Hinduism & Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism are two influential religions of the world. Both holding philosophical traditions and originating in India.

Hinduism dating back to about 2500 B.C.E. identifies four central themes in its belief system. They include spiritual aspect, conduct of life, truth and reality and intuition. “Hindus consider all of creation worthy of worship, and thus religious activity in Hinduism takes many forms”

( http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761555715&pn=2&s=17#s17).

Buddhism dating back to 65 A.D. is similar in that it is also a spiritual driven system. “Buddhism provides a unique perspective on reality and the best life for human beings” (Shanahan, T. & Wang, R. 197). Both Hinduism and Buddhism believe in reincarnation and the cycles of birth and death, both believe in the role of Karma and both practice meditation.

Although similar, there remain differences to the philosophical traditions. They are, Hinduism has no specific prophet founder where as Buddhism was founded by the Buddha. Hinduism seems to be more personal