Exploring Hinduism and Buddhism: A Robust Understanding of Dharmic Traditions

Are you a Hindu contemplating the inclusion of Buddhism within the broader fabric of Hinduism? This is a question that has been swirling in the minds of many.

Are Vedantism, Sankhyaism, and Other Schools Part of Hindu Dharma?

The myriad of schools within Indian philosophy, collectively known as Darshana systems, have been a source of much discussion. These include Vedantism, Sankhyaism, Nyayism, and Vaisheshikism, among others. But does this list include Buddhism?

Kabirism and Its Belonging to Hindu Dharma

With the recent influx of various thoughts and ideologies, the question of whether Kabirism, a distinct form of spiritual practice, belongs to the Hindu dharma has gained prominence. When examining a comprehensive book that covers these Darshana systems, one often finds a chapter on Buddhism. This prompts us to ask: do all these schools belong to the Hindu dharma?

If Buddhism does not belong, then Prevedika thoughts must also not, as one serves as the root foundation of the other.

The Essence of Hinduism

Let us look at Hinduism through a different lens. Technically, “Hindu” comes from the Persian word for the Indus or Sindhu river. Therefore, does Buddhism, associated in colonial terms as a separate religion, truly belong to the set of dharmic darsana?

The answer is yes, because Buddhism is not a distinct religion but a different darsana, or perspective on the truth. The “Hindu religion” is Dharma.

Hindu is our identity for Persians and those farther west. A Darsana is not a source of identity, and thus there is no such thing as a Buddhist or Vedantist or Shaivic or Vaishnavic. The identity is always the geography – Hindu or Indian. The religion is always Dharma.

A darsana is merely a perspective on the truth, rooted in the experience of its progenitor. Your perspective, guided by a darsana or your personal experience, is what matters most. You can draw inspiration from a darsana or create your own unique perspective.

Reform and Non-Vedic Origin of Buddhism

Lord Buddha did not aim to create a new religion but to reform the masses. The teachings of Lord Buddha are often described as the non-Vedic form of Hinduism. In many schools of thought, Lord Buddha is regarded as the 9th Avatar of Lord Vishnu, a Hindu deity. In Nepal, where Lord Buddha was born, the Buddhist community in Patan revere the Living Goddess, who is also considered an avatar of Goddess Durga, a Hindu deity.

Similarly, if Islam has Sunnism and Shiaism as its different aspects, why would Buddhism be seen as a separate religion from Hinduism? If we accept that religions evolve rather than being divided into separate isms, is it logically consistent to treat Buddhism differently?

The Integration of Dharmic Traditions

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism are different streams of thought deeply rooted in the Hindu way of life. Dr. Ambedkar’s Hindu Code Bill in modern constitutional history also underscores this integration. When you can perform actions such as praying to God or greeting people ardently and without objections, it reflects adherence to the Hindu way of life.

This exploration of Hinduism and Buddhism is not to diminish the vast contributions of Buddhism but to understand the cultural and philosophical continuum within which these traditions coexist and influence each other.