What is the Difference between Hinduism and Buddhism?

Hinduism and Buddhism have a shared cultural background, partly attributed to their generational beginnings in the same general geographical location of northern India. As many similarities exist, many more differences do as well.

One such similarity is the practices used for yoga, a meditative practice to focus the mind. Both religions share the idea of achieving different meditative or absorption states while practicing yoga, or yoga-like rituals.

A second similarity between Hinduism and Buddhism is idea of Dharma, or “natural law.” Dharma can be applied to both religions as the governance of ceremonial or religious duties, everyday life, and personal conduct. While there may be differences in each religions interpretation of those natural laws, the similarity that a specific system of control exists remains.

A final similarity is that of the Samkhya. The Samkhya philosophical system, one of many for the Hindu religion, was most probably the influence for many of the same systems used in Buddhism. This can be attributed to the closeness during the birth of Indian religions between Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

There are many differences between Buddhism and Hinduism. The first, being the idea of reincarnation. Buddhism, unlike Hinduism, does not believe in an eternal soul, but rather a collective arrangement when peace is finally attained. While they share the idea of reincarnation, this difference is major between the religions. The second difference is that of deity worship. Buddhism is not “god-centered”, rather personally centered. Hinduism has many deities that are worshipped.

The final difference between Hinduism and Buddhism lies in its early beginnings; that of the role of women are subordinate. Hinduism held that women could not achieve a religiously devoted life, or hold major religious offices, and that salvation and piousness was to be achieved through their husbands. Buddha rejected this claim, as his teachings sought to remove thoughts of gender, and to embrace each being as a kindred spirit.

Buddhism is not steeped in ceremony, rituals, or building of large cathedrals. Buddhism instead teaches a simpler approach to faith. And while Christian beliefs support the belief of a single Supreme Being, or God, Hinduism believes in many. Each religion has its differences, but each religion believes one single thing that is often lost in translation; that living a pious life and treating others with dignity and fairness, are the key to eternal happiness.