Buddhism and Hinduism share several core beliefs and concepts due to their common origins in the Indian subcontinent, but they also have distinct differences.

Similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism

• Karma and Rebirth: Both religions believe in karma, the law of cause and effect, where one's actions influence future experiences and rebirths. They accept the concept of samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and see liberation from this cycle as the ultimate spiritual goal

• Spiritual Liberation: Both seek liberation-Hindus aim for moksha (union with the universal soul, Brahman), while Buddhists seek nirvana (cessation of suffering and desire)

• Meditation and Mindfulness: Both emphasize meditation and mindfulness as essential practices for spiritual growth and self-realization

• Ethical Principles: Both promote ethical living, including non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and compassion toward all living beings

• Shared Concepts and Terminology: They share many religious terms such as dharma (righteous duty), karma, samsara, and nirvana, though sometimes with different interpretations

• Cosmology and Spiritual Beings: Both religions include beliefs in multiple heavens and hells, and entities like devas (demigods), nagas (serpent deities), and apsaras (celestial beings), though their roles and worship differ

• Ritual Practices: Some rituals like fire offerings (homa) and ancestor worship are common to both traditions

Summary

Aspect| Hinduism| Buddhism| Similarities
---|---|---|---
Origin| Ancient, no single founder| Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)| Both originated in India
Ultimate Goal| Moksha (union with Brahman)| Nirvana (cessation of suffering)| Liberation from samsara
Concept of Self| Eternal soul (atman)| No permanent self (anatta)| Both agree on impermanence of phenomena
Deities| Polytheistic, many gods| Non-theistic, Buddha is a teacher| Both recognize spiritual beings
Karma and Rebirth| Central belief| Central belief| Karma influences rebirth
Meditation| Important spiritual practice| Core practice| Both emphasize meditation and mindfulness
Ethical Teachings| Dharma, ahimsa, truthfulness| Eightfold Path, ahimsa, compassion| Shared ethical values

In essence, Buddhism emerged from the cultural and religious milieu of Hinduism, sharing many foundational ideas but diverging notably in theology, especially regarding the self and the role of gods