Buddhism and Hinduism: From Pali to the Kumbh – A Spiritual Journey Across Time.....

The spiritual currents that have shaped human civilization often flow like rivers, meandering through history, merging and splitting along the way. Buddhism, a remarkable spiritual tradition that arose in the 5th–4th century BCE, stands at the intersection of India’s philosophical evolution.  Photo: Hindustan Times.

But the question arises: Did Buddhism emerge independently, or was it simply a reformist movement within the broader scope of Vedic Hinduism? As we trace its roots, we find that Buddhism was both born out of and in rebellion to Hinduism—a child of the same spiritual tradition, yet one that grew up to challenge its parent.

Buddhism's Roots in Vedic Hinduism: A Reformer’s Call

Buddhism was born in the Ganges Valley, the heartland of Vedic Hinduism, where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was raised as a Kshatriya prince. Buddha’s teachings were revolutionary in many ways:

Rejection of the Vedas: Buddhism did not recognize the Vedic scriptures as the ultimate source of truth. Buddha’s teachings were not rooted in the ritualistic practices that dominated the Vedic religion, and he sought to simplify the path to enlightenment.

No Creator God: Unlike Hinduism, which is filled with a pantheon of gods and the supreme deity, Brahman, Buddha remained silent on the existence of a creator god, instead emphasizing personal experience and enlightenment.

Karma & Rebirth, But No Soul: Hinduism posits an eternal soul (Atman), whereas Buddha’s Anatta (no-self) doctrine rejected the idea of a permanent self, though he still acknowledged the cycle of karma and rebirth.

Yet, despite these distinctions, Buddhism remained deeply connected to Hindu thought. It adopted ideas of karma, dharma, moksha (liberation), and meditation, albeit with different interpretations. This shared philosophical heritage makes Buddhism both a reform movement and an evolutionary step in the journey of Indian spirituality.

The Power of Pali: Making Buddha’s Teachings Accessible:

One of the reasons why Buddhism spread rapidly was the adoption of Pali, a Prakrit (vernacular) language that was simpler and more accessible than the formal Sanskrit used in Hindu scriptures. Pali’s simplicity allowed Buddha’s wisdom to be transmitted widely—from the Ganges Valley to Southeast Asia—and made his teachings open to all, not just the intellectual elite.

For instance, in Sanskrit:

Dharma (धर्म) became Dhamma in Pali

Karma (कर्म) became Kamma

Buddhaḥ gacchati (बुद्धः गच्छति) became Budhho gacchati.

This shift made Buddha’s teachings more accessible to the common people, allowing them to participate in the spiritual journey and helping the Theravāda tradition flourish across Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. The Pali Canon, which includes the Dhammapada, encapsulates Buddha’s thoughts in simple language that is clear and relatable to every seeker.

Consider Dhammapada Verse 50:

Na paresam vilomani

Na paresam katakatam

Attanova avekkheyya

Katani akatani ca...

"

One should not consider the faults of others, nor their doing or not doing good or bad deeds. One should consider only whether one has done or not done good or bad deeds."

This verse, and many others like it, highlights Buddhism’s universal appeal—focusing on self-reflection rather than judgment. It was not just a philosophy for monks but for everyone seeking the path of wisdom.

The Kumbh Mela: The Spiritual Return to Hindu Roots:

While Buddhism once spread across Asia, its connection to Hinduism never fully vanished. Today, we see a growing interest in Hinduism in the West, as evidenced by Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Steve Jobs, attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in January 2025. Laurene, following her husband’s spiritual interests, was initiated into Hindu practices and given the name "Kamala" by Swami Kailashanand Giri. This pilgrimage was significant, not just as a personal journey for Laurene but also as a symbolic return to the spiritual roots that influenced Steve Jobs' own spiritual life.

Steve Jobs, whose interest in Zen Buddhism was profound, had once hoped to attend the Kumbh Mela. Laurene’s presence at the Mela honors his wish and reflects a larger trend in the West, where many are rediscovering the wisdom of Hinduism. The Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, is a testament to Hinduism’s appeal, offering a space for seekers from all walks of life to engage in collective spirituality.

Conclusion:

Buddhism may have originated in rebellion against the excesses of Vedic Hinduism, but it did not exist in isolation. It carried forward the essential ideas of karma, dharma, and liberation, adapting them for a new age. The spread of Buddhism through the use of Pali made Buddha’s teachings accessible to all, transcending the intellectual barriers of Sanskrit and giving voice to the common man.

Today, as the West looks toward the East for spiritual answers, the journey of Laurene Powell Jobs to the Kumbh Mela symbolizes a return to the roots, a recognition that the wisdom of Hinduism is as relevant today as it was when it first gave rise to Buddhism. In the grand cycle of spiritual evolution, the paths may differ, but the destination remains the same—a search for truth, enlightenment, and liberation. The eternal flow of Dharma continues to guide humanity home.