What is the Difference Between Buddhism and Hinduism?

Can you practice both religions at the same time, or do you have to choose one over the other? This question often arises for those who appreciate the diverse spiritual practices offered by these two ancient religions. My own experiences have led me to a unique approach.

I practice both Buddhism and Hinduism because they both offer valuable practices. Unlike Western religions, which primarily focus on prayer alone, these two Eastern traditions incorporate a myriad of practices that enhance one's spiritual journey. I am a Buddhist, but I hold Hinduism in such high regard that I cannot exclude it from my life. Inside, I am Buddhist, but my spiritual path is a blend of both traditions. I am not concerned about what others may think; I know my beliefs.

Many Hindu or yogic practices complement my Buddhist experience, making my meditations more bespoke and enriching. Life is about finding the most meaningful way to live, and for me, this means blending these two traditions. It's not about the religion itself but about the person who practices it with integrity.

Historical Coexistence in Nusantara

Our ancestors in Nusantara (Southeast Asia) have shown us that Hindu Shaivism and Buddhism, two seemingly distinct yet non-theistic religions, can coexist harmoniously for centuries. The Siwa Buddha belief is a testament to this unity in diversity.

Hinduism itself is not a single religion but a conglomerate of many. Hindus see unity in diversity by reconciling the differences between these various paths. Many elements are common between Buddhism and Hinduism. Let's consider the eightfold path of Buddhism and the three Noble Truths.

Exploring the Three Noble Truths and Hinduism

The three Noble Truths in Buddhism are:

How does Hinduism address these concepts?

As an ordinary human being, we cannot say that all life is suffering without any happiness or joy. Our everyday experience tells us that life is a mixture of happiness and sorrow. We wouldn't accept death if there was no happiness at all. This proves that happiness outweighs sorrow in life. Hinduism, on the other hand, claims that life is ananda (absolute happiness). However, we still experience unhappiness, which leads us to a state of ignorance about our true identity as Atman and Brahman. Our true identity is not the body and mind but the Atman, which has no sorrow. Sorrow belongs to the body and mind. As long as we identify ourselves with our body and mind, we experience sorrow. Atman is permanent and unchanging, but Buddhism says that there is nothing permanent in the world, including Atman. Impermanence is the cause of suffering according to Buddhism, but if impermanence is the ultimate truth, how did Buddha overcome all suffering when he attained Nirvana? This contradiction implies that there must be something permanent that Buddha discovered.

Both Buddhism and Hinduism share a common understanding, expressed in different ways. This unity in apparent contradiction provides a spiritual seeker with the flexibility to combine both traditions by truly understanding them.

The Eightfold Path: A Multi-Religious Approach

Let's now explore the eightfold path of Buddha and its compatibility with Hinduism.

The eightfold path of Buddha is as follows:

These steps are perfectly compatible with Hinduism. 'Right understanding,' 'right thought,' 'right speech,' 'right action,' and 'right effort' fall under Karma Yoga and the concept of Dharma in Hinduism. 'Right mindfulness' falls under Meditation in Hinduism, and there are different methods of meditation both in Buddhism and Hinduism. You can choose the most suitable method for your practice. 'Right concentration' falls under Samadhi in Hinduism. Therefore, both religions can be combined or practiced seamlessly.

Both Hinduism and Buddhism advise us not to accept anything blindly but to uncover the truth for ourselves. Hinduism, being more diverse with multiple options, offers a wider range of paths suited to individual uniqueness.