Buddhism Quote by Swami Vivekananda
“Hinduism threw away Buddhism after taking its sap. The attempt of all the Southern Acharyas was to effect a reconciliation between the two. Shankaracharya's teaching shows the influence of Buddhism. His disciples perverted his teaching and carried it to such an extreme point that some of the later reformers were right in calling the Acharya's followers "crypto-buddhists".”
About This Quote
Source Essay: ‘The Philosophy of Vedanta’, 1896
He argues that Hinduism absorbed Buddhist ideas, leading to a hybrid tradition, but later followers distorted this synthesis, prompting criticism of hidden Buddhist influences.
In simple terms: Hinduism mixed with Buddhism, later distorted.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of doctrinal blending and its effects.
Themes
religious syncretism
philosophical influence
historical reinterpretation
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- academic study
- spiritual practice
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
Vedanta
Buddhist philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify genuine synthesis versus superficial borrowing?
- What are the risks of labeling traditions as ‘crypto-’?
A Different Perspective
The claim may oversimplify complex historical exchanges and ignore diversity within traditions.
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