Hinduism vs Sikhism - Essay Example

Section/# Differences and Similarities The first thing that comes to mind when one tries to compare Hinduism to Sikhism is the difference in age that the religions share. Sikhism only started around the 17th century AD. On the other hand, Hinduism has been around since at least 1500 BCE. The age of the religion itself explains a lot as it has meant that Hinduism has had a much longer period of time to integrate itself into culture and norms of society. A secondary difference lies in the fact that Sikhism has a founder and a prophet, Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji Maharaaj, while Hinduism does not.

The lack of a founding prophet for Hinduism is partly due to the fact that it is so syncratic and has grown and developed a host of deities over the intervening centuries. Thirdly, Sikhism believes that there is a supreme God. Hinduism on the other hand does not believe that a central and supreme God rules the universe; rather, the pantheon is populated by a myriad of deities. Fourthly, the religions do share a few things in common. Hinduism and Sikhism both believe in reincarnation of the soul.

For Hinduism, the reincarnation is an endless cycle that cannot be broken. However, on the other hand, for Sikhs, the cycle of birth, life, and reincarnation can be broken by a person achieving a oneness with God. Finally, Hinduism accepts the caste system whereas Sikhism does not. Work Consulted Nesbitt, Eleanor. "Sikhism Today." British Journal Of Religious Education 34.3 (2012): 354-357. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 Mar. 2013.