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Soule Drake February 18, 2012 Buddhism and Hinduism Comparison There are many religions that dominate the world today, two specific ones, Hinduism and Buddhism, are similar in many ways, while still having their own defined uniqueness. Hinduism and Buddhism are both world religions, whose impact and influence can be seen in many places. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion consisting of several systems of philosophy, rituals, and beliefs. This complex religion is now the third largest world religion. Buddhism is a path to spiritual discovery it’s ultimate goal it to break through the cycle of rebirth and achieve nirvana. Hinduism’s and Buddhism’s beliefs, practices, origination, and expansion share similar roots, however the two powerful religions have grown in separate directions. Many of the strong world religions today have evolved from the foundational teaching of one person, the founder of the religion. Christianity’s founder is Jesus, the father of Judaism is Abraham, Islam is based off of Muhammad’s teachings, and Buddhism’s founder is Buddha. Hinduism is the odd one out, for it does not have a single founder. Instead, Hinduism is a result of an integration of many religious beliefs and philosophical schools (wangu). Hinduism has expanded into the complex religion it is today by the merging of beliefs and practices of the people of the Indus Valley and the Aryans of Persia. Also the Rigveda, a collection or writing and hymns have played a part in the evolution of Hinduism (Hinduism). The Indus Valley Civilization is the earliest known place where practice of the rudiments of Hinduism took place (Hinduism). Therefore Hinduism originated in the Indian subcontinent. The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, was originally Hindu. This is a major factor contributing to how Buddhism and Hinduism are similar in some aspects, including beliefs. However, Siddhartha Gautama branched off from his Hindu roots and went on the journey in which he became Buddha and realized the lessons that he later taught. These lessons turned into the teachings and beliefs of Buddhism. Buddhism originated in northern India because that is where the Buddha lived during his lifetime. Hinduism is a complex religion filled with many beliefs and teachings compromising the Hindu religion. Hindus believe in what is called the caste system. The caste system is a social division in which one is born into that they cannot escape. The religious aspect of the caste system is that the higher up in the caste system you are born, the closer you are to achieving moksha. From its origination, Hinduism has been a polytheistic religion, believing in many gods. Although the number of Hindu gods ranges in the thousands, there is one god at the root of it all, Brahman, the creator (Wangu). Two other major Hindu gods are emphasized, Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer. Brahman is believed to be in all things, and is essential self, or atman, of a being. All these complex ideas of Hinduism are recorded in the Vedas, Hindus sacred text. However, Hinduism does not have only one single sacred text, but instead many. Two epic poems are also apart of the Hindu religion. These poems, the Mahabharata and Ramayana, both contain many morals taught throughout the long epics. Although Hinduism is such a complex religion, woven into one of many gods and teaching, there is a root goal at the source of it all. This goal is the achievement of moksha. Moksha translated into Sanskrit means “ release”, and that is what Hindus believe it to be, a release from the cycle of rebirth and the hardships of living through union with Brahman. Because of the Buddha’s background in Hinduism, some of the beliefs and teachings are similar, however Buddha did create many of his own ideas that evolved into Buddhism. During Buddha’s journey to seek enlightenment he realized that if one wants to achieve enlightenment, one must live in the middle way. This means staying away from both extremes of life and instead finding a middle way to live life. Siddhartha Gautama describes how to end suffering through the eightfold path. Following the Eightfold path brings about freedom from attachments and delusions; and finally leads to understanding the truth about all things. Siddhartha Gautama emphasized the Eightfold Path as the path to enlightenment. The Four Noble Truths, along with the Eightfold Path, compromise the rudiments of Buddhism. The Four Noble truths state that life is filled with suffering, the reason for suffering is desire and non virtue, and you can attain no suffering by overcoming non-virtue through the eightfold path. These truths are a big part of the Buddhist religion. Siddhartha Gautama realized the suffering, sickness, and death in life; he also realized the joy and happiness, however he recognized that those things did not last. Thus the Buddhist philosophy was formed that everything in life was temporary, life was filled with impermanence. Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism has no gods. Instead Buddhism worships Buddha, who even though mortal is sometimes revered in a god-like manner. The teachings of the Buddha have been gathered into the Tripitaka, a Buddhist sacred text. The Eightfold path, the Four Noble Truths, the teaching of Buddhism is all because ones goal is to achieve Nirvana. This is the goal of Buddhism, to end the cycle of rebirth and therefore escape suffering through Nirvana. As seen the teachings of beliefs of these two strong religions are similar, however hold many differences. They both seek to break free of reincarnation, but they have different ways doing so. While Hinduism believes in one essential self, Buddhism believes in impermanence. Hinduism worships thousands of gods, while Buddhism does not. These are only some of the similarities and differences of the beliefs shared between these two defined religions. Everything starts of with a beginning, a small humble beginning, then grows into something bigger. This applies to most anything, including Hinduism and Buddhism. Today Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the biggest and strongest religions in the world, but it has not always been this way. These religions originated in India, then many factors contributed to their spreading throughout the world. Hinduism stayed most prominent in India, this is even true today. This is due to the fact that the caste system is a large part of the Indian culture, and Hindus embraced this. Hindus accepted the caste system in their life, which made the integration of Hinduism into Indian culture very smooth. Although the majority of Hindus live in India, Hindus occupy many diverse places such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Fiji, and much more other places around the world. In each different society Hindus have altered their religion to conform better with the culture, however all Hindus share a core of rich, poetic, and complex traditions (Wangu). From its simple beginning Hinduism is now the Worlds third largest religion, with 650 million followers of this religion (Wangu). Buddhism also greatly grew from its small origination. Buddhism also originated in India, but it did not stay most prominent there. This is because Buddhists did not accept the caste system so it was harder to accept into India then Hinduism was. Instead, Buddhism has had a significant impact on Asian countries such as China, Japan, India, Korea, Mongolia, and more. (Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Buddhism) Buddhism has a universal appeal to all people. Everyone endures the burden of suffering; Buddhism provides a release from this suffering for all, no matter social class, wealth, or anything. This philosophy appeals to all people. This appeal has aided Buddhism in the growth of becoming the major world religion it is today (Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Buddhism). Another major stepping stone in the growth of Buddhism is Asoka, a Mauryan king who ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent. Asoka supported Buddhism during his lifetime, and his support helped Buddhism become well known. Now Buddhism is the Fourth largest world religion with 350 million people who practice Buddhism today (Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Buddhism). Although Hinduism stayed most predominant in India Buddhism spread out more. Throughout the origination, beliefs, and growth of Hinduism and Buddhism, it is easy to see the similarity’s, while also understanding the distinct differences. Both religions originated in the Indian subcontinent, but grew in very different directions. They share an almost common goal, but have different tactics of achieving it. As you can see Hinduism and Buddhism both share roots in the same traditions, but they branch off from each other to form their own identities. Soule Drake February 18, 2012 Buddhism and Hinduism Comparison There are many religions that dominate the world today, two specific ones, Hinduism and Buddhism, are similar in many ways, while still having their own defined uniqueness. Hinduism and Buddhism are both world religions, whose impact and influence can be seen in many places. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion consisting of several systems of philosophy, rituals, and beliefs. This complex religion is now the third largest world religion. Buddhism is a path to spiritual discovery it’s ultimate goal it to break through the cycle of rebirth and achieve nirvana. Hinduism’s and Buddhism’s beliefs, practices, origination, and expansion share similar roots, however the two powerful religions have grown in separate directions. Many of the strong world religions today have evolved from the foundational teaching of one person, the founder of the religion. Christianity’s founder is Jesus, the father of Judaism is Abraham, Islam is based off of Muhammad’s teachings, and Buddhism’s founder is Buddha. Hinduism is the odd one out, for it does not have a single founder. Instead, Hinduism is a result of an integration of many religious beliefs and philosophical schools (wangu). Hindusim has expanded into the complex religion it is today by the merging of beliefs and practices of the people of the Indus Valley and the Aryans of Persia. Also the Rigveda, a collection or writing and hymns have played a part in the evolution of Hinduism (Hinduism). The Indus Valley Civilization is the earliest known place where practice of the rudiments of Hinduism took place (Hinduism). Therefore Hinduism originated in the Indian subcontinent. The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, was originally Hindu. This is a major factor contributing to how Buddhism and Hinduism are similar in some aspects, including beliefs. However, Siddharta Gautama branched off from his Hindu roots and went on the journey in which he became Buddha and realized the lessons which he later taught. These lessons turned into the teachings and beliefs of Buddhism. Buddhism originated in northern India because that is where the Buddha lived during his lifetime. Hinduism is a complex religion filled with many beliefs and teachings compromising the Hindu religion. Hindus believe in what is called the caste system. The caste system is a social division in which one is born into that they cannot escape. The religious aspect of the caste system is that the higher up in the caste system you are born, the closer you are to achieving moksha. From its origination, Hinduism has been a polytheistic religion, believing in many gods. Although the number of Hindu gods ranges in the thousands, there is one god at the root of it all, Brahman, the creator (Wangu). Two other major Hindu gods are emphasized, Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer. Brahman is believed to be in all things, and is essential self, or atman, of a being. All these complex ideas of Hinduism are recorded in the Vedas, Hindus sacred text. However, Hinduism does not have only one single sacred text, but instead many. Two epic poems are also apart of the Hindu religion. These poems, the Mahabharata and Ramayana, both contain many morals taught throughout the long epics. Although Hinduism is such a complex religion, woven into one of many gods and teaching, there is a root goal at the source of it all. This goal is the achievement of moksha. Moksha translated into Sanskrit means “ release”, and that is what Hindus believe it to be. A release from the cycle of rebirth and the the hardships of living through union with Brahman. Because of the Buddhas background in Hinduism, some of the beliefs and teachings are similar, however Buddha did create many of his own ideas that evolved into Buddhism. During Buddhas journey to seek enlightenment he realized that if one wants to achieve enlightenment, one must live in the middle way. This means staying away from both extremes of life and instead finding a middle way to live life. Siddhartha Gautama describes how to end suffering through the eightfold path. Following the Eightfold path brings about freedom from attachments and delusions; and finally leads to understanding the truth about all things. Siddhartha Gautama emphasized the Eightfold Path as the path to enlightenment. The Four Noble Truths, along with the Eightfold Path, compromise the rudiments of Buddhism. The Four Noble truths state that life is filled with suffering, the reason for suffering is desire and non virtue, and you can attain no suffering by overcoming non-virtue through the eightfold path. These truths are a big part of the Buddhist religion. Siddhartha Gautama realized the suffering, sickness, and death in life, he also realized the joy and happiness, however he recognized that those things did not last. Thus the Buddhist philosophy was formed that everything in life was temporary, life was filled with impermanence. Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism has no gods. Instead Buddhism worships Buddha, who even though mortal is sometimes revered in a god-like manner. The teaching of the Buddha have been gathered into the Tripitaka, a Buddhist sacred text. The Eightfold path, the Four Noble Truths, the teaching of Buddhism are all because ones goal is to achieve Nirvana. This is the goal of Buddhism, to end the cycle of rebirth and therefore escape suffering through Nirvana. As seen the teachings of beliefs of these two strong religions are similiar, however hold many differences. They both seek to break free of reincarnation, but they have different ways doing so. While Hinduism believes in one essential self, Buddhism believes in impermanence. Hinduism worships thousands of gods, while Buddhism does not. These are only some of the similarities and differences of the beliefs shared between these two defined religions. Everything starts of with a beginning, a small humble beginning, then grows into something bigger. This applies to most anything, including Hinduism and Buddhism. Today Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the biggest and strongest religions in the world, but it has not always been this way. These religions originated in India, then many factors contributed to their spreading throughout the world. Hinduism stayed most prominent in India, this is even true today. This is due to the fact that the caste system is a large part of the Indian culture, and Hindus embraced this. Hindus accepted the caste system in their life which made the integration of Hinduism into Indian culture very smooth. Although the majority of Hindus live in India, Hindus occupy many diverse places such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Fiji, and much more other places around the world. In each different society Hindus have altered their religion to conform better with the culture, however all Hindus share a core of rich, poetic, and complex traditions (Wangu). From its simple beginning Hinduism is now the Worlds third largest religion, with 650 million followers of this religion (Wangu). Buddhism also greatly grew from its small origination. Buddhism also originated in India, but it did not stay most prominent there. This is because Buddhists did not accept the caste system so it was harder to accept into India then Hinduism was. Instead, Buddhism has had a significant impact on Asian countries such as China, Japan, India, Korea, Mongolia, and more. (Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Buddhism) Buddhism has a universal appeal to all people. Everyone endures the burden of suffering, Buddhism provides a release from this suffering for all, no matter social class, wealth, or anything. This philosophy appeals to all people. This appeal has aided Buddhism in the growth of becoming the major world religion it is today (Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Buddhism). Another major stepping stone in the growth of Buddhism is Asoka, a Mauryan king who ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent. Asoka supported Buddhism during his lifetime, and his support helped Buddhism become well known. Now Buddhism is the Fourth largest world religion with 350 million people who practice Buddhism today (Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Buddhism). Although Hinduism stayed most predominant in India Buddhism spread out more. Throughout the origination, beliefs, and growth of Hinduism and Buddhism, it is easy to see the similarity’s, while also understanding the distinct differences. Both religions originated in the Indian subcontinent, but grew in very different directions. They share an almost common goal, but have different tactics of achieving it. As you can see Hinduism and Buddhism both share roots in the same traditions, but they branch off from each other to form their own identities. Work Cited ” Buddhism.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online Academic Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 17 Feb. 2012.
