Religion in India

Agenda for Today1. Bell Ringer: What is the purpose of the Caste System?2. Lecture: The Mauryan Empire, Religion in India3. Caste System Video Clip4. Socratic Seminar: Defending the Caste System.5. Comparison of Hinduism and Buddhism6. Jared Diamond Q and A

HW: Finish reflection on Chapters 2 and 3, due Monday in class.

Read Jared Diamond Article, be ready to respond to that question in class on Monday.

Brahmanism and Hinduism• Early Religious Beliefs of the

Aryan population.• Polytheistic initially, relying on

several gods. – Represented the needs of

humans, such as fire, fertility, wealth, and weather conditions.

• Ascetism- Self-discipline or painful stimuli to communicate with gods.– Gradually turns into yoga.

Reincarnation• Appeared around the time of the

Upanishads• Individual soul is reborn in a

different form after death. • Karma – one’s rebirth is dictated

by their actions in the previous life.

• Dharma- Moral Law– Higher castes held to a

stricter standard. • Eventually a trinity of gods is the

norm. – Brahman, Vishnu, and Shiva

Buddhism

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama.

• He was wealthy, but he saw the death and illness of the lower castes.

• Dedicated life to determining causes of human suffering.

Basic Beliefs• Reformist version of

Brahmanism.• Agreed on the concept of

Nirvana, reaching enlightenment.

• Remove material possessions, this is the cause of pain and poverty.

• Four Noble Truths• Eightfold Path• Rejected the Caste System, even

though he believed in reincarnation.

Ashoka and the end of Mauryan Dynasty

• Ashoka begins reign as a ruthless leader, killing anyone as he wished.

• Converted to Buddhism, and considered the greatest ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.

• People convert and the religion spreads East.

• Why did it die out?– Decline in Regional Trade– Tribal rivalries

The Caste SystemAs a class you will either defend the Caste System or argue for its demise.

1.You will have 15 minutes to prepare your argument. (If you are defending, use Jared Diamond article for reference and points. If you are against the Caste System, use the video and other documents to support your view)2.Socratic Seminar

1. Everyone must participate in some fashion. Whether it is research or debate.