Is Buddhism atheistic

First View:

The Buddha's relation with Hinduism is so close that it's easy to confuse Buddhism with Hinduism. The two religions have close connections, and yet they are distinct. This was because of Buddha's reform movements and his refining of Hindu beliefs. It would not be wrong to state, then, that Buddha founded a noble religion by distilling Hinduism, and offering a commonsense approach to self-betterment to which the people can relate easily.

The Hindu Caste System defined a person's position in society as determined by their birth. Buddha condemned the Hindu caste system and said that it is karma or the good and bad actions of a person and not birth that should determine a person's caste. He introduced the idea of placing morality and equality on a higher place than genealogy of a person.

Hindus believe that the purpose of the avatar of Buddha, like all divine avatars, was to re-establish dharma where "adharma" (irreligiousness) had become prevalent. Buddha is regarded by some sects of Hindus as an incarnation of Vishnu, or even as a Hindu. This is because Buddha's theistic beliefs are not contrary to Hinduism, but only a step ahead. This is also because the nature of Hinduism itself is such that all beliefs are recognized as being facets of the Ultimate Truth. It is interesting to note that the Word "Nirvana" - used by Lord Buddha to describe the state of permanent bliss - is indeed a Vedic term.

Buddha was born into the Shakya dynasty of a Kshtriya caste family. It's a different thing that Buddha, after he became enlightened, never sought to classify himself into any caste or religion. He was only a born Kshtriya (classified as Hindus) and not a practicing one.

Also 80% of his teachings were taken from Upanishadas and Yogas. He taught Lotus Pose, Meditation, Concept of Soul as reality all these concepts were already there in Sanatana Dharma which is now known as Hinduism.

Counter View:

The Buddha was not "born a Hindu" because Hinduism in its present form had not emerged at the time of his birth. Before the time of the Buddha the religion of India was Vedic Brahmanism, but alongside the Vedic tradition there was an ascetic (Śramana) stream of religious thought and practice having its origin in prehistoric times; it is to this Śramanic culture that Buddhism has its closest affinity. Hinduism grew out of a fusion of Vedic Brahmanism with Buddhism and other Śramanic religious trends. Although Buddhism acknowledges an affinity with the Śramanic cults, it is nevertheless a unique product of the Buddha's direct insight.

Buddha was from Shakya dynasty, named after muni (sage) Shakya but he left his family and established his Dhamma (Dhamma is different from Dharma or religion). Although Shakyas are considered themselves as Aryan Kshtriya (a Hindu) but their relationships with Kolis (Non-Hindus) might be considered that they were Non-Hindus.