Indian Religions - Hinduism and Buddhism - Common Assessment

Siddartha Gautama

Founder of Buddhism (Buddha)

Buddha

Means "Enlightened One." He is said to have found a path for overcoming suffering.

Buddhism

A religion based on the teachings of the Buddha.

4 noble truths

Core of Buddha's doctrine; all life involves suffering, desire is the cause of suffering, elimination of desire brings the end to suffering, and disciplined life conducted in accordance with the Eightfold Path brings elimination of desire

Eightfold Path

In Buddhism, the basic rules of behavior and belief leading to an end of suffering

Nirvana

The state of englightenment for Buddhists.

Hinduism

A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms

Deities

gods and goddesses

Dharma

In Hindu belief, a person's religious and moral duties

karma

(Hinduism and Buddhism) the effects of a person's actions that determine his destiny in his next incarnation

reincarnation

The rebirth of a soul in a new body

moksha

The Hindu concept of the spirit's 'liberation' from the endless cycle of rebirths.

brahman

A single spiritual power that Hindus believe lives in everything

brahma

A Hindu god considered the creator of the world.

vishnu

A Hindu god considered the preserver of the world

shiva

A Hindu god considered the destroyer of the world.