Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism are two religions that originated in Ancient India. Both religions have similar beliefs and many differences. Both religions have the ultimate goal of enlightenment. Although Buddhism evolved from Hinduism, both are still two different beliefs. In my essay I will talking about both the differences and similarities in these two religions.

First I am going to discuss the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism.

Hindus have many gods and goddesses. Buddhist don’t believe in a god. Buddha or, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, is the founder of Buddhism. Buddha is the one Buddhist aspire to be like, not worship. There is no single ‘founder’ of Hinduism. Hinduism was developed over 3500 years ago by the Aryans. Hindus believe in scared animals, such as the cow. Buddhist do not worship idols or animals and believe all animals are equal. Hindus follow Vedas scriptures, Buddhist follow the tripitaka, which contains three “baskets” of teachings, the sutra, vinaya, and abhidharama pitaka. Buddhist believe in rebirth but not reincarnation. On the other hand Hindus believe in reincarnations, your soul “survives death” and reincarnates into another being, whether it being and animal or a human, depending on how you lived and karma from your past life.

Secondly, since Buddhism evolved from Hinduism the two faiths actually have a lot in common. Both of the religions originated in India. Both have a strong belief in karma and enlightenment. Both religions believe in samsara but see it in a different way. Both religions exercise a view of spiritual transcendence through mediums such as meditation.

Both religions strongly believe in karma as well.

In conclusion both religions are very similar and very different at the same time. Both religions are followed in India today but most people in India follow the Hindu religion.