Buddhism and Hinduism Compared
Hinduism was not founded by any one teacher. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Most Hindus revere the Buddha as an incarnation of the God Vishnu, or at least as a wise and inspired teacher.
Hinduism is based upon the Vedas. Buddhism does not recognize these texts as scripture but many Buddhists, myself included, see them as full of wisdom and beauty and read them.
Hinduism can be considered theistic in having a vision of a personal God. Buddhism is pantheistic with no creator God.
Hinduism has the concept of an individual soul called the “Atman”. Buddhism sees all souls as one.
Buddhists consider the world to be full of sorrow and regard ending the sorrow as the chief aim of human life. The Hindus consider that there are four chief aims (arthas) in life which every being should pursue. They are Dharma (religious duty), Artha (wealth or material possessions), Kama (desires and passions) and Moksha (salvation.)
Hinduism teaches that release from birth called “Moksha”, i.e. salvation.comes from knowledge, devotion and good works. In Buddhism enlightenment. a different concept than the “salvation” of Hinduism, comes primarily from the cessation of desire.
Buddhism has a more formal set of clergy. Hinduism is less formal.
Hinduism is an individual tradition. Buddhism requires a “Sangha” or religious community and is more of a group tradition.
Hinduism has more formal “rituals” than Buddhism.
Both accept Karma and rebirth; however, they differ greatly the manner in which these concepts work in our lives.
These are some of the major and more general differences. This is not an exhaustive list. However, remember both traditions are ancient, huge and varied. There are for example sects of Hinduism which are atheistic, some pantheistic and others polytheistic or monotheistic. So, you will no doubt be able to find many exceptions to these general statements.
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