Origin of Buddhism
Buddhism is a spiritual path founded in the Indian subcontinent by Siddhartha Gautama, an early prince and sage, in the 6th-5th century BCE. Siddhartha was deeply influenced by Hinduism and its spiritual traditions, yet his teachings evolved to become Buddhism, an entirely distinct religion. Though many of the beliefs and practices of Buddhism and Hinduism share some common origins, their paths of development and practices have diverged over time.
According to tradition, Siddhartha had become disillusioned with the world and its sufferings, leading him to embark on a spiritual quest in search of answers. He took five spiritual teachers as guides, and under their tutelage, he practiced austerities, including fasting and isolation. Siddhartha eventually left his guides, rejecting their teachings as inadequate, and proceeded on his own path. In Bodh Gaya, Siddhartha attained enlightenment, starting the practice of Buddhism that still stands today.
From the beginning, Siddhartha was an ardent proponent of the teachings of Hinduism, particularly the Vedanta system. This system attempts to describe the soul as singular and eternal, that is, unified in all its aspects. As such, the Vedic texts of Hinduism and the teachings of Buddha contain many parallels, with far-reaching implications for both belief systems.
In addition, Hinduism shares a belief in karma and the cycle of life, death and rebirth—the fundamental concept of samsara. According to Hindu belief, the cycle of samsara can be broken by achieving the goal of the spiritual life—self-realization, or moksha. Ultimately, the two traditions are aligned in the same universal truth—that the ultimate state of being is one of liberation and peace.
Worship and Beliefs
Despite the shared spiritual lineage, Buddhism and Hinduism differ in their approaches to worship, particularly the way that deities are viewed and venerated. Hinduism views deities as gods and goddesses who can be worshiped and prayed to, as well as used for protection. Buddhism does not have any gods, as it does not consider any single higher power or force to be ultimate and authoritative. Instead, Buddhism teaches that one’s own spiritual effort and devotion are essential to spiritual liberation.
Both Hinduism and Buddhism also share a belief in the principles of dharma, or righteousness, and ahimsa, or nonviolence towards all forms of life. Similarly, both faiths push their practitioners to strive for harmony and inner balance. Likewise, both sects seek to reduce attachment and free the soul from suffering. Despite their core similarities, Buddhism and Hinduism have some distinct beliefs. Buddhism is non-theistic, which means that there is no one absolute power or divine force. This allows Buddhism to remain open to many alternative interpretations. Hinduism, on the other hand, is often viewed as a monotheistic religion, though some sects are polytheistic or pantheistic.
Practices in Day to Day Life
In practice, Buddhism and Hinduism differ in the way adherents approach their faith. Hindus tend to practice their faith through external rites and rituals, such as offerings and pilgrimages to temples, as well as private meditations and mantras. Buddhists often honor their faith through meditative practices, such as chanting and sitting in stillness. Hedonistic activities and excess materialism are generally proscribed in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
Nevertheless, Buddhism, in contrast to Hinduism, rejects the idea of a divine being and is less hierarchical, instead seeking individual wisdom and understanding over the authority of seeking guidance from priests. In this sense, Buddhism is much more personal and individualistic than Hinduism. Additionally, Buddhism emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and Buddhist meditation techniques, while Hinduism typically incorporates devotional rituals, mantras, and offerings as primary forms of spiritual practice.
Widening Philosophical Differences
Over time, Buddhism and Hinduism have developed even more differentiating philosophies. Buddhism has maintained a strict opposition to the caste system, which creates a hierarchy based on birth for the classification of people, in stark contrast to the ideals of Hinduism. Siddhartha rejected the caste system and instead stressed that ethical and moral behavior is a more important factor in spiritual growth. Similarly, Buddhism vehemently critiques the animal sacrifices and temple worship that are found in many forms of Hinduism.
On the other hand, Hinduism has criticized both the idea of denying the existence of deities or spiritual forces and the Buddhist concept of nirvana. The practice of meditation, central to Buddhist tradition, is also frowned upon by some of the more fundamental sects of Hinduism, which view this practice as unnecessary and potentially disruptive to the soul. These diverging philosophies make it clear that the two sects, while sharing many ideas, have moved far along two distinct paths.
Added Value of Both Religions
Despite the differences, Hinduism and Buddhism have also come to share a mutual respect for one another and their various spiritual teachings. The similarities between the two faiths remain evident, as both strive to create an environment of understanding, peace, and balance. On a practical level, both religions offer a great deal to their practitioners, providing a suite of spiritual tools for gaining inner harmony, better understanding of the self, and achieving a sense of peace in life.
In general, the study of Buddhism has significantly enhanced and deepened Hinduism, allowing it to evolve to become more nuanced and diverse. Hinduism has taken and adapted many of the Buddhist concepts and reinterpreted and restructured them to become an integral part of Indian culture, thus creating an enriched religious landscape. Similarly, the mere contribution that Buddhism has made to spiritual thought is immense, in the way that it incorporates complex philosophies into a comprehensive path of spiritual practice.
Buddhism and Hinduism in the Modern Age
Today, Hinduism and Buddhism are practiced around the world and their influences and ideas can be seen in many modern cultural and spiritual traditions. Though the two faiths have diverged pathologically, their mutual respect, understanding, and shared cultural heritage continue to connect them. Inevitably, the two religions are seen to be inseparable, providing distinct paths that enable individuals to find their own balance and direction in life.
Yoga and its Influence
The spiritual practice of yoga, derived from Hinduism, has been adapted and increased in popularity in the modern age in both Eastern and Western societies. The practice has been shaped by Hindu thought, integrating into it many of the spiritual teachings of Buddhism. Buddhism has helped to create a path of meditation and mindfulness by adding to the Hindu yogic system of postures, pranayama, and breathing exercises.
Today, the practice of yoga is often associated with Buddhism and Hinduism, representing the best of both worlds. In large part, it is Buddhism’s emphasis on the inner exploration of the self that has helped make yoga become an effective and integral part of spiritual, physical and mental health.
Influence in Art
The influences of these two religions can also be seen in art. Hindu and Buddhist ideas have forever shaped the masterpieces of artistry and architecture in many countries, particularly those of the Far East. Buddhism and Hinduism have also utilized concepts of art to illustrate moral themes and deliver spiritual messages and to their adherents.
In the modern art world, Buddhist and Hindu concepts are often employed by many contemporary artists as a way of conveying spiritual and religious messages. These artworks serve to remind us of the deeply interconnected spiritual legacy of both Buddhism and Hinduism and how their philosophies still remain relevant today.
Interpretation in Science
The worldly realms of science and education have also been significantly influenced by these two religions. Ideas of Buddhism and Hinduism have become an essential part of the scientific worldview, with scientists of the present continuing to build upon the ancient philosophical ideas found in these texts. These two traditions have become integral to the study of genetics, evolution, and the physics of the universe.
Many scientists have claimed that the spiritual principles of Buddhism and Hinduism can be used as a foundation for understanding the world on a deeper level. These theories may not be verifiable through empirical evidence but can nevertheless provide powerful insights into the reality of the universe and our place in it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hinduism and Buddhism have a deep and intricate history. Both share ancient roots, yet their paths and practices have diverged considerably over the centuries. Their shared lineage has given them a unique spiritual heritage to draw upon and learn from, developing philosophies and practices that are both distinct and complementary. The two religions continue to influence modern spiritual practices and thought and are a source of inspiration and wisdom to millions around the world.
