India & China NotesHinduism & Buddhism

Caste System complex form of social organization with

rules to ensure spirituality Everyone not equal

Beliefs of Hinduism“God is one, but wise people know it by many names”

Hindu gods: Brahma- the Creator Vishnu- the Preserver Shiva- the Destroyer

Sacred Textsa) Bhagavad-Gitab) The Vedasc) Upanishads

Goal of Life1. Atman: one's true self

beyond identification

2. Moshka: ultimate goal is union with Brahman

a. Reincarnation: rebirth of the soul in another bodily form

Karma Your actions in this life can affect your

fate in the next life

Dharma What upholds the natural order of things

Jainism prescribes a path of non-

violence towards all living beings

Guatama Buddha Siddhartha Guatama- founder of

Buddhism Wealthy childhood As adult searched for meaning of life and suffering

The Search Four Noble Truths

1. Life is full of suffering and sorrow2. Cause of suffering is desire for material

gain3. Only cure for suffering is to renounce

desires4. Way to overcome desire is Eightfold Path

& Nirvana

The Search “Eightfold Path”- (Pg.

64) how one overcomes desires and wants

Nirvana: The ultimate goal for Buddhists

Eightfold Path

Both religions believe in… Ahisma: non-violence

Buddhists reject some Hindu beliefs Their priests and rituals Many gods of Hinduism Caste System

Stupa Large dome-shaped shrine that housed

sacred remains

Tripitaka Buddhist sacred text

2 Sects Theravada- followed the teachings of

Buddha strictly- Sri Lanka, South-Eastern Asia

Mahayana- Followed Buddhist teachings loosely- spread to China, Korea, Japan