Both Buddhism and Hinduism are often categorized as ancient religions, as both have origins stretching back as far as three thousand years or more. A common misconception is to think of these two faiths as a single entity, but in actuality, they have a great deal of differences. Buddhism emerged from within the religion of Hinduism, and developed a distinct identity from it over time. While both share common roots, Buddhism and Hinduism differ significantly when it comes to their beliefs and practices.
When trying to trace the origins of either Buddhism or Hinduism, it’s important to remember that neither faith has a single founder, nor can their beginnings be accurately pinned down to a specific date. In fact, even the terms themselves have evolved greatly over time – Hinduism having once been referred to as ‘Vaidika Dharma’ or ‘Sanatana Dharma’. Similarly, Buddhism was initially referred to as ‘Sakyamuni Buddhism’, originating from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as ‘the Buddha’. In Indian culture, it’s believed that Hinduism pre-dates Buddhism, having emerged approximately 1500 BCE. As for Buddhism, it emerged approximately 500 BCE.
Though Buddhism has its origins in Hinduism, there is still a wide gap between the two beliefs in terms of doctrine and practice. While both emphasize compassion and non-violence, Hinduism adheres more to a caste system, with a hierarchy that places an emphasis on ritual worship and following social norms. In contrast, Buddhism eschews the idea of a caste system, instead emphasizing the importance of individuals striving for nirvana or enlightenment through personal effort. Furthermore, Hinduism also believes in a cycle of rebirth, in which the soul is constantly reincarnated until it reaches enlightenment. Buddhism, however, does not believe in the concept of reincarnation.
Another major difference between Hinduism and Buddhism lies in their respective gods and deities. While Hinduism is pantheistic, or the worship of multiple gods, Buddhism is nontheistic, or the lack of belief in any form of divine being. In the Hindu faith, gods and goddesses are worshipped through rituals and prayers, while in Buddhism, the focus is placed firmly on personal development. Thus, while Hinduism is mainly practiced as a religion, Buddhism is seen as more of a philosophy.
Though Buddhism and Hinduism are two of the most studied faiths in the world, there is still much that cannot be definitively determined regarding their respective influences on culture and society. The best way to understand the unique characteristics of each faith is to observe and study how they are practiced in various parts of the world – from India and Vietnam to Tibet and China. Only by gaining such a holistic understanding of both Buddhism and Hinduism can one truly appreciate their histories, differences, and similarities.
What Does Buddhism Believe?
At the heart of Buddhism lies the importance of achieving enlightenment as a path to liberation from suffering. Buddhists believe that all living beings have the potential to attain enlightenment and burst the cycle of suffering and rebirth. In order to do so, they must practice the Noble Eightfold Path – encompassing right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. When practiced diligently, these eight duties will lead one closer to the truth and away from the trappings of materialism and attachment to worldly pleasures.
While there are many rituals and customs that must be adhered to in order to be a good Buddhist, the main emphasis lies on the attainment of wisdom and understanding. To this end, Buddhists strive to become better individuals by developing compassion for all living things and attempting to lead lives based on the central tenets of Buddhism – namely, the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Central to these tenets is the idea of detachment from material pleasure and attachment to the present moment – a difficult task in our modern, consumer-driven societies. Thus, Bodhicitta – or ‘enlightened heart’ – is emphasized, as this is seen as the key to salvation. Ultimately, the core belief of Buddhism is that the self is a transient concept that is ultimately illusory and dominated by our desires.
What Does Hinduism Believe?
Hinduism is an ancient religion, and its main belief system revolves around the cyclical nature of life. Specifically, Hindus believe in the doctrines of Samsara – or the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth – and the law of karma, the idea that one’s actions will have future consequences.
Rather than focusing on a single deity as in other religions, Hinduism acknowledges multiple deities, both male and female, each with their own purpose and area of influence. Among these deities are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – collectively known as the Hindu trinity – who are responsible for the creation, protection, and destruction elements of the universe.
Unlike Buddhism, Hinduism places great emphasis on rituals and ceremonies, such as offerings to the gods, prayer, and meditation. Furthermore, Dharma — the idea that each individual has an inherent responsibility to uphold ethical values — is seen as a key part of the religion. Thus, Hindus strive to lead a life of purpose and balance, while working towards achieving liberation from suffering.
One of the oldest religions in the world, Hinduism consists of a vast body of teachings and scriptures that not only expound on the nature of the universe, but are also intended to guide its followers to live a life of moral and ethical uprightness.
What is the Relationship Between the Two?
Despite the many differences between Buddhism and Hinduism, both faiths are deeply intertwined in terms of practice, belief and history. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for a single individual to identify as both Buddhist and Hindu – or ‘Bhuddish’ – particularly in India and Nepal where both faiths are widely practiced.
As mentioned earlier, Buddhism emerged out of early Hinduism, adopting some of its rituals and teachings, while rejecting others. In Hinduism, the concept of Karma is strongly accepted, while in Buddhism, the emphasis is more on one’s personal responsibility in achieving enlightenment. Furthermore, in Hinduism, gods and goddesses are worshipped while in Buddhism, no distinct deity is followed.
Despite their differences, it’s undeniable that Buddhism and Hinduism share many elements in common. Both faiths emphasize the importance of compassion, non-violence and humility, while advocating the path of enlightenment through personal effort. As such, both faiths can exist in harmony, and it is possible to practice both Buddhism and Hinduism in one’s life – ultimately, it is a matter of personal belief.
Modern Cultural Influence Of Buddhism And Hinduism
Present-day Buddhism and Hinduism have adapted to modern life, with many parts of East and Southeast Asia considered centres of Buddhist and Hindu practice. In addition, Buddhism has also grown in popularity in the West, with new branches such as Zen and Tibetan Buddhism having gained significant followings in recent decades.
When it comes to Hinduism, it has become more widespread due to the growth of the Indian diaspora, and communities of people of Hindu faith can often be found residing in the US, Canada and the UK. This has been accompanied by the growth of Hindu religious literature, notably the Bhagavad Gita, which is considered one of the most influential texts in Hindu philosophy.
Furthermore, in many countries, the influence of both Buddhism and Hinduism can also be seen in the arts and popular culture. Many films, books and pieces of artwork centre around Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu, while certain Buddhist teachings – such as the concept of ’emptiness’ – appear in a variety of media. Similarly, various festivals such as Diwali and Vesak, while being largely rooted in religion, have become social celebrations in many countries, enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
The Role Of Meditation In Buddhism And Hinduism
Meditation is seen as an integral part of both Buddhism and Hinduism, and is considered an essential tool in achieving enlightenment. In Buddhism, meditation is understood as part of the Noble Eightfold Path, while in Hinduism, the practice of chanting mantras – or ‘sacred sounds’ – is popular in many traditions.
At its essence, meditation is seen as a way of calming the mind and focusing on the present moment. Through meditation, Buddhists and Hindus strive to understand the ins and outs of the universe, as well as to become better people by acting with integrity and developing a feeling of freedom from attachment and desire.
Whether done in private or in public, meditation is one of the most effective ways to gain clarity and understanding of one’s true self and the ultimate purpose of life. Research has also suggested that regular meditation can have a number of beneficial effects on our mental and physical health, as well as aiding in better concentration and reducing stress.
The Impact Of Buddhism And Hinduism On Other Belief Systems
The impact of Buddhism and Hinduism on other religious systems is unmistakable. Buddhism has left its mark on various sects of Taoism in China, while the worship of Bodhisattvas – enlightened beings who strive to help others on their path towards understanding – has become popular amongst some branches of Christianity. Similarly, many aspects of Hinduism can be found in Buddhism, with both beliefs in karma and reincarnation being embraced in many parts of East Asia.
It’s worth noting that Buddhism and Hinduism have both had significant influence over the development of certain ideologies and practices, such as non-violence and environmentalism. In fact, the Dalai Lama is often described as one of the most influential advocates for peace, non-violence and environmentalism in the world, drawing on the philosophies and teachings of Buddhism.
Ultimately, the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on the world is hard to overstate, and the wisdom and knowledge of these two faiths have provided the foundation for countless other beliefs and philosophies. From meditation to social justice and beyond, the teachings of these two faiths remain just as timeless and relevant in today’s world as they were in the past.
