Hinduism and Buddhism

2. Hinduism and Buddhism

Art and religion often go hand in hand having a long history dating back to Neolithic artwork such as the "Enthroned Goddess" terracotta figurine (6,000 BCE). Many religions use art to inspire and strengthen faith among worshippers. Different types of art is used to create religious art, most commonly are paintings and portable sculptures. Hinduism and Buddhism were two religions that embodied art in many ways similar and differing ways.

Hinduism is a religion or a “way of life” as writers refer to, that began to progress between 500 BCE and 300 CE. Hinduism is a religion that has over 900 million believers worldwide while it is the religion of many in India and Nepal. The religion itself has no single founder or any commonly agreed set of teachings unlike most religions. Most Hindus believe in a Supreme God which means his qualities and forms are represented through multiple deities, which stem from him. Hindus also believe in death, rebirth, and circle of rebirth based on Karma. Hindu art has several temples such as the Akshardham in Delhi.

Buddhism is a global religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama and lived a secluded, extravagant life in his early ages. After leaving his palace on a journey he decided to live an understated life reaching him to enlightenment and became known as Buddha. His teachings are known as The Four Noble Truths, and are a way to deal with the suffering humanity faces whether is it physical or mental. Buddhist also have karma which refers to good or bad actions a person take during their lifetime. Karma also plays out in the cycle of rebirth, the best one considered the realm of men, which has an opportunity to achieve enlightenment. Buddhist art focuses on temples and shrines.

Buddhism and Hinduism have many similarities and differences ranging from belief systems to religious art. Both Buddhism and Hinduism believe that reincarnation is inevitable and there is an endless cycle of births and deaths that has to be broken. Meditation is also something highly practiced because they believe spirituality is from the inside, not outside. A practice of non-attachment is important to both religions because it can avoid suffering and keep you centered. Hindu art and Buddhist art is extremely similar in the culture they represent. Examples of great Buddhist artwork can be found in stupas, which are considered monuments of Buddhism, similarly Hindu art can be found in temples across India. Statues are also a huge factor in both religions with plenty of statues of Hindu gods like Krishna or Buddha himself.

As similar as Hinduism and Buddhism are they also have many differences. Hinduism has a caste system versus Buddhism that doesn’t. Buddhists believe that anyone can achieve enrichment while Hindus believe you have to be part of the Brahmin caste. Buddhist also believe that the middle path is the best while