Buddhism vs. Hinduism
Fatih Can
Rel212 World Religions
Richard L. Hendershot
11/3/2013

In this article I will be discussing differences and similarities of Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddhism and Hinduism they differ only in the way they are presented. Certain points are stressed in Buddhism, which are mentioned in the Hindu scriptures but not stressed by them. In the same way the Buddhism teaching ignores certain other parts of the Hindu teaching.
Similarities
1. Both emphasize the illusory nature of the world and the role of karma in keeping men kind bound to this world and the cycle of births and deaths.
2. Both believe in the transmigration of souls and the cycle of births and deaths for each soul. 3. Both emphasize compassion and non-violence towards all living beings.
4. Both believe in the existence of several hells and heavens or higher and lower worlds.
5. Both believe in the existence of gods or deities on different planes.
6. Both believe in certain spiritual practices like meditation, concentration, cultivation of certain bhavas or states of mind.
7. Both believe in detachment, renunciation of worldly life as a precondition to enter to spiritual life. Both consider desire as the chief cause of suffering.
8. The Advaita philosophy of Hinduism is closer to Buddhism in many respects.
9. Buddhism and Hinduism have their own versions of Tantra.
10. Both originated and evolved on the Indian soil. The founder of Buddhism was a Hindu who became the Buddha. Buddhism is the greatest gift of India to mankind.
Differences
1. Hinduism is not founded by any particular prophet. Buddhism was founded by the Buddha. 2. Hinduism believes in the efficacy and supremacy of the Vedas. The Buddhist do not believe in the Vedas.
3. Buddhism does not believe in the existence of souls as well in the first cause, whom we generally call God.