Hinduism and Buddhism

Farzana Alam

AP World History

Mr. Marsh

Periods 2 & 3

Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism share many similarities and differences. Both these important religions were developed in ancient India. They both influenced the Indian civilization. Although both Hinduism and Buddhism originated in India, Buddhism spread to other places, like China, where it is most commonly practiced. Hinduism and Buddhism share many of the same roots and philosophies.  Both these religions are still commonly practiced today. However, both these religions have distinct differences that set them apart.

Hinduism and Buddhism share many similarities. One similarity is that both religions believe in reincarnation. Reincarnation is the rebirth of a soul in various forms. Both Hinduism and Buddhism believed in karma. Whatever you did in your first life affects you in the next life. According to the text “Buddhism”, it states, “Life continues after death in another form.” Also, according to the text “Hinduism and Buddhism”, it states, “Hindus believe…people are reincarnated...in another bodily form.” Another similarity between Hinduism and Buddhism is that they both told people to live moral lives and to become one with the all-powerful force. According to the text “Hinduism and Buddhism”, it states, “The goal of life is to become one with this force [an all-powerful spiritual force].” The text “Hinduism and Buddhism” also states, “He [Buddha] urged people to live moral life and avoid evil words and actions.” Hence, both Hinduism and Buddhism share many similarities.

However, Hinduism and Buddhism have many differences that set them apart from each other. One difference that they have, is that in Hinduism, they worship many gods. While, in Buddhism they only worship one god, Buddha. Hindus worship thousands of gods that are each part of a single supreme force/god called Brahman. According to the text “Hinduism and Buddhism” it states, “Many different groups added their own beliefs and gods. To a Hindu, different gods are forms of an all-powerful spiritual force.” According to the textbook “World Civilizations: The Global Experience AP* Edition” it states, “Buddhism attracted many followers in India itself, and its growth was greatly spurred by the conversion of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Increasingly, Buddha himself was seen as a divine [a god],” (“World Civilizations: The Global Experience AP* Edition 70). Another difference of these two religions is that in Hinduism, there is no founder. While in Buddhism, there is one founder, Buddha. According to the text “Hinduism and Buddhism” it states, “Unlike most major religions, Hinduism has no single founder. It…has many sacred texts…Hinduism developed and changed over 3,500 years.” The text also states, “The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha, was born about 566 B.C.” Hence, Hinduism and Buddhism have many differences that set them apart.