Hinduism vs. Buddhism

Every spirit is part of an all-powerful, unchanging spiritual force that resides in all things, called brahman.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

Founded by Buddha in approximately 550 BC.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

These people believe in the Four Noble Truths.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

 Obeying one’s dharma, the religious and moral duties of an individual, allows a person to “move up” when they are reincarnated in their next life.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

Rejected the caste system

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

These people believe in many gods (polytheism), including, Brahma , the Creator; Vishnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

Achieving moksha, the release from the cycle of rebirth and reunion with Brahman is the ultimate goal for each spirit / person.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

Karma, all the actions of a person’s life, will affect his or her fate in the next life.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

Achieving nirvana, union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth, is the ultimate goal and accomplished by intense meditation and clean living.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both

A key principle is ahimsa, the belief in nonviolence.

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Both