Difference Between Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism vs Buddhism

Since Hinduism and Buddhism are two eastern religions with many similar believes, believers of other faiths do not understand the difference between Hinduism and Buddhism. Though both Hinduism and Buddhism were born in Asian region, they are not the same in the least. Whatever similarity is found between Hinduism and Buddhism can be the result of them been originated in the same region. Hinduism and Buddhism show differences between them when it comes to the understanding of their concepts and dogmas.

What is Hinduism?

Hinduism has no founder. Hinduism believes in the existence of souls. They primarily accept two kinds of soul, namely, the individual soul and the supreme soul. The supreme soul is called the Brahman. It is interesting to note that Hinduism accepts the Buddha as one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. According to Hinduism people should strive to achieve what are called four ends of human life during their stay in this mortal world. The four ends of human life are dharma (righteousness), artha (material wealth), kama (sensual pleasures) and moksha (liberation). Achievement of all the four ends of human life is absolutely necessary for the completeness of life. Hinduism accepts the four ashramas or stages of life. They are namely Brahmacharya (student life), Grihastha (household life), Vanaprastha (retired life) and Sanyasa (renounced life).

What is Buddhism?

Though Hinduism has no founder, Buddhism was founded by the Lord Buddha. On the contrary to Hinduism, Buddhism does not believe in the existence of souls. Buddhism does not accept the validity of any God or Goddess in the Hindu religion as equal to the Buddha. When Lord Buddha introduced Buddhism to the world there were no divisions or sects or traditions in Buddhism. It was purely known as Buddhism. However, once the Lord Buddha passed away there were some struggles with the opinions of different bhikkhus. As a result, now there exists two major traditions in Buddhism, namely Theravada and Mahayana.

Desire is the cause of all evils according to Buddhism. Hence, they consider the world a repository of sorrow and affliction. Removal of affliction is considered the primary aim of human life. Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism does not believe in ashramas. It would simply say that a person can be drafted into the Order provided he is spiritually fit.

Difference Between Hinduism and Buddhism

What is the difference between Hinduism and Buddhism?

• Hinduism does not have a founder whereas Buddhism has a founder in the Buddha.

• Buddhism does not believe in Gods whereas Hinduism believes in several Gods and Goddesses.

• Removal of sorrow is the goal of a human being in the mortal world. Hinduism believes in the attainment of the four ends of human life during the stay of a man in this mortal world. The four ends are dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

• Buddhism’s ultimate goal is attaining nirvana.

• Hinduism accepts ashram as whereas Buddhism does not accept ashram but would say that a person can be inducted into the Order if he is spiritually prepared.


Further Reading:

  1. Difference Between Christianity and Hinduism
  2. Difference Between Jainism and Hinduism
  3. Difference Between Buddhism and Jainism
  • Jb

    This article is incorrect in many respects. The original religion taught by the Buddha is NOT called Hinayana Buddhism. Hinayana is a derogatory term, and it is used in some traditions to refer to a certain phase in a person’s spiritual unfolding. It does NOT refer to Theravada, the Way of the Elders.

    The phrase “Hinayana Buddhists” makes no sense in a discussion comparing Buddhism with Hinduism.

    Theravada Buddhism does accept Bodhisattvas, and in fact the Pali canon discusses the Bodhisattva.

    People who identify as “Mahayana” do NOT worship the Buddha in image form (or at least Mahayana Buddhism does not teach that such worship should be done). Bowing and making offerings are not a form of worship, but a form of practice. These are not rites and rituals with an expectation of magical rewards; rather, they are ways of bringing to mind the qualities of the Buddha.

    It is a gross oversimplification to state the “removal of sorrow” is the goal in Buddhism. This article misrepresents Buddhism is many important ways.

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