How did Hinduism affect buddhism?

Answer 1

Around 300 BCE, during the rule of Buddhist and Maurya king Ashoka, the popularity of Hinduism reached its Nadir.

Revival of Hinduism was difficult for the following reasons

1. Ashoka, ruled the whole of India

2. Brahmanas were totally satisfied with Hinduism and thus wanted no change

3. People of lower Varnas were attracted to Buddhism because of the simplicity and equality it offered.

4. Buddhism evolved from the default, simple and vital central part of Hinduism. Thus, any attempt to simplify it would make it resemble Buddhism

CHANGES THAT BUDDHISM CAUSED IN HINDUISM

1. Vedic period ended and Puranic period started

2. Perfectionist Hinduism was replaced with practical Hinduism

3. The number of gods reduced to seven gods, five, three and finally into just one; Shiva, Vishnu or Shakti

4. Vedic meditation was replaced with rituals for appeasing gods.

5. Temples, idols and rituals were popularized. This made Hinduism more materialistic than Buddhism

6. Festivals were popularized to make Hinduism more attractive than the dull Buddhism.

6. Karma, Reincarnation, Moksha, etc were redefined to make them abstract.

7. Varnas were replaced with more rigid castes to divert attention to occupations and make Hinduism designer made for each occupation and geographical location.

8. The beyond the reach Brahman became less important and Shiva and Vishnu became supreme gods

9. The religious battle ground was the central part of Hinduism, which Vishnu represents, and which Buddhism occupied. Thus, the epics Ramayana, Mahabhrata and Bhagavadgita were popularized, all of which are about the central god Vishnu.

These changes enabled Hinduism to simplify itself, without losing its distinct identity, at the same time retaining its ability to make life perfect.

It also enabled it to once again become the most popular religion of Inida.

Answer 2

Around 300 BCE, during the rule of Buddhist and Maurya king Ashoka, the popularity of Hinduism reached its Nadir.

Revival of Hinduism was difficult for the following reasons

1. Ashoka, ruled the whole of India

2. Brahmanas were totally satisfied with Hinduism and thus wanted no change

3. People of lower Varnas were attracted to Buddhism because of the simplicity and equality it offered.

4. Buddhism evolved from the default, simple and vital central part of Hinduism. Thus, any attempt to simplify it would make it resemble Buddhism

CHANGES THAT BUDDHISM CAUSED IN HINDUISM

1. Vedic period ended and Puranic period started

2. Perfectionist Hinduism was replaced with practical Hinduism

3. The number of gods reduced to seven gods, five, three and finally into just one; Shiva, Vishnu or Shakti

4. Vedic meditation was replaced with rituals for appeasing gods.

5. Temples, idols and rituals were popularized. This made Hinduism more materialistic than Buddhism

6. Festivals were popularized to make Hinduism more attractive than the dull Buddhism.

6. Karma, Reincarnation, Moksha, etc were redefined to make them abstract.

7. Varnas were replaced with more rigid castes to divert attention to occupations and make Hinduism designer made for each occupation and geographical location.

8. The beyond the reach Brahman became less important and Shiva and Vishnu became supreme gods

9. The religious battle ground was the central part of Hinduism, which Vishnu represents, and which Buddhism occupied. Thus, the epics Ramayana, Mahabhrata and Bhagavadgita were popularized, all of which are about the central god Vishnu.

These changes enabled Hinduism to simplify itself, without losing its distinct identity, at the same time retaining its ability to make life perfect.

It also enabled it to once again become the most popular religion of Inida.