Buddhism vs. Hinduism

Both Buddhism and Hinduism argon widely salutary religious beliefs of the mankind. No maven is completely certain of where Hinduism was started and by whom it was led. However, today Hinduism is the one-third largest organized religion of the world. And with the passage of time mevery changes and alterations have been made in this religion. Most importantly, Hinduism includes many different beliefs and dominations that have arisen. Even though thither are many common things exist in different Hinduism sects and their beliefs are tied to some extents.The Vedas is considered the oldest written document of Hinduism and it was being written in 1000 B. C but had existed orally long before. On the another(prenominal) hand, Buddhism is a transformed version of Hinduism. Buddhism was founded by Gautama the Buddha. Buddhism is known for its Middle trend that which neither promotes extreme asceticism nor absolute hedonism yet still leads to nirvana. In addition, the Buddha promoted the 8 fold path, that of secure thinking, right effort, right speech, right of understanding, right of livelihood, right of concentration and right of mindfulness.Though the Buddhism or the middle path reject the fantasy of and external God waiting to mete honour or punishment, besides, it strongly believed in the cycle of reincarnation finishing which a searcher could achieve nirvana, the ultimate en imperfectenment. Both Hinduism and Buddhism arose in S push doneh Asia, and thus al-Qaeda from a similar culture and philosophy. Difference betwixt Buddhism and Hinduism Buddhism believes in individual and matter and there is no place for God, besides this Hinduism considers God as the creator of the universe.In contrast, Buddhism denies the Vedas authority and dislikes animal sacrifice, while Hinduism believes in the authority of Vedas and attaches special signifi preservece to the Vedic rituals. Buddhism does not believe in the superiority of the Brahmans or any circle distinct ions, while Hinduism puts emphasis on the caste system and considers the same bed rock of the whole salubrious-disposed system. Buddhism is missionary religion which aims at converting entire mankind to the doctrines of Buddha while Hinduism never seeks converts and it has no distinct organization like the Buddhist sangha.A personal element is introduced by Buddhism in the form of Buddha as the saviours, while there are no such(prenominal) personal elements in Hinduism. (Nerox, pg, 1) On matters of brotherly structure Hinduism and Buddhism differ greatly. The deuce religions in like manner distinguish because Buddhism emphasizes and Hinduism omits individual freedom to progress socially and spiritually in the current life. In comparing the two religions, one bay window easily find why it is that Hinduism has showed the more stable and Buddhism the more humanist philosophy.The caste system is the come outstanding instance of Hinduisms establishment tendencies. If casting amo ng Hindus sects they flowerpot be divided into tetrad major classes, Shudra, Brahman, Vaishya and Kshatriya, or people foreign of all the classes. However members belong to different castes have different duties. In Hinduism usually the Caste is obstinate by birth, and it does not allowing individual freedom, social advancement and career choice. Moreover, the castes are socially ranked, forming an upper as considerably as lower social division.Caste, then, determines ones potential education, ones profession, ones social position, even define these limitations for your children. These social restrictions are reinforced by the idea that caste is determined by sins or virtues in a previous life how well one satisfied his dharma in the past. In addition, the responsibilities of ones current caste also constitute the dharma which depart further punish or advance one in your next life. Put differently, exceeding ones dharma in not notwithstanding unnecessary, but likely will hur t your dharma, causing you to fall into a lower caste in your next life.This intertwining of social strata with religion creates a fatalism derived from inevitable destiny, guilt complexes of past life caste determination, a philosophy of acceptance, and fear of punishment for transcending ones dharma. In this light, Hinduism becomes a tremendous force for stagnation, eliminating the foremost for progress in a philosophy of acceptance which breeds apathy for social justice. Such a pervasive philosophy becomes an asset to the status quo and notion stratum, stabilizing the social structure at the expense of individuals.(Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison) In contrast, in the social or political structure of a parliamentary procedure Buddhism plays little role. Buddhism in reality began as a reaction to the fury of Hindu society, including the viciousness of the caste system. Buddhism focuses not on the society, but on every single person, hence divorcing religion from the interest s of the ruling stratum. Even though the Buddhism does see life as pain and suffering and renascence as a renewal of this suffering, there is a possible escape.If one resigns his appurtenance to hope and self, Nirvana, or escape from the cycles of suffering, is not impossible. The most significant position of Nirvana, nevertheless, is its unobstructed access to people of any social background. Put differently, although a Hindu untouchable cannot perhaps advance in this life with any extraordinary attempt of his own. In this regard, any Buddhist can attain Nirvana through the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, realizations of the essence(p) of suffering and the methods to remove all suffering.A significant indicator of the contrast between Buddhism and Hinduism arises in their historical relationship. Buddhism, naturally, arose as a reform movement out of Hinduism. This in itself inclines to put Buddhism in a more convinced light as the religion that incorporated Hindu belief s while excluding the veto aspects of Hinduism. Certainly, this turns out to be the case when the caste system can be study thoroughly. While Hinduism not only perpetuates, but is itself the caste system, Buddhism absolutely rejects any system of caste.During the rule of Ashoka Buddhism in reality reached high levels of support, which followed the Buddhist concept of ahimsa, or non violence, and its tendency toward greater equality. The keen looks of a philosophy/religion of peace and general freedom, including a refusal of the social stigmas of caste for untouchables and lower caste members, brought thousands of converts. Again, nevertheless, the historical relationship of Buddhism and Hinduism depicts the inherent malleability and intensity of Hinduism.Furthermore, the Buddha was made an embodiment of Vishnu in order to incorporate the Buddhist movement into Hinduism. The Buddhists consider the world to be full of sorrow and regard ending the sorrow as the chief aim of human li fe. The Hindus consider that there are four chief aims (arthas) in life which every being should pursue. They are dharma (religious duty), artha (wealth or material possessions), kama (desires and passions) and moksha (salvation. ) (Hinduism vs Buddhism Hinduism and Buddhism Compared) ConclusionThe two Buddhism and Hinduism religions are very alike, and yet very different. They accomplish for an inner peace and at last to reach heaven through either moksha or nirvana. Culture plays a tremendous role in determining your beliefs. Both Hinduism and Buddhism religions seem to have components which would do the West good to learn, but only Buddhism religion lacks any large scale negative repercussions for its followers. Furthermore, Hinduism and Buddhism are two major religions, firmly planted in their cultures, and It looks that they will remain for a long time to come.Works Cited Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison http//sc. essortment. com/hinduismandbud_rtqs. htm Accessed, June 15, 2 007 Hinduism vs Buddhism Hinduism and Buddhism Compared http//www. experiencefestival. com/a/Hinduism_vs_Buddhism/id/54137 Accessed, June 15, 2007 Nerox (11 May 2007), Journal expression What are the similarities and differences between Buddhism and Hinduism, (page, 1) White, Sharon. (n. d. ), Journal Article Buddhism and Hinduism Differences and Similarities, (page, 1)