Compare and Contrast Hinduism and Buddhism essay

• Some individuals are of the opinion that Buddhism and Hinduism are same religion with varying names. However, the fact of the matter is that both these religions differ in various aspects including founders, holidays and rituals.

• Both these religions of Buddhism and Hinduism have loads of information including culture, rituals and practices behind themselves. Hinduism is a summation of varying religious ideologies having gradually developed over a considerable timeframe. Hinduism comprises of numerous varying beliefs, culture and ideologies, unlike Buddhism, Christianity or Islam, that it becomes impossible to track genesis of Hinduism.

• Hinduism lays stress on karma (deeds) and reincarnation. Hindus believe that a person gets rewarded or punished by God based on his/her deeds. Moreover, they also believe in life after death. On the other hand, Buddhism is a more calm and peaceful religion. Buddhists believe that nothing is permanent or fixed and there is always possibility for change. Enlightenment path is possible through development and practice of mediation, morality and wisdom. They believe that life is endless subject to sufferings, uncertainties and impermanence.

• Hinduism was based on social stratification process. The religion had a caste system. Hindus adopted and followed this caste system rigorously. However, Buddhism community did not accept it and it resulted in numerous Buddhists becoming craftsmen and labourers.

• Buddhists and Hindus have varying beliefs. For instance, Hindus view religion as a liberation process from disappointments, illusions and errors of daily life existence. Hindus have personal Gods and Goddesses. On the contrary, Buddhists believe that there is no personal God and endless existence. They believe that there are three signs of existence or tilakhana namely uncertainty, suffering and impermanence.

• There were few resemblances between Buddhism and Hinduism. For instance, both these religions in reincarnation after death. Karma served as the basis for people to go through cycle of death and life.

• Hinduism and Buddhism have final objectives. For instance, Buddhism and Hinduism have final goal of “nirvana” and “moksha” respectively. This would materialize after completion of reincarnation procedure and perfect understanding of spirit and soul.