Chapter 3Ancient India & china2600 BCE – CE 5503.2 Hinduism and Buddhism (p 76 – 82)

Focus QuestionIn what ways were religion and society intertwined in ancient India?

The Beliefs of Hinduism Develop (p 76 – 78)

What is the ultimate goal of existence for Hindus and how do they achieve it?◦ Moksha: achieve union with brahman◦ Freeing themselves from selfish desires over

several lifetimes How do karma, dharma, and ahimsa relate to

achieving this goal?◦ By living a good life (virtuously) people earn good

karma◦ They acquire merit by obeying the rule of dharma

(a person’s moral/religious duties)◦ Earn credit for having respect for all living things

(ahimsa)

Checkpoint!

How do the Hindu gods relate to Brahman?

The Caste System Shapes India (p 78)

How were lower castes (social groups people are born into & can rarely be changed) treated in ancient India?◦ Very harshly – viewed as impure◦ Held unpleasant jobs◦ Segregated from other castes – had to use

a clapper to let people they were comingCould people change their caste?

◦ No – not until next life◦ Only if their caste duties (dharma) of this

life was fulfilled

Checkpoint!

How did caste provide a sense of order in society?

Key Teachings of the Buddha (p 79)

What does the term Buddha mean?◦ Enlightened one

Key Teachings of the Buddha (p 80) What is nirvana and how does one achieve it?

◦ Nirvana: goal of union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth

◦ Achieved by: Understanding of the Four Noble Truths

Life = suffering Suffering caused by desire Cure suffering by ending desire Way to end suffering:

Following the Eightfold Path Living a moral life Meditating

How is nirvana in Buddhism similar to moksha in Hinduism?◦ Ultimate goal of each religion◦ Achieved through proper actions◦ Puts an end to cycle of rebirth (reincarnation)

Checkpoint

What did Gautama hope to learn when he left home?

Buddhism Spreads beyond India (p 80 – 82) What is the Tripitaka?

◦ Buddhism’s collection of 3 sacred texts containing Buddha’s teachings

What are some examples of the Buddha’s teachings collected in the Tripitaka?◦ Do your duty◦ Don’t get angry◦ Avoid evil◦ Be truthful

What is the main difference between Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism?◦ Theravada = orthodox Buddhism, monks and nun only

can achieve nirvana◦ Mahayana = easier for ordinary people to follow, allows

them to use the religion to help solve everyday problems

Checkpoint

How do you think the collecting of the Buddha’s teachings helped the religion to spread beyond India?

Focus QuestionIn what ways were religion and society intertwined in ancient India