Hinduism vs. Buddhism — What's the Difference?

Ancient religion: Oldest major world religion originating in India.

Founder's teachings: Religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.

Diverse beliefs: Encompasses a wide range of beliefs, gods, and practices.

Non-theistic approach: Generally does not involve worship of gods.

Cycle of life: Emphasizes samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Path to enlightenment: Focuses on ending suffering through the Eightfold Path.

Philosophical approach: Promotes the pursuit of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha.

Monastic tradition: Strong emphasis on monastic life and meditation.

Sacred scriptures: Relies on texts like the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita.

Doctrine: Centers around the Four Noble Truths.

Hinduism () is an Indian religion and dharma, or way of life. It is the world's third-largest religion, with over 1.2 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global population, known as Hindus.

Buddhism (, US: ) is an Indian religion based on a series of original teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha. It originated in ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, spreading through much of Asia.

A major religious and cultural tradition of South Asia, which developed from Vedic religion.

A widespread Asian religion or philosophy, founded by Siddartha Gautama in north-eastern India in the 5th century BC.

A religious, philosophical, and cultural tradition that developed in India with the composition of the Vedas, characterized by belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, by the desire for liberation from earthly evils, and by belief in reincarnation.

The teaching of Siddhartha Gautama that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct, wisdom, and meditation releases one from desire, suffering, and rebirth.

The dominant religion of India; characterized by a caste system anud belief in reincarnation.

The religion represented by the many groups, especially numerous in Asia, that profess varying forms of this doctrine and that venerate Siddhartha Gautama.

A complex of beliefs and values and customs including worship of many gods, especially the Trimurti composed of Brahma the Creator; Vishnu the preserver; and Shiva the destroyer.

The religion based upon the doctrine originally taught by the Hindu sage Gautama Siddartha, surnamed Buddha, "the awakened or enlightened," in the sixth century b. c., and adopted as a religion by the greater part of the inhabitants of Central and Eastern Asia and the Indian Islands. Buddha's teaching is believed to have been atheistic; yet it was characterized by elevated humanity and morality. It presents release from existence (a beatific enfranchisement, Nirvâna) as the greatest good. Buddhists believe in transmigration of souls through all phases and forms of life. Their number was estimated in 1881 at 470,000,000.

The predominant religion of India; characterized by a caste system and belief in reincarnation

A religion represented by the many groups (especially in Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist doctrine and that venerate Buddha

A body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme beingof many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils

The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth

Buddhism primarily focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to end suffering.

No, Buddhism largely disregards the caste system.

While Hinduism involves worship of multiple deities, Buddhism generally does not emphasize god worship.

Hinduism evolved from the Vedic traditions of ancient India.

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha.

Hinduism believes in an eternal soul known as the Atman.

Some core texts of Hinduism include the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita.

While the religions have distinct beliefs, personal interpretation and practice vary, allowing some to identify with both.

Hinduism places significant emphasis on rituals, while Buddhism focuses more on meditation and personal practice.

Hinduism is primarily in India and Nepal. Buddhism spread to various parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Buddhism introduces the concept of 'Anatta', suggesting there's no permanent self.

Yes, major sects of Buddhism include Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

Yes, both religions believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Monasticism is central in Buddhism. In Hinduism, monks (sannyasis) renounce worldly life, but it's one of many paths in the religion.

In Hinduism, it's achieving union with Brahman. In Buddhism, it's achieving Nirvana.