Effects on Social Structures of Hinduism and Buddhism

Effects on Social Structures of Hinduism and Buddhism Hinduism was established in an attempt to understand Brahma, or the existence from within one’s own soul. In Hinduism, to reach the highest state, one must remove the bodily distractions from life and eventually understand the Brahma nature within. In Buddhism, however, to reach the highest state, or Nirvana, one must follow a controlled and punished life, and also recognize struggle. Both these religions have origins from the same region of Southeast Asia, but were founded for different reasons and during different time periods. Because of this, Buddhism and Hinduism have had different effects on their followers in regards to social structures, more specifically, patriarchy, and the establishment of caste systems, while also having similar effects in reference to their beliefs to achieving the highest state. Hindu and Buddhist beliefs both feature a belief of an enlightened state, or a higher level of understanding. For example, in Hinduism, “moksha” is the liberation of the soul, and to achieve “moksha” was to reach a union with Brahman and also put an end to the dishonest perception of a separate existence. In comparison, Buddhism stressed the importance of reaching “nirvana,” or simply enlightenment. This was an almost indescribable state in which individual identity would be “extinguished” along with greed, hatred, and delusion. Another example of the similarities in religious beliefs would be the idea of karma and rebirth. Both the Hindus and Buddhists believed in the goal of overcoming the incessant demands of the ego, the practice of meditation, and the hope for final release from the cycle of rebirth. A third example of this would be how to attain supreme destination. Both religious traditions had a similar path to follow in order to achieve this. Overall, Hindus and Buddhists have common beliefs in the journey to enlightenment. In regards to the caste system, Hinduism developed a strong caste system, whereas Buddhism did not. With the belief in “samsara,” or rebirth and reincarnation, the Hindus created a system that originally consisted of the Brahmins, or the priests, the Kshatriyas, or the warriors, the Vaisyas, or the peasants, and finally the servants. This system eventually evolved into a system that consisted of the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, the Sudras, or the laborers, and finally the untouchables, who weren’t even members of society. The Buddhists on the other hand, rejected the religious authority of the Brahmins. The Hindus believed that your position in the caste system was predetermined by your previous life and birth, and was not able to be changed. The Buddhists, on the other hand, did not subscribe to the belief in caste systems. Since the Buddhists, had no distinct society roles, many of the lower class members of Hinduism started following Buddhism in order to receive an equal chance at enlightenment. The Hindus justified having a caste system by stating that it kept stability and went along with the “purity and pollution” idea, but the Buddhists believed that individuals had to take responsibility for their own spiritual development with no help from other supernatural beings. Essentially, the Hindu religion strongly believed in and maintained a caste system, while the Buddhist religion did not. The patriarchy that developed in Hinduism was quite different than the gender roles that formed with Buddhism. The Hindu religion had tight patriarchal features. Women were seen as “unclean below the navel.” The Buddhists had no such belief of women being inferior because of biological makeup. Also, in Hinduism, women were forbidden to learn the Vedas and were excluded from public religious rituals. The Buddhists, however, allowed women to join the Buddhist order of nuns. Finally, unlike the Hindus, Buddhist women were able to achieve a state of nirvana, or enlightenment. Hinduism had far more gender restrictions on women than Buddhism. Religion played a major role in who you were as a person; your status, and your standing could all be defined by what your religious tradition you follow. When you consider all we went through as a whole world, it’s hard to believe that something as small as your religion could define you. But when broken down what else could define us? Our morals? Our values? How we treat people? These things are all part of religion, so while it should not reflect your social standing, religion has been an important factor in defining a person. While in Hinduism, there were strong patriarchal views and rigid class systems set in place, Buddhism did share their belief of achieving enlightenment with the Hindus, which brought them together.