Hinduism & Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism are two influential religions of the world. Both holding philosophical traditions and originating in India.

Hinduism dating back to about 2500 B.C.E. identifies four central themes in its belief system. They include spiritual aspect, conduct of life, truth and reality and intuition. "Hindus consider all of creation worthy of worship, and thus religious activity in Hinduism takes many forms"

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Buddhism dating back to 65 A.D. is similar in that it is also a spiritual driven system. "Buddhism provides a unique perspective on reality and the best life for human beings" (Shanahan, T. & Wang, R. 197). Both Hinduism and Buddhism believe in reincarnation and the cycles of birth and death, both believe in the role of Karma and both practice meditation.

Although similar, there remain differences to the philosophical traditions. They are, Hinduism has no specific prophet founder where as Buddhism was founded by the Buddha. Hinduism seems to be more personal and disciplined. It focuses on the self instead of Buddhism the no self. Buddhism that focuses on the inner self of a person, like Hinduism that God lies in you but you can see or know that the eternal is a part of you in your life. Buddhism particular position is that one has to overcome the sufferings and focus that one must not only when he or she reaches guru status to help people. This gives and teaches students to become enlightened. Hinduism tells you that you have to go through four stages of life and obtain enlightenment through what you experience and get a better life through reincarnation.

Whatever the differences, both Hinduism and Buddhism share that their philosophical identities are a way of life rather than a religion it is tradition.