Differences between Hinduism and
Buddhism
In this article I will be discussing some points, which make
up Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison.
As regards Buddhism and Hinduism they differ only in the way
the doctrines are presented. Certain points are emphasized in
Buddhism, which are mentioned in the Hindu scriptures but not
stressed by them. Similarly the Buddhism teaching ignores
certain other aspects of the Hindu teaching. So as far as
Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison is concerned the difference
lies in the emphasis of certain points.
These comments below apply to the Buddha’s original teaching
on the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. All the comments may
not apply to the Mahayana and the Zen Buddhist traditions.
Hinduism vs Buddhism on
philosophical questions1) Philosophical questions: The
Buddha discouraged philosophical pursuits and questions
regarding the nature of the Universe, the existence of God and
the like. His position was that such pursuits do you no good at
all. His message was simple. You are suffering today in this
life – so walk the path to the end of suffering.
The Hindu scriptures however contained detailed descriptions
of the Brahman or the experience of oneness with God. Hinduism
also presents many philosophical arguments proving the
existence of the Brahman.
The Buddha kept a Noble Silence on these questions and the
nature of the experience of Nirvana.
Discussion of philosophical questions is present in
Hinduism. Buddhism has a more pragmatic approach.
Bliss emphasized by Hinduism.
Buddhism stresses suffering2) Stress on suffering versus
stress on bliss: The Buddha stressed the unsatisfactory nature
of human existence. He pointed to the suffering inherent in
birth, sickness, old age and death and urged his followers to
walk the path to the end of suffering.
The Upanishads also acknowledge the suffering inherent in
the human condition. But they lay greater stress on the bliss
enjoyed on experiencing a union with God or the Self. Since we
are all manifestations of God, bliss is an integral part of our
nature. The Upanishads stressed on this experience of bliss to
motivate the Hindu devotees to experience Moksha.
So, these different methods of motivating their followers
are one of the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism.
Buddhism vs Hinduism on the
Middle Path3) The Middle Path: The Hindu scriptures also
taught the middle way. In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad
Gita Sri. Krishna says :
“Yoga is not for him who eats too much or does not eat at
all, nor sleeps too much or does not sleep at all.”
And again
“But Yoga becomes the discipline for the destruction of
sorrow for him who moderate in eating and recreation, moderate
in work and sleep and walking.”
However, the Buddha’s teaching on the Middle way carried a
force and an authority born of personal experience. He himself
had experienced extreme indulgence and extreme austerities. He
became enlightened only when he forsook these extremes. Hence
by his example his teaching on the middle way had a far more
convincing effect.
So this is another of the differences between Hinduism and
Buddhism.
Different skillful means in
Buddhism and Hinduism4) Different ways to enlightenment:
The Buddha attained enlightenment through meditation and
meditation was what he primarily taught.
The Hindu doctrine mentions meditation as one of the ways to
attain God.
This is the path of Raja Yoga. However, the Hindu scriptures
also mention Karma Yoga (the path of action), Bhakti Yoga (the
path of prayer or devotion) and Jnana Yoga (the path of
knowledge). These are different paths, which lead to the same
goal - Moksha, Nirvana or Union with God. All Roads lead to
Rome.
So this is another point in Hinduism and Buddhism a
comparison. Another point of comparison in Hinduism vs
Buddhism.
Spread of Buddhism. Hinduism
stayed in India5) Buddhism according to Alan Watts is
Hinduism stripped for export. The Buddhist faith has spread to
many countries in North and East Asia and in recent years to
the West.
Hinduism is more than just a religion. It is a way of life,
a culture that has several elements making up the practice of
Hinduism including language. So it is not possible to be a
practicing Hindu in the true sense in Europe or the United
States. It is a way of looking at life peculiar to India and
cannot be exported.
So, this is another point in Hinduism and Buddhism a
comparison.
For more on Buddhist history, its influence in India and the
spread of Mahayana please refer this page on
Buddhism religion history
6) Many skillful means: The Buddhist tradition has many
skillful means to attain enlightenment. For example the stress
on contemplation on impermanence and mindfulness of death.
Some of these skillful means are not to be found in the
Hindu tradition. Mindfulness on death has no place in the Hindu
teaching as far as I know. In Advaita Hinduism, it is taught
that the Mind–Body-Intellect-Feeling part of the ego is not the
Self. This is what is stressed by some branches of
Hinduism.
The Buddhist tradition also developed in many countries
other than India and so the Buddhism practiced in those
countries will contain many methods or skillful means peculiar
to it and not to be found in Hinduism.
One of the most powerful skillful means is Mindfulness on
Death. For more on the subject please refer this page on
Buddhism beliefs practices
7) Anatta or No-Self: Regarding Buddhism vs Hinduism the
Buddhist analysis of the ego concludes that there is no
permanent, independent self to be found anywhere in it. It
regards the ego as a changing process and the sense of a self,
separate from the rest of existence as a delusion.
The Hindus, however regard that any being is a manifestation
of God. Hence they will say that the Godhead is present in each
individual and that It is changeless. The Buddhists do not even
go into the question of whether there is a God or not. So,
these are the various points that make up Hinduism and Buddhism
a comparison.
So these then are the main differences between Buddhism and
Hinduism. As can be seen the points of difference regarding
Buddhism vs Hinduism lie mainly in differences in emphasis.
For more on the suffering caused by grasping at the ego and
the five perverted view please refer this page on
5 facts Buddhism
I hope you enjoyed this article and that it will be useful to
you
Stay tuned for more in this continuing series.
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