Throughout history, belief systems have influenced social, economic, and political developments in many regions. Although different, these belief systems often have similarities and, in some cases grow out of one another. Two such examples are Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism started in India and then made it’s way throughout Southeast Asia, China, Korea ,and Japan. Buddhism grew out of Hinduism. Another religion that grew out of hinduism is Jainism. Buddhism just like Hinduism spread throughout Asia, and Southeast Asia. Both Hinduism and Buddhism have similar beliefs and practices. There is also a relationship between these two polytheistic faiths.

Hinduism has many beliefs and practices. One Hinduism Belief is atman and moksha. In Hinduism every person has an essential self or atman. Atman is another name for braham. Moksha is to be in union with brahman. Hindus believe that the ultimate goal of existence is moksha. In order to achieve moksha individual’s must free themselves from selfish desires that separate them brahman. Another practice of hinduism is ahimsa. Ahimsa is a nonviolence life. Ahimsa is a key moral principle. Another practice in the Hindu lifestyle is dharma. Dharma is the religious and moral duties of an individual. The duties that you have to perform depends on your class, occupation, gender, and age. When obeying one’s dharma, it will help you in the next life.

Buddhism also have many beliefs and practices. The Four Truths is the reason for suffering in life ( -Adapted from Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, translated by thanissaro Bhikkhu). The Four Truths were created by Siddhartha Gautama, The Buddha, the creator of Buddhism. The Four truths tell us why we suffer in life. The origin of suffering according to the four truths is the craving for things that we can’t have, craving for physical pleasures,etc. Another belief and practice of the Buddhist life is the eightfold path. The eightfold path is teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. The eightfold path has eight teachings to follow. The teachings are to know the truth, say nothing to hurt others , practice meditation , control your thoughts , resist evil , free your mind of evil , work for the good of others , respect life ( Source:The human Experience, Glencoe). Buddhist practices meditation for many reasons. Buddhist meditate to free the mind and body. Meditation helps the mind become peaceful, calm, and focus. It is important because it gains wisdom and enlightenment.

Hinduism and Buddhism have different beliefs ,but they are similar in many ways. Reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul in another bodily from (-Adapted from Prentice Hall World history, Ellis and Esier). Some people may not be able to achieve moksha in one lifetime, so reincarnation allows people to continue working toward moksha through several lifetimes. The second belief that they also have in common is karma. Hindus believe that karma also makes a person come closer to achieving moksha by obeying the law of karma. Karma to the actions of one that affects his or her fate in his or hers next life. Both Hinduism and Buddhism are also