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History of Hinduism:
Hinduism dates back from around 1500 B.C and is
the oldest living religion having a membership of 477,991,300 confined largely to India. It’s the most diverse, complex,
and tolerant of the world’s religions.
It all started when the Aryans invaded the Indus
Valley from Persia. They spoke an Indo- European Language which became the basis for Sanskrit. They developed three basic
social economic classes. The priests where called Brahmins and was the ruling class. The tribal chieftains and their warriors
or also called Kshatriyas, and then the commoners and merchants Vaishyas. The final group were the Shudras who were at the
bottom. These divisions developed into religiously supported caste system. The religiously supported caste systems eventually
formed into modern day Hinduism. Hinduism uses the Vedas which are sacred scriptures. Through the Vedas and Upanishads Hinduism
spread throughout India and the world. The typical Hindus goal or purpose of life is to pass beyond imperfection. They
strive to find their goal within. Through commitment to Atam-Brahman you can achieve infinite being, infinite awareness, and
infinite joy.
Hindus believe that all gods lead to the same good, they believe
no matter what you worship everyone is doing it for the same good. Therefore because of their beliefs they do not try
to convert people.
Dr. Sprunger, Meridith, “ An Introduction to Hinduism” Homepage.<http://www.ubfellowship.org/archive/readers/601_hinduism.htm> . ( 30 Mar. 2005)
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History of Buddhism:
The Buddhist tradition dates back to around 563
BCE, the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. His father was a wealthy land owner and was destined to be a highly respected leader
of his land. The birth of Siddartha was unlike any normal birth. He was placed in the womb of his mother as a white elephant
, and born out of her side ten months later. As infant a wise scholar noticed the 32 auspicious signs of an enlightened one.
As a child his father kept him from the outside world in order for him to not to lead a life of an ascetic, but instead as
a king. On three occasions through Siddhartha managed to leave the confines and witnessed several scenes that changed his
meaning of existence. He saw an old man, a sick women, and a corpse. He was troubled by the things he witnessed until he stumbled
on a Jain ascetic. It was then when he realized the there was more to life than just physical existence. So he gave up all
his worldly goods and family in search of enlightenment. Siddhartha studied under many teachers and ascetics. He tried fasting,
and marathon meditation but none brought him solace. He soon realized that the harsh conditions that he endured would soon
end his life. So he chose or discovered the middle path, a way of moderation. He attained Buddhahood through this method.
Siddhartha or now Buddha traveled to India and Nepal educating and preaching to others about the middle path. He taught that
the body and the physical trappings of life were merely distractions from true enlightenment. The world was an illusion designed
by Mara an evil spirit that tries to keep souls away from the wisdom and Dharma. His teachings spread throughout India and
Nepal and formed the religion we call Buddhism. Through him is how human beings learned about the Buddhist religion and traditions.
A religion made to win happiness during this life and the next. Buddhist goals are to strive for peace within self.
There goal is to find enlightenment, happiness, and to do no harm.
Clark, Laura and Brown, Suzanne. “Brief History of Buddhism.”
Home Page. < http://mcel.pacificu.edu/as/students/vb/index.htm>. ( 26 Mar 2005)
So what is it that they ultimately seek?
Both Hinduism and
Buddhism are ultimately seeking inner peace, and both look within to find peace. They are trying to gain peace and happiness not
only in this life but the next. Buddhist seek there ultimate goal of enlightenment, and Hindus seek infinite joy through Atman-Brahman.
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