BUDDHISM AND HINDUISM
Buddhism is a religion that was basically founded on the teachings of Gautama Siddhartha. He is the man who is referred to as the Buddha. Buddhists consider the teachings of the founder not only as a way of life but also a philosophy. Buddhism is mostly practiced in East and West Asia, encompassing mainly Asian countries. Unlike Buddhism, Hinduism was not founded by one individual. It was formed through the integration of various cultures. The two religions have both similarities and differences.
One of the similarities of the two religions is their belief on the issue of compassion. Both religions emphasize on the factor of ensuring followers show concern and compassion to concerned people and consequently disregard violent acts.
The belief on the illusory nature of the world is not only emphasized but also practiced by both religions. The value and role of karma in ensuring human beings are held to this world is also shared belief by both religions.
The issue of desire of worldly materials is a shared school of thought. Buddhist view desire as the biggest cause of suffering to mankind. On the other hand, Hinduism considers any desire held by a person as sinful. Liberalization of its followers would only be achieved by stopping their desires. In this case, the two religions hold a similarity.
The belief and practice of renunciation and detachment of worldly possessions as a requisite component and determinant to entering the spiritual life is a shared concept by both religions. Further, the two religions both have the belief that the main cause of suffering for human kind is derived from the desire of worldly possession.
The belief that there are several heavens and hells is a shared concept in both religions. Further, the two religions have it in their beliefs that there exists gods in different dimensions (Eliot, 1998, p. 112). The activities of meditation and concentration are also shared beliefs and practices though not directly in their respective conduction. The two religions emphasize on the importance of cultivating different states of the mind by their followers.
The points above are just a part of the numerous similarities held by the two religions. However, the two religions also have many differences. One of the most basic one is based on their respective origins. Hinduism was founded as a result of integration of numerous cultures whereas Buddhism was founded by an individual person.
The worship to one particular deity or Supreme Being is not the practice in Buddhism. Buddhists do not believe in one particular powerful soul. However, the Hindu religion believes in Brahman as the supreme. This is one difference in the two religions.
There is the provision of organizing individuals in monastic order in the Buddhist religion. However, this provision is not practiced or believed in Hinduism. Individuality is however a practical factor in Hinduism. This factor overly negates the basic structure and practice of Buddhism.
Based on the study above, it can be clearly seen that Hinduism and Buddhism are religions that hold numerous similarities. However, the given differences on the two religions provide a basic point of argument for the contrasting of the two religions. Hence, the two religions have been adequately compared and contrasted.
REFERENCES
Eliot, C. (1998). Hinduism and Buddhism. London: Rout ledge.
