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Re: ARTICLE : About Hinduism
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Subject: Re: ARTICLE : About Hinduism
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From: "Jaldhar H. Vyas" <jaldhar@braincells.com>
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Date: Mon, 19 Aug 1996 01:53:17 GMT
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Apparently-To: soc-religion-hindu@uunet.uu.net
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Newsgroups: soc.religion.hindu
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Organization: Consolidated Braincells Inc.
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References: <ghenDw7M5p.9Mp@netcom.com>
> shankar@lexis-nexis.com (Manjunath Shankar) wrote in article
<ghenDw7M5p.9Mp@netcom.com>...
> 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. But
> are there any stark differences between the two religions? If you
> happen to know, or could point out a source where I could dig it up,
> I would be gratetful.
>
> Thanks again.
> shankar@lexis-nexis.com
> --
>
> Shankar
>
If you don't mind someone other Pradip answering this question I believe I
can be of help.
At the level of ideology, there are three fundamental differences
traditionally expressed as three questions. Those philosophies who answer
asti ("it is so") to all three are generally grouped together as
"Hinduism." Those who say nasti ("it is not so") to one or more are
considered outside the pale.
1. Are the Vedas and their their various ancilliary shastras a valid
source of authority?
The Religions grouped together as "Hinduism" attempt to base their
positions on the authority of the Vedas and their ancillary shastras.
Sometimes the connection is tenuous but making the attempt is the hallmark
of a "Hindu" philosophy. Buddhists on the other hand do not consider
these shastras an authoritative source.
2. Is there a future life or lives?
The Astikas of course say yes. Most philosophies believe in reincarnation
i.e a soul lives many lives in different bodies. Here, Buddhists agree.
3. Is there a supreme Being?
Astikas differ on the nature of this supreme Being. Advaitins believe the
individual soul (atma) is the same as the supreme (Brahman) but unaware of
this due to ignorance. The atma will eventually be reabsorbed into
Brahman when this ignorance is dispelled. The various Shaiva and
Vaishnava traditions believe this supreme being is God in the sense a
Westerner would understand. Many believe the soul (assuming all goes
well) will be united with the Supreme in heaven but will remain a distinct
entity. Buddhists do not believe in a supreme being. They believe the
eventual fate of the soul is to be snuffed out like an extinguished flame.
(This is the literal meaning of the word nirvana.)
So much for philosophy but most people don't really care about such
weighty (and headache-inducing :-) subjects. On a practical level,
Hinduism and Buddhism coexisted. Buddhism accepted the many Gods and
Goddesses of the various Hindu religions. They in turn had no problem in
putting Buddha in their pantheon. Buddha is considered one of the 10
major avatars of Vishnu Bhagawan. Of course each side put their spin on
things. Buddhists didn't hesitate to twist the traditional stories to
reflect their ideology. (For instance the Dasaratha Jataka tells the
story of the Ramayana from a Buddist point of view.) And the story of why
Vishnu Bhagawan became the Buddhavatar isn't very complimentary of
Buddhism! Historically we have the examples of King Ashoka (a "Buddhist")
who proclaimed that all his subjects should respect Brahmanas as well as
Shramanas (Buddhist monks) and King Harsha (a "Hindu") who was a devotee
of the Buddha as well as Shiva Bhagawan.
Another important distinction between Hinduism and Buddhism (Indian
Buddhism anyway) is that Hinduism is very much alive and Indian Buddhism
is extinct. The sustained attacks of astika thinkers like Shankaracharya
and Udayanacharya from the sixth century onwards plus the withdrawal of
Royal patronage had already put Budhism on the decline and the Muslim
invasions finally finished it off. Buddhism in India today is mostly
confined to foreign imports (like the Tibetans) or is a thin veneer around
political movements.
--
Jaldhar H. Vyas [jaldhar@braincells.com] o- beable .-_|\
Consolidated Braincells Inc. / \
http://www.braincells.com/jaldhar/ Perth Amboy-> *.--._/
"Witty quote" - Dead Guy finger me for PGP key v McQ!