Hinduism

Chapter 6

Section 2

Background

• One of the oldest religions in the world.

• 3rd largest religion.

• 700 million followers.

• Extreme polytheism.

• Began with the Aryans.

• They brought their holy thoughts which were later collected in the Vedas. Their holy book.

Aryans

• Arrived in India at about 1500 B.C.

• Aryans brought the caste system to India.

• Aryans believed in many gods.

• Believed many gods controlled the forces of nature.

• Aryan belief began to change. Why?

• Borrowed other ideas from people they conquered in India.

Early India’s Social System

Priest

Warriors, Rulers

Common People

Servants

Untouchables

Hinduism

• Grew out of religious customs of many different people.

• This is why Hinduism consists of thousands of gods.

• All of their gods belong to one universal spirit.

Hinduism

• Brahman-the universal spirit that consists of thousands of gods/goddesses.

• Upanishads-writing that explains the search for the universal spirit.

• Upanishads say that every soul desires to be reunited with Brahman.

• This occurs when a person dies.

Reincarnation

• Also called Samsara

• Reincarnation-process of passing through many different lives before becoming reunited with Brahman.

• This idea is very important to Hindus.

• It effects how Hindus treat animals & how they eat.

• They believe all life is sacred.

Dharma

• To be rewarded in the next life, Hindus must follow Dharma.

• Dharma-divine law.

• This requires people to perform whatever duty defines their caste.

• If they do, they will have good karma.

• If Hindus perform their duties, they will have good karma.

• Having good karma will move you closer to Brahman in your next life.

• Could be classified as “What goes around, comes around.”

Karma

How were people affected by Hinduism?

• Belief in reincarnation made them more accepting of the caste system.

• They did the work that defined their caste.

• Even servants believed they could be reborn into a higher caste.

Brahma

• The Creator• Pictured holding a

ladle, a copy of the Vedas, prayer beads, and a jar of water.

• He is shown with four faces sitting on a lotus throne.

Vishnu• The Protector• Vishnu has appeared in 9

of his ten avatars.– A fish– A turtle– A boar– Part man / part lion– A dwarf– A man with an axe– Prince Rama– Buddha– Krishna

The one he has not returned as yet...

• The tenth and the last avatar of Vishnu, Kalki, is yet to appear. This avatar will appear seated on a white horse with a drawn sword blazing like a comet.

• He shall come finally to destroy the wicked, to restart the new creation

and to restore the purity of conduct in people's lives.

Shiva

• The destroyer• Often called the lord

of the dance• Shown dancing on

a dwarf, holding snakes while beating a drum.

Kali• Not a major deity but one

worth noting due to her appearance.

• She is shown holding a giant’s head and a sword.

• She stands on a defeated enemy with her tongue stuck out and a necklace of skulls.

• Despite this appearance she is considered a mother goddess.

Buddhism

Chapter 6

Section 2

Siddhartha Gautama

• Siddhartha Gautama was born into a wealthy family, and as a prince.

• He wondered: Why did people suffer? & How could suffering be cured?

• He left everything behind to find the answers.

• After 49 days of meditation he finally understood.

Buddha• He traveled around preaching what he

discovered.• His lesson of life & nature became known

as Buddhism.• Siddhartha’s followers called him Buddha,

or “Enlightened One.”

Images of Buddha

Buddha

• Siddhartha believed that poverty & sickness were just illusions.

• By giving up desire for money, fame, etc would end pain & sorrow.

• By giving up all desires a person would reach Nirvana.

• Nirvana-not a place, a state of mind or wisdom.

At the center of Buddha’s teachings are:

The Four Noble Truths

1. Life is full of suffering.

2. People suffer because they desire worldly things.

3. The way to end suffering is to stop desiring things.

4. The only way to stop desire things is to follow the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

1. Know & understand the 4 Noble Truths.

2. Give up worldly things & don’t harm others.

3. Tell the truth, don’t gossip, & don’t speak badly of others.

4. Don’t commit evil acts, like killing, stealing, etc.

• Do rewarding work.• Work for good, oppose

evil.• Make sure your mind

keeps your senses under control.

• Practice meditation as a way of understanding reality.

The Wheel of Law a symbol of Buddhism

Contrasts from Hinduism

• Buddhism rejected the caste system.

• Buddhism accepted reincarnation (like Hinduism) with one difference:

• A person could stop being reborn if they followed the Eightfold Path.

Struggles within Buddhism

• As Buddha’s followers increased, so did disagreements about his teachings.

• This disagreements split his followers into 2 groups:

Theravada BuddhismMahayana Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism

• “Teaching of the elders.”

• Sees Buddha as a great teacher, NOT as a god.

• Found mainly in Southeast Asia today.

Mahayana Buddhism

• Teaches Buddha is a god that came to Earth to save people.

• Believe the Eightfold Path is too difficult for most to follow.

• Instead, they believe in worshipping Buddha.

• After they go to heaven, then they can follow the Eightfold Path & reach Nirvana.

Mahayana Buddhism

• This form of Buddhism is found mainly in Northern Asia today.

Tibet

• Mahayana Buddhism mixed with Hinduism• Here, Buddhist leaders are called lamas.• Lamas also lead the government. This is an

example of a theocracy.• The Dalai Lama heads the government in

Tibet.

Where are Buddhist now?

• Many are in Thailand, Cambodia, & Sri Lanka.

• Few live in India where Buddha first began his teachings.