Hinduism and Buddhism Overview

~ 1500 BC in India Around this time, a group of Indo-European

people known as the Aryans start migrating toward India.

As they come and take lands, their religion and customs are spread and mixed with the native peoples.

Because of this diffusion, no single founder of Hinduism exists.

Hinduism - Founders

Indo-Europeans

Indo-European Languages

The Aryans brought many religious ideas with them including:

Atman – individual soul Brahman – World soul Trinity – Brahma (Creator) Vishnu (Preserver) and

Shiva (Destroyer). Even though there are roughly330 million gods, Hinduism is con-sidered by some to be monotheistic because of the belief in Brahman (Water example)

Hinduism – Supreme Beings

Brahman – world soulBrahma – CreatorBrahmin – priest in the caste system

Confused?

Reincarnation/Samsara – being reborn in the life cycle

Karma – (good or bad deeds) one does during his/her lifetime. Your karma influences how you are reincarnated in your next life.

When you are born, you fall into a caste (Varna)– a social system with no movement. Hindus justify your position in the caste using karma from a previous life.

Major Beliefs and Laws

The sacred text of the Aryans is a collection of books containing prayers, spells, instructions, and hymns known as the Vedas.

“The Truth is one; sages call It by various names.” -Rig Veda

Hinduism – Sacred Text

Look at the following quote and answer the question.

“The truth is one; sages call it by various names.” -Rig Veda

The quote above is attributed to which world religion?◦ A- Judaism◦ B- Islam◦ C- Buddhism◦ D- Hinduism

For example…

Hinduism seeks how a person can achieve freedom from desires and sufferings.

Moksha – a perfect understanding of all things, most notably, the relationship between the atman and Brahman.

After death = Yamapuri – the court of Yama to be judged. Different heaven and hell than we know

Hinduism – Paradise - Dharma

Sects – Buddhism and Jainism

Jainism – everything in the universe has a soul and should be respected.

[Brooms and gauze masks]

Hinduism – Other information

Blind men and an elephant – Teaching Tolerance

Founded in 528 BC in India◦ What else is going on in world history◦ at this time?

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama

Question: Would you rather be a world ruler or a universal spiritual leader?

Story of the Buddha – “The Enlightened One”

Buddhism - Founders

The Buddha accepted many traditions of Hinduism, but he rejected the idea of gods- teaching enlightenment instead.

No gods (non-theistic) – only enlightened ones.

Buddha isn’t a god.

Really. I want you to write that down.

Buddhism – Supreme Beings

Tripitakas – canons (general laws) of scripture – contained in 3 “baskets” of teachings.

Sutras – sermons of Buddha Abhidharma – interpreting Buddhist doctrine Vinayas – rules for Buddhist monks

Buddhism – Sacred Text

Eightfold Path (or Middle Way) is 4 thoughts and 4 actions= Right:

Views Resolve Speech Conduct Livelihood Effort Mindfulness Concentration

Key Beliefs and Laws

You achieve paradise by following the Eightfold Path to reach Nirvana

Nirvana – release from selfishness and pain

Similar to what in Hinduism? How?

Paradise

Still reincarnation and dharma (Draw an arrow if you need to).

***Four Noble Truths – sermon delivered by the Buddha after he achieved enlightenment

1. Life = suffering + sorrow 2. Cause = selfishness 3. End desires 4. Follow Eightfold Path

Key Beliefs and Laws

Never really catches on in India.

Why might this be? What do you know about the Hindu beliefs concerning other religions that makes you feel this way?

Other information