hinduism and buddhism compare and contrast essay

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Hinduism vs Buddhism — 3 Major Similarities and 7 Major Differences

Hinduism and buddhism comparison overview, similarities between hinduism and buddhism, differences between hinduism and buddhism.

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.

Hinduism worships Brahman — the supreme lifeforce from which atman (souls) and many other gods originate, however Buddhism worships incarnations of one god — Buddhas. Both believe in a continuing cycle of life, suffering, death, and rebirth , but for Buddhists the goal of enlightenment is call nirvana , while it is called moksha in Hinduism.

Hinduism and Buddhism are like twins sharing a lot of the same terminology and concepts, but each has its own distinguishing features.Let's learn the 3 major similarities and 7 major differences between Hinduism and Buddhism as below.

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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. Considering this overlapping background between Buddhism and Hinduism, it is natural that both share common ideas.

1. Similar Concepts

In both religions, you will come across similar vocabulary such as samsara (the cycle of rebirth), karma (cause and effect), or dharma (moral order).

Samsara refers to the endless cycle of birth and death. 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. This cycle can only be broken by achieving enlightenment.

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. The concept of enlightenment is similar in the two religions, but they differ on the path towards achieving it.

Karma is the concept that any action or thought will directly result in a fitting consequence in the present or future life state. 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. Similarly, when good things happen to someone, karma states that it may be due to good deeds in a past life.

However, the idea of karma for Hindus and Buddhists is slightly different. 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.

Dharma is a difficult word to translate and it vaguely means natural law, duty, moral order, right conduct, or role in the universe. This concept is central to both Hinduism and Buddhism, but the interpretations in the two religions are different. 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. In Buddhism, it often refers to the teachings of Buddha.

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2. Similar Symbolism

Apart from similar concepts, there are similar symbols that occur in both Hinduism and Buddhism, including mudra and dharmachakra .

Mudra is a system of symbolic hand gestures with meanings, often used during meditation. Buddha is often portrayed using these hand gestures in statues or paintings. Mudra is commonly practiced in both Hinduism and Buddhism but the positions, meanings, and uses are different.

Dharmachakra is a symbol common to Hinduism and Buddhism that looks like a ship's steering wheel. The wheel appears in India's national flag as well as the Thai royal family's flag. It is also called the Wheel of Law. The number of spokes varies, but eight is most common , representing the Eightfold Path teaching for Buddhists. Dharmachakra commonly appears on Hindu temple walls as well, particularly in temples of the sun god, Surya.

3. Similar Practices

On the surface, you may notice that Hindus and Buddhists share a few common practices such as meditation and the use of mantras .

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.

Hindus use mantras during rituals while worshiping gods. They also use it while praying. In Buddhism, mantra is more used as a meditation exercise to help the mind focus on certain things and let go of attachments.

Another shared practice between Hinduism and Buddhism is meditation . But again, the two religions have different perspectives on how to go about it and why you should practice it. Buddhists see meditation as a means of self-edification and attaining nirvana, while Hindus have varying purposes for meditation including physical, mental, and spiritual enhancement.

Both religions also have an inclination towards vegetarianism . In India, 33% of Hindus are vegetarians. While becoming vegetarian is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged in both Hinduism and Buddhism as an expression of non-violence.

Clearly, there are overlapping concepts and practices between these two religions, but while there are clear similarities there are even more differences. Some of Buddha's teachings were influenced by his disapproval of the Hindu practices at the time, especially regarding the caste system.

1. Different Perspective on God(s)

One of the most fundamental differences between Buddhism and Hinduism is their view on the existence of god.

Hindus worship numerous deities . A few of the most important include Lord Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu , Ganesh, and Lakshmi . Even though there are many gods in Hinduism, they are believed to all come from Brahman, the universal soul.

Hindus recognize that there is an individual soul inside each person, called an atman. Some Hindus believe that the atman and Brahman are ultimately the same, an idea that resonates with pantheism. However, views on this vary greatly.

On the other hand, Buddhists deny the existence of many gods . Instead, they believe in the existence of one god, but they do not believe it is necessary to seek god. This is reflected in their teachings which mainly talk about ethical behavior rather than worship towards a god.

Worshiping various different gods is very deeply ingrained in Hindu culture, but in Buddhism, followers are instead encouraged to focus more on self-discipline.

2. Different Morality

One of the most important teachings of Buddhism is the Eightfold Path . The eight practices are right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right samadhi (meditative union). 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.

Hinduism's view on morality goes hand in hand with their view of dharma. Hindus do not just focus on a person's moral behavior, but instead emphasize the fulfillment of duties and rituals expected for the person's particular lifestyle and socio-economic status.

3. Different Views on the Caste System

Although it is currently illegal in India, traditionally Hindus believe in the caste system which divides people into four hierarchical groups , or five if including the untouchables. Each caste has its own dharma, or expected behavior and actions. Historically, the caste system has been very prevalent in Hindu culture and determined many decisions such as who to marry.

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.

The caste system benefits the upper castes but suppresses the lower castes. In fact, Hindus have to be of the Brahmin caste in order to achieve moksha, or enlightenment. The lowest caste, which is known as the untouchables, gets the worst end of it.

Disapproval of the caste system was one of the things that triggered some of Gautama Buddha's teachings. 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.

4. Different Views on Buddha

Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is a historical figure who was born a prince of India and lived in the 4th century BC. Buddhists see him as an admirable teacher who achieved enlightenment and founded the Buddhist religion.

Some denominations of Hinduism also recognized the figure of Buddha, but they perceive him as the 9th avatar of the god Vishnu , one of the three most important gods in Hinduism. They believe that Vishnu incarnated as Buddha in order to restore dharma, or moral order, in the world. Buddhists, however, do not share this view.

5. Different Architecture/Function of Temples

The differences in architecture between Hinduism and Buddhism can be found mainly in their temples. Hindu temples are architecturally dedicated to the worship a certain god: Lord Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesh, or Lakshmi , etc., while Buddhist temples or stupas are used to honor (incarnations of) Buddha and for meditation.

Hinduism architecture can be found in simple shrine structures by the side of roads or in large temple complexes like Swaminarayan Akshardham (the largest) in Delhi.

The famous originally Hindu-style temples Angkor Wat and Bagan in Cambodia and Burma respectively were later converted to Buddhist-style temples!

Buddhism temples are designed to represent the pure land or pure environment of a Buddha. The largest Buddhist temple in the world is Borobudur in Indonesia.

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6. Different Distribution "Homelands" for Hindus and Buddhists

Buddhism and Hinduism are the third and fourth-largest religions in the world after Christianity and Islam. In fact, 15% of the world's population is Hindu and 7% is Buddhist.

Hinduism is mainly focused in India . 92% of all Hindus come from India , which makes it an ethnic religion. The second largest populations of Hindus outside India are in Nepal and Mauritius. Less than 1% of Hindus live outside Asia and the Pacific.

Buddhism originated in northern India, but it is a religion that is distributed more widely. China has 18% of the world's Buddhists, the largest percentage. Thailand and the neighboring countries of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia and other East Asian countries have the greatest numbers of Buddhists. Small numbers of Buddhists are found outside Asia.

7. Different Religious Festivals

All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly worshipful in character and significance. They usually combine with religious ceremonies of sacrifice and washing, semi-ritual spectacles, deity worship and prayer, and processions. The main festivals for Hindus include Diwali , Holi , Onam, Maha Shivaratri, and Ganesh Chaturthi. See The 12 Most Popular Festivals in India .

Festivals are also an important aspect of Buddhist practice . At festivals, Buddhist will go the local temple or monastery and offer food to the monks, honor Buddha, concentrate on the Five Precepts (refraining from killing, stealing, sensuality/fornication, wrong speech, and intoxicants), listen to a Dharma talk or chant of the Buddha's teachings, and meditate. The major Buddhist festivals are Vesak (Buddha Day), Nirvana Day, Magha Puja, and Dharma Day.

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Home — Essay Samples — Religion — Hinduism — Hinduism and Buddhism: Compare and Contrast

Hinduism and Buddhism: Compare and Contrast

• Categories: Hinduism Zen Buddhism

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Words: 1150 |

Published: Dec 3, 2020

Words: 1150 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

Works Cited

• Chapple, C. K. (1990). Nonviolence to animals, earth, and self in Asian Traditions. State University of New York Press.
• Gombrich, R. F. (2006). Theravada Buddhism: A social history from ancient Benares to modern Colombo. Routledge.
• Gombrich, R. F. (2009). What the Buddha thought. Equinox Publishing.
• Harvey, P. (2012). An introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, history and practices. Cambridge University Press.
• Hopkins, J. (2008). Hinduism and Buddhism. The Teaching Company.
• Narayanan, V. (2006). Hinduism. Oxford University Press.
• Renard, J. (2010). 101 questions & answers on Hinduism. Paulist Press.
• Robinson, R. H., & Johnson, W. J. (1982). The Buddhist Religion: A Historical Introduction. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
• Sankaranarayanan, S. (1983). A comparative study of Hinduism and Buddhism. Sri Venkateswara University Press.
• Smith, B. K. (1994). Hinduism and modernity. Blackwell.

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Buddhism and Hinduism: Similarities and Differences Compare & Contrast Essay

Hinduism and Buddhism have many similarities and differences. The most conspicuous similarity is the origin of the two religions in sub-continent India. Some worship and religious practices are similar but there is a profound difference in the style and purpose of life in the two religions.

Hinduism is about understanding the soul while Buddhism is about negating the soul. While Hinduism glorifies the understanding of Brahma and expunging the body of all distractions, Buddhism values achievement of a body without desires, also called nirvana. This paper will demonstrate that despite their similarities at face value, Buddhism and Hinduism have some profound and subtle differences.

Buddhism is a brainchild of Gautama Buddha (Lopez 54). On the contrary, no particular individual founded Hinduism. The two religions contrast on their religious texts. Buddhism uses Tripitaka, a collection of Buddha’s teachings that monks put together after his demise. Hinduism, on the other hand, uses Vedas and Upanishad. Over time, Hinduism has added two texts, Puranas and Gita.

On deities, Buddhism reveres individuals who have accepted and endured suffering in the samsara. Hinduism has different schools of thought within it and these schools venerate and worship different deities. Monotheists Hindus for instance worship Veda.

Practices within the two religions vary. Buddhism subjects its followers to an intense training on wisdom and morality. In addition, it (Buddhism) trains on concentration with the aim of achieving nirvana. Hinduism on the other hand practices meditation, yoga and Yagna, and make offerings in their house of worship. Buddhism aims to achieve nirvana so that after the individual dies, he or she will resurrect on the 31 planes.

Hinduism, on the other hand, believes death is a process towards enlightenment and when a person dies, he or she will reincarnate as many times as it will take to attain full enlightenment. To a Buddhist, the principle is to evade the sufferings of live by strictly adhering to the eightfold path. To Hinduism religion, the principle is to follow eternal laws (dharma) as the path to enlightenment.

Buddhism does not recognize the existence of God. Buddhists do not recognize the presence of soul. On the other hand, Hinduism acknowledges and venerates the existence of a soul, called Atman. In addition to individual soul, Hinduism recognizes existence of Brahman as the giver of life and the supreme deity.

It is interesting that while Hinduism recognizes Buddha, not as the supreme creator but Mahavishnu’s incarnation, Buddhism does not acknowledge or recognize existence of Hindu’s God. To a Buddhist, the world is a bad place inherent of sufferings and his or her main aim in life is to escape these predicaments. Hinduism’s view of life is more robust as manifest by the four-fold aims (arthas).

The first aim of Hinduism is fidelity to religion, also known as dharma. The second aim is pursuit of world wealth, also known as artha. The third concerns humans’ desires and feelings, also known as Karma. The fourth and ultimate aim is to acquire salvation, also known as Moksha.

Hinduism does not follow the noble truths but for Buddhism, it is central to the practice of their religion. As mentioned earlier, Buddhist believe that the world is full of sorrow and suffering. The four noble truths therefore provide a Buddhist with the path to navigate through this world.

The four noble truths, as itemized by Mangla, Dharam , and Raju are “the truth of dukka-suffering and anxiety, the truth f the origin of dukka, the truth of the cessation of dukka, and the truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukka” (65). Buddhism exposits suffering, not to inculcate cynicisms into its followers, but to prepare them that suffering is unavoidable in life.

Thus, as Lopez observes, Buddhism does not necessarily foster an optimistic or pessimistic consciousness but a realization that people have to live life as it is (54). Suffering, mental and physical, leads to distress among human beings. The four noble truths therefore provide a realistic framework through which Buddhists can navigate the hardship of life and attain nirvana.

Another conspicuous difference between the two religions arises from the caste system. Hinduism believes in the caste system in which people are born into particular caste. Material wealth determines one’s caste. Those who are poor and downtrodden occupy the lower caste. Interaction between members of different caste is uncommon as Hinduism does not allow it.

On the other hand, Buddhism does not discriminate on whatever basis. This explains why many people converted to Buddhism especially in Nepal. The caste system rendered many hopeless and inculcated a sense of futility in life. With the introduction of Buddhism from Nepal, many people formerly practicing Hinduism felt liberation from Hinduism enslavement.

The building of pagodas in Kathmandu brought with it glorious days because of its strategic position between China and India. It also fuelled conflicts between Hinduism and Buddhism as the former fought to reclaim its place as the unrivaled religion of the region.

Ultimately, the town survived to be the spiritual center of Buddhism. The caste system had led to despondency among members of the low class most of whom found an escape route in Buddhism.

In spite of the differences, the two religions have many similarities. Buddha, initially a Hindu, founded Hinduism religion and hence the many similarities. The two religions underscore that the world is an illusion. They also share believe on the role of karma in ensuring that man keeps within the confines accepted by his fellow men. Life, death, and the cycle in the two processes is core to both religions.

Though they do not venerate the same deities, the two religions acknowledge their existence. Spiritual activities such as meditation are core to both Hinduism and Buddhism.

More fundamentally, the two religions share the same belief that compassion is the key to peaceful coexistence. Some versions of Hinduism, like Advaita, correlate a great deal with Buddhism. The fact that the two religions originate from India accounts for the many similarities between them.

In conclusion, Buddhism and Hinduism are widely practiced in subcontinent India though they have gained acceptance in other parts of the world. By virtue of origin, the two have many common features. However, there are differences that cannot escape notice. The differences, some subtle and other profound, are in believe in deities and practices.

The most distinct feature of Buddhism is the practice of the four noble truths. For Hinduism, caste system is the most distinct. However, with modernization and education in India, the caste system is losing credence. The aim of religion is to give purpose to human life and the two religions are serving this purpose.

Works Cited

Lopez, Donald S. The Story of Buddhism: A Concise Guide to Its History and Teachings . New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 2001. Print.

Mangla, Dharam V, and Raju Gupta. Buddhism Vs Hinduism: A Comparative Study . Delhi, India: Published by Academic Excellence, in association with Geeta International, 2010. Print.

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The Origins of Hinduism: Tracing its Roots and Historical Development

This essay about Hinduism explores its origins and evolution, tracing its development from ancient times to the modern era. It examines Hinduism’s beginnings with the Indus Valley Civilization, progresses through the Vedic and philosophical Upanishadic periods, and covers the epic narratives of the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita. The text also discusses the growth of different sects, the impact of the Gupta dynasty, the Bhakti movement, challenges during colonial times, and the faith’s adaptation in today’s globalized world, underscoring its enduring appeal and transformative power.

How it works

Hinduism, often likened to a grand tapestry of diverse beliefs and practices, presents a journey through the annals of time, inviting us to explore its ancient roots. Its beginnings are as mysterious as they are profound, resembling the decoding of a forgotten script, each character reverberating with the memories of bygone eras. As we traverse through the meandering paths of history, archaeological findings stand as mute testimonials to the emergence of spiritual awareness, hinting at the mysterious birth of this venerable faith.

The roots of Hinduism stretch deep into the prehistoric times, intertwining with the lifeblood of ancient civilizations that prospered by the revered rivers. The remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization whisper secrets of early spiritual practices, suggesting a rich heritage of religiosity that predates recorded history. These ancient murmurs carry the latent beginnings of what would evolve into Hinduism, poised for the awakening of a new epoch.

Emerging from the shadows of history, the Vedic period heralds with its sacred chants as seers offer hymns to a pantheon of celestial beings. The Rigveda, the earliest of the Vedas, weaves myths and rituals into a rich mosaic reflecting the spiritual aspirations of its people. Amidst sacrificial fires, the Vedic priests connect with the divine through sacred chants, creating ethereal links between the human and the celestial.

In secluded forest hermitages, the philosophers of the Upanishads delve into profound metaphysical explorations, seeking truths beyond mere ritual. These ancient texts introduce the concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality underlying all existence, and the principle of karma, which intricately ties actions to their cosmic consequences, perpetuating the cycle of rebirth.

Ancient India also serves as the stage for epic narratives that stitch together themes of valor, devotion, and divine intervention. The Ramayana recounts Prince Rama’s saga of exile and redemption, symbolizing the victory of righteousness. Concurrently, the Bhagavad Gita from the Mahabharata imparts Lord Krishna’s wisdom to the conflicted warrior Arjuna, offering guidance amid the chaos of battle.

As centuries pass, Hinduism’s complexity deepens with the flourishing of sects like Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism, each celebrating different divine aspects. These traditions enrich the spiritual landscape, each adding vibrant colors to the broad spectrum of Hindu devotion through theological discourse and scholarly debate.

During the classical era, marked by the Gupta dynasty, Hinduism permeates the fabric of society, influencing royal courts and ancient academies alike. Magnificent temples epitomize architectural grandeur, while scholars compile the Puranas, which breathe life into the myriad deities of Hindu lore.

The Bhakti movement marks a profound devotional revival, as saints and poets across India inspire a spiritual renaissance transcending societal divisions. The heartfelt verses of Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas resonate among the common folk, fostering a personal, intimate connection with the divine.

The advent of European colonization introduces new trials. The British Raj reshapes the sociopolitical landscape, and Christian missionaries challenge local faiths. In response, Hindu thinkers and leaders advocate for revival and reform, reaffirming a sense of cultural identity and spiritual integrity.

In contemporary times, Hinduism continues to adapt, manifesting in new forms of artistic, literary, and spiritual expression. From bustling cities to serene ashrams, it remains a guiding force for millions, encouraging the pursuit of self-realization and enlightenment. In the digital era, this ancient wisdom transcends physical borders, connecting global seekers through virtual communities.

In essence, Hinduism’s journey from its cryptic origins in ancient civilizations to its dynamic presence in today’s global landscape showcases its enduring appeal and transformative capacity, continually guiding humanity in its quest for deeper truth and transcendental meaning.

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