seen in Plato). Yet here, when you are the best at what you are, or the best to Rome, you WANT to be Reincarnated. This is the goal.
I find the differences in these interesting, and I think I'm going to study it further.
I think a huge point with these is also that Romans wanted to strive to continue their empire. If their sons and daughters are working to die, this would be counterproductive and destructive to the empire as a whole. The Romans also want to seem immortal. Embracing death and not fighting for life would seem almost...weak.
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