Most Hindus believe in the existence of one God, who can be referred to by different names. Although they might defer on the exact number, they hold on to the significance of their religion and the final emancipation, also referred to as (Moksha) (Cook). The four pathways, jnana, bhakti, karma, and raja, are believed to lead one to Moksha, which is the ultimate goal of life. The pathways work towards achieving a happy life away from suffering, which is attained through a yoga practice that expels any mental impurities, returning to the truth or divine self. All Hindu pathways utilize the Buddhist method of the eightfold path. The Buddha relates life suffering in the Four Noble Truths to that of a physician who identifies the symptoms of the suffering, finds out the causes, identifies ways to stop, and finally administers treatment (Smith and Novak 39). The Hindu pathways and the four Noble truths of Buddhism have similarities and differences in same light.
Similarities
The four Hindu pathways and the four Noble truths of Buddhism share several aspects in common. Firstly, both philosophies aim to attain a happy life free of problems and suffering. The Hindu pathways argue that forgetfulness and disconnect from one’s true self as the primary cause of all suffering. These causes of suffering can be traced back to the truth through exercise and meditation. The Buddhists Noble of Truths consists of the four convictions about life with the acknowledgment that life is a dukka indicating that individuals go through ultimate suffering (Smith and Novak 33). Buddhism identifies eightfold steps individuals can follow to attain liberation to achieve Nirvana.
Secondly, both belief in reincarnation and karma plays a primary role in Hinduism, arguing that every action yields results. Therefore, all actions should consider oneness or a connection with the True Self (Cook). Another similarity between the Hindu pathways and the Buddhist’s Noble of Truths is their need to achieve enlightenment and Moksha. This is believed to stop the reincarnation cycles as well as human suffrage. The ultimate objective of Hindu pathways is to achieve Moksha through meditation and yoga, which removes mind impurities and reunite individuals with their divine self. On the other hand, the Buddhist goal is Nirvana, a state of happiness and peace with oneself.
Differences
One of the differences between the four Noble truths of Buddhism and Hindu pathways is their view of restoration and salvation. According to the Noble of truths, enlightenment can be achieved by following the eightfold paths. The eightfold is the source of suffrage treatment; Buddha argues that individuals can train for life through intentional living (Smith and Novak 40). The Hindu pathways believe that people can achieve enlightenment through different paths, including, devotion, meditation, knowledge, and good deeds; these are displayed through the different yoga.
Another difference is their philosophical goal, Buddhists’ Noble truths aim to eliminate human mental suffering. Buddha claims that a right-mindfulness requires an observation of both mental and physical actions; this includes monitoring body sensations, moods, emotions, and thoughts (Smith and Novak 49). This stems from the arguments that all physical and mental states are dynamic, hence clinging to them could lead to great suffering. Conversely, the Hindu’s four pathways aim to attain salvation and freedom of the soul from sin and other earthly consequences. Achieving Moska means that the individual no longer has greed or worldly desires.
Work Cited
Cook, Tracey. “The 4 Paths of Yoga.” Ekhart Yoga. 2021. Web.
Smith, H., and P. Novak. Buddhism: A concise introduction. 1st ed., HarperSanFrancisco, 2003.