Difference between Buddhism and Hinduism

Hindu monks go by the name sanyāsī, sādhu, or swāmi

Buddhist monks are named bhikkhu, or भिक्षु bhikṣu

Both Buddhism and Hinduism are religions that are widespread throughout the world. The two are often confused for the other. This article will shed light on the key differences between Buddhism and Hinduism.

The confusion between the two is mostly attributed in their similarities. This includes the belief in karma, dharma, moksha, and the concept of reincarnation. Both originate from India. The prophet of Buddhism, Lord Buddha, also came from a Hindu family.

Hinduism aims to understand “Brahma”, or existence, inside one’s soul/self or “Atman”. On the other hand, Buddhism does not possess such a concept as a “me” in one’s self or the presence of an eternal soul.

Buddhism follows the eightfold path and encourage meditation. Their end goal is nirvana - to unite with the universe and to find release from the rebirth cycle. Meanwhile, Hinduism believes in many ways to reach God. The latter also believes in many gods while Buddhism rejects the idea of an all-powerful, all-knowing creator.

	Buddhism	Hinduism
Origin	India	India
Founder	The Buddha; Prince Siddhartha.	No specific founder.
Purpose	Nirvana, enlightenment, release from the cycle of rebirth.	Salvation, release from the cycle of rebirth and reincarnation.
Religious practices leading to salvation	Enlightenment through the Noble Eightfold Path, meditation.	Enlightenment through the Paths of knowledge, devotion, and good deeds, meditation, yoga, temple offerings, communal worship.
Where they worship?	Monastery, temple, shrine	Mandir
Concept of God	Buddha rejects the concept of an all-knowing, all-powerful creator	Believe in many gods, the gods coming from Atman or the soul
Followers	Buddhists	Hindus
Scriptures adhered to	Tripitaka	Oral scriptures, Vedas, Gita, Upanishad, Puranas
Religious laws	Dharma	Dharma shastras

Venn Diagram