What are some similarities between Hinduism and Judaism?

Answer 1

- Jainism and Buddhism are similar in a way that they both lead you to the path of ascetism and a few other aspects like reincarnation, nirvana, strict non-violence, etc.

- Jainism and Buddhism, reject the authority (but not the values) of the Vedas.

- Both don't believe in a creator God.

But there are a lot of aspects that are different. For more information check out http://www.answers.com/topic/buddhism-and-jainism

Answer 2

**Edit to this person's response: "Both religions did not engage in proselytizing" is wrong. Buddhism was a proselytizing religion. Ashoka (Chandragupta's son) spread Buddhism throughout Burma, Syria, and Egypt by means of missionaries.

Similarities:

• They both don't stress the afterlife.
• They both don't allow being mean to others.
• As far as doctrine there is agreement that being "good" is better than being "bad"
• Some schools of thought within Judaism subscribe to reincarnation, which is also a belief of Buddhism. However this is not an actual religious doctrine of Judaism, and is not mentioned anywhere in the Talmud.
• Both religions do not engage in proselytizing.

But most other issues differ:

Judaism:

• Is a deity based religion.
• Uses Jewish cultural references.
• There is a defined start to creation and mankind (though most Jews today believe in evolution and the Big Bang Theory).
• Jews do not believe that desire causes suffering. Jews strive for a balance.
• There is a code of ethics to follow (some follow it strictly).
• Does not place emphasis on the afterlife.

Buddhism:

• Has no deity.
• Has no creation narrative.
• Uses Indian cultural references.
• Has no set of right and wrong behaviors - just suggestions.
• Enlightenment is achieved by individual effort.
• Believes in reincarnation.
• Has no heaven, just a state of existence without self, called Nirvana.

Answer 2

All religions are alike because they all believe in some type of god; but Buddhism and Judaism are not alike. They are, in fact, the most opposite. Buddhism is more spiritual, you could say, and Judaism deals more with everyday life.

Answer 3

These two religions are so apart that it is hard to say that there is any similarity between the two. Judaism is Monotheistic, Buddhism is not. Judaism believes that God revealed himself to mankind so that mankind will be able to correct the world. Buddhism believes Buddha (who was human) revealed the way to escape from the suffering of this world. Maybe one shared thing to the two religions is the key belief in treating other people well (though for different reasons).

Answer 4

Buddhism and Judaism share a few general ideas, but are fundamentally different religions and hold beliefs that run counter to one another. The few similarities that exist include:

Schools and Academies of Study: Both Buddhism and Judaism are complex disciplines with very precise and lengthy requirements for practice. As a result, Buddhist and Jewish scholars have places of teaching and train their disciples for years to understand the very complex knowledge of the religious life.

Spirituality over Materialism: Buddhism and Judaism are both deeply anti-materialistic, holding that Truth is discoverable only when seeing the world in its spiritual essence. The Buddhist achieves this through asceticism while the Jew achieves it through separation, but the intent is similar.

Valuing the Weak: Buddhism and Judaism hold that the elderly, the sick, and children are very valuable even though their material or physical contribution to society may not be very high. The wisdom of the elderly is to be prized, the sick are to be helped and sympathized with, and the innocence of children is valued.

Human Fraternity: Both religions believe that people should be kind to one another and love each other (within reason). The core teachings of both faiths are to be peaceful and good-willed. Political situations such as those in Tibet and Israel make these teachings more difficult to follow.

This World Matters: Buddhism and Judaism do have an afterlife. But contrary to faiths which focus heavily on the afterlife, Buddhists and Jews do not see it as central to their teachings. In Buddhism and Judaism, a person performs righteously in this life solely because they live and for no other reason.

Answer 3

Answer:

There are more differences than similarities between the two religiions.

Buddhism was around long before Christianity, and Buddhism draws on Hinduism Christianity and the Islamic faith draw on the sources of Judaism. Given that there was a lot of swapping of ideas along with trade in goods in the ancient world it is easy to suspect a lot of ideas in all of these religions were drawn from some common sources.

Examining some of the big ticket items: of Christianity Buddhism and their source religions.

• Existence of god(s): Judaism one God, Christianity a multiple godhead in one God (?), Hinduism a polytheistic religion with many gods as avatars of one central agency, Buddhism no god(s)
• An afterlife: Hindus and Buddhists an eventual absorption into the Universe in general, Christianity a defined Heaven/Hell, Judaism somewhat confusing
• Reincarnation: Hindus and Buddhists yes, Christians (officially) one life per customer but many Christians believe in "past lives", Judaism somewhat confusing position
• Birth of the founder: Christianity and Buddhism the founder was born under mysterious circumstances with portents and miracles, Judaism and Hinduism directly spreading the deity inspired word.
• Main thrust of teachings: Judaism follow God's rules and be happy, Christianity follow God's rules, be nice to people or else, Hinduism and Buddhism learn to behave until you escape the cycle of death and re-birth
• Spreading the word: Christians and Buddhists a vigorous missionary program in their earlier years, Hinduism and Judaism converts accepted but not sought.

-Both worship one God (but the Buddha is not a God he is a religious teacher)

-Both Gods are tempted by the devil

-Both walk over the water

-They both have a religious building

-they both have a leader of there religious building (B= Monk C= A Priest)

-They both can worship in groups or individually

There are many more similarities

*There is no God worship in Buddhism. When asked about the existence of a supreme being the Buddha remained silent and did not answer.

Answer:

There is actually not a lot of similarity between the two religions except for the feeling that being "good" is better for the followers than being "bad". Examples and comparisons:

Means of salvation:

• Buddhism: To contemplate the truth of each moment, allowing practitioner to see the Four Noble Truths of life. Every person is responsible for their own actions and the consequences. Nirvana is atained on enlightenment and the forgoing of a sence of self.
• Christianity: Salvation through faith, and a relationship with Jesus Christ and daily repentance of sins. A "devil" exists to tempt followers into evil ways and away from salvation.

Holy days/Day of Worship:

• Buddhism: No one day is deemed holier then another. Worshipping is merely a cultural practice and has a socializing aspect. Celebrations of special historic events in the life of the Buddha are common
• Christianity: Many special days, Sunday in general and Christmas, Easter, New Year, Pentecost, Saints' Feast Days. FAilure to observe these days was regarded as a "sin" in the past.

Uniqueness of Belief:

• Buddhism: Buddhism is a Dharmic religion with no contradiction in following more than one religion, ad no problem in only taking part of Buddhist teachings.
• Christianity: Christianity is the true religion. Judaism is a true religion, but with incomplete revelation and Islam is a false religion. All other religions are false

Religious Law:

• Buddhism: There are no religious rules. The Dharma, however, describes nature or reality. For example, if there is an effect, there is a cause.
• Christianity: The 10 Commandments are a base but following the whole Bible (except got the micromanagement of the OT laws) is advocated.

Belief in a deity:

• Buddhism: Most believe in revering enlightened beings. No belief in a Supreme Creator. Zen Buddhists don't believe in deities. The "Devil" position does not exist in Buddhism
• Christianity: A belief in the Trinity of God - The Father (God) - The Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. The role of the Devilas an evil god is somewhat unclear to outsiders.

Regular Practices:

• Buddhism: Regularly visit temple to socialize and make offerings to the Buddha and to develop the mind and appreciate the need for proper behavior and attitude.
• Christianity: Regularly church attendance (especially on Sundays) for Worship. Doing good works and spreading the word is encouraged.

Clergy:

• Buddhism: No priestly hierarchy in Buddhism although monks are well regarded for their knowledge.
• Christianity: Priests, monks, ministers, pastors, bishops, Elders, Deacons, Youth Ministers, Sunday School Teachers ave a special position in the community..

God's role in salvation:

• Buddhism: Each person is his own refuge.
• Christianity: Ultimate judgment by God. Failure to accept Jesus leads to damnation.

Human Nature:

• Buddhism: The internal Buddha nature is good and leads ultimately towards enlightenment.
• Christianity: The base of human nature is "original sin" inherited from Adam. It exhibits itself as a tendency towards evil.

Answer:

While there are some significant differences, Buddhism and Christianity both advocate a peaceful style of human interaction. Where Jesus promoted "love thy neighbor", Buddha encouraged followers to practice compassion for all living things. Jesus told followers to "turn the other cheek" and Buddha told someone who was attacking him "I refuse to accept your abuse". Neither encouraged violence. Both Jesus and Buddha were reacting against the religious and social norms of their societies. Both were more inclusive, focused on love, compassion, and thoughtfulness, and encouraged self-improvement.

On major difference is Christianity is focused on the reward of eternal life after death for moral living while Buddhism focuses more on ending suffering in the here and now and the attainment of nirvana. While the meta-physical focus may differ, both seek a more peaceful and loving world.

• They both preach almost the same values and penalities for actions
• People who die go to heaven or hell
• There are many forms of Buddhism, many ways of understanding Buddhism. If you have one hundred people practicing Buddhism, you may have one hundred forms of Buddhism. The same is true in Christianity. If there are one hundred thousand people practicing Christianity, there may be one hundred thousand ways of understanding Christianity

Buddhists do NOT believe in a heaven or a hell. In Buddhism the life after death concept consists of Samsara and Nirvana. In otherwords, reincarnation and liberation from the never ending cycle of rebirth. The break through or liberation is made when ones Karma is good enough that one is enlightened.

They do not belive in a god like Christians

___________________________

Improvements:

Although certain schools of Buddhism do believe in gods, most would reject the idea of monotheism or an omniscient/omnipotent being - unlike Christianity, Buddhism does not teach a story of creation, and is not concerned with the story of creation, rather they believe there is more urgent matters to deal with; ending suffering and reaching enlightenment

Buddhists do not believe in heaven and hell

Buddhists do believe in Nirvana (commonly mistaken for Heaven) - a state in which there is no more suffering, the fire of Samsara (suffering) has been extinguished

Similarities:

Attitude towards mankind: Christians believe all people are created in the image of God, and therefore they are on an equal footing.

Buddhists believe mankind are united and on an equal footing too, but for different reasons: all mankind is capable of achieving enlightenment and reaching Nirvana, and therefore is equal and should be treated so.

Rules: Christians hold the 10 commandments dear and use them as a guideline for life

Buddhists hold the 5+ precepts dear and use them as a guideline for life

(both include points of not harming one another: Christians "Thou shalt not kill" Exodus and Buddhism "I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life."

Some Christians adopt a pacifist/non-violent view on life (Quakers in particular), that no human life should be harmed in any case. Buddhists agree that life should not be harmed; within the Eightfold Path (a very important Buddhist teaching on how to achieve enlightenment and defeat suffering) is a teaching of 'Right Livelihood' which teaches that people should not take up occupations/jobs that harm other people or create bad karma

Christians generally believe that good deeds lead to good consequences; pursuing a life of good and not of evil, may lead to heaven. In Buddhism, good deeds create good karma which leads to a good rebirth and eventually leads to enlightenment (Nirvana).

There are hardly any similarities trust me. However there are many diferences. Because in Buddhism, they believe in reincarnation, whereas in christianity, you either go to heaven or hell. Christianity is more simple and less complicated than Buddhism. Also, in christianity, Jesus died to save our sins so that we may all live and not perish (die). But in Buddhism, Siddartha (Buddha, the one who became enlightened) quotes: "Don't take my word for it, experience it yourself". Although one similarity is that both religions have only one God.

I'm a Christian, but it's good to learn about beliefs of other religions.

.

Catholic AnswerSeveral years ago, Time Magazine published an article on the comparative religions of the world, putting Buddhism in that list. In the next several weeks, they ended up publishing several letters from Buddhists who carefully explained that Buddhism was NOT a religion. Catholicism, on the other hand, is a revealed religion, it is the fulfillment of Judaism, and has been revealed by God, in person, in Our Blessed Lord. Buddhism is a view on how to live a settled life with yourself, it does not address God, creation, etc. In other words, it is a philosophy, not a religion. Catholicism contains a philosophy based on reality (see the works of St. Thomas Aquinas), but their view of reality are radically different than Buddhists. Bottom line? Both teach people to respect others and nature. AnswerThere is actually not a lot of similarity between the two religions except for the feeling that being "good" is better for the followers than being "bad". Examples and comparisons:

Means of salvation:

• Buddhism: To contemplate the truth of each moment, allowing practitioner to see the Four Noble Truths of life. Every person is responsible for their own actions and the consequences. Nirvana is atained on enlightenment and the forgoing of a sence of self.
• Christianity: Salvation through faith, and a relationship with Jesus Christ and daily repentance of sins. A "devil" exists to tempt followers into evil ways and away from salvation.

Holy days/Day of Worship:

• Buddhism: No one day is deemed holier then another. Worshipping is merely a cultural practice and has a socializing aspect. Celebrations of special historic events in the life of the Buddha are common
• Christianity: Many special days, Sunday in general and Christmas, Easter, New Year, Pentecost, Saints' Feast Days. FAilure to observe these days was regarded as a "sin" in the past.

Uniqueness of Belief:

• Buddhism: Buddhism is a Dharmic religion with no contradiction in following more than one religion, and no problem in only taking part of Buddhist teachings.
• Christianity: Christianity is the true religion. Judaism is a true religion but with incomplete revelation and Islam is a false religion. All other religions are false

Religious Law:

• Buddhism: There are no religious rules. The Dharma, however, describes nature or reality. For example, if there is an effect, there is a cause.
• Christianity: The 10 Commandments are a base but following the whole Bible (except got the micromanagement of the OT laws) is advocated.

Belief in a deity:

• Buddhism: Most believe in revering enlightened beings. No belief in a Supreme Creator. Zen Buddhists don't believe in deities. The "Devil" position does not exist in Buddhism
• Christianity: A belief in the Trinity of God - The Father (God) - The Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. The role of the Devil as an evil god is somewhat unclear to outsiders.

Regular Practices:

• Buddhism: Regularly visit temple to socialize and to develop the mind and appreciate the need for proper behavior and attitude.
• Christianity: Regularly church attendance (especially on Sundays) for Worship. Doing good works and spreading the word is encouraged.

Clergy:

• Buddhism: No priestly hierarchy in Buddhism although monks are well regarded for their knowledge.
• Christianity: Priests, monks, ministers, pastors, bishops, Elders, Deacons, Youth Ministers, Sunday School Teachers have a special position in the community..

God's role in salvation:

• Buddhism: Each person is his own refuge.
• Christianity: Ultimate judgment by God. Failure to accept Jesus leads to damnation.

Human Nature:

• Buddhism: The internal Buddha nature found in all peopleis good and leads ultimately towards enlightenment.
• Christianity: The base of human nature is "original sin" inherited from Adam. It exhibits itself as a tendency towards evil.

Monks, nuns, rosaries, compassion, icons, charitable work, missionaries, halos in art, saints/bodhisattvas, incense, meditation, prayer, reading of holy texts, dislike of extreme monasticism and they both base their ethics on a golden rule

Answer 4

All 3 use prayer and meditation.

Christianity & Judaism have similarities, because Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism.

Buddhism, however, is an offshoot of Hinduism, & therefore not very similar to either Christianity or Judaism.

Answer 5

There are several similarities between Hinduism and Judaism.

Some of the similarities are: Hinduism has a religious symbol called the Om; which literally means Brahman and Judaism has a non-religious symbol called "The star of David" which is an emblem that is modeled after the shield of King David.

Also, Hinduism is the oldest religion of its type (polytheistic religion) while Judaism is the oldest religion of its type (monotheistic religion). Hindus believe that all gods are one (manifestations of the main god: Brahman) while Jews believe in one god: HaShem.

Answer 6

There are several thousans of religions in the world so a comparison would be difficult. Points to consider are:

• Buddhism has no role for a creator god
• Human progress results from human effort
• Reincarnation is a given.

Answer 7

The men are not allowed to shave the corners of their heads.

However, more significant similarities are:

1. Both religions are monotheistic

2. Both religions do not allow icons in worship

3. Both religions have dietary laws

Answer 8

they are both religions