History of Hinduism and Buddhism
Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the oldest religions in history, both beginning in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is the oldest of the two, roughly 6,000 years old, and Buddhism follows, over 2,500 years later. Hinduism evolved from the agglomeration and traditional worship of the many local gods of ancient India. Buddhism was founded in the 5th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, known as “Buddha,” or “The Enlightened One”.
Hinduism is polytheistic and a pantheon of gods. The main deities are Shiva and Vishnu, who have many aspects and avatars. Buddhism is faith-based with a single deity and emphasizes self-improvement and inner enlightenment. Buddhism is a spiritual path founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, or the “awakened one”. Buddhism is largely based on his teachings of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and the law of Karma.
Hinduism has been practiced in India since ancient times and is an amalgamation of many beliefs. Its main texts are the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and the Bhagavad Gita. Hinduism is largely seen as a process of self-discovery, with a central goal of full self-realization. This is achieved by living a life of truth, morality and ethical behavior and understanding the Universal Consciousness.
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion focused on the “Three Jewels”: the Dharma, or body of teachings; the Sangha, or community of Dharma practitioners, and the Buddha himself. The Dharma embodies the teachings of the Buddha such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the law of Karma. The goal of Buddhism is to provide a path to enlightenment.
Ethics
Hinduism discourages attachments to material possessions and encourages spiritual detachment. Hindus believe any action will have an effect on the individual’s future and seek to understand the moral consequences of all their acts. Dharma is a Hindu principle that encourages one to live an ethical life, pursue justice and righteous conduct.
Buddhism also promotes living an ethical life, but with a slightly different emphasis. Buddhists strive to balance wisdom, morality and mental development. Buddhists seek to understand and take responsibility for the karma of their actions, striving to do what is right and mindful of the effect of their actions.
Scriptures
The oldest Hindu scriptures are the four Vedas; however, the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Ramayana are also important texts. The Vedas detail rituals, hymns and mantras that are still practiced. The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Indian text in the form of a poem and contains verses about Hindu theology and philosophy. The Upanishads contain philosophical teachings on the soul and Brahman, the Supreme Consciousness.
Scriptures of Buddhism are the Tripitaka, a set of written texts believed to be the words of the Buddha and his teachings. The Tripitaka includes Sermons, rules of monastic life, and philosophical and psychological teachings. Buddhists also revere two additional collections: the Sutras, which are the commentaries on the Tripitaka, and the Vinaya, which is the major source of monastic law.
Practices
Hinduism is an ancient religion that is based on the principle of karma, meaning causes and effects exist in our lives. Hindus follow various practices such as pilgrimages, chanting mantras, yoga and meditation to reach spiritual enlightenment. Hindus also observe some rituals such as performing Vedic fire ceremonies, offering ceremonial sacrifices and worshipping in temples and at home.
Buddhist practice focuses on meditation and achieving inner peace. Buddhists meditate on the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and the five aggregates of the human mind. They believe that by understanding the true nature of reality, one can reach Nirvana, or the highest form of enlightenment. In addition, Buddhist practice consists of chanting mantras, performing rituals, and participating in pilgrimages to Buddhist sites.
Beliefs
Hinduism is a faith-based community with a variety of beliefs and traditions. Hindus regard the three primary gods, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, as manifestations of the same higher reality. Hindus believe in reincarnation and karma, meaning one’s actions and thoughts will shape future experiences in this or future lives.
Buddhism is a faith-based philosophy that is grounded in the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhism does not include the worship of gods or goddesses, but instead reveres the Buddha as a teacher and guide. Buddhists believe in karma, the law of cause and effect, which requires one to take responsibility for their actions. They also believe that all living beings contain Buddha-nature, the potential to become enlightened.
Cultural Impact
Hinduism has played a large role in shaping Indian culture, and has been an important part of the country’s history. Hindu gods and goddesses are still worshiped today, and many of the traditions, festivals and customs in India are based on their teachings.
Buddhism has also had a great impact on the cultures of countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The principles of Buddhism have served as a foundation for the art, literature and philosophy of these countries. Buddhist art can be seen in statues, paintings and architecture from these regions, and philosophy and literature also carry Buddhist themes.
Conclusion of Hinduism and Buddhism in the modern world.
Hinduism and Buddhism continue to be two of the most popular religions in the world today. Despite their numerous differences, both religions emphasize living an ethical and moral life, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and achieving personal enlightenment. In the modern world, both faiths are practiced more broadly than before, as individuals seek answers to their spiritual questions and guidance in their daily lives.
Monasticism
Hinduism does not have a monastic order or tradition, though some Hindu ascetics do live apart from society for a period of time. In general, the life of a Hindu is a simple one, focused on the attainment of spiritual enlightenment through adherence to certain ethical principles.
Buddhism, however, does have an established monastic order. All Buddhist monks and nuns take vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience and live in communities as part of a Sangha. The purpose of the Sangha is to provide guidance and structure for followers of Buddhism and to provide assistance to the community.
Philosophy
Hinduism is founded on the idea that Brahman is the Supreme Being, who is beyond definition and comprehension, and is the underlying basis of the universe. The overarching concept of Hinduism is that of ahimsa, or non-harming, which guides Hindu spiritual practice.
Buddhism seeks to provide a path to enlightenment through the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These teachings emphasize the importance of living an ethical life and the cultivation of wisdom, understanding and compassion. Buddhists strive to free themselves from craving and attachment and to reach a state of awareness and peace.
Legal Status
Hinduism is the primary religion of India, one of the world’s most populous countries. Indian law guarantees religious freedom and ensures equal rights of worship for all communities.
Buddhism is the majority religion in several countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar. These countries have adopted Buddhism as their national religion and have in place legal structures to support its practice. However, each of these countries has its own distinct version of the religion, so the legal status of Buddhism can vary greatly from region to region.
