Compare And Contrast Hinduism And Buddhism
Name: Emma Cutting
Unit: RELS181
Student number: 220137016
Word count: 839
Compare and contrast the teachings in the foundation period of Hinduism and Buddhism
Both Hinduism and Buddhism originated in India. Hinduism and Buddhism are both amongst the top five religions within the world with some considering both religions to be the most prominent and profound in the world. Hinduism can be define as a common religion that developed in India based upon the original Aryan settlers, evolving from what once was Vedas,1developing around 200 BCE. Compared to Buddhism, which was founded in India by Buddha around 250 BCE.2 Due to their shared origin Buddhism and Hinduism share some similar teachings, however, the time gap between the foundation of both religions there is also seen to be significant differences in beliefs and teachings.
Hinduism was not founded by any sort of prophet, rather it developed through the Aryan’s a nomadic tribe that entered northwest India in 1500BCE. The Aryans were pastoral nomads that were hunters, herders and warrior’s involved in warfare over the land. The time of the Aryans was within the Vedic period. During this time, early Vedic religion recognised many gods/goddesses, approximately 33. However, there is now three main Gods, Brahma; the creator of life, Vishnu …show more content…
the preserve of life and Siva/Shiva the destroyer of life. The roles and actions of these gods can be found in the fundamental period principles of Brahmanism.
Whereas, Buddhism does not have a god, rather the Buddhists keep an image of Buddha instead.3 Buddhism developed through the teachings and life of Siddhartha Guatama, commonly known as Buddha. After fleeing his home, Buddha entered the path of enlightenment studying Indian masters learning philosophies and meditation techniques. During Buddha’s journey of enlightenment he developed the wheel of teaching, that is, rather than worshiping one god or gods, Buddhism became centred on timeless importance of the dharma.4 Buddha’s teachings provided a more refreshing and innovative notion, which led to the development of Buddhism. Buddha’s teachings established the basis for Buddhism proving fundamental teachings for Buddhist such as the eightfold path and the four noble truths.
However, Hinduism and Buddhism both have similarities. Such as both religions originating from the same area, India.5 Therefore Buddhism and Hinduism share similar beliefs due to their close proximity in origin. Both believe that the practice of meditation will bring them closer to the Nirvana, although, the ways in which meditation is practiced is somewhat different. It is the idea that deep meditation, that such as achieved by Buddha will bring true enlightenment and deeper understanding and awareness of ones self. These similarities can be noted towards the ideas developed by the Buddha who shared both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.
Also, both religions are heavily focused on nature as well as the belief of karma and reincarnation.6 Both religions share the dharma or the natural law however, the way in which these are taught vary7.
Similarly, both religions take a different approach to the belief of reincarnation but the overall notion of this concept is the same. Hinduism and Buddhism have significant differences on sacred texts but they both believe in the concept of the Samsara that life is an endless cycle of births, deaths and rebirths. A deep focus on living spirits and liberation are common foundational teachings that give Hinduism and Buddhism similar
characteristics.
Furthermore, Hinduism and Buddhism share the same idea of karma, however, the way in which an adherent achieves this karma is drastically different. Karma in Hinduism is determined through his or her actions through life8. This fundamental philosophical idea is established in the Upanisad: Samsara based on karma. This notion of samara and karma is that the nature and density of all individuals are determined by those individuals’ karmas and deeds. Thus it is important for all Hindus to follow the caste system to ensure they will move on in their next life9. The caste was passed down in the Vedas and Brahmans through oral tradition. Determined at birth, these four social classes provided Hindus with structures and rules of their life by completing certain duties.
Whereas, Buddha strongly disagreed with the Hindu caste system as he believed in equality and deemed the system to be unjust. Therefore, uddhists can move towards entering Nirvana by following the eightfold path. Nirvana or better known as enlightenment is the highest state that someone can obtain, that is, all the suffering and desires go away.10 The eightfold way is held under the fourth noble truth: the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering.11 In order to achieve spiritual enlightenment the eightfold path implies that an individual must achieve; right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. If all eight aspects are achieve A Buddhist will enter Nirvana and be fully enlightened.
Hinduism and Buddhism have similar beliefs; this can be due to their close nature of origin. However, many beliefs and teachings of Hinduism are significantly different from those of Buddhism as Buddha’s separation from Hinduism to Buddhism provided a new and innovative religion.
Unit: RELS181
Student number: 220137016
Word count: 839
Compare and contrast the teachings in the foundation period of Hinduism and Buddhism
Both Hinduism and Buddhism originated in India. Hinduism and Buddhism are both amongst the top five religions within the world with some considering both religions to be the most prominent and profound in the world. Hinduism can be define as a common religion that developed in India based upon the original Aryan settlers, evolving from what once was Vedas,1developing around 200 BCE. Compared to Buddhism, which was founded in India by Buddha around 250 BCE.2 Due to their shared origin Buddhism and Hinduism share some similar teachings, however, the time gap between the foundation of both religions there is also seen to be significant differences in beliefs and teachings.
Hinduism was not founded by any sort of prophet, rather it developed through the Aryan’s a nomadic tribe that entered northwest India in 1500BCE. The Aryans were pastoral nomads that were hunters, herders and warrior’s involved in warfare over the land. The time of the Aryans was within the Vedic period. During this time, early Vedic religion recognised many gods/goddesses, approximately 33. However, there is now three main Gods, Brahma; the creator of life, Vishnu …show more content…
the preserve of life and Siva/Shiva the destroyer of life. The roles and actions of these gods can be found in the fundamental period principles of Brahmanism.
Whereas, Buddhism does not have a god, rather the Buddhists keep an image of Buddha instead.3 Buddhism developed through the teachings and life of Siddhartha Guatama, commonly known as Buddha. After fleeing his home, Buddha entered the path of enlightenment studying Indian masters learning philosophies and meditation techniques. During Buddha’s journey of enlightenment he developed the wheel of teaching, that is, rather than worshiping one god or gods, Buddhism became centred on timeless importance of the dharma.4 Buddha’s teachings provided a more refreshing and innovative notion, which led to the development of Buddhism. Buddha’s teachings established the basis for Buddhism proving fundamental teachings for Buddhist such as the eightfold path and the four noble truths.
However, Hinduism and Buddhism both have similarities. Such as both religions originating from the same area, India.5 Therefore Buddhism and Hinduism share similar beliefs due to their close proximity in origin. Both believe that the practice of meditation will bring them closer to the Nirvana, although, the ways in which meditation is practiced is somewhat different. It is the idea that deep meditation, that such as achieved by Buddha will bring true enlightenment and deeper understanding and awareness of ones self. These similarities can be noted towards the ideas developed by the Buddha who shared both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.
Also, both religions are heavily focused on nature as well as the belief of karma and reincarnation.6 Both religions share the dharma or the natural law however, the way in which these are taught vary7.
Similarly, both religions take a different approach to the belief of reincarnation but the overall notion of this concept is the same. Hinduism and Buddhism have significant differences on sacred texts but they both believe in the concept of the Samsara that life is an endless cycle of births, deaths and rebirths. A deep focus on living spirits and liberation are common foundational teachings that give Hinduism and Buddhism similar
characteristics.
Furthermore, Hinduism and Buddhism share the same idea of karma, however, the way in which an adherent achieves this karma is drastically different. Karma in Hinduism is determined through his or her actions through life8. This fundamental philosophical idea is established in the Upanisad: Samsara based on karma. This notion of samara and karma is that the nature and density of all individuals are determined by those individuals’ karmas and deeds. Thus it is important for all Hindus to follow the caste system to ensure they will move on in their next life9. The caste was passed down in the Vedas and Brahmans through oral tradition. Determined at birth, these four social classes provided Hindus with structures and rules of their life by completing certain duties.
Whereas, Buddha strongly disagreed with the Hindu caste system as he believed in equality and deemed the system to be unjust. Therefore, uddhists can move towards entering Nirvana by following the eightfold path. Nirvana or better known as enlightenment is the highest state that someone can obtain, that is, all the suffering and desires go away.10 The eightfold way is held under the fourth noble truth: the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering.11 In order to achieve spiritual enlightenment the eightfold path implies that an individual must achieve; right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. If all eight aspects are achieve A Buddhist will enter Nirvana and be fully enlightened.
Hinduism and Buddhism have similar beliefs; this can be due to their close nature of origin. However, many beliefs and teachings of Hinduism are significantly different from those of Buddhism as Buddha’s separation from Hinduism to Buddhism provided a new and innovative religion.