Hinduism And Buddhism Comparison Essay

Each religion teaches that their faith is the only way to eternal life. Editor Eastman quotes Gandhi’s view of other religions saying, “Everybody is right from his own standpoint, but it is not impossible that everybody may be wrong” (69). This is true; two people can stand facing each other, and one can draw the number six on the floor; however, the other can say it is the number nine. This does not mean either is wrong. Gandhi continues to elaborate, “True knowledge of religion breaks down the barriers between faith and faith. Cultivation of tolerance for other faiths will impart to us a truer understanding of our own” (69). Therefore, to understand another religion, knowledge and tolerance are important. Understanding Buddhism and Hinduism means looking at twins – they are similar in the teaching of doing no harm to others and ending suffering; however, they differ on the views of the caste system and their reward.

Hinduism and Buddhism acknowledge ahimsa (do no harm); yet both implement different methods of cleansing and meditation to do good. To be awakened, an individual must acknowledge that the flesh is never satisfied with worldly success. Furthermore, a person must notice that the flesh is a destruction to the inner self. Hindus have four paths to liberation depending on the individual’s personality. Buddhists must follow the four noble truths to reach their goal

Buddhists believe that everyone is equal; hence, Buddha voided the caste system from the Hindu religion. Hindus have four class of their cast system. There is equality in each caste system; however, there is no equality among the class systems. In addition, Buddhists recognize a women’s equality to men. In Hinduism, women must be born as men to return to Brahman. Not all twins are the same; there is always one or two differences among twins; hence, Buddhism and Hinduism are twin