Differences: Similarities Between Buddhism And Hinduism

Buddhism and Hinduism are well-known religions founded in ancient India. While it is not known exactly when Hinduism was founded some speculate that it began around the sixth century B.C.E. or possibly even earlier. Buddhism was founded a few centuries later by Siddhartha Gautama Sakya who was later referred to as the Buddha. Currently, both religions are practiced by many people throughout the world. These two religions have many commonalities however they have many divergences from one another as well.
Both Buddhism and Hinduism focus around nature, peace, and nonviolence. The followers of both religions practice meditation, concentration, and cultivation of the mind. They also both believe in samsara which is a process of many life cycles …show more content…
Once such difference is the caste system which is part of Hinduism. The Hindu caste system divides people into 4 separate classes; priest and religious authorities hold the highest place in the caste system known as the Brahmin, next are the Kshatriya which in ancient times consisted of kings and warriors but is currently for politicians and civil authorities, then there are the Vaishya which includes doctors, lawyers, and teachers and lastly are the Shudra which consists of the servants and laborers. Hindus believe that their place in the caste system can dictate how many cycles of samsara they must endure before being released into moksha. Buddhist do not believe in or practice in the caste system but instead believe that everyone is equal regardless of social standings and enlightenment is attainable by every …show more content…
It seems as though Hinduism is more rigid in their beliefs of how to reach the end of the samsara cycle of life and depends on many variables while Buddhism seems to be more liberal and puts the burden of the samsara cycle solely on the individual. There are many different religions throughout the world with just as many beliefs of a god, gods, or that no god exists. The world religions including Buddhism and Hinduism have tried to answer the age old question of who or what controls the universe, who created humans and everything within the universe, and what deity, if any at all, humans should believe in or worship. While we may never know the answer of who created us, who or what determines our lives, or even what higher power we should worship, I believe that the main purpose in life is to be good to one another and take care of each