How Buddhism differs from other religions
- Part 2 -

Thangjam Sanjoo Singh *

A Buddhist temple at Tamu at India-Myanmar border in August 2014

Important

Buddhism is one of the most popular religions of the world. Its teachings and doctrines have been accepted by a large number of people. However, there are still a number of people who follow other religions like Hinduism, Christianity and Jainism. These religions endorse views and ideas that do not necessarily match with Buddhism.

Have you ever wondered what differences are that set Buddhism apart from other religions? Have you ever tried to find out what are the similarities that join other religions to Buddhism?

Do not worry, if you have not, because now, you are at the right place. This section on Buddhism and other Religion is meant to acquaint you with these similarities and differences in views. You will get to know how similar or dissimilar is Buddhism to Hinduism, Jainism and Christianity when it comes to views regarding topics like god, rituals, caste system, salvation, reincarnation, nirvana and non-violence.

The texts have been structured in a manner that makes sure that you get an idea about the similarities and differences just at a glance. Also, the descriptions regarding similarities and dissimilarities are to the point.

So, if you desire to know more about this topic, just go ahead and read the texts given in the section. In the end, you will have a fair idea about the topic.

Buddhism & Other Religions

“Buddhism, in its origin at least is an offshoot of Hinduism.” (S Rahdhakrishnan)

Guatam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism was born and brought up and lived and left this materialistic world as a Hindu. And this particular evidence is enough to explain that the concept of Hinduism predates to that of Buddhism. Hinduism, better known as the ‘Sanatan Dharma’ to the Hindus, is believed to be the oldest religion in the history of human civilisation. Practiced majorly in the secular India, the origin of Hinduism is still a mystery!

Buddhism & Hinduism

“Buddhism, in its origin at least is an offshoot of Hinduism.”

According to the historians, the origin of Hinduism dates back to 5000 or more years, whereas, the origin of Buddhism came into existence in a much later period, that is in & around 563 BC. After Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment, He preached whatever He learnt from His experiences and His teachings came to be known as Buddhism and were well received by the people.

It was during the later part of the Vedic Era, when Hinduism was on the verge of decline owing to the orthodoxy, superstitions and staunch practices, prevailing in the religion, when Buddhism with lesser complexities and rituals was accepted by the common people of India. This was the time when Buddhism arose out of the atheistic strands of Hinduism.

It is a fact that Buddhism evolved and developed because of the complex nature evolving in Hinduism, but still despite some differences, these two sects have a lot of things in common.

Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism

On Reincarnation

Buddhism: Buddhism believes in the process of reincarnation based on deeds of the present life.

Hinduism: Hinduism also believes that everyone is a part of an impersonal world and therefore, one’s soul reincarnates into another body of any being, based on the deeds of the present life.

On Salvation

Buddhism: One has to work for salvation oneself and therefore, cannot blame others for the same. The salvation depends on the good deeds of a person.

Hinduism: In Hinduism also, one attains salvation as per one’s own fate and deeds. There are four paths or four yogas to attain salvation: Karma Yoga – Way of good works, Bhakti Yoga – Way of love and faith, Jnana Yoga – Way of knowledge, and Raja Yoga – Way of salvation.

On Enlightenment

Buddhism and Hinduism: Both of them believe that there are many paths to attain enlightenment such as overcoming through your feelings and desires and controlling over the six conscious senses.

On Sufferings

Buddhism and Hinduism: Both the schools of thought believe that excessive attachment to things and people in the physical world causes pain and suffering. Therefore, we must get ourselves free from the illusions of ‘Maya’ or worldly desires.

Yogic Practices

Buddhism and Hinduism: Both of them gives an emphasis on the practice of meditation and other forms of yoga, which not only helps one to concentrate on the truth of life, but also facilitates the path of enlightenment and liberation.

Tantric Practices

Buddhism: Buddhism has a major sect, ‘Tantrayana’, which is mainly based upon the tantric practices.

Hinduism: Tantric practices are also prevalent in Hinduism, especially among the worshippers of the Goddess Kali and the god Shiva.

Likewise Hinduism, the Mahayana Buddhism believes that the original teachings of the Buddha are from the Hindu practices, including prayers and the concept of God (even the Buddha as God in all His incarnations). Mahayana Buddhism also introduces the idea of (temporary) heavens and hells.

To be continued....