THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

INSTITUTE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL STUDIES

NAME :

COMP NO# :

COURSE CODE : RES 1010

LECTURER : DR MAGALITE NJOBVU.

TASK : ASSIGNMENT 01

DUE DATE : 30TH APRIL 2024

PHONE NUMBER :

QUESTION

Use Primary or Secondary data to compare and contrast the beliefs and teachings of Hinduism and
Buddhism Religions in terms of:

1. The nature of God

2. The nature of Man

3. Eschatology
Hinduism and Buddhism, originating in ancient India, are two of the world's oldest religions with
distinct teachings despite some shared beliefs like karma and rebirth. Hinduism's complex view of
divinity contrasts with Buddhism's non-theistic approach. Their perspectives on the self and
ultimate spiritual goals also differ significantly. This essay compares their views on the nature of
God, the nature of man, and eschatology, highlighting their unique spiritual frameworks and
providing insights into their doctrines.

Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the oldest and most prominent religions in the world,
originating in India thousands of years ago. While they share some similarities, such as a belief in
karma and the cycle of rebirth, they also have significant differences in their beliefs and teachings.
One of the most fundamental differences between the two religions is their beliefs about the nature
of God. In Hinduism, the concept of God is complex and multifaceted. The religion is polytheistic,
meaning that it recognizes multiple gods and goddesses, each with their own attributes and powers
(Harvey, 2013). At the same time, Hinduism also teaches the existence of a single, ultimate reality
known as Brahman. Brahman is considered to be the supreme, formless, and eternal being that
underlies all things in the universe. Hindus believe that all individual souls, or atman, are
ultimately a part of Brahman and seek to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth,
by realizing their oneness with the divine (Klostermaier, 2007).

One of the most important Hindu deities is Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Vishnu is often
depicted with blue skin and four arms, holding a conch shell, discus, mace, and lotus flower. He is
seen as a loving and compassionate deity who incarnates on Earth in various forms, known as
avatars, to protect the world from evil and restore order. Another major deity in Hinduism is Shiva,
the destroyer of the universe. Shiva is often depicted with a third eye, symbolizing his powers of
destruction and creation (Mitchell, 2008).

In contrast, Buddhism does not emphasize the existence of a supreme, personal God. Instead, the
religion teaches that the ultimate goal of life is to attain enlightenment, or nirvana, by following the
teachings of the Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, is not considered a deity but a
spiritual teacher who discovered the path to enlightenment through his own experiences and
insights. Buddhists believe that anyone can achieve nirvana by following the Four Noble Truths
and the Eightfold Path, which outline the principles of right understanding, intention, speech,
action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration (Malhotra, 2011).

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While some forms of Buddhism, such as Mahayana and Vajrayana, have deities and bodhisattvas
that are worshiped and revered, these figures are seen as enlightened beings who guide and inspire
practitioners on their spiritual journey, rather than as ultimate creators or rulers of the universe. In
Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced in Southeast Asia, there is a focus on self-reliance and
personal responsibility for one's actions and spiritual growth (Gombrich, 2006).

In Hinduism, the nature of man is considered to be complex and multifaceted. According to Hindu
beliefs, human beings are composed of five different sheaths or layers known as the Koshas. These
sheaths include the physical body (Annamaya Kosha), the life force or energy body (Pranamaya
Kosha), the mental body (Manomaya Kosha), the intellectual body (Vijnanamaya Kosha), and the
bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha). Each of these sheaths represents a different aspect of the human
experience and is essential for the individual to achieve enlightenment (Klostermaier, 2007).

In contrast, Buddhism sees the nature of man as being fundamentally impermanent and
interconnected. According to Buddhist teachings, human beings are composed of five aggregates or
skandhas, which include form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. These
aggregates are constantly changing and are not fixed entities, reflecting the transient nature of
existence. Buddhism teaches that attachment to these aggregates leads to suffering and that true
liberation can only be achieved by recognizing the impermanence of the self (Malhotra, 2011).

One key difference between Hinduism and Buddhism in their views on the nature of man is the
concept of the self. In Hinduism, the self is seen as eternal and unchanging, known as the Atman.
The Atman is believed to be distinct from the physical body and is ultimately one with the
universal soul or Brahman. Through spiritual practices such as meditation, self-realization, and
karma, individuals can achieve liberation (moksha) and reunite with Brahman (Klostermaier,
2007).

On the other hand, Buddhism rejects the concept of a permanent self and teaches the doctrine of
Anatta or non-self. According to Buddhist beliefs, the idea of a fixed and enduring self is an
illusion that leads to attachment, suffering, and rebirth. Instead, Buddhist teachings emphasize the
interconnectedness of all things and the impermanence of the individual self. By realizing the
emptiness of the self and letting go of attachments, individuals can attain enlightenment (Nirvana)
and break free from the cycle of birth and death (Harvey, 2013).

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Another important aspect where Hinduism and Buddhism differ in their views on the nature of man
is the concept of karma. In Hinduism, karma is seen as a moral law of cause and effect, where
individuals are responsible for their actions and their consequences. Good deeds lead to positive
karma and elevate the individual to higher states of existence, while bad deeds result in negative
karma and lead to suffering and rebirth. The goal of Hinduism is to accumulate good karma and
ultimately achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Gombrich, 2006).

In contrast, Buddhism interprets karma as a universal law of causality, where actions have
consequences but are not predetermined by a divine force. Buddhist teachings emphasize the role
of intention and mindfulness in shaping one's karma and ultimately one's destiny. By understanding
the nature of karma and engaging in ethical conduct, individuals can purify their minds, overcome
negative tendencies, and ultimately attain enlightenment (Zimmer, 2015).

One illustrative example of the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism in their views on the
nature of man can be seen in their attitudes towards desire and suffering. In Hinduism, desire is
seen as a natural part of human existence that can lead to attachment and bondage. The concept of
maya or illusion in Hindu philosophy suggests that the material world is temporary and transient,
leading individuals to seek spiritual fulfillment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death
(Gombrich, 2006).

On the other hand, Buddhism views desire as the root cause of suffering and the source of all
human problems. The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism teach that suffering (dukkha) is caused by
craving (tanha) and attachment, which leads to rebirth and perpetuates the cycle of suffering. By
eliminating desire and cultivating mindfulness and compassion, individuals can overcome suffering
and achieve liberation from the cycle of samsara (Zimmer, 2015).

In Hinduism, eschatology is centered around the concept of reincarnation and karma. Hindus
believe in a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara. This cycle continues until the soul
achieves liberation, known as moksha, and is united with the divine. The ultimate goal in Hindu
eschatology is to break free from the cycle of samsara and achieve moksha, which is seen as the
highest state of spiritual fulfillment (Gombrich, 2006). Buddhism, on the other hand, also believes
in the cycle of reincarnation, but with a different approach. Buddhists believe in the concept of
samsara and karma, similar to Hinduism, but they do not believe in a permanent, unchanging soul
(atman) that reincarnates from one life to the next. Instead, Buddhists believe in the concept of

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anatta, or no-self, which teaches that there is no permanent, fixed self or soul. This belief in anatta
influences the Buddhist perspective on eschatology, as the goal is not to achieve moksha or union
with the divine, but to attain Nirvana, or enlightenment, which is the cessation of suffering and the
end of the cycle of samsara (Harvey, 2013).

One key difference in eschatology between Hinduism and Buddhism is the concept of a personal
deity or creator. In Hinduism, there is a belief in a supreme being, known as Brahman, who is the
ultimate reality and source of all creation. Hindus believe that achieving moksha involves realizing
one's true nature as one with Brahman and attaining union with the divine. In contrast, Buddhism
does not have a belief in a personal deity or creator, as the focus is on the individual's spiritual
journey towards enlightenment and the cessation of suffering (Mitchell, 2008).

Another difference in eschatology between Hinduism and Buddhism is the role of rituals and
practices in achieving spiritual fulfillment. In Hinduism, there are various rituals, ceremonies, and
practices that are believed to help individuals achieve moksha, such as meditation, yoga, puja
(worship), and pilgrimage. These rituals are seen as important tools for spiritual growth and self-
realization. In Buddhism, while there are also practices such as meditation, chanting, and
mindfulness, the emphasis is more on the individual's inner journey towards enlightenment and the
cultivation of wisdom and compassion (Zimmer, 2015). Despite these differences, both Hinduism
and Buddhism share a common belief in the cycle of reincarnation and karma, as well as the
ultimate goal of spiritual fulfillment and liberation from suffering. Both religions offer unique
perspectives on eschatology that reflect their respective teachings and beliefs. Through the study of
primary and secondary data on Hinduism and Buddhism, we can gain a deeper understanding of
the eschatological beliefs and teachings of these ancient religions and appreciate the diversity and
richness of the human spiritual experience.

Hinduism and Buddhism, despite shared origins, differ fundamentally in their beliefs about the
nature of God, the self, and eschatology. Hinduism's polytheistic and monistic views focus on
achieving moksha and union with Brahman, while Buddhism emphasizes individual enlightenment
through the realization of anatta and attaining nirvana. These differences highlight the distinct
spiritual paths each religion offers, contributing to the rich diversity of human religious experience
and understanding.

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 REFERENCES

Gombrich, R. F. (2006). Theravada Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benares to Modern
Colombo. London: Routledge.

Harvey, P. (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices. Cambridge:

Klostermaier, K. (2007). A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism. London: One World Publications.

Malhotra, R. (2011). Being Different: An Indian Challenge to Western Universalism. London:

Mitchell, D. (2008). Buddhism: Introducing the Buddhist Experience. Oxford University Press.

Zimmer, H. R. (2015). Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization. Harvard: Princeton
University Press.