How the inner transformation for the seeker in both paths is pretty much the same!
Similarity between Hindu and Buddhist Paths to Awakening: A Comparison of the Four Yogas and Buddhism
Introduction
When it comes to spiritual growth, the paths we choose to follow may vary, but the ultimate inner transformation that needs to occur within us remains remarkably similar. The focus should be on cultivating a calm mind, a loving heart, and the intention to help and serve others. In this article, we will compare the four yogic paths from Hindu traditions with the teachings of Buddhism, highlighting the similarities in terms of inner transformation. Regardless of the specific path or practices chosen, these four pillars of spiritual growth should manifest in one's journey towards awakening.
Bhakti Yoga and Buddhism
Bhakti Yoga, the path of love, is prominent in Hindu tradition. It involves cultivating love for a chosen deity and building a relationship with the divine through various devotional practices. The key idea is recognizing the omnipresence of God in all beings, which changes the way one relates to the world. Love and compassion become natural as one perceives the manifestations of their personal deity in others.
In Buddhism, where the concept of God is absent, the practice centers around cultivating love directly for all beings. Loving-kindness meditation, or metta, and other practices aim to develop a deep sense of love and compassion for all sentient beings. The view that all beings desire happiness and wish to avoid suffering serves as a foundation for this practice. Additionally, the belief that all beings have once been one's mother fosters the ability to view others with the same care and compassion as one would their own mother.
The similarity between Bhakti Yoga and Buddhism lies in the cultivation of an open and compassionate heart. While Bhakti Yoga emphasizes perceiving God in all beings, Buddhism focuses on developing universal love and compassion for all sentient beings.
Karma Yoga and Buddhism
Karma Yoga, the path of selfless service, is about seeing the divine in all beings. By cultivating Bhakti Yoga, where one recognizes the presence of God in others, serving them becomes equivalent to serving one's chosen deity. Every action becomes an act of worship, removing selfishness and fostering an attitude of selfless service.
In Buddhism, the ideal of a Bodhisattva aligns with the concept of Karma Yoga. A Bodhisattva seeks enlightenment not for personal liberation but for the benefit of all sentient beings. This selfless service aims to bring happiness and freedom from suffering to others. The Dalai Lama, as an example, tirelessly works towards this goal, offering teachings and guidance for the benefit of all.
Both Karma Yoga and the Bodhisattva path highlight the importance of serving others selflessly, diminishing self-grasping and ego-centeredness. By cultivating a selfless attitude, individuals can experience true oneness and connectedness, crucial for spiritual growth.
Raja Yoga and Buddhism
Raja Yoga, the path of meditation, is considered the royal path. Both Hindu and Buddhist traditions emphasize meditation as a key practice. The primary goal is to cultivate a calm and concentrated mind, capable of entering the state of samadhi or deep absorption. A mind that is calm and concentrated becomes a powerful tool for spiritual growth.
The similarity between Raja Yoga and Buddhism lies in their shared objective of cultivating a calm and concentrated mind. Both traditions aim to gain direct insight into the nature of reality and experiential realization of one's true nature through meditation.
Jnana Yoga and Buddhism
Jnana Yoga, the path of wisdom, seeks the realization that one's true nature is divine or connected to the absolute reality. It involves understanding the illusory nature of the separate self and recognizing the underlying unity with the whole. In Buddhism, wisdom revolves around realizing the true nature of the mind, perceiving its emptiness