Introduction
Religion has existed among people of the world since time immemorial. Everyone has the right to practise, profess and propagate their own religion. Hinduism and Buddhism are the prominent religions of the world which hold their origin to the Indian subcontinent. Both have some similarities between them as well as differences.
You can also find differences between articles on various topics that you need to know. Just tap on the quick link available and get to know the basic differences between them.
What is the difference between Hinduism and Buddhism?
About Hinduism
Hinduism, according to the common parlance, is an Indian religion or dharma. More appropriately, it is never considered a religion but a way of life, or called the “Santana Dharma” which means the “the eternal way”.
The people who practise or follow Hinduism are called Hindus. It is the world’s third-largest religion. It is the oldest religion whose origin lies much beyond human life and are scripted in the Vedas.
About Buddhism
Buddhism encompasses various traditions, beliefs, and spiritual practices based on the Buddha’s original teachings and resulting interpreted philosophies. Lord Buddha is the founder of Buddhism.
The people who practise Buddhism are called Buddhists. This is the world fourth-largest religion. It remained in prominence in India till the Gupta era and vanished after it from India, however, the popularity continued outside India.
Difference between Hinduism and Buddhism
Following are the major differences between Hinduism and Buddhism.
| HINDUISM | BUDDHISM |
| No particular person | Lord Buddha founded it. |
| It follows the Vedas and Upanishads. | It follows only the teachings of Gautama Buddha. |
| It is the world’s third-largest religion. | It is the world’s fourth-largest religion. |
| The followers of Hinduism are known as Hindus. | The followers of Buddhism are called Buddhists. |
| They have four major goals in life to attain- Dharma, Kama, Artha and Moksha. | They follow the eightfold paths of Buddha’s teaching. |
| They have several religious denominations including Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakta, Ganapatya etc. | They have the branches of Theraveda and Mahayana. |
| The places of worships are known as temples. | The place of worship is called the Buddhist monasteries. |
| Hindus consider Buddha as the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. | Buddhists do not consider Hindu Gods at all. |
| Sanskrit is the primary sacred language. Most of the scripts are written in Sanskrit. | Pali is the primary language. |
| The goal is to liberate oneself from the birth cycle. | The goal is to overcome all the sufferings in life. |
| They have no foremost spiritual Leader. | They have a spiritual leader, called Dalai Lama. |
Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism
- Karma, the philosophy of individuals’ cause and actions are the central theories in Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Both carry philosophies of Dharma. Dharma, in its literal sense, means natural law, duty or reality. They say that righteousness will lead to the salvation of humanity.
- They have similar symbolism in their texts, scripts, and culture, including the mudra, dharma chakra, rudraksha, tilak and swastika.
- They have similar practices or actions, including yoga, meditation and recitation of mantras.
- The word “Buddha” has appeared in the Hindu texts before the birth of The Lord Buddha.
- Both have the common vocabularies in their texts and scripts, with a minute or analogous differences in their assertions or meaning.
- Both the religion originated from the Indian subcontinent.
- Both the religion have practised idol worship.
Frequently Asked Questions on Differences between Hinduism and Buddhism
Question:
Where do Buddhism and Hinduism find their similarities?
Answer:
Many ideologies of Hinduism and Buddhism seem to match. The most interesting fact is how Lord Gautama Buddha is considered a part of the Dashavatar of Hindu God Vishnu. This epic crossover has led to both the religions finding similarities among its unique affairs.
Question:
Are there any notable good habit differences in both religions?
Answer:
Though there is no major food habit difference, Hinduism doesn’t deem eating specific animal meat as a sin while in Buddhism, strict vegetarianism is to be followed. Though this is a huge difference, the vegetarian aspects of Buddhists and Hindus match the maximum extent imaginable.