Theravada Buddhism vs Hinduism: Basic Similarities and Differences
Hinduism is a religious tradition of Indian origin, encompassing the beliefs and practices of Hindus.
It refers to the major world religion arising from the Indian subcontinent and consisting of numerous and varied systems of philosophy, belief, and ritual.
For more info about this religion, read: Hinduism: The Brief History, Core Teachings, Fundamental Beliefs, Practices, and Related Issues
On the other hand, Theravada Buddhism denotes the branch or school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Tripitaka.
This Tripitaka or Pali canon is claimed to contain the earliest surviving record of the Buddha’s teachings. Like Hinduism, Buddha or Sidarta Gautama also came from India.
Read more about Theravada Buddhism here: Theravada Buddhism 101: The Brief History, Core Teachings, Fundamental Beliefs, Practices, and Related Issues
The following is a simple comparison between Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism:
| ELEMENTS | HINDUISM | THERAVADA BUDDHISM |
| Founder | Aryans (1500 B.C.) | Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.) |
| Sacred Texts | Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita | Tripitaka |
| Doctrines | Dharma-duty, Kamapleasure, Artha-wealth, Mokshaliberation, Brahman, Atman, the Identification of Brahman and Atman, the Four Yogas (Yoga of Knowledge, Yoga of Work, Yoga of Devotion or Love, and Yoga of Psychological Exercises | Four Noble Truths, Eight-fold Path, Law of Dependent Origination, and The Impermanence of Things |
| God | 33 million gods and goddesses | non-theistic |
| Issues | Gender Inequality, Caste System, Poverty | Territory conflict |
Activity:
Answer the following questions.
1. The core teaching of Hinduism is the attainment of liberation in the identification of Atman and Brahman through the Four Yogas. What, do you think, is the core teaching of Theravada Buddhism?
2. Hindus consider the physical world we perceive as ‘maya’ or illusion. Is this also the case in Theravada Buddhism? Why do/don’t you think so?
3. Hindus believe in Brahman, the supreme God force present within all things. Does Theravada Buddhism believe in a god? Why do/don’t you think so?
For other free lectures like this, visit Homepage: Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Copyright © by Jens Micah De Guzman
Also Check Out: The Worldview of Atheism by Jensen DG. Mañebog
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