India's Two Religions: A Look at Hinduism and Buddhism

Although there is a huge difference between the two religions Hinduism and Buddhism, there are still some similarities. The concept and morals of the two religions is almost symmetrical, but the details are unbalanced. The religions impact the way people live and think which in turn shapes the society's culture.

The aspects of the two significant religions that originated from India, Hinduism and Buddhism, are very different but yet very much alike in multiple ways. A set of personal beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices is what human beings strive to follow each day in order to live more soothing and perfect lives; Hinduism and Buddhism are two large religions that stress the importance of life. The religions greatly affect the Indian culture and cultures of other countries.

Hinduism, the third largest religion in the world, is a combination of traditional Indian beliefs and the beliefs of the Aryans. Complicated rituals and religious hymns and epics are the basis of this religion; the Vedas, or "Books of Knowledge" includes the religious document written in the writing system for their language, Sanskrit. Hinduism encourages varnas, or rigid social classes, that includes the Brahmans (the priests), Kshatriyas (the rulers and warriors), Vaisyas (the skilled workers), and lastly the Sudras, the (unskilled workers). Because they were considered to be outcasts, the lowest slaves of the lowest social class, the Pariahs, is not even included in the caste system. This strict social system shapes society because people can only live in communities of their class and can only marry within their class; people's lives formed with the caste system because it determines people's occupations. Hinduism stresses the concept of Dharma, or the duties people should follow that is proper for one's age, sex, or class. If people follow their dharma, they will have good karma that in turns effects the quality of their next life. Also to have good karma, people commit to religion and prayer, reject worldly processions, practice ahimsa, and achieve self-denial by fasting. Only people of the top social class may reach Moksha, or the release from pain and suffering or rebirth after rebirth. Hindus worship their many gods including Siva, Grahma, and Vishnu. Hinduism is and has always been the main religion in India.

Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism, the fourth largest religion of the world in 556 BC. Siddhartha Gautama, a once sheltered prince, lived in his palace with his wife and child but abandons his noble life to seek truth about the pain and suffering of his people. He thought that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different religions teachings and philosophies to find the key to human happiness. He sat under his tree and meditated for years until he became enlightened and started to spread his teachings to others who are suffering. The Four Noble Truths answers questions about suffering; it states the following: all people suffer and know sorrow, people suffer because of the pain of rebirth, people can end suffering by eliminating desires, to eliminate desires follow the Eight Fold Path. The Eight Fold Path includes the Siddhartha's principles: knowing the truth, resisting evil, saying nothing to hurt others, freeing one's mind of evil, controlling one's thoughts, respecting life, working for the good of others, and practicing meditation. By following these codes, people can reach nirvana, or the state of freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Anyone may reach enlightenment. Buddhism is a religion of tolerance so Buddhists do not preach or try to convert others; it is a religion that focuses on individuals. Through wisdom, people can understand others and themselves; however, with time there are now two branches of Buddhism; one is Theravada where Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, is regarded as a human teacher, and the other branch is Mahayana where Buddha is regarded as god. Today there are many Buddhists in Asia, but very few in India as the caste system have always prevented the spread of Buddhism. There are also many Buddhists in the West and the number is growing, as people are more open to adopting Buddhist philosophies. Devout followers in the movie industry include Richard Gere, Orlando Bloom, Keanu Reeves, Goldie Hawn, and Uma Thurman.

Hinduism and Buddhism are also very much alike. Both religion states that there is reincarnation or rebirth of the soul after death; also, human can reincarnate into animals because all living things have souls. Animals are sacred so killing these creatures is looked lowly upon. This emphasis on nature results in the encouragement of vegetarianism. The two religions also states to have good karma in this life, one will live a better life after rebirth. Meditation, non-violence, and compassion are greatly encouraged in both religions. As a result, Hinduism and Buddhism teach people to live moral lives.