This article aims to shed light on the differences and similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism. Buddhism, known for its diverse traditions, beliefs, and spiritual practices, is based on the teachings of Buddha. On the other hand, Hinduism, often referred to as the oldest religion in the world or "the eternal way", has a rich history and complex belief system. Understanding the differences and similarities between these two religions can provide a deeper understanding of their basic principles and practices.
This article would prove beneficial for those preparing for the IAS Exam .
Difference between Buddhism and Hinduism
Buddhism believes that enlightenment or Nirvana can be achieved by following the Noble Eightfold Path. Hinduism, however, suggests that enlightenment can be attained by walking the path of good deeds, devotion, and knowledge.
Buddhism | Hinduism |
Followers of Buddhism are referred to as Buddhists. | Followers of Hinduism are called Hindus. |
Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world with approximately 520 million followers, which is about 7% of the global population. | Hinduism stands as the third largest religion in the world with approximately 1.25 billion followers, constituting around 16% of the global population. |
Buddhist places of worship include Buddhist monasteries, shrines, and temples. | For Hindus, temples serve as the primary place of worship. |
Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is considered the highest teacher and an all-transcending sage by Buddhists. | Certain sections of Hindus regard Buddha as the 9th avatar of Vishnu. |
Tibetan Buddhism has a supreme spiritual leader known as the Dalai Lama , a title given by the Tibetan people to the leader of the Yellow Hat or Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. | Hinduism does not have a concept of a supreme spiritual leader. |
In Buddhism, male monks are known as Bhikkhus, female monks as Bhikkhunis, and their monastic communities are referred to as Sangha. | In Hinduism, male monks can be Yogis, Sages, Rishis, Gurus, Priests, and female monks can be Sanyasini, Sadhvi, Swamini. |
The two major branches of Buddhism are Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana. | The four largest denominations of Hinduism are Shaktism, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Smartism. |
The primary language used by Theravada tradition is Pali, while Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions use Sanskrit. | Sanskrit is the primary sacred language of Hinduism. Most of the Hindu philosophical works were written in Sanskrit. |
Some of the key festivals of Buddhists include Vesak (Buddha’s birthday), Parinirvana Day (also known as Nirvana day), Buddha Purnima, Ullambana, Uposatha, and Losar (celebrated by Tibetan Buddhists). | Hinduism has numerous holy days dedicated to the worship of different deities. Some of the most important ones are Ganesh Chaturthi, Mahashivaratri, Ram Navami, Krishna Janmashtami, Navaratri, and Durga Puja. |
The most important scriptures of Buddhism are the Tripitaka and Gandhara Texts. The Tripitaka consists of three sections: Commentaries, Discipline, and Discourses. | The Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayan, Upanishads, and Puranas are among the most important scriptures of Hinduism. |
Some of the most important symbols in Buddhism include the Conch, Dharmachakra (the wheel of dharma), fish, lotus, vase, victory banner, and parasol. | Om and Swastika are some of the most important symbols of Hinduism. |
Buddhism does not treat marriage as a religious duty, even though it provides advice on maintaining a happy married life. Buddhist monks and nuns follow celibacy throughout their lives. | According to Hinduism, a man can marry once. However, there are instances in ancient India and mythologies where a man had multiple wives. |
Buddhism does not have a concept of sin. | In Hinduism, deliberate sins must be repaid through Karmic consequences. However, repentance for unintentional sins has been prescribed. |
Buddhism originates from Buddha who achieved enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, in the Gaya district of Bihar, India. The first teachings of Buddha were delivered at a Deer Park in Sarnath. Its origins can be traced back to 563 B.C.E. | Hinduism began in the Indian subcontinent, even before 3000 B.C.E. |
Buddha rejected the Vedas as per the dialogues given in Nikayas. | The Vedas are considered very important in Hinduism. |
The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to attain lasting, unconditional happiness. | The ultimate goal of Hinduism is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, also known as moksha. |
Buddhism has followers in many Asian countries such as India, Nepal, Japan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Laos, Thailand, Bhutan, and others. | Hinduism is mainly followed by people in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, the Caribbean, North America, and Bali in Indonesia. |
Now that we have discussed the major differences between Buddhism and Hinduism, let's look at some of their similarities.
The main Similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism include:
- Both Buddhism (Mahayana) and Hinduism practice idol worship.
- Buddhism and Hinduism both grant equal rights to men and women, with no discrimination against women.
- Atheists are allowed to participate in religious activities in both religions.
- Both religions originated from the Indian Subcontinent.
After delving into the differences and similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism, it is recommended to explore in detail the teachings of Buddha: The Noble Eightfold Paths, the Three Jewels, and the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. Also, refer to the list of Buddhist Councils, Buddhist Texts, and the history of Buddha and Buddhism. The links below provide comprehensive information on NCERT Notes on Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, as well as NCERT Notes on Art, Culture, Literature, and Architecture. The links will also help in understanding the differences between History and Prehistory, and between History and Mythology.
