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Ways Hinduism and Buddhism Understand Reality Differences and Similarities

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Ways Hinduism and Buddhism Understand Reality Differences and Similarities

Ways Hinduism and Buddhism understand reality Differences and Similarities

Hinduism and Buddhism were not static or fixed in time; they were evolving during the classical era. The religion call Hinduism was formulating a synthesis and meeting the challenge of Buddhism.

Buddhism developments were set in the context of the Indian social order challenged the Brahman order living behind Hinduism as the dominant social and religious force in India with its notions of Dharma allocated by caste. Buddhism stressed that pious Buddhists should not just seek their own personal nirvana or release from rebirth. Rather, they should imitate the Buddha directly by trying to relieve others suffering with the message of Dharma. Buddhism was not just a set of religious it was also a way of life. It is a compelling message of escape from suffering and rejection of the caste system, escaping from the oppression of Hindu “ Untouchability”

Hinduism is not a single doctrine. It is and array of highly diverse beliefs that include the various texts of the Vedas and emerge several deities and rituals. Essential of Hinduism are the beliefs in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth (Samsara) and a society structured by social status and proper behavior. Beings may be born as humans in various Jatis depending on their actions from previous life.

Hinduism and Buddhism have many facts in common as differences as well. Both religions are focus on the live of a particular holy man who taught the way of enlightenment. Both emphasize the illusory nature of the world and the role of karma in keeping men bound to this world and the cycle of births and deaths. Both believe in the transmigration of souls and the cycle of births and deaths for each soul. Both emphasize compassion and non-violence towards all living beings. Both believe in the existence of several hells and heavens or higher and lower worlds. Both believe in the existence of gods or deities on different planes. Both believe in certain spiritual practices like meditation, concentration, and cultivation of certain bhavas or states of mind. 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. The Advaita philosophy of Hinduism is closer to Buddhism in many respects. Buddhism and Hinduism have their own versions of Tantra. Both were originated and evolved on the

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