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Hinduism Vs Buddhism Research Paper

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In many ways, Hinduism and Buddhism are quite similar to each other. In fact, some of the terminologies from both religions have the same definition, such as the word nirvana, which means the final goal in life in both Hinduism and Buddhism. However, Hinduism and Buddhism do have their differences in the way the people treat their society. For instance, Hinduism has a caste system in which different people are treated differently from their compeers. On the other hand, Buddhism rejected the caste system because its leader, Buddha, believed the birth of a person does not determine his or her social status. On the whole, Hinduism and Buddhism have made huge impacts on people from the past and up to the present. In Hinduism, individuals …show more content…

In the Vedas, the last parts are called the Upanishads, sacred treatises that were written in Sanskrit. In fact, Aryan scholars had finished learning a collection of hymns that were found in the Vedas in approximately 800 BCE. The Upanishads, the Vedas, and another book called the Bhagavad-Gita were the holy books of Hinduism. After the decline of the Indus River valley civilization in about 1500 BCE, the Aryans had traveled to the Indus Valley and dominated India. Hinduism is rather a complex religion in that it contains four detailed goals rather than one simple goal. Namely, these four goals are dharma, artha, karma, and moksha. Dharma suggests that one should maintain a balanced life. In fact, dharma and artha are closely related in that in order to achieve artha, one should achieve dharma first. Artha is the act of attaining wealth by maintaining dharma, a balanced life. Another goal is called karma, which is sensual enjoyment. The last and ultimate goal in Hinduism is called moksha, otherwise known as nirvana. In order to achieve moksha, one should practice yoga in order to be one with God. To most followers of Hinduism, these four goals are the only goals they follow. However, some say there is a fifth goal …show more content…

In fact, a number of traditions practiced by Hindus are also practiced by Buddhists. Buddhism began in the 5th century BCE, and, like the start of Hinduism, Buddhism started in India. Commonly known as Buddha, a man called Siddhartha Gautama was the leader of Buddhism. Born in Lumbini, Buddha was a famous sage determined to relieve suffering of individuals. When he was wandering outside of his house one day, he saw helpless individuals suffering from various causes. Seeing this, he strived to find a way to achieve enlightenment. Enlightenment is also known as nirvana, and this is the goal of Buddhism. To achieve enlightenment is the final goal according to Buddhists. In order to spread his knowledge, Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths to his followers. In the Four Noble Truths, Buddha describes suffering exists everywhere, suffering is the effect of attachment, suffering can be ceased, and the cessation of suffering can be achieved by following the Eightfold Path. Following the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path describes eight “correct” ways that one can end suffering. Like Hinduism, Buddhism had a holy book called the Tripitaka. In the Tripitaka, Buddha’s disciples carefully wrote what they had learned from Buddha’s teachings. Additionally, Buddhism is similar to Hinduism in that both religions believe in reincarnation (as in no end to a person’s journey). However, unlike Hinduism, Buddhism did not

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