Parallel Mythologies: Chinese and Hindu Mythologies - Essay Example

The main emphasis is made on the mathematical structures of cosmology and the immortal features of human beings. Different cultures position gods in a numerical hierarchical rank. As a rule, they have parallel support from a celestial body (stars, planets, moon, etc). With regards to mythological developments, deities are full of immortality secrets and they are demigods, which were born as a result of relationships between god and the matter of earth. Initially, the Taoist pantheon consisted of the natural deities and came from the roots of natural philosophy (Hackin, Linossier, De Wilman-Grabowska, Marchal, Maspero, and Eliseev, 1963). Further on some features from Buddhist deities were incorporated and different signs of Confucian ideology and many other ideologies can be identified.

In the majority of cases, mythical deities were embodied in human forms and shapes. By the legends and different myths, these deities have never been human ones. Demi-gods in Chinese mythology combine the features of heroes, emperors, and other outstanding personalities. There is no doubt that Chinese deities personify features of human brevity and courage in the majority of cases. In Chinese mythology, one can find many non-human spirit beings, which are popular in the context of Chinese culture (Ter Haar, 2001). For example, there are many deities, who have heads of animals, or these demi-gods functioned as the regulators of destiny, and developers of the universe; these demi-gods were legendary leaders, etc. Therefore, Chinese mythology is often compared with common features of real personalities.

Indian Mythology represents a rich element of Indian Culture. It is one of the most unique cultures in the world. Stories about mythology in India were transferred from one mouth to another from one generation to another (Cotterell, 1986). Thus, there is a myriad of different articles and stories about Indian mythology. These stories create a reliable background for Indian mythology development. The basic values of Indian culture can be traced to the mythology of the country. Tales of Panchatantra and Jataka are as well popular, as other stories from the Bhagvad-Gita, Mahabharata, and Ramayana (Cotterell, 1986). The main emphasis should be made on numerous and different stories telling about the real positive features of Indian mythology. The Hindu Gods are the most popular gods in Indian mythology.

There are hundreds and thousands of arms in deities of Indian mythology. Chinese mythology is not focused on depicting a myriad of hands or any other limbs of their deities. Hindu Gods are the most sexual in the world (Hopkins, 1969). Sexy carvings have grasped the majority of temples in Indian culture. Goddesses in Indian culture are always dancing; they are full of color and emotions. The cosmic dance of Shiva and the gang are very interesting and appealing to the audience. It should be noted that Hindu mythology is more about philosophy and not religion (Chatterjee 2001, p. 32). There are many sects in Indian culture.

The followers of this culture underline that they can choose any path for their development. The essence of mythology in Hinduism is to show that every person should follow his path in his own life. Karma is a moral duty of cause or reason and the followers of Hinduism are obliged to the laws of karma. There is more motion in the deities of Hindu in comparison with deities of Chinese mythology. The latter is connected with motionless conditions. Deities are stationary and they are more focused on their animalistic nature people are driven into their beliefs and blindly follow the peculiarities of these deities.

Mythology in Hinduism is more focused on personal duties and obligations. The followers of this religion are focused on different aspects of their lives and project their real-life stories on the background of their mythology. Both, Indian and Chinese mythologies are concerned about the great influence of unseen power, which determines the lives of their contemporaries. There are different philosophical and religious doctrines in both of these two cultures and it is possible to trace these differences in mythology. Read More