Hinduism and Buddhism

Asia has had many religions spring up. Out of these Buddhism and Hinduism are the most popular beliefs in the general population. Hinduism is the oldest known religion and is very rich with literally hundreds of gods, symbolic rituals and beliefs. It is believed to have been established around 1500 B.C. but one person never founded Hinduism as it evolved over a long period of time. Buddhism on the other hand has a definite founder, Siddhartha Gautama who is otherwise known as the Buddha or Enlightened One who lived from 565 to 483 B.C. Both these religions originated in India. Siddhartha Gautama was a Hindu who found Hindu theology lacking and after years of searching for truth created a religion now known as Buddhism. Because of these basic similarities, the two religions have much in common, but in the same light they differ immensely. Hinduism and Buddhism both have numerous gods and both follow the same path to ultimately achieve Nirvana (when one reaches full enlightenment). The concept of a god or gods in Buddhism is almost void (not valid or legally binding) and therefore in the perspective of another, is not a religion. Hinduism has many gods that govern different aspect of life. There are three main gods of Hinduism. Vishnu who is the sustainer, Brahma is the creator, and Shiva the destroyer, also known as Trimuti. Most Hinduism gods are associated with animals. Hindus feel that being a vegetarian is vital to the religion. Cows are the sacred in Hinduism and are worshipped as a divine mother and make eating beef or any other cow related food taboo. Buddhism includes meditation and prayer, and one must know the four noble truths. The Four Noble truths are suffering, origin of suffering, truth of cessation (an end), and the truth of the path. All of these truths follow eightfold path, which follow the ways one must live. The Eightfold path includes righteous living, wealth, prosperity, love and happiness. Both Hinduism and Buddhism have similarities, but they also have differences. Hinduism was not found by one particular person, but founded by many people. Buddhism was founded