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Hinduism vs. Buddhism There are many religions around the world, but there are only two that share some similar ideas, Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism is the belief that the purpose of life is to recognize God and join God. Buddhism is the belief that one can end all suffering within, by Enlightenment. Although, Hinduism and Buddhism have similarities, they are completely different religions that have their own beliefs, customs, and gods. Hindu religion can only be traced back to the Indus Valley civilization between 4000 and 2500 BC, because of the lack of documentation. Hindu’s believe that everything is equal to another and that the purpose of life is to realize Gods existence and then join God. The Hindu’s believe in reincarnation, the belief that once a person dies, their soul regains another body. “Hinduism teaches that the soul never dies” (The World Book Encyclopedia). The coiled snakes around Shiva’s upper arms symbolize this. “Snakes also symbolize the transmigration or change that souls undergo as they inhabit different bodies” (Wangu, 46)". Karma is a very important concept in the Hindu religion. “The law of karma states that every action influences how the soul will be born in the next reincarnation” (The World Book Encyclopedia). If a soul lives a good life, it will be born into a higher state. If the soul lived an evil life, its soul may be born into a worm. A soul will constantly be reincarnated after each life, until the soul has reached spiritual perfection. Shiva was formed from characteristics of the god of cattle, which is why the Hindus hold cattle sacred. “He was the Vedic god of terrible rains and storm, and the healing god of herbs (Wangu, 44)”. “In addition, he was the deity of animals, the father of storm gods, and the god of yogic power (Wangu, 44)”. Shiva wears coiled snakes around two of his four arms, which signifies his controls over the most dangerous animals. In two of his hands, he holds a drum and a flame. The drum represents the rhythm of the Nataraja dance, and the flame represents the destructive energy of the cosmic age. The other two hands bless the devotees. “In addition, Shiva’s form as Nataraja reveals a tradition that revered the power of female and male sexuality (Wangu, 46)”. Hanging from Shiva’s right ear lobe is a male earring, and from the left is a female earring. This symbolizes the male and female sexuality. Shiva and Parvati had two sons Ganesha and Skanda.
Approximate Word count = 1664
Approximate Pages = 6.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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