South Asia
Shay Brittany Whitney
China's rise economically and growing influence around the world
Hinduism vs. Buddhism
Hinduism v.s. Buddhism
Similarities- Both originated in the Indian subcontinent and share a very long, but rather peculiar and uncomfortable relationship. Both believe in the concept of karma, transmigration of souls and the cycle of births and deaths for each soul. Both also emphasize compassion and non-violence towards all living beings. Both believe in the existence of several hells and heavens. Both believe in the existence of gods. Both believe in certain spiritual practices such as meditations, concentration, cultivation of certain state of minds. Both consider desire as the chief cause of suffering. Both have their own versions of Tantra. Both originated and evolved on the Indian soul.
Differences- Hinduism is not founded by any particular prophet. Buddhism was founded by the Buddha. Buddhism believes in the concept of Bodhisattvas, Hinduism doesn’t believe in it. Buddhism acknowledges pantheon, but gives them a rather subordinate status. Buddhism has a founder named Gautama Buddha but Hinduism has no credited particular founder. Hinduism believes in the efficacy and supremacy of the Vedas, the Buddhist do not believe in the Vedas or for that matter any Hindu scripture. Buddhism does not believe in the exstience of souls as well as in the first cause, whom we usually call God, Hinduism believes in the exstience of Atman that is the individual soul and Brahman, the supreme creator. Hindus also believe in the four Ashramas or stages of life. This is not followed in Buddhism.