A comparative discussion of Hinduism and Buddhism

A comparative discussion of Hinduism and Buddhism, two ancient religions that share historical roots in India but differ in their philosophical principles This meta-description invites you to delve into the similarities and differences between these spiritual traditions. From their differing views on the nature of existence to their approaches to the ultimate goal of liberation, Hinduism and Buddhism offer profound insights into the human experience.

Explore how these religions have influenced each other, shaping diverse cultural landscapes and providing unique pathways to understanding life, suffering, and the search for enlightenment. Journey through the intersections and differences of Hinduism and Buddhism, unlocking a deeper appreciation of the diversity in the tapestry of ancient Indian spirituality.

A comparative discussion of Hinduism and Buddhism

Historical Facts	A Comparative Discussion of Hinduism and Buddhism
Founder of Hinduism	There was no single founder; evolved over centuries
Deities	There are many gods and goddesses in a diverse pantheon
Goal	Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth)
Sacred Texts	Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita
Sacred Texts	The integral part is based on birth
Path to Salvation	Various paths (Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, etc.)
Role of Rituals	Important for many Hindus
Concept of Soul	Atman (eternal self)
Reincarnation	The integral part is based on birth
Place of Worship	The central belief in the cycle of rebirth
Founder of Buddhism	Gautam Buddha
Deities	No personal god; focus on self-enlightenment
Goal	Nirvana (cessation of suffering and rebirth)
Sacred Texts	Tripitaka (Pali Canon), Sutras
Caste System	Rejects caste system and emphasizes equality
Path to Salvation	Eightfold Path (Right View, Right Mindfulness, etc.)
Role of Rituals	Not emphasized; focus on inner transformation
Concept of Soul	Anatman (no permanent self)
Reincarnation	Acknowledged, but not permanent
Place of Worship	Temples, meditation centers

Introduction

Hinduism and Buddhism share much of the same terminology and concepts, but have somewhat different interpretations of these shared terms and concepts. A fundamental belief in both Hinduism and Buddhism is that there is a continuous cycle of life, suffering, death and rebirth called samsara, and that this cycle is based on karma, that is, actions and subsequent reactions. Both Hinduism and Buddhism also share the belief that liberation from samsara can be achieved, but both follow a different path to achieve it. In Hinduism, this liberation from samsara is called moksha, while in Buddhism it is called nirvana.

Comparative Discussion of Hinduism and Buddhism

Buddhism and Hinduism have numerous sects and schools. They differ widely in their beliefs, practices and philosophical interpretations. Therefore, any comparisons we present here do not necessarily reflect all the diversity, complexity, contradictions and exceptions found within them. This is only a broad overview, or rather an oversimplification in some respects, which should give you a fairly good understanding of their comparative features arising from their long-term historical and geographical relationship.

Atma and Anatma

In Hinduism, Atma or Atman is the eternal Self, which is infinite, self-existent, transcendental and indestructible, and Anatma is everything that is not the Self. Anatma represents dependent, perishable, transitory objective reality. Hindus believe in the existence of both atman and anatma. According to her, the eternal Self is caught in the cycle of birth and death because it is enveloped in the impurities of Nature and remains so until they are removed through spiritual transformation and purification. Buddhists do not believe in an eternal Self, but no-self. For them, nothing is eternal. All reality or existence is ephemeral and objectified in the gross and subtle realms and constitutes the reality of no-self. Beings are also part of this non-self reality, and what exists in and around them is also a dependent, destructible non-self. Each of them represents the same non-self or objective-self, made up of aggregates of parts (khanda) and consciousness or consciousness in various states of ignorance. They are caught in the cycle of birth and death and remain so until they attain liberation.

Karma

Both religions believe in the doctrine of karma, according to which actions driven by desire have consequences and bear fruit. It is the fruit of karma that moves life and the continuation of the worlds. Beings accumulate positive and negative karma according to their actions. Good actions bring good fruits of karma and vice versa. Both have consequences and lead to slavery, suffering, death and rebirth. According to Hinduism, karma is inevitable but can be resolved through desireless and selfless actions, transformational and purifying yogas, and the grace of God or a personal deity. Buddhists believe that karma can be overcome by practicing the Dhamma of the Eightfold Path of Buddhism as taught by the Buddha, giving up all desires and attachments, and purifying and controlling the mind and body. Some Buddhist sects believe that worshiping Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and other divine beings can have a beneficial effect, as one can earn meritorious karma and partially neutralize one’s sinful past. However, both traditions believe that the best remedy for suffering is not to engage in good karma, but to achieve liberation.

Anitya

Belief in the impermanence of the world is common to both religions, which they recognize as the main source of suffering and the reason to practice Dharma and attain liberation. Both agree that the world is in a state of constant flux and is unstable, just like mind and body. Death, decay, aging, disease and suffering are inevitable problems of life. No one can escape from them. All objects in the objective realm are subject to decay and destruction. The impermanence of things becomes a problem when we cling to them or form a relationship with them. Caught between attraction and aversion to things, we experience gain and loss and various conflicting states, emotions and feelings that constitute suffering. Therefore, in both religions you will find great emphasis on cultivating equanimity, sameness, detachment, renunciation, etc., to bring the mind to complete rest. However, as stated earlier, Buddhists believe that nothing in existence is permanent, while Hindus maintain that the Self (Ishvara) is eternal, permanent and indestructible. Thus man can escape from impermanence to immutability and immortality by knowing himself and attaining liberation.

Reincarnation or Rebirth

Belief in rebirth or reincarnation is common to both religions. Both agree that rebirth is the unintended consequence of engaging in lustful actions and entanglement with the world and its objects and pleasures. Both affirm that beings are born repeatedly until they attain liberation. Although humans have some control over where, when, and how they can be born, it is not true that humans are always reborn as humans and animals as animals. It is given by karma. People can be born as animals and vice versa according to their actions. Some may even languish in afterlife, such as the spirit world, for their capital sins (suicide, etc.). In other words, instant rebirth is not guaranteed for everyone. After death, beings may go to various heavens or hells according to their karma, where they remain in subtle states until they return to earth to be reborn. How long they stay there is also only determined by their past actions. However, while Hinduism believes that the eternal Self (Atman) undergoes rebirth or transmigration, Buddhism believes that it is a non-self or impermanent self that undergoes numerous births and deaths until it is completely dissolved.

Dharma

Both religions believe in the doctrine of dharma. Both are also known as dharma traditions or dharmic religions. Hinduism is called Sanatana (eternal) Dharma and Buddhism Bauddha Dharma. However, its meaning and interpretation is different for everyone. For example, in Hinduism, dharma refers to a set of moral and spiritual duties and obligations that are eternal and come from God. Human beings are expected to perform them for the order and regularity of the world. Dharma in Hinduism also refers to religion, morality, code of conduct, teachings, moral guidelines, etc. In Buddhism, Dharma (dhamma in Pali) basically means the fundamental teachings of the Buddha that lead to nirvana, or freedom from suffering and rebirth. It refers to righteous living or right living. The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and the Eightfold Path form the core of Dhamma teachings. Not knowing this is considered ignorance (avijja).

In both religions, dharma is represented by the wheel symbol because they believe that the laws of existence are subject to fluctuation due to the rotating or cyclical nature of existence. However, in Hinduism Dharma is eternal and in Buddhism it is subject to decay and destruction.

Devas

Both Buddhism and Hinduism recognize the existence of many gods and goddesses. They are also ritually and mentally worshiped by several sects and schools within each. Each has distinctive characteristics, powers, names and forms. Some deities have the same names in both religions, although they do not have the same status. Hindus believe that all gods and goddesses contain the essence of Brahman and are eternal. They can be withdrawn at the end of each creation cycle, but will reappear during the next. Buddhism holds that the deities and Buddhas of the higher realms are also impermanent, as is all existence. They can live for a long time, for ages, but eventually they also decay and disappear. Both traditions claim that by worshiping them one can accumulate good karma and enter the higher worlds. However, both agree that it is an inferior choice because it delays liberation. Hinduism reveres Isvara as the lord of the universe and the creator God. For Buddhism, there is no creator God, but in some sects they worship the Buddha as a supreme deity or an almost God-like being.

Cosmology

You will find many similarities between Hindu and Buddhist cosmologies and their descriptions and nomenclature of worlds, planes, and geographical locations in the universe. However, since each of them has numerous sects and sub-sects, you will find not one but many versions in each of them, which makes the comparison quite lengthy. Both assert that existence is cyclical, but without a finite beginning or end. It is filled with many subtle and gross worlds and planes of existence. Buddhism recognizes upper and lower realms, pure realms, impure realms, realms with and without forms, realms inhabited by deities, celestial beings, bodhisattvas, demigods, animals, demons, spirits, etc. Both identify Time (Kala) as the personification of Death and destruction. Hinduism recognizes seven upper worlds and seven lower worlds, with earth in the middle.

The upper worlds are inhabited by deities and celestial beings, and the lower worlds by demons and numerous dark and evil beings.

All these worlds can also exist in our consciousness in a subtle form and manifest in meditation.

Both religions also believe that Mount Meru is the center of the spiritual realm, surrounded by seven concentric islands and seven concentric oceans. Of these, Jambudvipa (the Indian subcontinent) forms the innermost landmass.

Buddha

Although the Buddha is the founder of Buddhism, in Hinduism he is considered the world teacher, god and incarnation of Maha Vishnu. Hindus may not ritually worship the Buddha like Buddhists or follow his teachings with the same zeal, but treat him with respect as an enlightened master. Some Puranas recognize him as a manifestation of God who took birth on earth as a heretical teacher to deceive people and lead them astray as part of his game. The Hindu Pachangam marks his birth anniversary (Buddha Jayanti) as a Hindu festival. Before Buddha renounced worldly life and retired to the forests, he was himself a Hindu. As the eldest son of a Hindu ruler, he was educated by Hindu teachers, married a Hindu princess and practiced the Vedic religion. For Buddhists, he is their supreme god, supreme teacher, savior and path finder. They worship not only the historical Buddha, but also several past and future Buddhas of the higher realms and their manifestations. For them, it symbolizes enlightenment, pure intelligence, the state of Nirvana and the highest goal.

Buddhi

In Hinduism, Buddhi is the highest aspect of nature. It is considered to be the very essence of Brahman (prajnanam brahma). In being, it is the meeting place between Self and not-self, where the light of Self shines in pure brilliance. As an aspect of nature (tattva), it is responsible for knowledge, insight, intuition and mental brilliance. However, due to impurities such as egoism, delusion and attachment, the intelligence of many people remains clouded. Through various yogic practices one can purify the mind and body and let the intelligence of the Self shine through them. The same ideas are also present in Buddhism, where instead of Brahman Buddha personifies pure intelligence. For Buddhists, there is no such thing as an eternal or transcendent intelligence. All intelligence is only part of the no-self reality. Enlightenment or awakening arises from the purification of natural intelligence on the Eightfold Path when one practices right mindfulness and right concentration, resulting in insightful awareness (prajna) and freedom from delusion. The Bhagavad Gita recommends buddhi yoga to sharpen the intelligence and stabilize it to cultivate discriminating wisdom.

Philosophy

Hinduism has six main speculative philosophies known as darshanas, with further diversity and variation within each. They were well developed long before the birth of the Buddha and played an important role in the development of Indian philosophy. Hindu philosophies can be divided into theistic, atheistic, materialistic and agnostic schools. Buddhist philosophies are fundamentally atheistic and agnostic. Like Hinduism, Buddhism has several schools of philosophy. However, it is difficult to categorize them due to the emergence of different schools of thought due to sectarian and geographical influences. Hindu and Buddhist philosophies share many common terms, concepts, and methods of inquiry, although the nature and essence of their philosophies differ fundamentally due to differences in their core doctrines and beliefs. For example, they have a common history and thought process concerning the investigation of the nature of mind and body, reality and existence, the nature of substances (dravyas), aggregates of mind and body, theories of causation, suffering and its resolution, the turbulent nature of the mind, or methods (pramanas) to ascertain of right knowledge, etc. However, they do not necessarily see the world and existence in the same way. Many of the philosophical concepts of Tantra are also common to both.

Desires

Buddhism was not the first religion of India, nor was Buddha the first to identify desire as the root cause of human suffering. The idea is central to Hinduism, Jainism, and several other ascetic sects. All recognize that actions driven by desire lead to karma and slavery. Desires arise due to the activity of the senses, the ignorance of beings (jivas) and the illusory nature of the world. However, credit goes to the Buddha for popularizing it among the laity by making it a central feature of his Four Noble Truths. Many Hindu scriptures, including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras, the Epics, the Tantras, and the Puranas repeatedly emphasize the binding nature of desires and the need to control them for peace of mind and liberation by cultivating purity, without passion. , detachment etc., through various yogic practices. Buddhism also recognizes desires as major obstacles to peace, equanimity, and nirvana, and prescribes the Eightfold Path to cultivate self-control and discernment.

Renunciation or Sanyasa

Renunciation or the practice of giving up worldly pleasures, possessions and attachments to attain liberation is common to both Buddhism and Hinduism. Followers of both traditions can renounce at any time in life. However, Buddhism is primarily a monastic tradition with an organized sangha or brotherhood of monks who play a vital role in preserving and spreading their faith and discipline. The Sangha is one of the triple jewels. In some Buddhist traditions, it is customary to contribute at least one small boy from each family to the monastery as the supreme offering. Hinduism does not have a similar practice. In Hinduism, the burden of preserving and protecting the dharma rests mainly on households (grihastha). They may take up Sannyas at a later stage in their lives, after fulfilling their duties. Another major difference is that the Middle Way or Middle Way is central to Buddhist monastic discipline, while in Hinduism, ascetic groups who renounce worldly life may follow either moderate or extreme methods of penance and austerity according to their respective beliefs.

Samsara

Samsara means course, passage, cyclical nature of existence, transmigration of souls, earthly existence, world, etc. In philosophical terms, it refers to the cycle of birth and death and the aimless wandering of souls in phenomenal existence through numerous births and deaths until they attain liberation. This concept was originally found in Hinduism and Jainism (and probably in several extinct traditions) and was subsequently modified by the Buddha as he too recognized it as the fate of every being on earth and the main source of our suffering. The main difference is that according to Hinduism it is the incarnated souls that are caught in transmigration, while Buddhism holds that it is the being or non-self that travels from birth to birth until it is completely dissolved into nothingness or purity. emptiness. Both religions describe Samsara in negative terms as a painful existence and cause of suffering that one should avoid rather than embrace.

Liberation

Buddhism and Hinduism are primarily liberation theologies. Their goal is to free the beings of the mortal world from the cycle of birth and death. This concept is inherent in all religious traditions that originated in India. Both suggest that the world is the main source of suffering and one should seek to escape from it through liberation, popularly called nirvana in Buddhism and moksha in Hinduism. However, the meaning of the word and the ways to achieve it are different for both. For example, in Hinduism, liberation means the liberation of the individual Self from the impurities of Nature like egoism, delusion, ignorance, etc. In Buddhism, it means the dissolution or cessation or extinction of the being or non-self itself. . According to Hinduism, after liberation, liberated souls travel to the immortal world of Brahman and remain there forever. Buddhism holds that after nirvana, beings cease to exist in any shape or form. Their individuality and consciousness dissipate into their original elements and enter an indefinable and indescribable state of existence in which nothing is distinguishable.

Rituals

Hinduism is primarily a ritualistic religion in which spirituality is a natural offshoot and only an internal form of ritual or sacrifice. Although some Upanishads declare rituals to be inferior, it can be said that there is a delicate balance between the ritual and spiritual aspects of worship in Hinduism. Buddhism was originally a monastic and spiritual religion, into which rituals and sacrifices entered later as sectarian practices under the influence of Vedic and Tantric beliefs. Idol worship or image worship is common to both religions. In many sects of contemporary Buddhism, people worship images and idols of Buddhas and other deities just as Hindus worship their gods and goddesses. However, their ways of worshiping may vary concerning details, techniques and offerings. Some sects of Buddhism are also said to practice Homa (fire sacrifice) rituals similar to those practiced in Hinduism.

In both traditions, ritual offerings are accompanied by recitation of scriptures and sacred mantras (japa), recollection of sacred names (smarana), and offerings of food, incense, prayers, etc.

In both cases, ritual worship is considered good karma that can lead to purification, the alleviation of sin and suffering or the fulfillment of desires. One can also find similarities in their burial rituals. Cremation is the standard way of disposing of a body. Funeral rites are intended to prepare the deceased for the next birth, in which relatives of the deceased play an important role.

Literature

Both religions have a large volume of religious texts, composed over a long period. Hindu religious texts were originally composed in Sanskrit, while Buddhist texts were composed in both Sanskrit and Pali. Subsequently, the texts of both religions were translated into many other languages. In both religions, texts are traditionally divided into Sutras, Tantras, Agamas, Pitakas, Shastras, Bhashyas, Vachanas, etc. Hindu religious texts are broadly classified into Shruti (those heard) and Smriti (memorial or intellectual works).

The Smriti includes the entire range of Hindu religious and secular literature, apart from the Vedas. It includes the Hindu law books (Dharma Shastras) that prescribe a code of conduct for householders and ascetics. Buddhist literature is generally divided into three baskets, the Dhamma Pitaka or Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha), the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (commentaries and explanatory texts). In Hinduism, the Vedas represent the Shruti. They are used in verbal testimony. In Buddhism, the utterances of the Buddha (buddha vachanas) are considered hearsay. They are used as verbal testimony in religious discussions and debates.

Diversity

Philosophical and doctrinal diversity is a hallmark of Buddhism and Hinduism. Both are complex religions with long histories and several sects and sub-sects, each characterized by its own set of doctrines, beliefs, deities, rituals, teachers and philosophies. The main sects of Hinduism are Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Tantrism. Each of them is further divided into several sub-sects and philosophical schools, where secondary differences caused by local influences can also be found.

The main sects of Buddhism are Hinayana Buddhism (Lower Vehicle), Theravada Buddhism (Teachings of the Elders), Mahayana Buddhism (Greater Vehicle), and Vajrayana Buddhism (Diamond Path). As in Hinduism, these sects have their own religious texts, beliefs and practices. They also contain several sub-sects, schools of philosophy and methods of worship. Since, unlike Hinduism, Buddhism has been practiced in several countries outside of India, it has also developed many local and geographical flavors and has distinct names such as Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, Burmese Buddhism, Thai Buddhism, Western Buddhism, etc. . on.

Yoga

Yoga practices form the basis of Hindu and Buddhist spirituality. It is where the two probably find common ground and come closest to their beliefs and practices. Yoga has its roots in Hinduism. Mentions of him are found in many ancient Hindu texts. Meditative and contemplative practices were widespread in India at the time of the Buddha’s birth. He incorporated several methods of yoga into the practice of the Eightfold Path, collectively known as Buddhist yoga. Many of the concepts of Patanjali’s classical yoga seem to have found their way into Buddhism, although we cannot ascertain when or how this happened. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Ashtanga yoga has eight limbs and the Buddha’s Middle Way has eight practices. Buddhist scholars of ancient India studied yoga to perfect their dhyana methods. The Yogacara school of Buddhism was popular at one time. Its early proponents, namely Asanga and Vasubandhu, probably had a good knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the Samkhya and Yoga schools of Hinduism. They were probably Hindus before they converted or received formal instruction in the Hindu scriptures. The Vajrayana sect of Buddhism drew heavily on the principles and practices of Hindu Tantra Yoga.

Dhyana and Samadhi

As mentioned above, Hindu and Buddhist Dhyana practices have many similarities. In both approaches, withdrawal of the mind and senses, breath control, concentration, passive and active meditation, and quieting and stabilizing the mind are common practices. They are meant to purify the mind and stabilize it so that one enters higher states of meditative self-absorption. The idea of ​​samadhi as the culmination of such practices is also common to both. Hindu yogis use images of their personal gods and goddesses or mystical diagrams (yantras) to practice concentration and meditation. Buddhists use Buddha or Buddhist deity images and mandalas (mystical diagrams) for the same purpose. While Hindus practice pranayama for breath control, Buddhists practice anapanasati for the same purpose. However, there are subtle differences. Hindu meditative practices are primarily intended to separate the subjective, witnessing Self from the non-self (objectivity), so that the mind dissolves into a purely subjective state (samadhi) that is free of duality, objectivity, and otherness. In Buddhism, the primary approach is to practice mindfulness to observe the mind and body and the reality of no-self closely, so that one eventually realizes how unstable and ephemeral all existence is and falls into a profound silence that is free and detached from all formations, movements, becoming and being.

Tantra

Tantra means the union of mind and body into a harmonious whole through self-transformation or purification. Compared to the mantra tradition, it is more physical and sensual. Historically, this is a very ancient Indian practice whose origins can be vaguely traced to the Vedas and the oldest beliefs of Shaivism. Essentially, Tantra relies on unconventional methods of using the mind and body in ritual worship for self-purification in conjunction with various ritual objects, symbols, sacred words, mantras, icons and mystical diagrams (mandalas or yantras) and even sexual intercourse. Such practices are found in some sects of Hinduism and Buddhism. Tantra has its origins in Hinduism but found its way into Buddhism almost a thousand years after the birth of the Buddha. Hindu Tantra is mostly associated with the Shiva and Shakta traditions (although Vaishnava Tantra also exists). In Buddhism, it is mostly found in the Vajrayana sect and some Chinese schools. Some fringe tantric traditions in both religions are also said to engage in extreme left-handed methods, including sorcery, magic, necromancy, and the ritual use of sexual and erotic symbolism. However, most tantric practices in both are conventional and used in self-purification and liberation.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be seen that Hinduism and Buddhism share many common beliefs and practices while holding opposed views regarding the nature of existence, the existence of a permanent Self, and belief in God. In the period after the departure of the Buddha and the rise of the Mauryan Empire (400 BC), an intense rivalry developed between them that continued for several hundred years before they found common ground and made peace with each other. Buddhism declined in the post-Gupta period (500-600 CE) but continued to dominate the religious and philosophical landscape of India as a major religious force. It is still popular in India today, although it has largely given way to Hinduism. For Buddhists around the world, India is still Jambudvipa, the land where the Buddha was born and founded the Wheel of Dharma. For Hindus, the Buddha is still a revered teacher, a noble deity, and one of the incarnations of Maha Vishnu.

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