Introduction
Buddhism is one of the oldest world religions, with origins traced back to sixth century India. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha, and brought about the development of a spiritual tradition that has shaped the lives of millions of people across the world. While Buddhism does not have an absolute set of texts or scriptures like some of the other great world religions, it does have an impressive collection of teachings and beliefs that reflect the synthesis of both Hindu and Buddhist teachings. Through an exploration of what beliefs Buddhism borrowed from Hinduism, this article aims to shed light on the development of this ancient spiritual tradition and its core beliefs.
Beliefs in Reincarnation and Karma
One of the most essential beliefs that Buddhism borrowed from Hinduism was that of the successive cycle of rebirth and death, otherwise known as the ‘Wheel of Life’. This concept has long been an established cornerstone of Hinduism, reflecting the notion that all living creatures are said to pass through an infinite number of lives and deaths, repeatedly gaining a new life at each rebirth. This concept has since been adopted by Buddhism, and forms part of its core teachings. This belief entails the idea of karma, or the moral consequence of a person’s acts and behavioural choices, with each life providing an opportunity to create and follow a similar, if not higher, personal moral code.
Beliefs in Attaining Nirvana
Another core belief that Buddhism borrowed from Hinduism is the pursuit of Nirvana. According to Buddhist teachings, Nirvana is a state of perfect tranquillity and peace, where a person can become completely free of physical and psychological suffering, ultimately making it possible to reach a place of non-attachment and absolute enlightenment. In Hindu teachings, Nirvana is also known as Moksha or Liberation. The Hindu belief of attaining Nirvana is not dissimilar to that of Buddhism, wherein it is believed that by following the Eightfold Path, one can come to a place of perfect peace and harmony.
Belief in an Eternal Soul
Another core belief of Buddhism that it borrowed from Hinduism is the notion of an Eternal Soul. This concept reflects the idea that every living creature has both an individual soul, as well as a part of the larger universal soul. For Buddhists, this belief can help to provide insight into life’s journey, and encourage individuals to strive for a greater level of understanding and self-empowerment. In the Hindu tradition, this understanding of the eternal soul is known as the Atman. Although it is only mentioned a few times in the vast majority of Buddhist literature, the concept of the Eternal Soul is a fundamental belief that continues to shape the Buddhist faith.
Belief in Suffering and Enlightenment
Along with the above beliefs, Buddhism also inherited the Hindu teachings on suffering and enlightenment. According to Hindu texts, suffering can be described as a complex process of psychological and physical suffering, stemming from ignorance and craving. In the tradition of Hinduism, it is believed that suffering can be overcome by attaining enlightenment, or the ability to transcend ordinary consciousness by accessing deeper states of inner knowledge. Buddhism embraces this same understanding, albeit in its own way, by teaching its followers the Four Noble Truths – the concept that the origin of all suffering lies within the individual, and the path to freedom comes from following the Eightfold Path.
Different Perspectives on the Absolute Truth
Another major interpretation of Hinduism that Buddhism diverted from was that of the Absolute Truth. While both religions embrace some notion of a higher truth, Hinduism has a more holistic, metaphysical understanding of ultimate truth, with a view that the cosmic truth is both absolute and indestructible. Buddhism, on the other hand, abhors strict absolutism in favour of a more relative, pragmatic approach to truth, with the belief that truth is only temporal, and that it can never be known in its absolute form. This provides Buddhism with a greater degree of spiritual and pragmatic autonomy, allowing its followers to make their own decisions and conclusions when it comes to spiritual enlightenment.
Conclusion
The many similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism demonstrate the deep spiritual roots that have connected these two religions over centuries of shared devotees and teachings. Through its adoption of several key Hindu beliefs, such as the concept of reincarnation, karma, and enlightenment, Buddhism has expanded on this ancient spiritual tradition and created a path for millions of people in search of spiritual growth and self-discovery. Whether it’s Hinduism or Buddhism, this shared understanding of the ‘truth’ can provide clarity and direction for individuals all over the world.
Link to Global Faiths, Rituals and Practices
Not only do Buddhism and Hinduism share a spiritual thread, they are also two of the oldest surviving religions, both of which have had great influence over the majority of other religions in the world, connecting them to the ancient Vedic roots. Through this link, practices such as chanting and meditation, previously thought to be exclusive to Hinduism, have become an integral part of modern spiritual practice. In addition, many global faith practices, such as marriage and the practice of honouring ancestral spirits, can be traced back to both religions.
Buddhism as a Universal Religion
Buddhism is also unique in its universal orientation, offering believers of all backgrounds, races and genders a path to spiritual fulfillment. Unlike Hinduism, which is a more localized religion, Buddhism does not appeal to one particular group, as evidenced by its current flourish in almost every region of the world. This is a remarkable testimony to the appeal and power of this ancient spiritual tradition, which has managed to transcend time and place, ultimately becoming a dominant force in modern spiritual culture.
Social Values Intergrated Into Buddhist Dharma
Buddhism has also succeeded in incorporating social values into its teachings, such as compassion, forgiveness, respect, and devotion. These values are much more than mere material or social duties; they are essential aspects of a human being’s spiritual life, part of what comprises the so-called ‘dharma’, the spiritual laws governing the universe. This concept of dharma is something that has since been borrowed from Hinduism, wherein it is believed to be the governing cosmic force that ensures that the universe is sustained in harmony. This borrowing of fundamental values has been essential in making Buddhism accessible and relevant to believers of all faiths.
Incorporation of Hindu Myths into Buddhism
In addition to the sharing of core spiritual beliefs, Hinduism has also influenced Buddhism by integrating Hindu myths, stories, and ritual practices into Buddhist literature. For instance, it is believed that the Buddha’s mother, Maya Devi, played a prominent role in many of the myths within Buddhist texts, and many of the events in the Buddha’s life have been adapted from Hindu mythology. Furthermore, certain aspects of the Hindu practice of puja, the ritual of offering prayers to one’s chosen deity or guru, have also been adopted by Buddhists and incorporated into their own religious rituals.
Cross Pollination With Other Faiths
Finally, Buddhist teachings have also been cross-pollinating with other faiths, including those of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, providing believers with a greater understanding of faith and spirituality. Through this exchange of ideas and beliefs, Buddhism has been able to become one of the most globally influential religions in history. Thus, with its excellent adaptable characteristics, Buddhism has been able to draw upon a deep spiritual well of wisdom and understanding, reaching out to and connecting with people from all walks of life.
