Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison

A feature article by an Alumbo member, Mar 22, 2007         

Summary: Hinduism differs from Buddhism in many respects but the two doctrines are also similar in many ways. This article explains the similarities and differences and explains some important concepts common to both which we can adopt in our lives

 
What points make up Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison. What is discussed here are the Buddhist doctrines of the Theravada tradition. As regards this comparison it may be said that the doctrines are presented differently in Hinduism and Buddhism. Certain doctrines are stressed in Buddhism which are mentioned but not emphasized in Hinduism. So, this is an important point, which makes up Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison. 1) Different ways to enlightenment: The Buddha attained enlightenment through meditation and meditation was what he primarily taught. The Hindu doctrine mentions meditation as one of the ways to attain God. This is the path of Raja Yoga. However, the Hindu scriptures also mention Karma Yoga (the path of action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of prayer or devotion) and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge). These are different paths, which lead to the same goal - Moksha, Nirvana or Union with God. All Roads lead to Rome. 2) Stress on suffering versus stress on bliss: The Buddha stressed the unsatisfactory nature of human existence. He pointed to the suffering inherent in birth, sickness, old age and death and urged his followers to walk the path to the end of suffering. The Upanishads acknowledge the suffering inherent in the human condition. But they lay greater stress on the bliss enjoyed on experiencing a union with God or the Self. Since we are all manifestations of God, bliss is an integral part of our nature. The Upanishads stressed on this experience of bliss to motivate the Hindu devotees to experience Moksha. So, these different methods of motivating their followers also make up Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison. So this is another point in Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison. 3) Anatta or No-Self: The Buddhist analysis of the ego concludes that there is no permanent, independent self to be found anywhere in it. It regards the ego as a changing process and the sense of a self, separate from the rest of existence as a delusion. The Hindus, however regard that any being is a manifestation of God. Hence they will say that the Godhead is present in each individual and that It is changeless. The Buddhists do not even go into the question of whether there is a God or not as will be explained later. 4) The Middle Path: The Hindu scriptures also taught the middle way. In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita Sri. Krishna says : "Yoga is not for him who eats too much or does not eat at all, nor sleeps too much or does not sleep at all." However, the Buddha's teaching on the Middle way carried a force and an authority born of personal experience. He himself had experienced extreme indulgence and extreme austerities. He became enlightened only when he forsook these extremes. Hence by his example his teaching on the middle way had a far more convincing effect. So, this is another point which makes up Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison. 5) Philosophical questions: The Buddha discouraged philosophical pursuits and questions regarding the nature of the Universe, the existence of God and the like. His position was that such pursuits do you no good at all. His message was simple. You are suffering today in this life - so walk the path to the end of suffering. The Hindu scriptures however contained detailed descriptions of the Brahman or the experience of oneness with God. Hinduism also presents many philosophical arguments proving the existence of the Brahman. The Buddha kept a Noble Silence on these questions and the nature of the experience of Nirvana. 6) Many skillful means: The Buddhist tradition has many skillful means to attain enlightenment. For example the stress on contemplation on impermanence and mindfulness of death. Some of these skillful means are not to be found in the Hindu tradition. Mindfulness on death has no place in the Hindu teaching as far as I know. In Advaita Hinduism, it is taught that the Mind-Body-Intellect-Feeling part of the ego is not the Self. This is what is stressed by some branches of Hinduism. The Buddhist tradition also developed in many countries other than India and so the Buddhism practiced in those countries will contain many methods or skillful means peculiar to it and not to be found in Hinduism. So, these are the various points that make up Hinduism and Buddhism a comparison. About the author For stories about Vishnu and his avataars and a free ecourse valued at $ 30 visit Chief God of early Hinduism and sign up for the free newsletter

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