In Eastern philosophy, two very well established and widespread philosophies are Hinduism and Buddhism. While they are very similar in their beliefs and teachings there are some differences.
Both Hinduism and Buddhism believe in Karma, Reincarnation, and Nirvana (p.497) Karma is believed to be something that each person reaps for himself or herself. As a person makes choices in life, whether right or wrong, their decision will create a cycle in their life repeating itself and determining their reincarnation. The cycle of reincarnation will continue to occur until each person reaches his or her nirvana, or the ultimate state of utter peace. Yoga is also a common practice with Hinduism and Buddhism (p.496). This is another spiritual exercise that is in place to help people obtain a higher state of peaceful rest (p.496). These are all things that are pursued by every individual who chooses to follow the Hindu or Buddhist way of living. They are seeking their absolute eternal spirit where they will be at total and ultimate peace. This may take several reincarnations of their life to achieve but the desire for ultimate peace is attractive. Hinduism and Buddhism each strive for this ultimate peace, but their approach is different.
Hinduism believes there is only one reality of consciousness, but they believe in little gods (p.496). Buddhism on the other hand believes there are different paths to follow in order to achieve this reality of consciousness. So while the goal in the same, the approach is different.
I think that the Buddhism is more realistic in terms of reaching the end goal. I’m sure this has to do with my own beliefs but I think that the teaching of little gods is more difficult to convince people of rather than giving them a road map of how to live their life.
For me the Eightfold Path of Buddhism is the most convincing philosophy. I think these are things everyone should live by regardless of different philosophies. The first four... [continues]
Both Hinduism and Buddhism believe in Karma, Reincarnation, and Nirvana (p.497) Karma is believed to be something that each person reaps for himself or herself. As a person makes choices in life, whether right or wrong, their decision will create a cycle in their life repeating itself and determining their reincarnation. The cycle of reincarnation will continue to occur until each person reaches his or her nirvana, or the ultimate state of utter peace. Yoga is also a common practice with Hinduism and Buddhism (p.496). This is another spiritual exercise that is in place to help people obtain a higher state of peaceful rest (p.496). These are all things that are pursued by every individual who chooses to follow the Hindu or Buddhist way of living. They are seeking their absolute eternal spirit where they will be at total and ultimate peace. This may take several reincarnations of their life to achieve but the desire for ultimate peace is attractive. Hinduism and Buddhism each strive for this ultimate peace, but their approach is different.
Hinduism believes there is only one reality of consciousness, but they believe in little gods (p.496). Buddhism on the other hand believes there are different paths to follow in order to achieve this reality of consciousness. So while the goal in the same, the approach is different.
I think that the Buddhism is more realistic in terms of reaching the end goal. I’m sure this has to do with my own beliefs but I think that the teaching of little gods is more difficult to convince people of rather than giving them a road map of how to live their life.
For me the Eightfold Path of Buddhism is the most convincing philosophy. I think these are things everyone should live by regardless of different philosophies. The first four... [continues]
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