answersLogoWhite

0

First View:

The Buddha's relation with Hinduism is so close that it's easy to confuse Buddhism with Hinduism. The two religions have close connections, and yet they are distinct. This was because of Buddha's reform movements and his refining of Hindu beliefs. It would not be wrong to state, then, that Buddha founded a noble religion by distilling Hinduism, and offering a commonsense approach to self-betterment to which the people can relate easily.

The Hindu Caste System defined a person's position in society as determined by their birth. Buddha condemned the Hindu caste system and said that it is karma or the good and bad actions of a person and not birth that should determine a person's caste. He introduced the idea of placing morality and equality on a higher place than genealogy of a person.

Hindus believe that the purpose of the avatar of Buddha, like all divine avatars, was to re-establish dharma where "adharma" (irreligiousness) had become prevalent. Buddha is regarded by some sects of Hindus as an incarnation of Vishnu, or even as a Hindu. This is because Buddha's theistic beliefs are not contrary to Hinduism, but only a step ahead. This is also because the nature of Hinduism itself is such that all beliefs are recognized as being facets of the Ultimate Truth. It is interesting to note that the word "Nirvana" - used by Lord Buddha to describe the state of permanent bliss - is indeed a Vedic term.

Buddha was born into the Shakya dynasty of a Kshtriya caste family. It's a different thing that Buddha, after he became enlightened, never sought to classify himself into any caste or religion. He was only a born Kshtriya (classified as Hindus) and not a practicing one.

Also 80% of his teachings were taken from Upanishadas and Yogas. He taught Lotus Pose, Meditation, Concept of Soul as reality all these concepts were already there in Sanatana Dharma which is now known as Hinduism.

Counter View:

The Buddha was not "born a Hindu" because Hinduism in its present form had not emerged at the time of his birth. Before the time of the Buddha the religion of India was Vedic Brahmanism, but alongside the Vedic tradition there was an ascetic (Śramana) stream of religious thought and practice having its origin in prehistoric times; it is to this Śramanic culture that Buddhism has its closest affinity. Hinduism grew out of a fusion of Vedic Brahmanism with Buddhism and other Śramanic religious trends. Although Buddhism acknowledges an affinity with the Śramanic cults, it is nevertheless a unique product of the Buddha's direct insight.

Buddha was from Shakya dynasty, named after muni (sage) Shakya but he left his family and established his Dhamma (Dhamma is different from Dharma or religion). Although Shakyas are considered themselves as Aryan Kshtriya (a Hindu) but their relationships with Kolis (Non-Hindus) might be considered that they were Non-Hindus.

The great unification of Buddhism and Hinduism is still prevalent in Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha. Ironically, Nepal is the world's only Hindu nation, where people don't consider the two religions distinct from each other.
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What major religion is atheistic?

Buddhism.


Buddhism is an atheistic religion because it has no?

Buddhism contains many minor deities, but the philosophical aspect of it could be considered atheistic.AnswerBuddhism is a philosophy, AND it is an "inclusive" religion.Look to the origins of indigenous Asian Religions; Hindi, Confucianism, Buddhism: beginning, middle, end. You will find that they all 3 work together synonymously throughout the life time/age of an individual and that individuals need for understanding.Jainism (Hindi Origin) is Atheistic, not Buddhism.


What religion did the communist practice in Europe?

They were for the most part atheistic. Communist governments suppressed all religions: Christianity, Jewish, Islam, Buddhism, Baha'i, etc.


What is the name of the Buddhism god?

Buddha never bothered about God. In fact Buddhism is an atheistic religion like Jainism. Later the followers of Buddha made him a God. Only after Mahayana Buddhism came he was made God. In Hinayana Buddhism Buddha was not a God. There is reference, though, in Buddhist text, to the "First Cause." Since God is the Creator of the universe and all that is therein, then God is the First Cause.


What are the most important teachings in Buddhism?

siddharta guatama preached two very important teachings One being, the belief that pain and suffering is caused by desire and the second being the beleif that there was no creator god and that is a reason why people say Buddhism is an atheistic religion


What gods do Buddhas believe in?

Buddha is considered an incarnation of God by the Hindu scriptures. Buddhism is for the benefit of the atheists. Buddhism is an atheist religion, but they follow Buddha's atheistic teachings.


What religion has no god?

One example of a religion that does not have a central deity is Buddhism. Buddhism focuses on teachings to guide individuals towards enlightenment and self-realization, rather than worship of a god or gods.


How is Hinduism and Buddhism beliefs different?

Hinduism and Buddhism thoughts are different at many levels. Such as Hinduism was never founded by a man while Buddhism was founded by man. Violence is prohibited in Buddhism while in some cases it might be allowed in Hinduism.


What is China's region?

aisa


Which religions discourage god?

I don't know of any that actually discourage a deity, but there are several that are atheistic and do not contain gods within the religion. Buddhism for example is a non-theistic religion. So too is Jainism, Taoism, Animism, and Confucianism.


What word means 'not believing in God'?

atheistic


What is the same of atheistic materialism and theistic?

There is none!