This lecture discussed two aspects of traditional Hinduism that Siddhartha Gautama rejected in favor for what might be considered a shortcut to Nirvana. As a warrior, he was dissatisfied with the traditional Hindu teaching that insisted that he had to repeatedly live a life of extreme self-denial to eventually become a Brahman. His solution was to promote a meditation philosophy that would enable him to reach a state at which he might be allowed to "fast-forward" through thousands of future lives. He also rejected extreme asciticism, promoting instead the "middle way," which allowed moderate indulgence.
What is interesting about the Buddha's teachings is that they are essentially short-cuts. He longed for the peace of enlightenment, but had no interest in doing what the Hindu teachers told him was required for him to obtain it. Not to trivialize the extremeties that many Buddhists do undertake, it is worth taking a look at this typical human objective: How can I get something for the least amount of effort? Perhaps this is why some forms of Buddhism are so popular in the United States. A little meditation, a few good deeds, a little luxury, and everything balances out. Buddhism definitely has the makings of a feel-good religion.