Difference Between Hinduism and Buddhism
The below table describes the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism:
|
Aspect |
Hinduism |
Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
|
Founder |
No single founder; evolved over centuries |
Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), prince in Lumbini. |
|
Origin |
Ancient, rooted in the Indian subcontinent |
6th century BCE, originated in India |
|
Ultimate Reality |
Brahman (formless, eternal reality) |
Nirvana (liberation from suffering and cycle of rebirth) |
|
Concept of God |
Various deities, each representing aspects of the divine |
No emphasis on a personal God |
|
Deities |
Multiple gods and goddesses |
Not central to the core teachings |
|
Goal |
Moksha (liberation from Samsara, union with Brahman) |
Nirvana (liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering) |
|
Reincarnation |
Belief in Samsara (cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) |
Central to the concept, breaking the cycle is essential |
|
Karma |
Integral part; actions influence future experiences |
Karma influences the cycle of rebirth |
|
Scriptures |
Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and others |
Tripitaka (Pali Canon) and other Buddhist texts |
|
Caste System |
Historically influential, with four main varnas |
Rejects caste distinctions; emphasizes equality |
|
Founder’s Status |
Not deified; some consider historical figures like Rama and Krishna as divine incarnations |
Buddha is a historical figure, not considered divine |
|
Teaching Method |
Rituals, ceremonies, and elaborate worship practices |
Emphasis on ethical conduct, meditation, and mindfulness |
|
Path to Liberation |
Paths of devotion (Bhakti), knowledge (Jnana), and disciplined action (Karma) |
Eightfold Path, emphasizing ethical and mental development |
|
Concept of Self (Atman) |
Recognizes the eternal self (Atman) within individuals |
Recognizes the eternal self (Atman) within individuals |
|
Spread |
Predominantly in India, with diaspora communities worldwide |
Spread across Asia and beyond through missionary efforts |
Differences between Buddhism and Hinduism
Differences between Buddhism and Hinduism: Hinduism and Buddhism are the world’s oldest religions which have their Origins in India. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, meaning that it believes in many gods. Buddhism is a monotheistic religion, meaning that it believes in one god. While they have the same geographical roots still both are completely different they have different philosophical principles, religious practices, and views on the purpose of human existence.
In this article, we will understand the origins of Hinduism and Buddhism, their characteristics, and the major differences between Buddhism and Hinduism.
Table of Content
- What is Buddhism?
- Characteristics of Buddhism
- What is Hinduism?
- Characteristics of Hinduism
- Difference Between Hinduism and Buddhism