Indian Religion Element: Explain the development and impact of Hinduism and Buddhism on India and subsequent diffusion of Buddhism. Vocabulary: Hinduism, Brahman, atman, Dharma, Karma, Samsara, moksha, Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhism, Nirvana

Development of Religion Mahabharata: an epic Arayan tale that told of the struggle to control the southern portion of India Krishna: one hero from the epic Many believe that this struggle is what led the founding of Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism Founder: no single founder, added to over time based on Aryan religious beliefs Homeland: India vast majority of Indian people are Hindus

Hinduism God: Hindu’s worship many gods Brahman = ultimate reality (God) Hindu gods and goddesses gave ordinary Hindus a way to express their religious feelings three chief deities Brahma the Creator Vishnu the Preserver Siva the Destroyer

Hinduism Sacred Writings: Vedas = collections of hymns and ceremonies passed down orally by Aryan priests and later written down knowledge comes from the Vedas

Hinduism: Key Beliefs Dharma: duties you are expected to perform, the ethical way in which you are supposed to behave Ahimsa: non-violence towards all living things

Hinduism: Key Beliefs Reincarnation 500s B.C. the idea that the individual soul is reborn in a different form after death after many existences, the soul may fulfill its final goal and unite with Brahman you may be reborn into a higher or lower caste

Hinduism: Key Beliefs Karma an important part in reincarnation the idea that peoples actions determine: their form of rebirth the class into which they are reborn, if they are reborn as a person

Hinduism: Key Beliefs caste system religious basis created by the system of reincarnation higher caste members worthy of privileges because of good karma lower classes hoped to improve their social status in future lives if they behaved well in the present

\ Hinduism: Key Beliefs Aum (or Om) represents Brahman, everything that is absolute in the universe \

Buddhism Description: sixth century B.C. new doctrine appeared in northern India rivaled Hinduism

Buddhism Founder: Siddhartha Gautama known as the Buddha “Enlightened One”

Buddhism Founder: Legend: Born into luxury, became shocked when he drove around in his chariot and saw poverty and sickness Left wife and newborn son to wander around India at age 29 Lived as hermit for 7 years until finally finding enlightenment

Buddhism Homeland: Northern India God: rejects the idea of a deity

Buddhism Sacred Writings: Mahayana Sutras The Tripitaka Ceremonies: Buddha Day

Buddhism: Key Beliefs Four Noble Truths: The truth of suffering (dukkha) All people suffer and know sadness and sorrow The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya) People suffer because of their material desires The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha) Suffering could end by elimination desires The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga) By following the Eightfold Path one could eliminate desires

Buddhism Purpose: To reach nirvana (enlightenment) ultimate reality reunion with the Great World Soul achieving wisdom is a key step The Middle Way (eightfold path) is important Away from extremes Moderation

8 Fold Path

Color Symbolism in Buddhism Blue = coolness, infinity Black = hate, primordial darkness White = knowledge, purity Red = sacred blood, life Green = balance, harmony Yellow = earth, renunciation

Diffusion of Buddhism The first “great missionary faith” Spread into Afghanistan by A.D. 1 Spread into China during mid 1st century A.D. Reached Japan and Korea by A.D. 500

Diffusion of Buddhism Ashoka was the first ruler to send out Buddhist missions to convert other nations, helping the religion spread

Diffusion of Buddhism

Buddhism Throughout Asia Japan

Buddhism Throughout Asia China

Buddhism Throughout Asia Vietnam

Buddhism Throughout Asia Thailand Afghanistan

Buddhism v. Hinduism Related to Hinduism Shares belief of: Karma (accumulation of good or bad deeds) Dharma (but in this case is the teachings of Buddha telling you how to act/live) Reincarnation (rebirth) Differs: Rejection of caste system taught that all individuals could reach nirvana as a result of their behavior in their current life

Video on India https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nn5uqE3C9w

2. Ancient Asian Civilizations Standard: Identify the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies from 1100 BCE to 500 CE. Essential Question: What were the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies from 1100 BCE to 500 CE?

Assignment Complete a Hinduism/Buddhism t-chart comparing the 2 religions. Working in partners, students will complete the India map. Identify the following geographical features of India: Hindu Kush Himalayas Khyber Pass Indus River Ganges River Brahmaputra River

Summarizer How did India’s geography impact how Buddhism and Hinduism spread?