[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
ARTICLE : Hinduism and Buddhism (was Re: About Hinduism)
Shankar wrote:
> However, I was not able to answer one of his queries; He wanted
> to know the fundamental difference between Hinduism and Buddhism. All
> I could tell him was that they are very similar and that Buddha was
> born a Hindu and derived many of his teachings from Hinduism.
Buddha did incorporate a few Vedic ideas into the religion that he founded.
e.g, this is the definition of "Brahmana" according to Buddha: "I do not call
him a Brahmana merely because he is born of a (Brahmin) womb or sprung from a
(Brahmin) mother. He is merely a ``Bhovadi'' (one addressed as ``Sir'') if he
is with impediments. He who is free from impediments, free from clinging - him
I call a Brahmana."
"Not by matted hair, nor by family, nor by birth does one become a Brahmana. But
in whom there exist both truth and righteousness, pure is he, a Brahmana is he."
You can access it from http://www.serve.com/cmtan/Dhammapada/
Here's some more verses:
---------------
He who is meditative, stainless and secluded, he who has done his duty and is
free from corruptions, he who has attained the Highest Goal, - him I call a
Brahmana.
One should not strike a Brahmana, nor should a Brahmana vent (his wrath) on one
who has struck him. Shame on him who strikes a Brahmana! More shame on him who
gives vent (to his wrath)!
That sage who knows his former abodes, who sees the blissful and the woeful
states, who has reached the end of births, who, with superior wisdom, has
perfected himself, who has completed (the holy life), and reached the end of all
passions, - him I call a Brahmana.
---------------
> But
> are there any stark differences between the two religions?
All Hindus assume a transcendental absolute called Brahman, but Buddhism does
not!
> If you
> happen to know, or could point out a source where I could dig it up,
> I would be gratetful.
A good book to consult is "Early advaita Vedanta and Buddhism" by Richard King.
It's an extremely well-researched book, IMHO.
-Kartik