Related
questions
·
Compare and contrast Hinduism
with Buddhism.
· Discuss the similarities and
differences between Hinduism and Buddhism.
· Are there observable similarities
and differences between both Hinduism and Buddhism? Identity and critically
examine them.
INTRODUCTION
Hinduism and Buddhism represent the two major
philosophical systems present in Ancient Indian philosophy. Hence, studying
them would help reveal what Indian philosophy and religion is all about.
However, the main aim of this write-up, is o compare and contrast both
philosophies.
HINDUISM:
A brief analysis
Hinduism is the philosophy, religion and
culture of the Indian people. It is an extremely liberal religion which
accommodates diverse beliefs. This is due to the fact that, it has no founder,
but grew out of the culture of the people. Nevertheless, the history of
Hinduism is usually traced back to the ‘Aryan invasion’ from North-Eastern
Europe to India
BUDDHISM:
A brief analysis
Buddhism is the philosophy and religion,
founded by ‘Buddha’ – An Indian sage. Buddha’s birth name was ‘Siddhartha Gautama’;
and he was born in 563 B.C. in Northern India. So many fantastic stories are
told about the circumstances of his birth and life, which portray him as a
divine being. Interestingly, these stories are very similar to those told about
Jesus Christ in the Bible. At some point in his life, Siddhartha became
enlightened; It was after this experience he was called ‘Buddha’ – the
enlightened one.
SIMILARITIES
BETWEEN HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM
There are many several points in which these
both philosophies can be compared. However, the most important and obvious ones
are:-
i. Karma
The law
of Karma; sowing and reaping; cause and effect, operates equally between both
philosophies.
ii. Samsara
The cycle
of reincarnation, entailing death and rebirth are inherent parts of both
philosophical religions.
iii. Ahimsa
The
Ethical principle of ‘No violence’, advocating the non-injurious treatment of
human and animal life are embraced by both philosophies.
iv. Asceticism
The
despising of worldly mundane things or illusions, and the act of focusing on
the spirit man, is also practiced by both philosophical religions.
v. Yoga
The
mystical act of meditation through vertical and horizontal Yoga, done to
temporarily achieve release or salvation are equally practiced in both
philosophical religions.
vi. Release/Salvation
Both
philosophies believe in release or salvation. For Hinduism, it is called
‘Moksha’, while Buddhism calls it ‘Nirvana’.
DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM
One the other hand, some important points on
which both philosophies disagree are evaluated thus: -
i. Conception of man
In
Hinduism, the soul (atman) is the essential aspect of man; hence, it is the
soul that reincarnates. In Buddhism, it is the body (consciousness) that
undergoes reincarnation; so, it rejects the supremacy of the soul.
ii. Ultimate reality
Hinduism
upholds ‘Brahman’ as the ultimate reality and source of all things.
Buddhism
rejects the concept of Brahman, as it does not uphold such metaphysical or
idealistic beliefs.
iii. Scriptures – the ‘Veda’
Hinduism
upholds the ‘Veda’ as a divinely revealed source of knowledge.
Buddhism
rejects the ‘Veda’ as an authoritative source of knowledge, as they don’t
believe in revelation.
iv. Mode of worship
In
Hinduism, the performance of sacrifices and rituals entails part of their mode
of worship. In Buddhism, sacrifices and rituals are alien, as they don’t
believe in such.
v. Existence of God
Hinduism
believes in the existence of God. They call God ‘Paramatman’ - the highest manifestation of Brahman.
Buddhism is not concerned with the metaphysical existence of God; hence, they are
‘agnosticists’.
CONCLUSION
Owing to the fact that, both Hinduism and Buddhism are Indian
philosophical religions, they share very intimate similarities which are quite
a number. However, their points of differences are as a result of, ‘Hinduism’
being more idealistic and transcendental in approach while ‘Buddhism’ being
more empirical and pragmatic.
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