Printable ScholarHinduism and Buddhism Compared
Hinduism and Buddhism both began in ancient India and share some ideas, such as karma and rebirth, but they differ in others. Hinduism grew over many centuries out of the beliefs of the Vedic period and has no single founder. Buddhism began with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, about 600 to 500 BC. Under the emperor Ashoka, Buddhism spread beyond India, and in time it reached Sri Lanka, Central Asia, China and Southeast Asia. This page sets the two side by side, as history.
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A comparison chart to fill in and a reading page
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Hinduism and Buddhism: comparison chart
Nine rows, from founder and holy writings to the goal, the path and where each spread, with a question on how they are alike and different.
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Reading: Religion and Achievements
An illustrated page on the Vedas, Hindu teachings, the Buddha, the great Sanskrit epics and India’s numbers.
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Hinduism and Buddhism side by side
Founder
Hinduism has no single founder: it grew over many centuries out of the beliefs of the Vedic period. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
Where and when it began
Hinduism grew in India from the Vedic period, when the Vedas were composed from about 1500 BC. Buddhism began in the Ganges region (Lumbini, now in Nepal; Bodh Gaya; Sarnath) about 600 to 500 BC.
Holy writings
Hindu holy writings include the Vedas and, later, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. The Buddha’s teachings were memorized by his followers and later written down.
God or gods
Hinduism has many gods, which many Hindus see as forms of one great spirit, Brahman. Most Buddhists honor the Buddha as a teacher, not as a god.
The goal
In Hindu teachings the final goal is moksha, freedom from the cycle of rebirth. In Buddhism it is nirvana, freedom from suffering and rebirth.
The path
Hindu teachings say to follow dharma, one’s duty, and the Bhagavad Gita also teaches loving devotion to God, open to everyone. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, a guide to right thinking and acting.
Karma and rebirth
Both teach that karma, the results of a person’s actions, shapes the next life, and both seek an end to rebirth.
Caste
Old Vedic texts described four social groups, the varnas, set by birth. The Buddha welcomed people of every group as followers.
Where it spread
Hinduism spread across India and later to Southeast Asia. Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka (tradition says Ashoka’s son Mahinda took it), then to Central Asia, China and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How are Hinduism and Buddhism alike?
Both began in ancient India, both teach karma and rebirth, and both seek freedom from the cycle of rebirth, called moksha in Hinduism and nirvana in Buddhism.
How are Hinduism and Buddhism different?
Hinduism has no single founder and has many gods, which many Hindus see as forms of one great spirit, Brahman. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, whom most Buddhists honor as a teacher, not as a god.
How did Buddhism spread beyond India?
The Maurya emperor Ashoka, who turned to Buddhism after the Kalinga war about 261 BC, sent missionaries to other lands; tradition says his son Mahinda carried Buddhism to Sri Lanka. In time it reached Central Asia, China and Southeast Asia.