The Roles of Priests of Eastern Religions

Introduction The organization of the eastern religions ranges from simple to complex. Many religions have spiritual leaders or priestly figures. These leaders have the responsibility to conduct religious services, ceremonies, and rituals, to advise or command believers, and to govern the religious organization at various levels. This document attempts to present the various roles, responsibilities, authorities and lifestyles of the spiritual leaders of five eastern religions. The eastern religions reviewed will be Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, …

…Many of the priestly figures are responsible for conducting religious services, ceremonies, and rituals. Some of the priestly figures support believers and non-believers by giving physical, mental, and emotional advice. Many are engaged in one way or another with the health care of the people Some priestly figures are extremely involved in their communities, whereas others are not involved other to perform ceremonies or rituals. Many of the priestly figures are teachers and spiritual leaders.