The Conversion From Hinduism to Buddhism
             In ancient India Hinduism was the main religion of the people until Buddhism arose. Buddhism arose in 525 B.C.E. and was founded by Siddhartha Gautama. Though the religion started out with a small number of followers the religion became increasingly popular in India. Many Hindus converted to Buddhism because they liked what it had to offer. The main reason for the Hindus to convert was the equality Buddhism had that Hinduism did not.
             Hinduism was based on a caste system where there were different classes. You weren't able to move to another caste and it set a life for you to live. There was no free will as to the way you wanted to live your own life. The lower classes of the caste were treated very unfairly and didn't possess equal rights to anyone in higher caste. This is why may Hindus of the lower class converted to Buddhism. Buddhism was not made up of different classes but everyone possessed the same rights as everyone else. No one was seen as inferior or of a lower class. Buddhism also proved equality for women. In Hinduism women were discriminated against and considered of lesser importance than the males. In Buddhism, however, women had the same rights as men. Buddhism probably had women in the highest regard of any religion at that point in time. Also Buddhism had no real leader after Guatama died, so there was no one telling the Buddhists what to do so people could live there lives anyway they wanted with total freedom.
             Buddhism offered many important things Hinduism did not. Buddhism gave total freedom and equity to every one; man or woman, rich or poor. Everyone was equal. This is why so many people of the Hindu religion converted to Buddhism.
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