Final answer:
Prothero indicates that Hinduism primarily addresses the problem of samsara, the cycle of rebirth, which is closely linked to suffering and karma. The solution involves following a path of righteousness and wisdom, aiming for liberation from this cycle. This is similar to Buddhism's emphasis on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to end suffering and achieve nirvana.
Therefore the correct answer is option c Samsara.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Prothero, Hinduism addresses several problems but the core problem is samsara, which refers to the cycle of rebirth. Within this cycle, the law of karma governs the cause and effect relationships that determine the conditions of each new life. The ultimate goal in Hinduism is to achieve liberation, or moksha, from this cycle. The law of karma implies that positive actions lead to positive results and negative actions to negative outcomes, reinforcing the cycle of samsara until one attains enough positive karma to break free.
The concept of suffering is inherent in the acknowledgement of samsara as it ties to the understanding that life is filled with suffering, desires, and attachments which all feed into the cycle of rebirth. To address this problem, Hinduism proposes a path that includes righteous living and wisdom to transcend suffering and eventually achieve liberation.
In Buddhism, this is paralleled in the teaching of the Four Noble Truths and the practice of the Eightfold Path or the Middle Way, which leads to the end of suffering and the attainment of nirvana. Both Hindu and Buddhist teachings emphasize personal responsibility over the reliance on a godhead to achieve these ends.