Hinduism and Buddhism Develop

1/5th of the world practice either Hinduism or Buddhism

Origins of Hinduism Collection of religious beliefs that developed slowly over time No one founder w/ a single set of ideas

Key Beliefs Each person has “atman”-soul united w/ all others in Brahman (world soul) Reincarnation Karma Enlightenment is final goal (freed from earthly desires) Dharma: divine law that requires all to do their duty

Gods Brahma -The creator Vishnu -The preserver of the universe Shiva -The destroyer MANY GODS-Choose god to worship

Sacred Literature The Vedas -Four collections Most important is the Rig Veda -Contains 1,028 hymns to Aryan gods

“He who gives liberally goes straight to the gods; on the high ridge of heaven he stands exalted.” Rig Veda 1.125.5

Effects on Society Karma & reincarnation strengthened the caste system Dominates daily life What you eat Personal cleanliness People with whom you associate How you dressed

Modern Day Traditions Ganges River-Sacred to Hindus -Bathe in water to purify self Place of worship: home or temple (shrines) Yoga The Sacred “Om” or “Aum” Swastika=good luck symbol meaning “well-being”

The Sacred OM or Aum

Yoga Means “union” Goal is to leave behind the cycle of earthly life and achieve union w/ Brahman Dreamless sleep “When all the senses are stilled, when the mind is at rest, that, say the wise, is the highest state.” Shiva in a yoga meditation

Swastika Unfortunately, the swastika symbol is best known to most westerners as a Nazi symbol. For the past 3,000 years it represented life, sun, power, strength, and good luck. Common symbol in India Considered extremely holy by all Hindus Regularly used to decorate all sorts of items to do with Hindu culture. It can be seen on the sides of temples and on religious scripture to gift items and letterhead.

Hindu symbol Nazi symbol The Reichstag when Hitler took office. March 21, 1933

Jainism Everything has a soul and should not be harmed Tolerance and non-violence Work in trade/commerce Founder: Mahavira Believe we can know only part of the truth

Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama Sought to end human suffering First followed example of the ascetics Turned to period of meditation Achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha

Beliefs 4 noble truths (p. 78-79) Reincarnation Eightfold path to attain enlightenment (p. 78-79) or nirvana

The Middle Way: The Eightfold Path Right Views Right Intention Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration

Why is the Eightfold Path called the Middle Way? It avoids the extremes of self-indulgence. Associate w/ others who were on the path

Gods No gods Rejected the multitude of gods of Hinduism Gautama forbade followers to worship him or him image after death

Sacred Literature Teachings of Buddha Commentaries, rules of monastic life, meditation manuals, legends

Effects on Society Rejects the caste system Has religious communities of monks and nuns Spread to Burma, Thailand, Sumatra, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, SE Asia and China through trade Pilgrimages to spots associated with Buddha’s life

Why would Buddhism appeal to laborers and craftspeople? They are of a lower caste, and Buddhism rejects the caste system.

Why is there a link between trade and religions? Traders travel extensively, bringing new objects and ideas with them and learning from other cultures.

Symbols of Buddhism Wheel of Law Represents endless cycle of life

Lotus Flower The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.