Is Buddhism actually part of Hinduism?

s a result of Buddha's reformation of existing religions, Buddhism is regarded a Hindu tradition in India. Buddha became a Hindu monk and then taught everyone how to become a monk.

by Prof. Rajiv ChopraIt is not imperative, though sometime, to evaluate well-known phenomenon like dharma.

True, sensible people don't question a phenomenon already proven in all aspects. The existence of dharma is confirmed, but its nature is unknown.

Most people recognize Dharma. But there is disagreement on what the term dharma entails.

Some believe that worshipping a certain cremation tree is dharma, while others believe performing sacrifice ceremonies is dharma. Dharma is required to achieve human aspirations.

Dharma is not a worldly concept. Dharma lacks colour, texture, etc.

; hence it cannot be perceived. As each prama's pramajyehatva (eldest among the pramas) functions as a promoter, perception cannot be the object of inference.

Verbal testimony cannot be contested as proof because a super-sensuous thing cannot make sense to others or be aware of others if stated in words. Enacting morality is the essence of Dharma.

Buddhism, like other religions, substantiates this idea. The Buddha considered pious life (dharmya jvan) to be moral life formed of moral virtues.

These moral virtues can lead to nirvana. According to the 'Anguttar-nikya, one who commits immoral acts is not entitled to emancipation or nirvana.

Being a pure-hearted person is considered the first level of spiritual progress in Buddhism. Purity of character here means both exterior and mental purity.

All exterior actions stem from the mind's will. We will firstthen act.

So, morality is important in Buddhism for purifying our will. As in Hinduism, attaining moral virtues such as karuna, ahimsa, and niti is stressed in Buddhism.

As a result, Buddhism has neglected the exterior ceremonial activities of dharma, i.e.

, rituals, because they constrain man to simply execute rituals, ignoring the moral aspect of religion, which is the essence of dharma. In fact, dharma's ultimate goal is to purify the character through moral values.

Dharma is neither a theoretical debate nor a devotion to deities. Liberation isn't reliant on it.

Right understanding is the only way to freedom. Meditation and character cleansing bring appropriate wisdom.

Every man creates his own fortune. Liberation must come from inside, not from a divine power.

An important role in human liberty is an endeavour. It is part of Buddhism's uniqueness.

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