Hinduism vs. Taoism — What's the Difference?

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.

Taoism (), or Daoism (), is a philosophical and spiritual tradition of Chinese origin which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (Chinese: 道; pinyin: Dào; lit. 'Way', or Dao).

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

A Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-tzu, advocating humility and religious piety.

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.

A principal philosophy and system of religion of China that is based on writings attributed to Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, and others, and advocates conforming one's behavior and thought to the Tao.

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

One of the popular religions of China, sanctioned by the state.

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.

A Chinese sect claiming to follow the teaching of Lao-tzu but incorporating pantheism and sorcery in addition to Taoism

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

Religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu

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

Popular Chinese philosophical system based in teachings of Lao-tzu but characterized by a pantheism of many gods and the practices of alchemy and divination and magic

Philosophical system developed by of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events