In many eastern religions and philosophies, there is a strong affinity between Buddhist teachings and Hinduism. The primary goal of both is to reach a state of enlightenment and inner peace. To some extent, Buddhist teachings coincide with Hinduism in terms of understanding the nature of life and the afterlife, but the path that leads to understanding remains the same. The basic components of the two religions are generally the same, but differ in detail.
From the very foundation of Buddhism its teachings have had an influence on Hinduism. Buddhism is based on the belief in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These teachings are devoted to explaining human suffering and what people can do to end suffering. Paradoxically, these teachings provide guidance for how people should live in order to experience spiritual happiness. Buddhism also offers guidance about how to cultivate right action and right thinking that leads to an awakened state and a higher plane of perception.
Buddhist teachings found their way into Hinduism and the two began to intertwine. The idea of karma, for instance, is a prominent concept in both religions. Karma is mysterious and Law of Cause and Effect that tells us that our behaviour and actions in the present determines our future experiences. Therefore, if we live with intention to be good and do right, we’ll experience a more positive and beneficial outcome in the future. To some degree, karma ties into the notion of Samsara which is the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth that one passes through until they attain Nirvaṇa.
Another aspect of the relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism comes from the understanding of various Gods. Whereas Hinduism is traditionally polytheistic, Buddhism is primarily atheistic. Nonetheless, it doesn’t deny the existence of various deities nor does it disregard belief in them. In fact, many Hindu deities, such as Saraswati, Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu are respectfully mentioned, but it does not prescribe any form of worship. In Buddhism, one’s devotion should be shifted away from God and towards the Dharma, or teachings of the Buddha.
Lastly, in Buddhism, one engages in meditation and mindfulness practice. Hinduism also encourages one to practice meditation and incorporates it into their lifestyle. Aside from engaging in meditation, Hinduism also encourages followers to practice yoga. Yoga refers to the combination of physical, mental and spiritual discipline that includes breath work, physical postures, and meditation. Yoga is said to bring one closer to discovering their true nature.
Universal Compassion and Loving-Kindness
Both Buddhism and Hinduism is emphasis and teaching of Universal Compassion and Loving-kindness for all sentient beings – people, animals, and beings in our environment. In the Mahayana Tradition we find the bodhisattva ideal – the aspiration to liberate all sentient beings from suffering, ourselves included. This is expressed in the figure of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of Universal Compassion, who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. In Hinduism, the aspect of Universal Compassion is expressed through the figure of Viṣṇu, who is the embodiment of “all-embracing” loving-kindness.
The development of the Universal Compassion practice is known in both Buddhism and Hinduism. Through practice, we become providers of other beings’ welfare, we strive to take on others’ burdens, and are less motivated to harm them. This is seen as a way of cultivating selflessness and detachment.
Both Buddhism and Hinduism are also teachings of Non-attachment and Non-Violence. Non-attachment is the practice of detaching oneself from material possessions and cravings. Through this practice, one comes to understand that true happiness and fulfillment comes from within, and not from external sources. Non-violence, on the other hand, is the practice of abstaining from the intentional harming of other living beings, as well as avoiding actions that lead to harm or suffering. Therefore, one should express compassion for all living beings, regardless of their race, religion, or gender.
Conclusion
To conclude, Buddhism and Hinduism are two religions and philosophies that are closely intertwined and connected. As many scholars have observed, the spiritual principles that guide both paths are quite similar. That being said, one can admire the beauty and wisdom of both systems, as each offers amazing insights into what it means to be human and how to live a meaningful, peaceful and fulfilling life.
