Hinduism and BuddhismChapter 3

Section 3

Vedanta• “End of the Vedas”• 700 B.C.

– Indian religious thinkers questioned the authority of the Brahmins

• Vedanta• Teachings collected in the

Upanishads, which explained the Vedanta religion

• Ordinary people could not read or write, so they learned through teachings and stories

Vedanta

• Epics– Eventually the

stories were combined into two epics

• The Mahabharata• The Ramayana

– Read last paragraph on p. 60

– What is the importance of these epics?

Societal Developments

• Between 1500 B.C. and A.D. 500– Caste system

• Transformed Indian society

– Created 4 distinct “varnas”

• Varna- social class

Varnas Rulers and Warriors

Brahmins, priests, and scholars

Merchants, traders, and farmers

Peasants and others who did menial labor

Pariahs, or “untouchables”- performed unclean jobs (read quote on p. 61)

Varnas• Jati

– Over time, the 4 varnas formed subgroups called Jati

– A person was born into his/her parents’ jati

– Very strict rules• It determined:

– Your job– Who you could eat

with– Who you could marry

Discussion

• How would your life be different if a caste system existed in the United States?– Material possessions?– Boyfriends/Girlfriends?– Jobs?

• Agree or Disagree: Although not as explicit, a certain cycle exists today that would resemble a caste system.

• How can you change or continue the cycle?

Hinduism• Gradually spread to become India’s

major religion– Developed from the Brahmin

priests’ explanations of the Vedas• Brahman-the Hindu God

– A divine essence that fills everything in the world

• Self/Atman– A person’s individual essence

• Brahman and Atman are one in the same– This means that all things in the

universe are of the same essence as God

Hinduism

• Monistic– Belief in the unity of God and

creation – Not monotheistic (belief in one

god)

• Beliefs:– The world we see is an illusion,

maya• If people accept maya, they

cannot be saved

– It may take many lifetimes to fully recognize maya

• Reincarnation-rebirth of souls

Hinduism

• Dharma– Doing one’s moral duties

• Karma– Good or bad force created

by a person’s actions

• Reincarnation– Fulfilling dharma and having

good karma=higher social group

– Those not living moral lives=lower social group or even animal

Hinduism• Nirvana

– Eventually, souls who grow will reach nirvana

• A perfect peace• Soul unites with Brahman

• Brahman– Can be represented by a

number of gods• Ex. Vishnu the Preserver or Siva

the Destroyer• Even spirits of trees and animals• But all are a part of Brahman• Not polytheistic

Hinduism

• Practices– Yoga:

• Mental and physical exercises designed to bring the body and soul together

– Festivals:• Religious ceremonies

combined with rituals, dancing, eating, and drinking

– Sacred animals• Especially cows, which are

protected by law• Why do you think cows are

sacred to Hindus?

Hinduism

• So what’s with the red dot?– It is called a “bindi”– Today, many girls and

women choose to sport a bindi

– In the past, it was meant to represent status and a sign that means a woman is happily married

Hinduism

• Video clip

Buddhism

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama– Buddha, or “Enlightened One”– Born in 563 B.C. in northern

India• Father was a wealthy prince• Shielded from the harsh

realities of life

– At 29, he ventured from his home

• Shocked to learn of the tragedies of everyday life

• Vowed to discover the reasons for suffering

Buddha

• The Great Renunciation– Siddhartha left his home and

lifestyle in search of truth and meaning

• Practiced yoga, meditated, and fasted until he nearly died

• None gave answers

– After 6 years, he found the truth that formed the basis of life while meditating

• He became Buddha

Buddha

• Way of Life– Spent the remainder of life

teaching followers to pursue the way to enlightenment

• Teachings– Reincarnation

• Believed the progress of the soul depends on the life a person leads

– Salvation• Comes from knowing the

“Four Noble Truths” and following the “Eightfold Path”

Buddhism

• Ethics– Code of morals and conduct

• More important that ceremonies

• Stressed selflessness• Did not accept the Hindu gods• Believed priests should live in poverty• Rejected the importance of the caste system

– Believed any person could reach nirvana

• Rejected the Vedas as “sacred writings”• Who do you think would embrace/reject these teachings?

Buddhism

• Read the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path– P. 64– How do you stack up?

• Activity– Interview a classmate and

record their responses to questions about the Eightfold Path

Buddhism

• The Spreading of Buddhism– Buddha only gained a few followers

during his lifetime

• Split into 2 branches between 200 B.C. and A.D. 200– Theravada Buddhism

• Believed Buddha was a great teacher and spiritual leader

– Mahayana Buddhism• Believed Buddha was a god and a savior

• Declined in India, but gained many followers in other parts of Asia– See map on p. 63

Draw the Venn Diagram below:

Hinduism Buddhism

Work in pairs to complete the diagram• HW

• 10 pts

Buddhism

• Video clip