What Is The Difference Between Buddhism and Hinduism?

What is the main difference between Buddhism and Hinduism? In Buddhism, an individual can reach enlightenment by following the Noble eightfold path. In Hinduism, one can reach enlightenment by following the path of good deeds, path of devotion and path of knowledge.

Buddhism and Hinduism have their origin in India. Lord Buddha who is the prophet of Buddhism hail from a Hindu family. Besides that, Hindus consider Lord Buddha to be part of the ten reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.

This article provides a detailed insight into the relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism for a better understanding. Take the time to read and learn how to compare and contrast Hinduism and Buddhism essay.

Difference Between Buddhism and Hinduism With Table

Buddhism	Hinduism
Buddhists are the followers	Hindus are the followers
The fourth largest religion in the world	The third largest religion in the world
Buddhists worship in monasteries, shrines, and tables	Hindus worship in temples
Buddha is the founder of Buddhism	Buddha is the nine avatar of Vishnu
Tibetan Buddhism has a foremost Spiritual Leader.	Hinduism does not have a concept of having the foremost Spiritual Leader.
Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana are main branches.	The 4 largest denominations of Hinduism are Shaktism, Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Smartism.
Male Monks are known as Bhikkhus and Female Monks are known as Bhikkhunis.	Male monks are known as Yogis, Sages, Rishis, Gurus, Priests, and female monks are known as Sanyasini, sadhvi, swamini.
Theravada tradition use the Pali language. Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions use Sanskrit language.	Sanskrit is the primary sacred language of Hinduism.
Important festivals of Buddhists are Vesak (Buddha’s birthday), Parinirvana Day (also known as Nirvana day), Buddha Purnima, Ullambana, Uposatha, Losar (celebrated by Tibetan Buddhists) etc.	Holy Days in Hinduism are Ganesh Chaturthi, Mahashivaratri, Ram Navami, Krishna Janmashtami, Navaratri, Durga Puja etc.
Tripitaka and Gandhara Texts are important scriptures	Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayan, Upanishads, Puranas are important scriptures
Conch and Dharmachakra are important symbol.	Important symbols of Hinduism are Om, Swastika etc.
Buddhism does impart advice on how to maintain a cordial and happy married life.	Hindus believe that a man can marry once
Does not have a concept of sin	Sins committed deliberately will have to be repaid through Karmic consequences.
Buddhism originates from Buddha and can be traced to 563 B.C.E.	Hinduism began in Indian subcontinent, even before 3000 B.C.E.
Vedas were rejected by Buddha as per the dialogues given in Nikayas.	Vedas are considered very important.
Aim is to bring lasting and unconditional happiness.	Aim is freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Buddhists are common in India, Nepal, Japan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Laos, Thailand, Bhutan etc.	Hindus are common in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, Carribean, North America, Bali in Indonesia etc.

What Is Buddhism?

Buddhism is among the world largest religion and can be traced to 2500 years ago in India subcontinent. Buddhists believe that human life is one of suffering where meditation, spirituality, physical labor, and good behavior are the best way to achieve enlightenment.

Buddhists do not believe in any diet or go. But there are some supernatural figures who can help or hinder people on the path towards enlightenment. Buddhists believe in a wheel of rebirth into different bodies known as Karma. (Source: Britannica)

What Is Hinduism?

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world dating back more than 4000 years. Hindus worship a number of different gods and deities with a honor of range symbols.

Shaivism, Vaishnava, Shaktism and Smartaism are the main sects of Hinduism. Hindus strive to achieve dharma, which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality.

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Main Difference Between Buddhism and Hinduism

Buddhists are the Buddhism followers while Hindus are the Hinduism followers.
Buddhism is the fourth largest religion while Hinduism is the third largest religion.
Buddha is the founder of Buddhism while Buddha is among the nine avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism.
Buddhism aim is to bring lasting and unconditional happiness while Hinduism aim is freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Buddhism does not have a concept of sin while Hinduism believe sins committed deliberately will have to be repaid through Karmic consequences.

Similarities Between Buddhism and Hinduism

Both have idol worship
Both give equal rights to men and women
Both have no restrictions in religious activities
Both originate from India subcontinent

Final Thoughts from Experts

Hinduism and Buddhism similarities and differences are minimal. Understanding the difference between Buddhism and Hinduism is important. Buddhists are the followers of Buddhism and Hindus are the followers of Hinduism.

The main difference between Hinduism and Buddhism is based on the enlightenment attainment. Buddhist can reach Nirvana or enlightenment by following the Noble eightfold path. Hindus can reach enlightenment by following the path of good deeds, path of devotion and path of knowledge.

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