Final answer:
Hinduism and Buddhism share the belief in reincarnation and the influence of karma, but differ in their social structures, with Hinduism having a caste system and being polytheistic, while Buddhism is more egalitarian and does not focus on gods but on personal enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When looking at Hinduism and Buddhism, we can see both similarities and differences in their concepts and teachings. A significant similarity exists in the belief in reincarnation; both religions hold the view that the soul or self, after death, begins a new life in a new body. This cycle of reincarnation is influenced by karma, the notion that one's actions in a previous life can affect the circumstances of the next.
A stark difference, however, is their approach to the social structure and divinity. Hinduism incorporates a firm caste system, which assigns individuals to specific societal roles, whereas Buddhism, largely envisioned as a reaction to Hinduism's rigid structures, does not recognize such hierarchies and is often considered more egalitarian. Additionally, while Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with many gods, Buddhism does not focus on the worship of gods but on individual enlightenment achieved through following the Eightfold Path to attain nirvana, a state of liberation and freedom from suffering, whereas Hinduism seeks moksha, which is liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.