Chapter Three Hinduism and Buddhism

Indo-Aryan Migrants Physical Geography Physical Geography The Aryans were warriors who lived north of the Black and Caspian Seas. The Aryans were warriors who lived north of the Black and Caspian Seas. They invaded India through the Hindu Kush region. They invaded India through the Hindu Kush region. They subdued the people of India and began a new civilization that still exists today. They subdued the people of India and began a new civilization that still exists today.

Society They Aryans were organized into tribes of nomadic herders. They Aryans were organized into tribes of nomadic herders. The Aryan ruler was called a raja, or chief. The Aryan ruler was called a raja, or chief. One’s wealth was determined by the number of cattle he owned. One’s wealth was determined by the number of cattle he owned. Later, cattle would become very sacred -- beef would no longer be eaten. Later, cattle would become very sacred -- beef would no longer be eaten. Sanskrit became their spoken language. Sanskrit became their spoken language.

Hinduism Hymns, legends and religious rituals were put into the Vedas, or books of knowledge. This is where historians got most of their information from this time period. Hymns, legends and religious rituals were put into the Vedas, or books of knowledge. This is where historians got most of their information from this time period. The Vedas reveal the Aryan class system of Ancient India. The Vedas reveal the Aryan class system of Ancient India. Social classes were known as varnas. This created the caste system. Social classes were known as varnas. This created the caste system.

Social Classes

Brahmans (Priests) performed religious ceremonies, pleased Aryan Gods, ensured the welfare of the people and taught the Vedas. Brahmans (Priests) performed religious ceremonies, pleased Aryan Gods, ensured the welfare of the people and taught the Vedas. Kashatriyas (Warriors) studied the Vedas, led the government and led the army. Kashatriyas (Warriors) studied the Vedas, led the government and led the army. Vaisyas (Common People) tended herds, cared for land, bought and sold products. Vaisyas (Common People) tended herds, cared for land, bought and sold products. Sudras (Unskilled Laborers) served other varnas. Sudras (Unskilled Laborers) served other varnas. Pariahs (Slaves or Untouchables) performed unclean tasks and were not considered a social class. Pariahs (Slaves or Untouchables) performed unclean tasks and were not considered a social class. The Vedas outlined the dharma, or duties of males for each varna. The Vedas outlined the dharma, or duties of males for each varna.

The Upanishads was a collection of religious writings that reflected the search for wisdom and truth. The Upanishads was a collection of religious writings that reflected the search for wisdom and truth.

It tells of a universal spirit within all living things. It tells of a universal spirit within all living things. all living things have souls “to know true freedom, one’s soul must be separated from the material world and be united with one eternal spirit” encouraged Yoga to achieve a state of tranquility From the Upanishads, it is believed that one gets reincarnated several times before it achieves union with the universal peace or Nirvana. From the Upanishads, it is believed that one gets reincarnated several times before it achieves union with the universal peace or Nirvana.

Karma is the idea that how you live your life will determine what form you will take in your next life. Karma is the idea that how you live your life will determine what form you will take in your next life. Dharma is the idea that Hindus are required to protect humans, animals and all living things. Dharma is the idea that Hindus are required to protect humans, animals and all living things. Once one achieves Nirvana, he has reached spiritual perfection and is released from the and suffering of rebirth after rebirth. Once one achieves Nirvana, he has reached spiritual perfection and is released from the and suffering of rebirth after rebirth. To achieve Nirvana, one must be committed to prayer, religious rituals, self-denial and the rejection of worldly possessions. To achieve Nirvana, one must be committed to prayer, religious rituals, self-denial and the rejection of worldly possessions.

Buddhism In the 500s BC, many Hindus were unhappy and wanted a more spiritual faith. In the 500s BC, many Hindus were unhappy and wanted a more spiritual faith. Siddhartha Gautama, founder of Buddhism, wanted to know how pain and suffering could be ended. Siddhartha Gautama, founder of Buddhism, wanted to know how pain and suffering could be ended. He became the Buddha, or “enlightened one.” He became the Buddha, or “enlightened one.”

Four Noble Truths Four Noble Truths 1. all people suffer and know sorrow 1. all people suffer and know sorrow 2. people suffer from the desire of pleasure and material things 2. people suffer from the desire of pleasure and material things 3. people can end suffering by getting rid of desires 3. people can end suffering by getting rid of desires 4. can get rid of suffering by following the Eightfold Path 4. can get rid of suffering by following the Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path The Eightfold Path 1. know the truth 1. know the truth 2. resist evil 2. resist evil 3. say nothing to hurt others 3. say nothing to hurt others 4. respect life 4. respect life 5. work for the good of others 5. work for the good of others 6. free your mind of evil 6. free your mind of evil 7. control your thoughts 7. control your thoughts 8. practice meditation 8. practice meditation

By following these, one can achieve Nirvana, which is a state of freedom from the cycle of rebirth. By following these, one can achieve Nirvana, which is a state of freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Buddha rejected the Varna system, did not believe in Hindu dieties and believed that all classes could achieve enlightenment. Buddha rejected the Varna system, did not believe in Hindu dieties and believed that all classes could achieve enlightenment. Traveling monks carried Buddha’s message throughout Asia and beyond. Traveling monks carried Buddha’s message throughout Asia and beyond.

Two branches of Buddhism arose: Two branches of Buddhism arose: Theravada: believed Buddha was only a teacher Theravada: believed Buddha was only a teacher Mahayana: believed Buddha was a god and savior Mahayana: believed Buddha was a god and savior Today, only a fraction of Indians are Buddhists. Most are Hindu. Today, only a fraction of Indians are Buddhists. Most are Hindu.