Hinduism vs. Buddhism
...t their karma. Dharma has been called tradition, duty, and a custom, but to a Hindu it is spiritually more than that. Hindus also follow a caste system, resulted from dharma, which I will discuss later. Gods- There are three main gods in Hinduism. Many others exist in the religion, but these are the most noteworthy. Brahma is the creator of life. Vishnu is known as the preserver of life. You might pray to Vishnu if someone you knew was going in for surgery so that they'll come through it with no problems. Finally, Siva, or Shiva is the destroyer of life. All three of these gods are portrayed as female and male. Vishnu is more often a male, and Shiva is more often a female. The Caste System- The society of Hinduism is strictly divided. The different levels, called castes, do not mingle. The division is largely due to the practices of dharma and karma. Both practices express the idea that if someone is born into a specific lifestyle, they must stay there. It would be bad karma to attempt to leave that lifestyle. In the caste system, there are four levels along with two groups that are apart from the castes. Every caste comes from Brahma, but each is from a different body part. The highest level is the Brahmin. It means Brahman, but is spelled in another way to resist confusion of Brahman, the creator spirit. Brahmin comes from his head, and they are to be the voice of Brahma. They are the priestly caste, but many are also teachers and keepers of the religion. Today, many Brahmins are also involved in business and government. The second level of castes is the Kshatriyas (warrior) caste. They were the kings and soldiers, and come from Brahma's arms. The third level is the Vaisyas. They come from the thighs of Brahma, and occupy the jobs of merchants, artisans, and farmers. The fourth and final caste is Sudras. These people are the manual workers, represented by Brahma's feet. It is considered a sin to associate with people of a lower caste than you. So each caste is made up of a different level of the society. There are also two groups outside the caste system. One group is for foreigners. They might be a nonbeliever or anyone who receives special treatment from the Hindu society. The second "outcaste" group is the "Untouchables." These people are considered nonhuman and cannot participate in any Hindu practices. They do the work no one wants to do and do not associate with anyone that is of a higher caste. Buddhism: Foundation- Buddhism was founded by Siddartha Gautama, and he became the Buddha. His intentions were not to form a new religion, only to modify an older one. Brahmanism, or Hinduism, had become very orthodox. Siddartha was a minor king of northern India. One day, he ventured outside the palace walls and saw how life really was. Inspired, Siddartha left his home, and family to look for the meaning of life. For years he listened to and studied with the Indian wise men; then he turned to meditation. Discouraged from not finding the answer he wanted, he sat under a fig tree. Siddartha determined that he sat there until he found the answer, this lasted 49 days. It finally came to him, and he became Buddha. Buddhism was founded. Basic Beliefs- Buddhism is a reformed version of Hinduism. Buddha discovered the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths are the foundation for all forms of Buddhist philosophy. 1. There is suffering. 2. Suffering is caused. 3. Eliminating the causes of suffering can extinguish suffering. 4. The way to extinguish the causes of suffering is to follow the Middle Way stated in the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path also comes from Buddha. It teaches to practice moderation. It is the practical side of Buddhism. If followed, one may achieve true enlightenment, or nirvana. Nirvana is reaching Brahma in one lifetime. Buddha believed that you could live a perfect life and not have to continue in the samsara. The basic way to this is the Eightfold Path, which says to practice moderation in these areas: 1. Right views. You must have the right mind set. 2. Right intent (or right resolution) A person must want actively to eliminate suffering. 3. Right speech. You must not lie, slander others, or insult. You're not to cause suffering with words. 4. Right conduct (or right action). To behave in a way that does not cause suffering. 5. Right means of livelihood. Not to live in a way or hold a job that causes suffering. 6. Right endeavor (or right effort) To prevent unclean states of mind from happening. 7. Right mindfulness. To be aware of body activities, the senses, perceptions, and thoughts. 8. Right meditation. The specific concentration to improve oneself. Buddhists believe that if you follow this you will be enlightened. Many Buddhist beliefs are almost the same as a Hindu's. Buddhists do not practice the caste system. One of the only ways to achieve nirvana in one lifetime is to be a monk or a nun. If you break an area in the Eightfold Path, then you cannot achieve nirvana. Also in order to follow the 4th part of The Eightfold Path, all Buddhists are vegetarians. Killing of an animal is seen as causing suffering. Like the Hindus, an animal has a soul. Despite all the talk about suffering, Buddhism is really about the absence of suffering. Buddhism is a way to develop the ability to love the entire universe, simply because it is. It is understanding that the universe exits inside a blade of grass, just as the blade of grass resides within the universe. All things are inter-connected. Comparisons Between Hinduism and Buddhism- Both Hinduism and Buddhism accept and believe that there is one creator spirit. Each of them recognizes Brahma or a version of Brahma as the creator spirit. Though they also recognize other gods, Brahma is the ultimate god. All praise goes to him, no matter which god you are praising. This is a significant similarity between the two religions. The two religions of Hinduism and Buddhism believe in the process of reincarnation. Reincarnation is being reborn again with one soul. Inside this belief, they also believe that your deeds, or activities, during your life will determine where you will end up. If you have lived a good life, you will be rewarded by another good life, or you might be allowed finally to rejoin with Brahma. If you've led a bad life, you will remain on earth longer, and most likely have a bad life when you are reborn. Another similarity is that both Hinduism and Buddhism are very kind to animals. They believe every living creature has a soul, and through reincarnation, you might one day end up as one. Most Hindus and Buddhists that strictly follow the religion are vegetarians of one sort or another. It's impossible to tell whether or not that hamburger you ate at Burger King was a relative of yours. Eating them would bring you bad karma, and break one of the Eightfold Paths. Contrasts Between Hinduism and Buddhism- In the religion of Hinduism there...