Both Hinduism and Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent and have a strong historical connection, similar to the bond between Judaism and Christianity. The Buddha, like Christ, was born into a Hindu family. There is ongoing debate about whether Buddhism emerged from Hinduism and if the Buddha was considered a deity within the Hindu pantheon; however, many Buddhists reject this view. Nevertheless, it is widely recognized that Buddhism gained popularity in India because of its ability to free individuals from traditional beliefs and conservative practices.
The Buddha’s teachings provided hope and inspiration to individuals who lacked both in a society ruled by the caste system, ritual worship, and the privileged classes of the Vedic religion. Despite Hindu tradition recognizing Vishnu’s reincarnation as Buddha, a longstanding rivalry existed between these two traditions in the subcontinent. In earlier periods, followers of Siva and the Buddha exhibited minimal tolerance towards one another.
Although there were instances of Buddhist persecution by Hindu rulers, the majority of them exhibited religious tolerance. One such example is Sasank from Bengal, who lived during the same period as Harshavardhana and destroyed Buddhist monuments while burning the pipal tree linked to Buddha’s enlightenment. Nevertheless, Hinduism and Buddhism had a profound influence on one another. The principles of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings in Buddhism became firmly embedded in Indian culture. Moreover, Mahayana Buddhism assimilated customary Indian practices of devotional worship.
Indian art and architecture were greatly influenced by Buddhism, which also played a role in the adoption of breathing and meditation techniques for achieving mindfulness and heightened awareness. Vajrayana Buddhism’s development was impacted by Hindu tantra. Both Hinduism and Buddhism recognize the illusory nature of the world and how karma contributes to attachment to it. Buddha’s teachings emphasized that suffering arises from desire, but liberation from suffering can be attained through its eradication.
Hinduism and Buddhism have common beliefs and teachings. Hindu texts such as the Upanishads (Isa) and Bhagavadgita highlight that actions driven by desire and attachment lead to suffering, while actions performed without desiring the outcomes result in liberation. Both religions also embrace karma, the migration of souls, and the cycle of births and deaths for each soul. Furthermore, both Hinduism and Buddhism stress compassion and non-violence towards all living beings. In addition, both traditions recognize multiple hells and heavens or higher/lower worlds. Ultimately, both religions acknowledge various gods or deities on different planes.
Both Buddhism and Hinduism have similarities in their spiritual practices, including meditation, concentration, and cultivating specific bhavas or states of mind. Detachment and renouncing worldly life are emphasized by both as prerequisites for embarking on a spiritual path. Desire is recognized as the primary source of suffering in both traditions. The Advaita philosophy within Hinduism exhibits resemblances to Buddhism in various aspects. Additionally, Tantra is interpreted differently in both Buddhism and Hinduism. It should be noted that both religions originated and evolved in India, with the Buddha eventually becoming known as the founder of Buddhism after attaining enlightenment from his conventional Hindu upbringing.
Before starting his own journey, he sought answers about suffering from Hindu gurus. He followed the meditation techniques and ascetic practices as stated in Hindu scriptures and practiced by modern Hindu yogis. It is said that after achieving enlightenment, he showed special respect for upper caste Hindus, especially priests (Brahmins) and warriors (Kshatriyas). He encouraged his followers to treat Brahmins with reverence and consideration because of their spiritual inclination and progress made in past lives.
Historical records reveal that particular groups of Brahmins had the privilege to engage in open communication with the Buddha, and certain Brahmin ascetics were allowed into the monastic community without having to go through the typical probationary period like others. The Buddha effectively converted many Brahmins to Buddhism, seeing their acceptance of his teachings as a promising sign of its expansion and reception. In later times, King Ashoka echoed this sentiment in his inscriptions, encouraging people within his empire to hold high regard for and show reverence towards the Brahmin caste.
The principles and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism reveal their differences. Hinduism lacks a specific founder, unlike Buddhism which was founded by the Buddha. The Vedas hold tremendous significance in Hinduism as they are believed to be powerful and supreme. In contrast, Buddhism does not recognize the authority of the Vedas or any Hindu scripture. Moreover, Buddhism denies the existence of souls or a higher being commonly known as God. On the contrary, Hinduism acknowledges both Atman, the individual soul, and Brahman, the Supreme Creator.
Hinduism regards the Buddha as Mahavishnu, a deity within its own trinity. However, Buddhists do not see any Hindu god as equal or superior to the Buddha. The original teachings of the Buddha are known as Theravada Buddhism or Hinayana Buddhism. Supporters of this branch neither worship statues of the Buddha nor have faith in Bodhisattvas. In contrast, followers of the Mahayana sect view the Buddha as the Supreme Soul or Highest Being, similar to Hinduism’s Brahman, and participate in worship using images and icons.
Both Buddhism and Hinduism have different perspectives on the purpose of life. According to Buddhism, the main goal is to end the suffering that exists in human existence. In contrast, Hindus believe in pursuing four main objectives in life: dharma (religious duty), artha (material possessions or wealth), kama (desires and passions), and moksha (salvation). Additionally, Hinduism recognizes four stages of life called ashramas, which are not observed in Buddhism.
In terms of community, Buddhists have the freedom to join the Order whenever they feel spiritually ready. They come together to form a monastic community known as Sangha, where monks live collectively.
Although Hinduism and Buddhism have some similarities, they also have significant differences. In Hinduism, the focus is on the individual, whereas Buddhism believes in Bodhisattvas, a concept that Hinduism does not share. Furthermore, Buddhism recognizes certain gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon but considers them to be subordinate. On the eightfold path of Buddhism, it is essential to take refuge in the Buddha, the Sangha, and Dhamma. In contrast, Hinduism offers multiple paths for self-realization to its followers. Both religions believe in karma and rebirth; however, they impact and shape individual existence in unique ways.
Hinduism predates Buddhism, with Hinduism being older by approximately one or two thousand years. Certain Buddhists contend that the Buddha, who was historically born in the sixth century B.C. in the Indian subcontinent, was merely one among several Buddhas preceding and succeeding him. This notion is endorsed and embraced by enlightened monks. Likewise, Hindus have belief in sanatana dharma (also referred to as Hinduism), which endures across numerous cycles of world creation and annihilation spanning millions of years.
Although there are indications that Buddhism may not have been recognized as a religion until the Buddha’s birth, it cannot be conclusively verified. Conversely, evidence exists connecting Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, to a lineage of 24 Jain Thirthankaras. However, no such verification has been found for Buddhism. Hinduism is regarded as an amalgamation of religious and sectarian movements rather than a singular religion based on technical definitions. These movements share fundamental beliefs but also display regional discrepancies, historical context, and distinct traditions and practices depending on their place and time of origin.
Buddhism is a well-established religion that has distinct principles and rituals, setting it apart from other religions. Its beliefs and practices, known as the Dhamma, are based on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. After Buddha’s nirvana, Buddhism became an important part of India’s religious diversity. It was later referred to as Hinduism by those outside the religion. However, Buddhism eventually spread beyond India and had a significant impact across Asia.
The emergence of Hinduism resulted in the establishment of a varied and prosperous religious heritage. This heritage eventually became one of the world’s most influential religions, encompassing intricate sectarian, theological, and geographical elements. The profound interconnection between Hinduism and Buddhism, along with their mutual advantages, often escapes notice from individuals unfamiliar with the history of the Indian subcontinent.
