Between Hinduism and Buddhism?

faroukalhadad SG

Hi, can a kind soul elaborate on the above? Or are they from the same branch for I have noticed no differences between the two.

Thanks in advance

An Eternal Now SG

Hi, Hinduism and Buddhism are very different teachings.

For example, we do not believe in an eternal Soul/Atman/Self. We also do not have concepts of a universal soul. Instead, Buddhism teaches Anatta (no-self).

Unlike Hinduism, we do not worship gods nor believe in first cause, but rather, we teach Dependent Origination and all as a process of conditioned becoming without a beginning. However, it is possible that one may attain Nirvana, through the ending of ignorance and thus the absence of causes for future births. Nirvana is also the highest bliss and the end of suffering.

In Hinduism, Moksha/liberation which is similarly seen as the liberation from Samsara as Buddhism, is however, quite different. Hindu's moksha is the union of Atman and Brahman or Godhead, or realising the indivisibility of Atman and Brahman. In Buddhism, Nirvana is not a matter of merging, or realising atman=brahman. It is the realisation of reality as Dependent Origination, the 3 dharma seals (which includes 'No-Self'), luminous-emptiness inseparable, that liberates.

In Hinduism, there is a caste system which separates the role of the individual (some being outcastes, some being merchants, some being kings, Brahmins, etc) at birth. But Buddha thinks this is very unfair and often tells that it is the qualities of an individual that makes him a 'true Brahmin'. He does not support the caste system, and accepts disciples from all castes equally, even the lowest castes.

Another difference is that all Hindu schools believe in the authority of the scriptures of Veda, but the Buddha rejected this authority and taught based solely on his own insights on reality and experience. Our scriptures are totally a different set from the Hindus.

It should also be noted that Buddha is not the incarnation of God or gods like what the Hindus may think. The Buddha was not the incarnation of God or a god -- he was an awakened being. All Buddhists who practice the path of Buddha will also attain Enlightenment/Awakening.

Here's just my summary... anyone who thinks of something else please add on.