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The Indian Religions: Hinduism and There are other gods in the pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses.
Buddhism Still, not all are central to the Hinduist beliefs and are more centered
around folklore and legends in the books called Mahabharata and
Ramayana (will be discussed later on). Other important gods include
Ganesha, the God of Beginnings and Arts, and represents the soul and
body, and Shakti, the Great Divine Mother, representing the great
divine energy flowing through reality.
India is home to two of the world’s oldest religions – Hinduism and
Buddhism. Sometimes called the Vedic religions, Hinduism and The main beliefs of Hinduism are contained in four books known as
Buddhism have a variety of practices and beliefs that have quite the Vedas. In each of the Vedas, music, legends, chants, as well as
similar elements. prayers regarding almost every aspect of life can be seen. However,
the Vedas are not just the only basis of Hindu belief. Others have taken
HINDUISM from the great legends contained in the Upanishads, Mahabharata, and
the Ramayana.
Origins of Hinduism
The Four Vedas
Hinduism has no known founder and was merely founded by the
Aryans and the citizens of India roughly after the Aryans arrived in The Four Vedas are a collection of hymns, chants, prayers, spells, and
1500 BCE. There is no known founder of the religion as it is believed other essential elements of the teachings of Hinduism. Each of the
to have been created as the culture of the Aryans intermingled with the Vedas is a compilation of works over the years.
residents of India at that time (Dravidians).
• Rig Veda
As a religion, Hinduism has multiple gods with their chief god named o Oldest known Veda and presented some truths via the
Indra. However, as a religion, more traditionally mentioned as crucial use of mandala, a circular and geometric design
to their belief is the Trimurti. It is composed of the three gods who meant to attain a spiritual truth.
control reality: • Sama Veda
o This Veda shows various chants, songs, and melodies
• Brahman the Creator is the creator of good and evil and all the that are used in many Hindu beliefs and rituals. Part
creatures that walk the earth. He is also the source of all of these rituals are Hindu teachings as well.
knowledge on Earth. • Yajur Veda
• Vishnu the Preserver is the guardian of men and order. In o The Veda contains the majority of the worship rituals
some instances, he even walks the earth to protect the people and, as such, serves as an instruction to many of those
against demons. wanting to be a spiritual leader in Hinduism.
• Shiva the Destroyer, while depicted as a protector as well, • Atharva Veda
represents time and the end of all things. o Also known as the Knowledge Veda, it contains many

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day-to-day to remedies, charms, and decisions as to Part of the Hinduist belief is the varna or the caste system in which
how to tackle daily life. people are categorically assigned to a “caste” at birth:

The Basic Hinduist Beliefs

Brahman
The basic idea behind Hinduism is the idea of the cycle of rebirth
(samsara), afflicting the human soul known as the Atman. Originally,
the soul is united with the ultimate reality known as the Brahman. Kshatriya
However, as man continues to explore reality by itself, it becomes
separated from Brahman and thus causes suffering, which is
represented by the vicious cycle of rebirth known as samsara. Vaishya
Therefore, the goal of any person practicing Hinduism is to unite the
Atman with the Brahman,
Shudra
To do that, a Hinduist must accomplish the Purushartha, which is a
process to be free from the cycle of rebirth.
1. One must first accomplish their dharma or their moral life. Dalits
This can be done by doing good deeds and doing what is
expected of their social class.
2. Second, part of their belief is that the accumulation of material
prosperity is a sign of accomplishing their dharma and, as • The highest of the classes is known as the brahman and is
such, becomes a requirement. This is known as the artha. composed primarily of priests and scholars. Underneath them
3. Third, part of their fulfillment is also their emotional are the kshatriyas, who are the rulers and warriors of society.
fulfillment that may include satisfying their desires as a Further below them are the vaishyas who are merchants,
person. This is known as kama. traders, and artisans.
4. Once all three have been achieved, a person may obtain a • Collectively, these first three classes are known as the twice-
higher status or varna in the next life. Once a person fulfills borns and are given the privilege to study the Vedas freely.
the highest social class, a person is seen to have fulfilled his • Underneath the vaishyas are the shudras, who are farmers and
duty on earth and achieved moksha, which is the freedom laborers. They are the lowest caste and are considered once-
from the cycle of rebirth. born and cannot study the Vedas regularly. However, with
accomplishment in their dharma, they can be given an
Underlying those beliefs is Karma or the belief that all deeds have exclusive privilege of studying them as well.
consequences. So, it is understood that any person doing good deeds • There is a particular class in the caste system, but these are
will achieve good karma and comes closer to accomplishing their roles considered to be ‘out-of-caste’ and are called the dalits (once
on earth. called the Untouchables) who are the poorest of the poor and
do the menial jobs. It is almost impossible to go up the rank if

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you are a dalit; hence, people who are considered dalits cannot School of School of School of School of
achieve moksha and are socially discriminated. Yoga: Bhakti Yoga: Jnana Yoga: Karma Yoga: Any
Yoga Yoga Yoga
Yoga and the Four Schools Deeply They value They are a bit They are a
devotional self-discipline traditionalist personalized
Yoga means union and aims to direct a person’s path towards his union hence the need and thus must in a sense; they version of
to Brahman. There are four different schools and usually vary for a lot of understand the prefer Hinduism and
regarding what kind of acts are needed to accomplish such a task. prayers and full-aspects of focusing on thus makes the
chants. the Vedas the action as practitioner
1. Karma/Dharma Yoga – this school of Yoga believes that the opposed to dictate how to
most important practice a Hinduist could do to help them prayer. Thus achieve
achieve moksha is to accomplish their goals or their dharma. accomplishing moksha by
2. Bhakti Yoga – this school of Yoga believes that chants, their dharma is himself.
prayers, and sacrifices found in the Vedas are far more critical more
in achieving moksha. important.
3. Jnana Yoga – this school of Yoga factors in the mastery of the
Vedas and not just its prayers. But, it involves understanding Other practices of Hinduism include the worship of cows and
all the aspects and teachings of the Vedas. monkeys, respect towards gurus, the non-violence towards all life
4. Raja Yoga – this school of Yoga emphasizes meditation above forms (ahimsa), etc.
anything else to free the mind from unnecessary desires.

Four Major Denominations of Hinduism BUDDHISM

Hinduism has many divisions concerning how they practice their Origins of Buddhism
beliefs. Part of their differences are their supreme god, the school of
yoga they use and what kind of values do they need, Buddhism was established by a prince
named Siddhartha Gautama. At first, he
Vaishnavism Shaivism Shaktism Smartism was prophecized to bring about a great
Supreme Supreme Supreme Supreme kingdom or become a great king.
God: Vishnu God: Shiva God: God: Any
Shakti/Devi between With his father wishing his son to continue
Vishnu, Shiva, his legacy, Siddartha Gautama was
Shakti, shielded from the world and lived lavishly
Ganesha, and in his palaces. However, that would soon
Surya change after seeing what is called in

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Buddhism as the Four Sights – an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and The Eightfold Path is as follows:
a holy man.
1. Right understanding – understanding of the true nature of
These sights awakened Siddhartha Gautama to the realities and life. things, specifically, knowledge of the Buddhist practices
The first three sights he saw essentially showed him the sufferings of
life, which he questioned, given his lavish lifestyle. The last view, the 2. Right intention – cultivating thoughts and motives that are
holy man who was happy despite having so little, puzzled Siddhartha pure and not selfish
Gautama and aimed to uncover the answers to his questions.
3. Right speech – speaking honestly and kindly; avoiding lies,
This sent him in a long search for answers, including trying the other exaggeration, harsh words, and expressions that hurt people
side of life by becoming an ascetic and abandoning his prince title.
But, he didn’t find happiness there. He decided to meditate under a 4. Right action – doing actions that do not hurt people and
Bodhi tree, still trying to find an answer which he stumbled upon after animals, which include not stealing and engaging in sexual
praying for 49 days. He came to understand that all human suffering misconduct
came from too much desire and that the answer to human suffering is
to find the “Middle Way.” Thus, the concept of Buddhism was born, 5. Right work – pursuing a means of livelihood that does not
and Siddhartha Gautama took on a new name – Buddha or the harm oneself, other people, and animals
Enlightened One.
6. Right effort – improving oneself while avoiding extremes or
The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path observing moderation or the middle way

To find the Middle Way, a practitioner of Buddhism must understand 7. Right meditation – focusing one’s energies on the right and
two concepts: The Four Noble Truths, which will help them positive things
understand the true source of suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path
which will help them end craving/desire by finding the balance in all 8. Right contemplation – cultivating mental state or thoughts
things, focusing on the good but not so much so as depriving yourself that bring inner peace
of anything (which permanently harms you in the end, which is still
bad in Buddhism). Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

The Four Noble Truths are as follows: Buddhism is split into two major divisions, Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism, with a few differences in their belief systems. Their
1. Suffering exists differences can be summarized into three categories: (1) which sacred
2. Suffering arises from craving/desire text they follow, (2) their concept of the function of being enlightened,
3. Eliminating craving/desire reduces suffering. and (3) their idea of Buddha.
4. The way to eliminate craving and suffering is by following the
Eightfold Path.

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Theravada Mahayana The Six Perfections of Mahayana Buddhism

Sacred Text Tripitaka is the main text Still following Tripitaka,
of the Theravada the Mahayana Buddhists The Six Perfections, or parameters, are guides for Mahayana Buddhist
Buddhists who follow it follow another set of practice. They are virtues to be cultivated to strengthen practice and
religiously. texts known as the bring one to enlightenment.
Mahayana Sutras.
Enlightened Their concept is known Their concept is known The Six Perfections describe the true nature of an enlightened being,
State as the Arhat, in which a as the Boddhisatva, in which, in Mahayana practice, is to say they are our true buddha-nature.
person once enlightened which a person who If they don’t seem to be one’s true nature, it is because the perfections
leaves this plan and achieves an enlightened are obscured by one’s delusion, anger, greed, and fear. By cultivating
enters a state of nirvana. state may delay entering these perfections, one brings this true nature into expression.
nirvana to help others
achieve the same state. 1. Dana Paramita: Perfection of Generosity
Concept of Buddha, to them, is Buddha to Mahayana
Buddha simply a person and Buddhists is more than Dana paramita is a true generosity of spirit. It is giving from sincere
nothing more. They also just a person and comes desire to benefit others, without expectation of reward or recognition.
prophecize that a future in multiple forms and There must be no selfishness attached. Charity work done to “feel
buddha will come and exists in many different good about myself” is not true dana paramita.
bring about a golden age worlds. Essentially, to
of Buddhism. them, Buddha is more 2. Sila Paramita: Perfection of Morality
than just a man and
closer to a god.
Buddhist morality is not about unquestioning obedience to a list of
rules. Yes, there are precepts, but the teachings are something like
Mostly, Theravadists are the traditional Buddhists and do not alter the
training wheels. They guide us until we find our balance. An
teachings of the original Buddha. Further, Theravadists focus more on enlightened being is said to respond correctly to all situations without
the self-improvement of its members, making the achievement of
having to consult a list of rules.
nirvana a more singular and personal goal. Hence, Theravada
Buddhism has been termed as the “Small Vehicle,” indicating their
In the practice of sila paramita, we develop selfless compassion. Along
smaller and more personal focus of nirvana.
the way, they practice renunciation and gain an appreciation for
karma.
Mahayana Buddhism, on the other hand, focuses on a collective and
far more liberal version of Buddhism. With the addition of the
Mahayana Sutras, they introduced different ways of practicing 3. Ksanti Paramita: Perfection of Patience
Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhists are also termed as the “Great
Vehicle,” with their focus on delaying their salvation by ensuring Ksanti is patience, tolerance, forbearance, endurance, or composure.
others achieve this same state. It literally means “able to withstand.” The perfection of ksanti begins

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with acceptance of the Four Noble Truths, including the truth of The sixth paramita represents transcendent knowledge, in which there
suffering (dukkha). Through practice, one’s attention turns away from is no subject-object, self-other dualism at all.
our pain and toward the suffering of others.
However, this wisdom cannot be understood by intellect alone. So
Accepting truth refers to taking difficult truths about ourselves--that how does one know it? Through the practice of the other perfections-
we are greedy, that we are mortal--and also recognizing the truth of -generosity, morality, patience, energy, and meditation.
the illusory nature of our existence.
Some Symbols of the Indian Religions
4. Virya Paramita: Perfection of Energy
Swastika – is an Aryan symbol of nobility, representing
Virya is energy or zeal. It comes from an ancient Indian-Iranian word truth and stability. However, thanks to the Nazis of
that means “hero.” So, virya paramita is about making a courageous, Germany, this symbol has changed to become a symbol of
heroic effort to realize enlightenment. racial superiority.

To practice virya paramita, one must first develop his character and
courage. One must engage in spiritual training, and then he dedicates Lotus – a symbol of untouched beauty and one of the
our fearless efforts to the benefit of others. inspirations of the design of the mandala. It is a symbol
representing the cycle of life, and the beauty of its design symbolizes
5. Dhyana Paramita: Perfection of Meditation the journey to discover perfection in one’s life (similar to the
Dharmachakra)
Dhyana, Buddhist meditation is a discipline intended to cultivate the
mind. Dhyana also means “concentration,” and in this case, great Dharmachakra – represents knowledge and one of
the inspirations of the design of the mandala. May
concentration is applied to achieve clarity and insight.
represent the Eightfold Path of Buddhism. Each rod
represents the different aspects of man and how each
6. Prajna Paramita: Perfection of Wisdom
contributes to the overall attitude of man, which will
help him attain nirvana.
Prajna is the ultimate perfection that includes all other perfections. The
late Robert Aitken Roshi wrote: Ohm/Aum – traditional mantra recited before and after
Hindu prayers. May also represent the Trimurti. This
“The Sixth Paramita is Prajna, the raison d ‘être of the Buddha Way. is also where the meditating sounds we commonly hear
If Dana is the entry to the Dharma, then Prajna is its realization, and comes from.
the other Paramitas are Prajna in an alternate form.” (The Practice of
Perfection, p. 107)

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Challenges to Hinduism and Buddhism Buddhism has spread throughout the world, especially in
Eastern Asia. Japan has developed its adopted and modified
• Being in an era of modernity, Hinduism, and Buddhism version of Buddhism, known as Zen Buddhism, which
struggle to find a more modern approach to their teachings. focuses on meditation and nature. A unique characteristic of
With Buddhism especially, as their teaching of avoiding too Zen Buddhism is its garden arrangement, which, according to
many material possessions will be a counter to the the Japanese, promotes a calm mind and allows for a better
predominant belief of the current time - consumerism. meditative process.
• Inequality among women is still prevalent. While Buddhism • China has its Buddhist practices that incorporated more
allows women to become nuns, there are still sects that do not traditional Chinese elements (such as the fat Buddha). Others
practice this. This inequality is even more prevalent in have included martial arts, art, and other forms of writing in
Hinduism, with the predominant view that women are simply Buddhist practice as a means to control desire and suffering
there to continue the function of the family by giving their in the world.
husbands children. Rape has become very common amongst • Other cultures have adopted various practices of the Hindu
Indian society (including very young girls), which has led to tradition and even adopting their language. Particular of note
a massive call from the women of India to respect their rights is its impact on Southeast Asian countries, which was
and not to treat them as sex toys. influenced during the spread of Buddhism during the Gupta
• Social discrimination is still rampant, especially for Empire. Some of their implications are seen in the languages
Hinduism, as the Dalits continue being subjected to cruelty in the Southeast Asian region like the Philippines.
among Indians. They are shunned from society and
considered dirty. They were and continue to be restricted in Filipino Word Hindu Origin
participation in society and are a continued subject of insults Dukha (poor) Dukkha (suffering)
and abuse. Sampalataya (faith) Sampalataya (believe in me)
• Territorial disputes between Hindus and Buddhists are Guro (teacher) Guru (teacher)
predominant. India (predominantly Hindu) is in an ongoing Budhi (Self-view, conscience) Buddhi (become aware of)
quarrel with Pakistan (mostly Muslim) despite each giving
their territories to practice their religion. Kashmir continues to • The world is also introduced to various meditation techniques
be a site of conflict with the most recent clash occurring in (now commonly known around the world as yoga), the sound
2018. Tibet and China (both practitioners of Buddhism) also used during meditation (Ohmmm…) is Hindu in origin, and
have their internal struggles. China forcibly took Tibet and even the belief of karma originated from these religions.
controlled its central government. The Dalai Lama, the leader • Some of the Hindu texts have inspired great leaders such as
of Tibet, has continued to oppose the control of China over Mahatma Gandhi, who was always inspired to value truth
Tibet. thanks to the stories he read in the Mahabharata, specifically
the Bhagavad Gita. This eventually led him to stage a hunger
Impact of the Indian Religions strike against the British, who were still occupying India. He
helped in ushering their removal, giving India their
• While Hinduism is predominantly practiced only in India, independence.
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References:
Cartwright, M. (2012) Ganesha. Retrieved from:
https://www.ancient.eu/Ganesha/

Cartwright, M. (2012) Vishnu. Retrieved from:

https://www.ancient.eu/Vishnu/

Cartwright, M. (2015) Brahma. Retrieved from:

https://www.ancient.eu/Brahma/

Cartwright, M. (2018) Shiva. Retrieved from:

https://www.ancient.eu/shiva/

Johnson, J. (n.d.) Shakti: The Power of the Feminine. Retrieved

from: https://asiasociety.org/education/shakti-power-feminine

Prasai, D.R. (2016) The Impact of Hinduism and Buddhism In The

World. Retrieved: https://newsblaze.com/world/south-
asia/the-impact-of-hinduism-and-buddhism-in-the-
world_53899/
Mabaquiao, N. (2017) The Padayon Series: Introduction to World
Religions and Belief Systems. Quezon City: Phoenix
Publishing House Inc.
Manaloto, C. & Rapadas, M. (2016). Pilgrimage to sacred spaces:
an introduction to world religions. Quezon City: Phoenix
Publishing House Inc.
Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi (2009) Retrieved from
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/people/gan
dhi_1.shtml#top
O’Brien, Barbara (2019) The Six Perfections of Mahayana Buddhism.
Retrieved from: learnreligions.com/the-six-perfections-
449611.
Tagalog Words From Hindi (2019) Retrieved from
https://www.tagaloglang.com/tagalog-words-from-hindi/

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