Contrast the two religions that developed during early times in india

Hinduism and Buddhism

Explanation:

Hinduism and Buddhism are the two major religions of Ancient India.

1. Based on the Vedas, Hinduism is not taught by any teacher. While Buddhism is the religion developed by the believers of Lord Buddha, originally King Asoka.

2. Hindus follow Hinduism. Buddhists practice Buddhism.

3. Hinduism involves devotion to multitude of gods. Buddhism involves following the teachings of Buddha.

4. Hinduism is reflected in the Vedas and the Upanishads written in Sanskrit. Theravada Buddhism is the beliefs of Buddhism which is written in Pali language.

Hinduism and Buddhism are the two religions which emerged in ancient India. They both have some common beliefs, But they are also different in many ways. There is no central figure in Hinduism while Buddha is the central figure in Buddhism. It is based on the holy text Tripitaka (Collection of teachings of Buddha). While Hindu texts contains myths, stories which is a combination of teaching of various people in various eras of history. Buddhism is teaching of Lord Buddha. Hinduism is old and it took almost 2000 years in the creation of the rituals.

In Hinduism Caste system is prevalent and the society is divided into four sections in which the Brahmans are on the top and Shudras on the bottom. There is no such system in Buddhism and they consider all people to be equal. Belief in reincarnation is the common feature between both. Buddhists believe in nonviolence and abstain from taking life while Hindu's believe that all life is sacred and they will fight to protect their people.

The common feature between both the religion are the concept of Dharma and Karma. Karma is the sum of all your good or bad actions that adds up and determines your next life. Dharma is sacred duty and both believe that people should act in unselfish manner, must be guided by sacred duty.

The goal of both these religions is to escape from the cycle of reincarnation.