Introduction
There are hundreds upon hundreds of faith groups and religions across the world whose belief system could be quite controversial and contrasting. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism are some of the notable eastern religions in the world. The three religions are believed to originate from the Indian subcontinent thousands of years ago. According to scholars, Hinduism is the world's oldest religion dating back around 5000 years (Elby and McKain 25). Currently, the religion has an estimated 900 million followers, making it the third-largest religion after Christianity and Islam. On the other hand, Buddhism is a religion with 300 million followers in the world and dates back to 2500 years ago (Elby and McKain). Lastly, Sikhism is the ninth largest religion with 27 million followers in the world and was founded by Guru Nanak Dev at around 1500 (Burton 25). Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism are as similar as they are different in their own rights, philosophies, practices and traditions. This paper aims at closely evaluating the three religions to expound on their differences and similarities.
Hinduism
Hinduism is a religion that was founded in the Indus Valley 5000 years ago and has no founder making it difficult to trace its originality (Elby and McKain 25). It is unique in the sense that it is not a single religion but a mixture of various philosophies and traditions. The Hindu people followers of Hinduism worship God in three forms; Brahma, the creator, Shiver, the destroyer, and Vishnu, the sustainer. Most interestingly, Hinduism is a monotheistic religion even though Hindus believe in three forms of god. As such, the three gods are part of Brahman, the utmost truth, mercy and reality. Most Hindu people praise Vishnu, the sustainer for the attributes of Savoir in spite of Shiva being the oldest worshipped deity on the globe. The Hinduism beliefs were passed from generation to generation through hymns and poems compiled in the Vedas, a book that contains rules for worshipping in the Brahmanas.
Beliefs and Practices
Hinduism believes in karma in the sense that an individual's karma determines the direction in which the soul follows. Therefore, according to the Hindus, if a person commits good deed in the course of life, he or she attains closeness or unites with Brahman to reach Nirvana, the ultimate salvation. Similarly, if one is evil, that clouds the truth and goodness of Brahman, the atman or soul will move in the opposite direction away from salvation. Such people cannot reach Nirvana and may be stuck in the state of rebirth. As such, it is in the Hindus philosophy for people to better their karma so that they can attain the afterlife. During birth, Hindus strictly mind the cleanliness of body and soul and therefore perform prayers and rituals to protect the infant from harmful spirits and illness. Likewise, during death, the deceased body is cremated. The fire symbolizes the cleansing of the soul due to the rebirth beliefs. Moreover, the ashes are thrown into River Ganges, the most sacred river to purify the soul (Marsico).
Buddhism
Buddhism on the other hand is a religion that originates directly from Hinduism and was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. At the age of 35, Gautama was awakened or enlightened by realizing that luxury and wealth could not guarantee happiness (Kenneally and Rooke 56). Siddhartha Gautama searched for ways of ending suffering and while studying with a group of men, he came to the realization that the moderation of everything could lead to salvation. In other words, Buddhism is a religion that concentrates on personal spiritual growth through striving to attain a deep insight into the true nature of life. Therefore, the Buddha spent his life teaching Buddhist principles. As opposed to Hinduism, Siddhartha Gautama is the most important figure in Buddhism. As such, Buddhists differ from Hindus since they do not worship any gods. According to Buddhist beliefs, the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path (doctrine and moral code respectively) are two important things in Buddhism. By following the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths, Buddhists believe they will reach Nirvana (Kenneally and Rooke 65). Therefore, Buddhism views Nirvana as a state of mind where a person is enlightened and united as one with Buddha. On the contrary, Hindus view Nirvana as the afterlife that is reached after death if one was of pure soul. Buddhists also believe in karma like the Hindus. According to Buddhists, one is not exempt from the impacts of past karma even in enlightenment. Bad deeds in the previous life can follow a person in the next life. Therefore, Hinduism and Buddhism are similar due to their philosophy on karma. However, Buddhists thoughts on rebirth counter Hinduism. Buddhism argues that rebirth does not involve soul due to the doctrine of anatta (Kenneally and Rooke).
Sikhism
Sikhism, just like Buddhism originated from Hinduism but it evolved to a new religion. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev who at a very young age challenged the Hindu laws. Guru Nanak did not believe that God as a trinity could be incarnated into flesh. Therefore, Guru believed that God communicated to him and he was enlightened about the presence of One God, the Creator, truthful, fearless, immortal, and loving. Moreover, Guru stipulated that God is beyond the cycle of births and death. Therefore, Sikhs believe the God is realized through the kindness of the True Guru. Furthermore, Sikhism unlike Hinduism that is characterized by the caste system promotes love, unity, freedom from color, status, caste or creed. Sikhism does not enforce many laws but emphasizes on equality under God. However, just like Hindus and Buddhists, Sikhs value the importance of newborn naming ceremonies. On the other hand, Sikhs believe in the afterlife and the reincarnation of life. However, Sikhism does not agree with Buddhism that Nirvana is a state of mind. On the other hand, unlike Hinduism, Sikhs believe that being born a human symbolizes the end of the rebirth cycle. Similarly, Sikhs celebrate their founding fathers like in Buddhism in the festivals of Diwali and Holi (Burton).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism even though with slight differences, have many similar features. However, one of the most interesting aspects is that Buddhism and Sikhism branched from Hinduism. The three religions came from the same region, value naming ceremonies, believe in God. However, they are each unique and have different views on the afterlife. Hindus and Sikhs believe that people with good deeds reach Nirvana but Buddhists argue that the afterlife is a state of mind.
Works Cited
Burton, Jennifer. Sikhism. Mason Crest Publishers, 2018.
Elby, Tristan, and Neil McKain. World Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Collins,
2017.
Kenneally, Christy, and Stephen Rooke. Buddhism. Sky Vision, 2004.
Marsico, Katie. Hinduism. Cherry Lake Publishing, 2017.
