Premium Essay

Hinduism and Buddhism Compared

In:

Submitted By gagliardijoe
Words 1278
Pages 6
"Buddhism, in its origin at least is an offshoot of Hinduism." -S.Rahdhakrishnan

Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the world’s largest and most influential religions. Both religions originated in the Asian country of India, and thus stem from a similar culture as well as philosophy. While contrasting greatly with the monotheistic religions of the West, Hinduism and Buddhism also contrast greatly with each other. Although similar in respect to general philosophy, the two faiths differ markedly on matters of social structure. The two religions also contrast in that Hinduism omits and Buddhism emphasizes individual freedom to progress spiritually and socially in the current life. By comparing the two traditions, one can unambiguously see why it is that Hinduism has proved the more unwavering and Buddhism the more humanitarian philosophy.
Hinduism and Buddhism are more philosophical than doctrinal. Both exhort and encourage an all-encompassing way of life and define existence itself. For instance, the essential Hindu concept defining the individual and humanity’s responsibilities is called dharma. An intricate term, dharma is conceptually one’s sense of obligation. One must fulfill his role in society and the world. Such responsibilities include procreation and caste duties, but extend into the philosophical realm of peaceful and humble acceptance of one’s position. Dharma defines correct living for a Hindu. Buddhism has a similar concept, dhamma (note even the linguistic similarity). Dhamma does not imply specific biological or social obligations, but maintains a comparable philosophical construct. The Buddhist definition of right conduct and personal obligation, or dhamma, is the path which one must follow to escape the suffering of worldly life.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Ancient Civilizations: Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, And Hinduism

...civilizations are Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Although China and India were governed by their beliefs and it determined how they were supposed to live their lives, the civilizations have different lifestyles and believe in different aspects of life. (Siwei, 2010) (Buddhism & Hinduism Compared, n.d) Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism have been a major part of life for the Chinese. In ‎c. 500 B.C.E, Confucianism, a system of teachings by Confucius, was founded. Although many people consider it to be a religion, Confucianism is thought of more as a series of teachings. The way the Chinese go about life or think is often based on the teachings of Confucius. Two thousand years ago, Buddhism came into existence and was implememnted into the Chinese culture. Buddhism is solely based on the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the belief that suffering is the path to overcome. Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of Buddhism. Written by Laozi, Daoism is a spiritual philosophy that focuses on living in harmony and peace....

Words: 593 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Belief Systems

...people and societies where they are practiced. They give guidelines on how to live their lives and affect every aspect of their cultures. Two such belief systems and philosophies are Hinduism and Confucianism. Hinduism is a religion with no founder. The people who practice this religion believe in moksha and reincarnation. Moksha is the freedom from earthly desires and a complete understanding of the world. Reincarnation is the belief that people are reborn over and over again until achieving moksha. Whether or not they are born into a good life depends on their previous life’s karma (good or bad deeds). In Hinduism, they also have a caste system. It divides people into four social classes and hardly gives any social mobility at all. People are decided which class they belong to at birth. For example, if a child is born into a family of slaves, that child will be a slave for the rest of his life. Confucianism is a philosophy started by Confucius in China. In Confucianism, the people valued education and believed in filial piety, the respect for elders. They also believed in the spirits of ancestors and created the famous quote, “do not do unto others, what you would not want them to do unto you.” Hinduism and Confucianism greatly affected the people and societies they were practiced in. In Hinduism, because of the belief in reincarnation and karma, people avoided doing bad deeds. Those who achieved moksha gained a complete understanding of the world and got rid of their desires...

Words: 2489 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

World Views

...Essay Final World Views/Benefits from Hinduism & Buddhism (Quotes are italicized and the source of the quote is bolded) Although Hinduism and Buddhism are third world country religions that most of us are not familiar with, does not mean we cannot benefit or get something out of them ourselves, whether we believe in them or not. Here in this essay i will be talking about the similarities and differences that contrast between these two massive religions that hopefully, can show a form of common ground between yourself (If you’re an “outsider”) and them. (The religious practitioners). Lets start from the beginning; who were the founders? The answer to that question is quite complex. Buddhism was founded around the 5th century B.C.E. by Siddhartha Gautama, who is commonly referred to as “The Buddha” which translates to the literal word enlightened or awakened. The creator and founder of Buddhism. On the other hand, Hinduism has no official founder and most of its practices are based off of concepts formed in Buddhism. Back to the fact that these two religions are third world country religions, what is their purpose? That is the main goal of both religions? The main goal or purpose of Buddhism is (Let's refer back to who Siddhartha Gautama is.) to seek the insights from the enlightened Buddha who shared his thoughts and concepts to help people end their suffering (Which is known as Dukkha in Buddhism.) through ending all ignorance and arrogance...

Words: 1724 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Three Anthropological Religions

...However, one of the religions is not monotheistic and describes “the one” in terms of ‘suchness’ or ‘ultimate truth’. Three of these religions are anthropological. The anthropological aspect is the human shape and how the people picture God. The three anthropological religions include Judaism, Islam and Christianity. In Judaism, it is said that the Lord is their God and the Lord is one. The people of Islam, known as Muslims, believe that no one is to be compared to their God, Allah, inferring that Allah is their ruler and the humans are his slaves. Christians believe that God...

Words: 617 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

World Religions

...their views of the individual and social life. Following is the way that the Abrahamic religions are compared to each other: Abraham (or Abram) had a huge impact on the religions Believe that God made a covenant, or agreement with Abraham to keep the faith in One God, and to worship Him, to keep that faith and teach the practice of worship to his children down the generations, and God would preserve, protect and multiply the children of Abraham. All of the monotheistic faiths share a belief that God, the Creator, has “spoken” to humankind over time. The word for this divine communication is “revelation.” Belief in angels as God’s messengers to human beings. Believers in the Abrahamic faiths have preserved these scriptures and traditions of the prophets and the story of their unfolding in human history. Mahayana Buddhism The Mahayana emerged between 100 B.C.E. and 100 C.E. in India in the context of debate about proper Buddhist doctrine and practice, about monastic discipline, and particularly about the ongoing presence of the Buddha after his death as well as the nature of enlightenment itself. Initially, the Mahayana was influenced by other Buddhist schools of thought in India; as it spread in and beyond India, it absorbed and adopted aspects of indigenous religious traditions, such as Taoism, Confucianism, Bon, and various forms of Hinduism. The philosopher/monk Nagarjuna is sometimes said to be the founder of the Mahayana, along with such...

Words: 1549 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Indonesia Religion

...percentage of Protestant believers in Indonesia. Missionary efforts for the most part did not extend to Java or other already predominantly Muslim areas. The religion has expanded considerably in the 20th century, marked by the arrival of European missionaries in some parts of the country, such as Western New Guinea and Lesser Sunda Islands. Following the 1965 coup, all non-religious people were recognized as Atheist, and hence did not receive a balanced treatment compared to the rest of the citizens. As a result, Protestant churches experienced a significant growth of members, partly due to the uncomfortable feeling towards the political aspirations of Islamic parties. Roman Catholicism Catholicism arrived in Indonesia during the Portuguese arrival with spice trading. Many Portuguese had the goal of spreading Roman Catholicism in Indonesia, starting with Moluccas in 1534. Between 1546 and 1547, the pioneer Christian missionary, Saint Francis Xavier, visited the islands and baptized several thousand locals. Hinduism Hindu culture...

Words: 849 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Religion and Politics

...RELIGION AND POLITICS 1 Religion and politics are quite interwoven into society both in the developed world as well as in the developing world. In this paper, I will discuss the major religions of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism and how these faiths interrelate to politics of nations. Islam has always been a very mixed within state and society as a whole, with no true line between church and state. Islam began in the Arabia by the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century, and is the second largest religion in the world today. Muslims are the followers of the Islam and believe in only on God, or Allah. Muslims base their beliefs on their holy book the Koran and the Sunnah. The Sunnah provides the five basic Pillars of Islam. These are: declaration of faith, praying five times a day, giving money to charity, fasting, and a pilgrimage to Mecca at least one time. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ataglance/glance.shtml) Since there is really no true division of church and state, Islam teaches religion, but also how to run a state, government, conduct business, etc. An Islamic state is based on five principles as follows. 1. Sovereignty of power. Muslims believe that Allah is the all-powerful who knows what is good and bad for society. They use the laws in the Koran to base concerning life and believe that laws must be put to practice by an Islamic state for the greater good of human beings. ( http://www.angelfire.com/bc3/johnsonuk/eng/dawa/politic...

Words: 1417 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Spiritual Diversity in Healthcare

...Running head: SPIRITUAL DIVERSITY Spiritual Diversity in Healthcare Theresa Pedley Grand Canyon University: HLT 310V August 5, 2012 Abstract Religion has a different meaning to different people and in order to medically heal a patient, the patient must be healed in body, mind and spirit. This paper explores healing the patient by providing spiritual support despite the religious needs of the patient. The religions of Buddhism, Jewish and Hinduism are explored while being compared and contrasted to Christianity in aspect of how medical staff can promote spiritual healing. Spiritual Diversity in Healthcare: First Draft There are numerous listed definitions of religion; the typical dictionary definition defines religion as “the service and worship of God or the supernatural with a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices” (Webster, 2012). Religion is a broad term in that religion relates to traditional, western, and even nontraditional views. Individuals have the right to choose and adhere to the religion of their choice. People may frown upon a religion that is different from their own; this should not be a reason to dismiss the beliefs of that particular religion. While nurses may not practice or agree to some of the different religious views that patients may poses, in order to provided spiritual diversity in healthcare nurses must embrace the patient’s religious beliefs in order to help heal the patient’s...

Words: 1920 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Hlt-310v

...not just one faith, but there are numerous faiths. In order to provide quality of care to our patient, it is important we have insight and understanding to one’s belief. Three religions that are often encountered in health care are Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism with similarities and differences shared within the religions. This paper describes each religion with its spiritual perspectives on healing and its healing components. Also discussed is how the health care providers spiritual belief may differ from the patient beliefs. The comparison is also made with the religions and Christianity with its philosophy of faith and healing. Health Care Providers and Faith Diversity Today health care facilities are faced with patients of diverse backgrounds in religion and faith beliefs. Our job as health care providers is not only to provide promotional, preventative, curative and rehabilitation to our patient and families but to also provide them with emotional and spiritual healing as well. It is important to gain information about our patient and the religion they use to practice with, in order to help in their healing process. Three faiths that will be discussed are Islam, Buddism, and Hindusim. These three faiths will also be compared to Christianity. Islam is a religion in which they voluntary submission or surrender to the Will of God. It derives from the root word “salam”, meaning peace (What is Islam, 2011). This is an Arabic religion. They worship a God Allah...

Words: 1822 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Eastern Educational Philosophies

...Philosophies Abstract Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism are compared for historical, ideology, and epistemology, searching for Eastern Philosophy compatible to Western Philosophy. A research for possible influences on Education of Philosophy discovered that it was impossible to bring comparisons and even difficult to separate them into the key issues. Colonialism and Nationalism brings the two philosophies together. Even though the Western mindset can appreciate the fascination concepts it may be impossible to blend East and West. However, it is possible to juxtapose the very different philosophies as it may be represented in the arts. Even Western Philosopher who have been influenced by Eastern Philosophy, it is reasonable to believe it is the philosophers attempt to interpret Eastern Philosophy. However, it is impossible to replicate it. Instead the product is a hybrid and independent of either East or West. Eastern Educational Philosophies Eastern philosophy has a long and varied history. Asian ideas are among the oldest in the world. Great thinkers of the East have developed sophisticated cultural and political systems that have influenced other religions as well as western philosophy. This paper will examine ideological, epistemological, and historical differences in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Ways in which these philosophies have shaped higher education theory and practice are of major importance to educators. Hinduism Historical ...

Words: 2209 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Faith and Diversity

...Running head: HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND FAITH DIVERSITY: FIRST Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft DeLana Henderson Grand Canyon University Abstract Christianity is a religion which solely believes in one God, the creator of the universe and all within it. There are many different branches of Christianity whose beliefs may vary from one to another. Buddhism, Hinduism and Muslim all have varying philosophies depending on culture, varying teachings and practices. Although there are countless religions, each different from the other, they all have the same purpose. It helps give us purpose and meaning to our lives. There are many similarities as well as differences between all religions. Religions have some sort of icon or symbol that they worship, but cannot see. All religions teach non violence, and have sacred rituals of which they perform. They all worship a God or Gods and all believe they have a final destination. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Introduction Healing is often thought of as something that comes from modern medical science, but many religions are now focusing on varying religious or spiritual beliefs to assist the healing process. For healthcare providers, it is important to understand basic religions and their beliefs, as it will provide more insight into how patients perceive and process their illness or disease. Christianity There are many different religious beliefs and practices depending...

Words: 1544 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Psychology

...contrast various views of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Hinduism is a religion meaning part of three main parts which include Vishnaism, Saivism and the Saktism. People must therefore follow the gods from one of the above three. Budhism on the other hand comes from the word buddhi which can be defined as the process of waking up. Budhism is therefore the awakening philosophy. These origins of this philosophy are derived from Budha who awakened at the age of thirty five. Taoism on the other hand is an ethical or religious tradition from the Chinese faith. Tao means something that is the source of and force behind all that exists. In comparison, Hinduism is about understanding Brahm, from within the Atman which roughly means from within the soul, whereas Budhism is all about finding Anatman which is not soul. Hinduism is about finding the highest life by removing bodily distractions from life. Taoism on the other hand means the way, which is a Chinese quotation meaning Tao is found in the world through nature and can be experienced through a mystical experience. Buddhism is carried out in Monasteries, nunneries and temples while Hinduism is carried out in a temple. In comparison, both Buddhism and Hinduism and Taoism embrace the use of statues and pictures.in addition to that both also follow the Dharma which is the common religious law. In Budhism, the clergy consists of monks and nuns who follow teachings of the Budha under the name Sangha whereas in Hinduism there is no official...

Words: 1511 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Study Guide Chapter 3

...Religion can be defined as Religion is the relationship between a human being and the superhuman power. The various ways in which religion is expressed include (name five only) feelings of fear, legend, myths, prayer, rituals, and the application of religious precepts to the conduct of social life. Early modernization theorists viewed religion (with regard to politics) as an obstacle to modernization; Religion undermines socio-economic development; It undermines the development of modern states; They hoped that modernization of the Third World would lead to gradual decline of religion from public life; eventual disappearance of religion; That did not happen; Religion is very much alive; It remains part of politics. Dependency theorists view religion as unimportant; Give it only an occasional footnote in their writings; They blame colonial powers for having used religion to colonize today’s Third World. Political scientists have developed the following nuanced understanding of the relationship between religion, state and modernity they argue that all religions have legitimized the state’s authority at some point in history; in some respects, religious leaders and institutions may inhibit development; they oppose important aspects of social change; de-legitimize the political system; can try to make it look unpopular; they may encourage, facilitate development; modernization can induce the political secularization can induce peaceful co-existence between state (politics)...

Words: 1519 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

‘There Is No “Single” Asian Past. We Must Always Acknowledge the Diversity of Experiences Related to Class, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, Caste, Family and Kinship Arrangements, or Other Indices of Social Differentiation,

...‘There is no “single” Asian past. We must always acknowledge the diversity of experiences related to class, gender, ethnicity, religion, caste, family and kinship arrangements, or other indices of social differentiation, to fully appreciate the complex history of Asia.’ The area known to us as Asia sits on the eastern side of the landmass of Eurasia and is the largest continent, encompassing a staggering 17 million square miles. Asia is home to a variety of cultures, religions, governments and mindsets, giving it a wide base for a complex history involving largely different groups of people. These different groups, or ethnicities, all formed their own histories over time, which when combined together give Asia more than one past, they arise into an intricate and comprehensive history fashioned by a diversity of experiences. Therefore, there is no ‘single’ Asian past; we must delve into each single experience to gain insight into the prolific and wide ranging history that gathers under the one banner of ‘Asia’. Each country within Asia has its own geographic links to other nations and cultures. These links were expanded on by exploration, trade routes and missionary ventures. These vital networks allowed cultural influences to travel from country to country, resulting in each nation in Asia receiving different influences from the next. In turn, this led to widespread variety amongst individual countries. These networks were invaluable to allow the able interaction of cultures...

Words: 1672 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Diversity

...also we are required to maximize the effectiveness of the care provided. An individual’s religious beliefs and practices should be respected and accepted. Although there are different religions that have parallel perspectives, they also have contrasting perspectives that can affect the way care is provided. Today, the religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Muslim will be discussed and compared to the beliefs and practices of Christianity. The Buddhist religion is a religion that focuses on the ethical and spiritual well-being of individuals and in turn helps the individual develop wisdom and compassion for all mankind. Buddhist believes in taking a holistic approach when facing health and disease. This practice includes the principles of practice, meditation, technique, and discipline. From a Buddhist perspective, there is no personal God to serve. They believe that optimal health is strongly associated with the effects of good karma. Karma is considered the action and the results of an action. Buddhist believes that nothing is permanent, and that how a person lives their life is how a person goes through life. According to Buddhism, any life lived solely for...

Words: 1368 - Pages: 6