Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) Practice Exam

Buddhism promotes individual enlightenment without a supreme deity, which is a fundamental aspect that distinguishes it from Hinduism. In Buddhism, the path to enlightenment, or Nirvana, is centered around personal insight and meditation, allowing each individual to attain understanding through their own experiences and efforts. The absence of a personal god or supreme deity in Buddhism emphasizes a more individualistic approach to spiritual development.

In contrast, Hinduism encompasses a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices, including the reverence of multiple deities and a focus on rituals and ceremonies. The concept of enlightenment, although present in Hindu thought, is often intertwined with devotion to these deities, making the paths to spiritual realization vary significantly between the two religions.

Understanding this distinction helps to clarify the broader philosophical underpinnings of each tradition, where Buddhism prioritizes personal experience in the journey towards enlightenment, while Hinduism incorporates a more theistic and ritualistic framework in its spiritual practices.