Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism

Comparing Hinduism and BuddhismThe comparative study of Hinduism and Buddhism through its historical periods, its relationship with the philosophical traditions, as well as from an exegetical perspective. A central theme of this comparative study is to reveal the history of the Christianized forms of both these religions.Historically, both Hinduism and Buddhism were inspired by their founder, Siddhartha Gautama (also known as Buddha). In addition, both, in their Indian context, inspired their followers by proclaiming a set of enlightened principles. It is also important to note that each originated as monotheistic religions and as truly did not believe in the deity of another.The different elements of the belief that each religion promotes are manifested in the various forms of worship. Both Hinduism and Buddhism have equally traditional forms of worship. However, the elements of each differ, as do the sects within these religions. These differences influence the beliefs that each of fers to its followers.Not only do the westernized forms of these religions differ in their worship practices, but also in their doctrines. With both Hinduism and Buddhism, the central doctrine is the existence of a supreme Being, known as God. God is worshipped in both the names Hinduism and Buddhism. In both cases, the deities are believed to represent and protect the supreme Being.Within the tenets of these two religions, some of the fundamentals of both are similar. For example, both believe in the oneness of the Gods and the sacredness of their respective teachings. One example of this is the belief that the teachings and philosophy of one can be accepted without question by all the other aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism.Within both Hinduism and Buddhism, the chief deities of each religion are believed to embody the deities and works of God. However, it is important to understand that the right to accept or reject a deity is determined by each individual believer. As with other concepts of religion, there are those who prefer to exclude the concept of God, while others who choose to accept it. This is seen in the fact that Hinduism and Buddhism have sometimes been polarized along this line.There are many similarities between the beliefs that are held by Hinduism and Buddhism. For example, both sects believe in human reincarnation. It is important to note that the history of reincarnation in both Hinduism and Buddhism is deeply entwined with these two religions. The underlying foundation of both is essentially the belief that at some point, the soul will be reborn into a new life, which will provide for the fulfillment of its purpose.From the above, it can be concluded that both Hinduism and Buddhism are concepts that have evolved over the years. It is also important to acknowledge that within the past few centuries, several movements have emerged that have either split the religion, or at least disturbed the central doctrine of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Therefore, if the study of these two religious sects is going to advance and continue to thrive, it is imperative that we study the history of these religions and try to determine the main fundamentals of both, which have led them to where they are today.