This site was created by Buddhist practitioners and scholars of unbroken and realized living Buddhist traditions (Siddha-śuddha-paraṃparā) to spread awareness on the distinction between Buddhism (Buddhadharma) and Hinduism. It is important to note that Hinduism – a word of late coinage – is a generic and ahistorical term for Vedic religions and philosophies (Darśanas); it is also popularly called the Sanātana-dharma in Sanskrit or Brahmanism in English. There is a widespread misconception, especially in Nepal and India, that Buddhism is a branch of Hinduism and not a separate set of spiritual traditions in itself. It is also believed that the Buddha taught in a different style the same teachings found in Hindu scriptures, such as the Upaniṣads; or that the Buddha is an incarnation of certain deities, such as Viśṇu, etc. Several factors have contributed to the development of these myths and misconceptions that are both historically and philosophically baseless and untrue. This website aspires to clarify those misconceptions and to offer traditional Buddhist perspectives, views and practices as found in authentic Buddhist texts (Āgamas) and as understood by uninterrupted living Buddhist traditions, which believe that the Buddha taught a unique path that was unheard of at his time, a fact that the Buddha has himself made clear in his own discourses.
Additionally, we want to make it clear that:
(1) We are not a political group or a social movement advocating identity issues. Our intention is not to create a new Buddhist identity or group. Our aim is to dispel misconceptions about Buddhism and to highlight the uniqueness of authentic Buddhist theory via the materials, discussions and intellectual exchanges in this website.
(2) Our purpose is to foster healthy and respectful intellectual interactions, allowing both Vedic-Hindus and Buddhists to understand the uniqueness of their respective spiritual traditions.
(3) The source of inspiration for this website is the spiritual culture of ancient India, which encouraged people to discuss their philosophical views openly in order to find the truth (Tattva-jñāna) and to choose, according to their own understanding and discernment of the various spiritual and philosophical traditions, the path best suited for themselves that would lead to the attainment of the highest human purpose (Puruṣa-artha), i.e. liberation (Mokṣa).
(4) It is not our intention to denigrate Vedic Hinduism or any of its deities, or any other sects, religions, masters or Gurus. As stated above, our sole purpose is to present Buddhist positions and clarify misconceptions and misunderstanding regarding the Buddha and his teachings.