Hinduism and Buddhism are both religions, which have similarities and differences as well. For starters, both originated in India. Hinduism was brought about first, perhaps about a thousand years before Buddhism came to be. There is still controversy about if Buddhism stemmed off from Hinduism, but many Buddhists deny such accusations. This essay explains three key ideas, which I feel to be representative of the religions. The three subjects include their stand on a god, or gods, their belief of life's purpose, and on what happens after death.
Buddhism and Hinduism have different takes on gods, with one believing in multiple, and the other not believing in a god. In Buddhism, they do not necessarily believe in a god who has created all. They do not have a god to believe in, but they do not deny one being there either. Buddhism is a non-theistic religion. On the other hand, Hinduism has multiple gods, whom they believe in. Similar to the faith of Christianity, in Hinduism there is a trinity so that their God is three gods who make up one. There is Brahma, who is the creator of all that is. Vishnu, is the preserver of all that Brahma has created. Shiva is the destroyer.
Hinduism and Buddhism also have different life goals. When it comes to Hinduism, there isn't one goal in life, they happen to have four goals. There is Dharma, which means that you fulfill your own purpose. There is also Artha, which is the goal for prosperity. Kama is another goal, which is the goal for enjoyment. Lastly, Moksha, to achieve enlightenment. The main focus is on Moksha, because at the end of your life, you wish to receive that enlightenment. Moksha means liberation, it gives you freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth, which is known as samsara. Nirvana is known as the ultimate goal in which all Buddhists wish to reach. It is the greatest state, a state in which you are free from suffering. Buddhists primarily want to end suffering. The Buddha said t...