Hinduism vs. Buddhism: Key Differences

Hinduism vs. Buddhism: Key Differences

[zenithkazekage]

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Buddha’s teachings (Buddhism) share some common roots but diverge significantly in their philosophies, practices, and ultimate goals. Below is a comparison of the two:

1. Foundational Beliefs
• Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism):
• “Sanatana Dharma” means “eternal duty” and refers to the broader framework of Hindu philosophy and practice. It emphasizes the authority of the Vedas, the eternal nature of the soul (Atman), and its unity with the universal spirit (Brahman).
• It includes diverse schools of thought, from monism (Advaita) to theism (worship of gods like Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi).
• Core concepts include dharma (duty/righteousness), karma (action and its consequences), moksha (liberation), and bhakti (devotion).
• Buddhism (Buddha’s Teachings):
• Buddhism rejects the authority of the Vedas and focuses on the Buddha’s teachings, particularly the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
• It denies the existence of an eternal soul (Atman) and instead teaches the concept of anatman (no-self).
• The ultimate goal is nirvana, a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

2. Concept of God
• Sanatana Dharma:
• The idea of God varies widely. It can be monotheistic (belief in one God), polytheistic (many gods), or even non-theistic (Advaita Vedanta’s Brahman is impersonal).
• Gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma are central in many traditions. They are seen as creators, sustainers, and destroyers of the universe.
• Buddhism:
• Buddhism does not rely on a creator god. While gods (devas) exist in Buddhist cosmology, they are seen as impermanent beings within samsara, subject to karma and rebirth.
• The focus is on self-effort and wisdom rather than divine intervention.

3. Karma and Rebirth
• Sanatana Dharma:
• Karma determines one’s future births and experiences. Liberation (moksha) is achieved by realizing the unity of Atman and Brahman, transcending karma.
• Buddhism:
• Karma also governs rebirth, but there is no eternal soul being reborn—what continues is a process of causes and conditions.
• Liberation (nirvana) is attained by extinguishing desire, ignorance, and attachment, which fuel the cycle of rebirth.

4. Path to Liberation
• Sanatana Dharma:
• Liberation can be achieved through various paths:
• Jnana Yoga (knowledge and wisdom),
• Bhakti Yoga (devotion to a deity),
• Karma Yoga (selfless action),
• Raja Yoga (meditative practices).
• Rituals, worship (puja), and adherence to one’s dharma play important roles.
• Buddhism:
• The path to liberation is the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes ethical conduct (sila), mental discipline (samadhi), and wisdom (prajna).
• It emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and insight rather than rituals or worship.

5. View on the Self
• Sanatana Dharma:
• The self (Atman) is eternal and ultimately identical with Brahman, the universal reality. Realizing this unity is the key to liberation.
• Buddhism:
• There is no eternal self (anatman). The belief in a permanent self is seen as a source of suffering. Understanding the impermanence and interdependence of all things leads to liberation.

6. Rituals and Practices
• Sanatana Dharma:
• Rituals, temple worship, festivals, and sacrifices (yajnas) are central. The Vedas and other scriptures prescribe detailed rites for various stages of life.
• Worship often involves devotion to personal deities (e.g., Krishna, Shiva).
• Buddhism:
• Early Buddhism avoided elaborate rituals and focused on meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living.
• Later forms (e.g., Mahayana and Vajrayana) incorporated more ritualistic elements, but these are seen as skillful means rather than ends in themselves.

7. Scriptures
• Sanatana Dharma:
• Foundational texts include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Puranas.
• Buddhism:
• Buddhist scriptures include the Tripitaka (Pali Canon), Mahayana sutras (e.g., the Heart Sutra), and Vajrayana texts.

Key Similarities:
1. Both acknowledge karma and rebirth.
2. Both aim to transcend suffering and the cycle of samsara.
3. Both traditions emphasize meditation and ethical living.

Key Differences:
1. Hinduism accepts an eternal soul (Atman) and a divine essence (Brahman), while Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent self (anatman) or a creator god.
2. Hinduism often relies on devotion to deities, whereas Buddhism emphasizes self-reliance and insight.
3. The ultimate goals differ: moksha (union with Brahman) in Hinduism versus nirvana (freedom from samsara) in Buddhism.

Both systems offer profound spiritual insights, but they cater to different metaphysical perspectives and paths to liberation.

[smlankau]

Brahamanism developed Hinduism after the rise of Brahamanism in India in 3rd century BCE, and Hindus came to India from Pakistan (Thakshila university). The early Indian spoke Prakrit language. And Pali is a written format of Prakrit.

[bluegg]

Caste system is class system, and Gautam Buddha was never a religion he is teacher or guru who tell one way of life,

[sudattasud]

There wasn't caste system in India, it was barna, both are hell and heaven difference. Caste system was introduced by British. You should correct your facts.

[eternalhungry]

Reincarnation happens to help existant being, also Buddha himself got nirvana practicing buddhism, may be there is lot of gurus before Buddha. Buddha just came me to existence to retrieved dyeing religion is GREAT❤

[tenzingsherpa]

Vedenta were written by pre Buddhist scholar but they knew Buddhism or Buddha is primordial ancients and its includes all the teaching beyond life and birth and existences.

[bigdogstatus]

Your video has a lot of factual inaccuracies

[yamtimilsena]

As a nepali, Buddhism didnt originate from India, it was from Nepal

[Hindi_Horror_Stories_]

budhha said his dharma sanatana, buddhism is focused on only one type of yoga thats is dhyan yoga, but in hinduism there are 18 types of yoga each capable of reuniting with brahma tatva, if you read tibetan buddhism or tantric buddhism you can clearly understand that, buddhism came to extinct in india after they defeted in tarka with adi sankaracharya

[kd-emooc]

Sanatanism has it's origins in Europe: *Rig Veda 10.96.8* "At the swift draught, the Iron One with yellow beard and yellow hair"
*Rig Veda 1.100.18* “Indra attacked the Dasyus and the Śimyus; won the land, sunlight, and water with his white-complexioned friends”
*Rig Veda 1.103.3* “Armed with the thunderbolt, he has gone on destroying the cities of the Dasyus, and augment the strength and glory of the Ārya.”
*Rig Veda. 2.20.6* "Indra, the slayer of Vrittra, has scattered the Dasyu sprang from a womb."
*Rig Veda 9.73.5* “They have roared in unison, burning up riteless men, Blowing away the skin which Indra hates.”

[Daniel-tjmc]

Liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. This I find interesting as I always thought/felt this might be a "choice" after passing if somehow allowed. But to think of it as something to break free of is interesting.