Buddhism and Hinduism

Asian Religions

What are some of the reasons that Hinduism is misunderstood by many people?

It is very complexIt is different from western religionsWesterners have little contact with Hindu followers

Who were the Dravidians? The Arians?

Dravidians-the earliest inhabitants of IndiaArians-people from Central Asia and Southern Russia who conquered the Dravidians

What do the Hindus consider the quickest way to achieve release from the pain of earhtly existence?

Following the path of ascetic (deny earthly pleasures)

What was one of Mahatma Gandhi’s main teachings?

Non-violent resistance

Name one of the most sacred features of the Indian landscape.

The river Ganges

What is the purpose of following a Guru?

To better understand the principles and teachings of HinduismTo intensify one’s spiritual practice

What is one of the intentions of the raga?

To produce a meditative state

Why do many Indian men leave home after their children are grown?

To renounce worldly lifeTo begin a spiritual journey

How is a person’s caste determined?

By birth

What is one reason for the violence between Hindus and Muslims?

Historical conflicts that have not been forgiven or forgottenBeing so close togetherDisputes over land ownership

Tell me what you think when you see these pictures and hear the words: Buddhism, Hinduism, India, and China.

Hinduism

God is one-but goes by many namesBrahman-not all-powerful and all-knowing…we all come from Brahman

No single founder-combination of beliefsThere are hundreds of deities that they worship but Brahman is the main God (Polytheistic)

Goal of Life

Achieve Atman-the essential self… every person has one (the belief in self-importance). Focus on oneself rather than on the illusion of sinAchieve Moksha-being one with BrahmanGo through reincarnation until they get it right…

Karma and Dharma

Karma-actions in this life that affect the next.

Dharma-the religious and moral duties of an individual…peaceful and passive resistance towards all.

Caste system-Group you according to class, occupation, or gender.

Into what religion was Siddartha Gautama born?

Hinduism

What was the reason Siddartha decided to leave home and become a sadhu?

He encountered a Hindu holy man (a Sadhu)

What is karma?

Your actions of today determine your fate tomorrowYour actions in this life determine your fate in the next life

How were the teachings of Buddha preserved after his death?

In a collection called the Tripitika or Three Baskets written on palm leaves

What is the difference between the two main branches of Buddhism?

Theravadists are orthodox Buddhists who claim to preserve the original interpretation of Buddha’s teachings.Mahayanists incorporate a much broader interpretation of the teaching into their faith. They believe that Buddha was a god and worship many Buddha-like deities who came to earth in the form of men

What is one of the reasons many young men in Thailand become monks?

To make their parent happySo they will go to HeavenTo learn disciplineTo go to school

How is the community of monks supported?

By offerings from the people of the community

What do monks give in return for their support?

Religious education for the peopleExamples of right conduct

What does their religion provide for some Buddhists?

A spiritual oasis

What is your understanding of what it means to be a Buddhist?

A way to inner peaceFreedom from painRealization of the nature of the mindCompassion for all living things

Buddhism

Founded by Siddhartha Guatama Buddha

Buddha was an Indian Prince who lived in luxury and comfort inside the palace.

One day he left the palace gardens and saw an Old man, a sick man, and a dead man.

Buddhism

Buddha realized: Life is full of suffering. He became the Enlightened one.

He explained the 4 noble truths:1. All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow.

2. The cause of suffering is desire for things such as riches, power and long life.

3. The only cure for suffering is to overcome desire.

4. The way to overcome desire is to follow the 8-fold path.

Cure for suffering

The Eightfold Path is a middle road between a life devoted to pleasure and a life of harsh self-denial.

It is important to live a moral life.

Enlightenment is achieved through meditation.

God is not relevant.

The ultimate goal is nirvana, union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth (reincarnation)

Different Buddhas…why one skinny and one fat?