Hinduism vs Buddhism
While Hinduism and Buddhism are both eastern religions with many similar beliefs, they are not the same. Any similarities between the two can likely be attributed to their shared origins in the Asian region. However, Hinduism and Buddhism differ in their understanding of various concepts and dogmas.
What is Hinduism?
Hinduism does not have a founder and believes in the existence of souls, with two primary types: the individual soul and the supreme soul, called Brahman. Interestingly, Hinduism accepts Buddha as one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. According to Hinduism, people should strive to achieve the four ends of human life during their time in the mortal world: dharma (righteousness), artha (material wealth), kama (sensual pleasures), and moksha (liberation). Achieving all four ends of human life is necessary for a complete life. Hinduism also accepts the four ashramas or stages of life: Brahmacharya (student life), Grihastha (household life), Vanaprastha (retired life), and Sanyasa (renounced life).
What is Buddhism?
In contrast to Hinduism, Buddhism has a founder, Lord Buddha, and does not believe in the existence of souls. Buddhism also does not accept the validity of any God or Goddess in Hinduism as equal to Buddha. Initially, Buddhism was a singular tradition without divisions, sects, or sub-traditions. However, after Lord Buddha’s death, differing opinions among bhikkhus led to the emergence of two major traditions in Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana.
Buddhism believes that desire is the cause of all evils and views the world as a repository of sorrow and affliction. The removal of affliction is considered the primary aim of human life. Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism does not believe in ashramas and instead posits that a person can be drafted into the Order if they are spiritually fit.
Key Takeaways
- Hinduism has no founder, while Buddhism was founded by Lord Buddha.
- Buddhism does not believe in Gods, whereas Hinduism believes in several Gods and Goddesses.
- Hinduism’s ultimate goal is the attainment of the four ends of human life, while Buddhism’s ultimate goal is achieving nirvana.
