Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism are some of the religions in India which have a long history. In their long history, it is believed that each influenced the other and shared a close relationship. For example, Buddha was born as a Hindu. However, the two religions have a lot of differences. First, Hinduism predates Buddhism. Buddhism is believed to have evolved as a natural reaction to certain practices of Hinduism. Second, Hinduism focuses more on cosmos, whereas Buddhism focuses more on the mind. In addition, Buddha, the father of Buddhism, condemned some of the ideas and practices of Hinduism and preached about the inexistence of any gods. The major difference between Hinduism and Buddhism is the fact that Buddhists do not believe in the existence of any god while Hindus worship many different gods. Buddha maintained that there is no point worshipping something which is not even known and does not exist. Hinduism, on the other hand, maintains that bad things only happen to people due to their previous action and people can find help and happiness by seeking God.

Buddhists believe that sufferings exist in the world and people are bound to suffer at some point in life. Hindus believe that all sufferings are connected to bad or wicked past action of individual and that one can enjoy divine bliss by simply uniting with God. Hinduism is also based on the concept of atman, the soul, and Brahman, the eternity of self. Buddhists deny the existence of an eternal soul which according to Hinduism, lives forever, even after a person dies. The primary similarity between Hinduism and Buddhism is the fact that both religions have their origins in India. The prophet of Buddhism, Lord Buddha, came from a Hindu family himself, and Hindus also consider him part of the ten reincarnations of their Lord Vishnu. The artworks below represent both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Hinduism artwork

Buddhism Artwork

A standing Buddha