Since both of the religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, originated from the same piece of the world, they constitute a wide range of similar teachings, beliefs and practices. Mudra is a system of symbolic hand gestures with meanings, often used during meditation. Considering this overlapping background between Buddhism and Hinduism, it is natural that both share common ideas. However, the idea of karma for Hindus and Buddhists is slightly different. Since Hinduism and Buddhism are two eastern religions with many similar believes, believers of other faiths do not understand the difference between Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism is also based on such principles. While Buddhism started in India, now most of its followers are outside of the country and primarily in Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, Japan, and many Southeast Asian countries. Buddhists, however, do not share this view. Hinduism is subject to many variations and influences from local cultures. The only difference is salvation is called Moksha in Hinduism and as Nirvana in Buddhism. Although originating from Ancient India, some have difficulty in differentiating between the two. It was constructed in the first century BC and aspects of Indian Hindu temples, Southeast Asian Buddhist temples, and Eastern Asian pagodas are seen in the Great Stupa. The philosophy of Hinduism and Buddhism is nearly the same. The Similarities. A mantra is the utterance of syllables or words in a melodic way which is believed to have spiritual power and can bring the person to a higher spiritual awareness. Differences. To put it plainly, if someone does bad things in this life, that person might be reborn in a less desirable state in the next life. The yoga scholar Stephen Cope identifies the following similarities between Raja yoga and Buddhism. One has to […] Hinduism and Buddhism share some of the following similarities.1. Buddhists see him as an admirable teacher who achieved enlightenment and founded the Buddhist religion. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions of the world which is a very complex religion. 2. There is no discrimination against women in either religion. Buddha is often portrayed using these hand gestures in statues or paintings. Also, “Lord Buddha, the prophet of Buddhism, hailed from a Hindu family.” (Kumar 2018) giving them an ancient connection. Both the religions originated from Indian Subcontinent. Buddhism and Hindu religion share some customs and rituals but despite that there are also differences that distinguish the two religions, below are differences and similarities between the two religions: Buddism Monks; Hinduism And Buddhism Similarities. Even though there are many gods in Hinduism, they are believed to all come from Brahman, the universal soul. India vs China: 16 Major Travel Differences, 9-Day India’s Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari: Venture through the Mesmerizing landscapes of India, 9-Day India’s Golden Triangle with Varanasi: Explore India’s Holiest City with an Ancient Spiritual Legacy, Recognize symbols such as Dharmachakra and Mudra, Practice meditation, yoga, and mantra (although in different ways), Followers are mainly in East and Southeast Asia, Recognizes the existence of one god but does not focus on it, Traditionally divides society with a caste system, Believes that Buddha was a reincarnation of Vishnu, Believes that Buddha was a great teacher who found enlightenment. Instead, they believe in the existence of one god, but they do not believe it is necessary to seek god. Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism. Dharmachakra commonly appears on Hindu temple walls as well, particularly in temples of the sun god, Surya. On the other hand, Buddhists deny the existence of many gods. A Buddha is not a god. Your email address will not be published. Salvation. In both religions, you will come across similar vocabulary such as samsara (the cycle of rebirth), karma (cause and effect), or dharma (moral order). Hinduism and Buddhism are very similar religions in comparison to the monotheistic religions of the West. Dharmachakra is a symbol common to Hinduism and Buddhism that looks like a ship’s steering wheel. Written by hindusinfoeditor. The wheel appears in India’s national flag as well as the Thai royal family’s flag. To date, people still practice these religions in varying parts of the world especially in India. Travelling with us? Buddhism teaches a man to lead a virtuous life. If I lived in India around 100 B.C., I would choose to be a Buddhist. Buddhism believes in the process of reincarnation based on deeds of the present life. This is believed to help a person achieve nirvana and release him/her from the cycle of rebirth, which is the ultimate goal in Buddhism. Similarities and Differences of Buddhism and Hinduism One of the most common points of Hinduism and Buddhism is the fact that their teachings are both philosophical in nature. Let’s take a look at their major similarities and differences. Similarities and difference between Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, both Hinduism and Buddhism are major world religions. Differences: Central Figure: Clearly, there are overlapping concepts and practices between these two religions, but while there are clear similarities there are even more differences. In Buddhism, it often refers to the teachings of Buddha. Furthermore, it is open to different interpretations and is relatively tolerant of different views. In fact, 15% of the world’s population is Hindu and 7% is Buddhist. Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism: 1. The number of spokes varies, but eight is most common, representing the Eightfold Path teaching for Buddhists. The three religions have emerged out from the same source, which is called the Aryan Truths. SIMILARITIES BETWEEN HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM. It is also called the Wheel of Law. Your entire journey is made at your own pace. He notes that the two philosophies are not the same, but are strikingly similar, having shared a long period of interchange up to about 500 CE. Buddhism believes in the process of reincarnation based on deeds of the present life. Our Asia-based specialists maintain current first-hand knowledge. salvation. The chief aim of human life is to attain Moksha by following the ethical code and leading a virtuous life. 4) Buddhism does not have a god. So, all the three believe in the karma theory, cycle of birth & rebirth and a final destination of infinite peace and happiness which is the goal of every individual (known variably as Moksh, Nirvana, Kaivalya). Both believe in Samsara and Karma. Both religions are ancient and both have massive followings in the present day. A brief comparison of Hinduism and Buddhism: Quotations: On Hinduism: Mahatma Gandhi said: "I think I have understood Hinduism correctly when I say that it is eternal, all-embracing, and flexible enough to suit all situations." In Buddhism, mantra is more used as a meditation exercise to help the mind focus on certain things and let go of attachments. The religion does not focus on the worship of any god but instead focuses on self-realization and discipline. Buddhism was founded in 563 B.C.E by Siddhartha Gautama. It could be said that Buddhism emerged out of Hinduism because Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, grew up learning Hindu teachings before he became a traveling monk and gained enlightenment. Both Hinduism and Buddhism see life as a cycle, which means that spirits are continually reincarnated into a new life after the end of their previous one. Worshiping various different gods is very deeply ingrained in the Hindu culture, but in Buddhism, followers are instead encouraged to focus more on self-discipline. Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is a historical figure who was born a prince of India and lived in 4th century BC. Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the most interesting religions in the world. While becoming vegetarian is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged in both Hinduism and Buddhism as an expression of non-violence. In Hinduism, it is tied closely with the duty of a person, or how a person is supposed to conduct oneself according to their caste. The major Similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism are: There is idol worship in both Buddhism (Mahayana) and Hinduism. The lowest caste, which is known as the untouchables, gets the worst end of it. in Other Religions. Apart from similar concepts, there are similar symbols that occur in both Hinduism and Buddhism, including mudra and dharmachakra. Buddhists see meditation as a means of self-edification and attaining nirvana, while Hindus have varying purposes for meditation such including physical, mental, and spiritual enhancement. Similarities Between Hinduism and Buddhism. Each caste has its own dharma, or expected behavior and actions. There are many similarities between the two religions, yet they are different. Eight-fold path: The eight-fold path suggested by Buddha is also advocated by Hinduism but Hinduism shows many other paths also to attain salvation. Another shared practice between Hinduism and Buddhism is meditation. The best example of syncretism between Hinduism and Buddhism is the Great Stupa at Sanchi. For Buddhists, enlightenment is referred to as attaining nirvana, while for Hindus this is referred to as moksha, or becoming one with Brahman, the supreme god. Some of Buddha’s teachings were influenced by his disapproval of the Hindu practices at the time, especially regarding the caste system. Similarities and difference between Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism is a multi-faceted religion that is difficult to define because it does not have a single founder, prophet, or set of beliefs. Introduction: In the world today there are many religions of different beliefs with vast numbers of followers. Hinduism’s view on morality goes hand in hand with their view of dharma. They both give emphasis on the role of a person’s life in a society. They share a similar (and sometimes overlapping) history, including the regions where they were founded. But again, the two religions have different perspectives on how to go about it and why you should practice it. The eight practices include right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right samadhi (meditative union). They also use it while praying. On a direct comparison, however, the differences between Buddhism and Hinduism are great. Similarities and Differences between Buddhism and Hinduism Buddhism and Hinduism and Buddhism are similar in the fact that both of their origins in India. Hinduism is about understanding Brahma, existence, from within the Atman, which roughly means "self" or "soul," whereas Buddhism is about finding the Anatman — "not soul" or "not self." Bondage and suffering According to the Buddha, desire is the root cause of suffering and the removal of desire in all its forms results in the cessation of suffering. Considering this overlapping background between Buddhism and Hinduism, it is natural that both share common ideas. Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism: 1. The Aim of Life: The aim of life advocated by Hinduism and Buddhism is the same i.e. Creator. Although the general tendencies of both religions lean toward the family and community, Hinduism does so at the expense of women and the lower castes while Buddhism remains more universally accepting. Both Buddhism and Hinduism share a strong belief in reincarnation; an endless cycle of births and deaths that must be broken. Hinduism is not … Interestingly, the founder of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha, was a Hindu from the warrior community. Hinduism and Buddhism, both of the religion were originated in the Indian subcontinent. Both Buddhism and Hinduism give equal rights to men and women. These are some religious similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism. 3. Hindus use mantras during rituals while worshiping gods. However, views on this vary greatly. Mudra is commonly practiced in both Hinduism and Buddhism but the positions, meanings, and uses are different. The Hindu belief is that deities can take many forms but, as … Hindus see karma as fitting behavior according to the role of the person, often this includes religious rituals, while Buddhists see it as correct intent and ethical actions. Let's take a quick look at some of the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism & Buddhism: Two Great World Religions Sharing Similarities & Contrasting Differences April 23, 2011 One thing you’ll notice right off the bat when stepping into Southeast Asia are the similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism. Began in China, tried and tested over 20 years. Buddhism and Hinduism come from the same region, India. The cycle or reincarnation and rebirth represent the core of both religions. Marriage with a different caste was highly discouraged throughout India and although older generations still may not approve, today, many young people participate in intercaste relationships and marriages. Similarities. In Hinduism, attaining the highest life is a process of removing the bodily distractions from life, allowing one to eventually understand the Brahma nature within. Instead of dividing the society into hierarchical categories, he taught that all people are of equal value, therefore there is no caste system recognized in Buddhism. The caste system benefits the upper castes but suppresses the lower castes. World: Both Hinduism and Buddhism emphasize the illusory nature of the world, and the role of karma and desire-ridden actions in keeping the beings bound to the cycle of births and deaths.2. Hinduism and Buddhism share many similarities and also differ immensely. Thus, the fundamentals of the three religions are the same, they stress on the practice of Truth (Satya), Non-Violence (Ahimsa), Chastity (or Celibacy in case of monks and nuns (Brahmacharya)), Non-Attachmen… 5) Buddhist believes in the "middle way" but Hindus believe in extreme asceticism 6) Buddhists has monks and nuns 7) In Hinduism you can not convert and it did not encourage people to convert into it but in Buddhism, you can convert and it wants people to convert into it. Attachment to people, places, things, or even ideas can lead to suffering; therefore, it’s best to practice non-attachment in the sense that you’re more anchored in your center than in outer circumstances. Although it is currently illegal in India, traditionally, Hindus believed in the caste system which divides people into four hierarchical groups, or five if including the untouchables. 613 Words 3 Pages. Whereas, performing actions without desiring the fruit of the action would result in liberation according to some of the Hindu texts of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad-Gita. Hinduism, which emerged about 3,500 years ago, and Buddhism, which started around 2,800 years ago, are two of the world’s main religions both of which originated in India. Tag your travels with #asiahighlights and you may be featured. Samsara refers to the endless cycle of birth and death. Both started in India around 2500 years ago, and originated in the northern part of India. Hinduism also believes that everyone is a part of an impersonal world and therefore, one’s soul reincarnates into another body of any being, based on the deeds of the present life. Both of them are very focused on nature, the … Similarities And Differences: Comparing Hinduism And Buddhism Removal of desire, which is the root cause of suffering, would result in the cessation of suffering according to the Buddha. Comparison between the Hinduism and Buddhism. He likes to study Hinduism and is also the author of the book, If You Like This Article, Then Please Share It, Differences between Hinduism and Buddhism, Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism. Both religions also have an inclination towards vegetarianism. They believed that Vishnu incarnated as Buddha in order to restore dharma, or moral order, in the world. Some Hindus believe that the Atman and Brahman are ultimately the same, an idea that resonates with pantheism. According to some historical researchers Buddhism evolved and became popular because of the complexity of the Hinduism. Hindus recognize numerous deities. Historically, the caste system has been very prevalent in Hindu culture and determined many decisions such as who to marry. It could be said that Buddhism emerged out of Hinduism because Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, grew up learning Hindu teachings before he became a traveling monk and gained enlightenment. Similarities Between Hinduism or Buddhism Religion. In this article, we will try to find out the similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism. No God to pray to, a place without the presence of suffering and finding enlightenment are just a few of the aspects that pull me towards Buddhism. The disproval of the caste system was one of the things that triggered some of Gautama Buddha’s teachings. Hindus recognize that there is an individual soul inside each person, called an Atman. Hinduism also believes that everyone is a part of an impersonal world and therefore, one's soul reincarnates into another body of any being, based on the deeds of the present life. The most conspicuous similarity is the origin of the two religions in sub-continent India. The Aim of Life: The aim of life advocated by Hinduism and Buddhism is the same i.e. This means that there is no systematic way to teach the religion. On the other hand, Buddhism began from a single founder, Gautama Buddha. Karma is the concept that any action or thought will directly result in a fitting consequence in the present or future life state. As you visit India and experience the local culture, you will be able to see that Buddhism and Hinduism share many intriguing similarities, but also have distinct differences in their beliefs and practices. Hinduism is also based on such principles. Hinduism and Buddhism have many similarities and differences. Although these two major world religions have some beliefs in common, they are different in many ways. Buddhism came into existence after a long period than Hinduism, that is in & around 6th and 4thcenturies BCE. Unique experiences are designed to match your interests. Similarities and Differences Between Buddhism and Hinduism Buddhism "Nirvana" Wisdom ~ Mortality ~ Meditation A continuous quest Connection to nature and all parts of the universe Similarities Buddhist and Hindu Enlightenment "dharmachakra" Received after work from life to life Both religions began in ancient India. Our reliable customer-care team supports you 24/7. This cycle can only be broken by achieving enlightenment. Some worship and religious practices are similar but there is a profound difference in the style and purpose of life in the two religions. salvation. Buddhism and Hinduism have some similarities, but many things set them apart from each other as well. 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