Abstract
Hinduism and Buddhism are religions that are mostly practiced in India. They have many differences such as one is founded by a man and the other is believed to be divine inspired. Both believe in reincarnation and karma. Many of their principles can be found in the Christian faith. Although Christianity and Islam may be the most popular and widely accepted religions in the world, Hinduism and Buddhism have became the third and fourth respectively. Many scholars disagree whether Hinduism and Buddhism fall under the definition of religion, acknowledging both are philosophies. Hinduism is documented as the oldest form of religion, dating before Genesis. (Robinson, Hinduism, 2009) On the contrary, Buddhism is relatively young founded between 566 and 480 B.C. (Basics of Buddhism). While Hinduism and Buddhism have many differences, some of their basic similarities can be found in Christian beliefs. Although Hindus believe in one of two different gods, Vishnu or Shiva, as one supreme deity, they worship several other gods as extensions to the one. Buddhism contrasts Hinduism by being based upon the knowledge gathered by Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, as he was exploring ways to eliminate suffering rather than worshipping a god who explains humanity. Buddhism is based on four noble truths: Dukkha: Suffering exists, Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering, Nirodha: There is an end to suffering and the fourth Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path (Robinson, Buddhism, 2011). These differ from the four aims of Hinduism, three are directed for the people in the world and one is for people who renounced the world: dharma: the righteousness, artha: material prosperity, kama: gratification of senses, and moksa: liberation (Robinson, Hinduism, 2009). There may be many differences between Hinduism and Buddhism with one basic distinction that Buddhism is a method rather than doctrine, having no divine insight and absent from a revelation. Both religions were founded in India. Buddhists often mediate or concentrate in the effort to conquer evil thoughts becoming aware of their bodies, minds and feelings resulting in a higher state of consciousness. Similarly, Hindus practice yoga as their primary form of mediation. Another common principle found in both is the belief that all creatures are reincarnated. Buddhists believe that people are reborn after death in many cycles until they finally achieve Nirvana resulting in their release from desire and self in a state of liberation and freedom from suffering (Robinson, Buddhism, 2011). Hindus believe in repetitious transmigration of the soul as one’s soul is transferred into another body after death, continuing several times until one finally achieves enlightenment (Robinson, Hinduism, 2009). Finally, Karma is also a parallel as both believe Karma is the determinant factor in rebirthing. Karma is described as the good or bad actions a person takes during their lifetime, thus determining how they will live in their next life urging them to live good as outlined in their religions principles. Mediation, reincarnation, and karma are basic principles followed by both Buddhists and Hindus. Religion can be defined as a system of principles and beliefs to arbor faith. Buddhist live by the Decalogue in which recommends that they do not steal, lie, kill, corrupt