Buddhism vs Advaita Vedanta—What's the Difference?

Both traditions address and solve the fundamental problem of human suffering, but they differ on the existence or non-existence of a true, inner self, atma. Q&A with Swamiji #12.

Both Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta identify the cause of suffering to be desire, kama or trishna, and identify enlightenment, moksha or nirvana, to be the result becoming free from desire. But Buddhism teaches that freedom from desire is gained by understanding the impermanence of the world, samsara, and the metaphysical absence of an individual person, soul or atma, that is subject to suffering. Advaita Vedanta addresses the problem of desire by leading one to discover the true self, atma, to be sat chit ananda, limitless, uncreated conscious existence, the so-called inner divinity that is the actual source of happiness, ananda, and contentment. Both traditions seek to eradicate ignorance, ajnana.

[lucusshina]

As Sanatan Dharmic I have learnt that Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Advita Vedanta are just brothers from same parent but have different approach towards Mosksh/Nirvana and spiritual well being.

[swingingcrow]

I’m very much impressed and surprised to read all the comments under this video. No hateful, no childish arguments of whether which is superior than the other. It struck to me, how wonderful a healthy discussion could be if we really respect eachother while having firm faith in our respective search for the ultimate. Keep going spiritual brothers and sisters. May you all find the perfect realisation 🙏

[jetdeleon]

When I was 3 years old, I fell into a swimming pool and began to drown. Without having ever been exposed to the concept of 'death", my cosciousness felt a 'knowing' of what was about to occur and I felt a sense of total peace and almost joyful anticipation. At the moment I began to feel the transition, a relative that saw me and jumped into the pool swept me up. I've been trying to understand that experience ever since by studying various spiritual paths, philosophies, and practices. Many come close, but what you described in this video is the closest thing to that experience that I've come across so far. I'm now very much curious to learn more about Advaita Vedanta. Also, I've been a devoted admirer of Ramana Maharshi for a number of years now. Thank you.

[darshanjadhav]

Im following Buddhism specially vipassana from last 5 Doing vipassana meditation change my life.

[GabCom]

The calmness, clarity and simplicity in expression of this discourse are just sublime! Thank you!

[gyurmethlodroe]

"I have been immersed in Vedanta for four decades, that has shaped my personal perspective", with this line he wants us to know that his comparison may not be unbiased, free and fair. This line shows what a highly realised being he is. I a Buddhist monk who never before heard of Vedanta bow to this Swami. Buddhism donot restrict its followers from respecting and showing appreciation to wise man of other religion. If any religious community call themselves buddhist but restricts you from this freedom then you are among the cultish spirit worshippers like NKT and DS cults.

[sanjaysinha]

Sir: Your way of NARRATIVE is admirable. Your analysis do not hurt one. That is great. We need PEOPLE LIKE YOU.

[sumantachatterjee]

Being a Hindu I know Advaita Vedanta, but I listen to your beautiful explanation completely.
Vedanta not only talks about freeing one from the earthly sufferings but also identifying oneself with the Supreme Consciousness / Param-Atman. Like one drop of water get itself mixed with the vast unfathomable ocean of Super consciousness.
I pay my respect to you Master. You are 'Rishi' / Monk.
Namaste. Om Shanti . Let there be peace.

[ferdinandocoluccelli]

Thank you dear brother. You are a very good man, a very good soul, a wonderful teacher. All you do explain becomes very clear, due to your perfect choice of words and ideas, your clearness of view. You are a gift for us, so for you I thank God. May you have all the blessings.

[PerikTeaching]

I am a Buddhist Teacher. I like your approach, your way of interpretation and relate with your way of thinking mostly. And a huge respect to advaida Vedanta also.

Most religious people seem to forget that, we all are on the spiritual path. And until we reach the highest level of practice, the specialty of any one particular religion couldn't and doesn't need to be distinguished.

[PortalEMCioranBrasil]

If religions were technologies, this would be the ultimate state of the art.

[MrPankaj]

When I listened, I felt as if I was sitting before a "true" rishi who imparts the supreme knowledge. May you be there for ages to enlighten people on the earth...

[Hygge-lover]

I have always been drawn to Advaita Vedanta, because of the distinction you just explained. I like the idea of eternal consciousness/bliss to be my true inner self, and not nothingness or just the end of suffering. You talk very clearly, I like listening to you a lot. 😀❤️🕉️🙏🙏

[drdeepak]

"Jnana of Shankara and love of Buddha should guide India " this was swami Vivekananda's message.
🙏Jai Bhagwan Shankar
🙏Jai Bhagwan Buddha

[sarahk]

Wow, I’m so glad this video appeared in my feed. I have been studying Buddhism for years but have never learned about Advaita Vedanta. I am fascinated! You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you!

[noahdanielg]

Advaita Vedānta and Mahāyāna Buddhism are my dual spiritual paths, they teach the same non-dual essence.

[MikeNewham]

Clear and concise overview from a man with a pure heart. Thank you.

[peterpaulrobejsek]

Well spoken! The respect with which you treat a tradition that is not your own clearly shows you to be a master!

[hidetoedwarduno]

I’m not challenging this since there’s multiple layers of understanding to all things but this quote boils it down how they could be saying the same thing:

The problem with misunderstanding Buddhist emptiness is that you end up with nothing, with nihilism. The problem with misunderstanding Advaita, is that you end up with something, you think Brahman is a thing, Atman is a thing.
~Swami Sarvapriyananda

[mehedihasan-uiqt]

I felt like as if I was having awakening while listening to you. Explanation with such clarity not only reaches to mind but also to heart. You are such a great teacher. Lots of love.