Hinduism and Buddhism

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews discusses and compares Hinduism and Buddhism. The paper takes a look at whether they both stem from a similar philosophy and culture. The paper also discusses the impact both religions have had on Indian and Chinese culture.

From the Paper:

"The two religions, Buddhism and Hinduism started in India where the belief and practices are almost the same although the interpretations are different. Many believed that the founder of Buddhism, Gautama, was a Hindu. He only left his crown and lived in reality to find out the true meaning of sufferings. There were people who deemed that Buddhism was taken from Hinduism but believers of Buddhism strongly denied the allegation that they stemmed from Hinduism. They claimed that their beliefs and practices were completely different from other religions although there might be some similarities but they insisted on their uniqueness and independence. Buddhism was accepted to be originated in India since it started its reputation in that country because there were oppressed groups that became unsatisfied with their beliefs and practices. The teachings of the Buddha created hope and aspiration for those who had otherwise no hope of salvation and freedom of choice in a society that was dominated by caste system, predominance of ritual form of worship and the exclusive status of the privileged classes which the Vedic religion upheld as inviolable and indisputable. Buddhism made a more lasting effect in China and even spread as far as Japan and Korea. Much of the social, cultural and philosophical beliefs of China sprung from the precepts of Buddhism. Even the great Chinese philosophers like Confucius, Mencius and Lao-Tze had adapted some of the precepts of Buddhism."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boeree, George. 2000. The Basics of Buddhist Wisdom. Shippensburg University. On-line. Available from internet, http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/buddhaintro.html, accessed 10 April 2007.
• Das, Subhamoy. 2007. Hinduism for Beginners. About, Inc. On-line. Available from internet, http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm, accessed 09 April 2007.
• E-ssortment. 2002. Hinduism and Buddhism - a comparison. Pagewise, Inc. On-line. Available from internet, http://sc.essortment.com/hinduismandbud_rtqs.htm, accessed 11 April 2007.
• Jayaram, V. 2000. Hinduism and Buddhism. Hindu Website. On-line. Available from internet, http://hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_buddhism.asp, accessed 11 April 2007.
• ReligionFacts. 2007. Hindu Beliefs. ReligionFacts Website. On-line. Available from internet, http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/beliefs.htm, accessed 09 April 2007.

More papers on Hinduism and Buddhism:

• Analytical Essay # 89228 : "Hinduism and Buddhism"
• Comparison Essay # 24108 : "Christianity, Hinduism And Buddhism"
• Comparison Essay # 18198 : "Hinduism and Buddhism"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: