Differences between Buddhism and Hinduism
Differences between Buddhism and Hinduism[edit]
Buddhism and Hinduism are two major religions that originated in ancient India.[1] They share common concepts such as karma, dharma, and the cycle of rebirth known as samsara.[2][3] However, the two religions have pronounced differences in their fundamental doctrines, including the nature of a supreme being, the concept of the self, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.[1]
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in the 5th century BCE. Hinduism, on the other hand, has no single founder and is considered one of the world's oldest religions, with its roots tracing back to the Vedic period.[4][5]
One of the most significant distinctions lies in the concept of a creator God. Hinduism is a diverse tradition that encompasses a wide range of beliefs including monotheism, polytheism, and henotheism.[3] Many Hindus worship a pantheon of gods and goddesses who are seen as manifestations of a single supreme reality, Brahman. In contrast, Buddhism is generally considered non-theistic, as it does not posit the existence of a creator God.[3] While Buddhist cosmology includes various deities or *devas*, they are mortal beings subject to the cycle of rebirth and are not worshiped as creators.[1] The Buddha himself is revered as an enlightened teacher, not a god.[3]
Another key difference is the concept of the soul. Hinduism teaches the existence of the *Ātman*, which is the eternal, unchanging self or soul of an individual. The ultimate goal in many Hindu traditions is *Moksha*, the liberation of the Ātman from samsara to achieve union with Brahman. Buddhism, conversely, posits the doctrine of *Anatman* (non-self), which states that there is no permanent, unchanging soul. According to Buddhist teachings, the idea of a permanent self is an illusion that is a source of suffering.
The ultimate spiritual goal also differs. In Hinduism, *Moksha* is the liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. In Buddhism, the goal is *Nirvana*, which is the extinguishing of the "three fires" of greed, hatred, and ignorance, leading to the cessation of suffering and an end to the cycle of rebirth. While[2] both concepts involve liberation from samsara, their philosophical underpinnings are distinct, with Moksha being rooted in the realization of the Ātman and Nirvana in the realization of Anatman.
The two religions also have different views on the caste system. The traditional Hindu social structure is intertwined with the caste system, a social hierarchy determined by birth. The Buddha, however, rejected the religious basis of the caste system, teaching that a person's worth is determined by their actions, not their birth.
Comparison Table[edit]
[1]| **Ultimate Goal** [2]| **Key Scriptures**| Category | Hinduism | Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
| **Founder** | No single founder; developed over centuries. | Siddhartha[4] Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th century BCE. |
| **Concept of God** | Varies; can be monotheistic, polytheistic, or henotheistic. Belief in Brahman as the ultimate reality. | Generally non-theistic; does not focus on a creator God. Deities exist but are not eternal. |
| **Concept of Self** | Belief in the *Ātman*, the eternal and unchanging soul. | Doctrine[1] of *Anatman*, meaning there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul. |
| *Moksha*: Liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and union with Brahman. | *Nirvana[2]*: Extinguishing of desires and suffering to end the cycle of rebirth (samsara). | |
| The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. | The Tripitaka (Pali Canon), which includes the teachings of the Buddha. | |
| **View on Caste System** | Historically intertwined with a social hierarchy based on birth (varna and jati). | Generally rejects the caste system, emphasizing that actions determine an individual's worth, not birth. |
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "medium.com". Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "bhaktimarga.ie". Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ↑ "byjus.com". Retrieved October 15, 2025.
