Far East Religions

India is the origin of TWO of the world’s major religions, Hinduism & Buddhism. Both religions had major impacts on Indian culture & history!

Hinduism

Origin / Founder India No definable point/person where it can be traced

Principles World’s oldest religion Largest polytheistic religion Universal soul/deity known as Brahman Goal is to merge with Brahman after a series of reincarnations. This is obtained by works, knowledge or devotion.

These gods can take many different forms, both human and animal. The most important Hindu gods are: Brahma - the Creator Vishnu - the Preserver Shiva - the Destroyer These gods can take many different forms, both human and animal. What can we infer about Hinduism? Mono vs. Poly?

Hindus believe in reincarnation – a belief in a cycle of life, death & rebirth. Process continues until soul reaches state of Nirvana (eternal bliss) with Brahman.

**These concepts combined to help create the Caste System! Karma – relates to the cause/effect of nature Dharma – ideas of a person’s duty & the need to fulfill that duty **These concepts combined to help create the Caste System!

Holy Text Vedas Upanishads Bhagaad-Gita

The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are epic Hindu poems The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are epic Hindu poems. The Mahabharata, the longest poem ever written, tells the story of a religious war between two tribes. The painting below shows a scene from the poem.

Diffusion Trade, education & teaching of priests Spread throughout India & SE Asia Trade, education & teaching of priests In SE Asia it coexisted with Buddhism (lost its influence)

These Hindu characteristics led the basic development of the Indian Caste System. This system helped provide order and stability to the Indian society.

Buddhism

Origin India Incorporated much of Hinduism in its practice

Founder Siddhartha Gautama The Buddha “The Enlightened One” Believed the cause for all suffering is desire

Gautama was raised as an Indian prince in a lifestyle of luxury and comfort. He encountered the misery & suffering of the poor in the streets, and he began questioning the meaning of life. Gautama left his city & wandered throughout the land, where he experienced the pain, suffering, grief & sickness experienced by all mankind. As a result, he developed compassion for all & sought ways to eliminate these hardships. Guatam Buddah (4:29)

Principles Desire (selfishness) is the cause for all suffering Teaches reincarnation but it is NOT always seen as a “rebirth” Places great emphasis on: man’s actions his ability to think properly to coexist in harmony with forces of the universe Nirvana – lasting peace

Buddhism does not hold to a belief in a god, therefore many view Buddhism as a philosophy rather than a religion.

Holy Text(s) Four Noble Truths Eightfold Path Right Understanding Right Intention Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration

Diffusion Spread to SE/E Asia Actively seeks to covert others Missionaries (monks) began to spread Buddha’s teachings & trade along Silk Road Growth during Maurya Empire (Asoka) & the Gupta Empire

The Buddha believed the caste system to be unjust The Buddha believed the caste system to be unjust. It was believed that a person’s good and bad actions, not his birth, should determine their caste. Therefore, for this reason, Buddhism was never widely accepted in India.

Map of India Use maps in Google Classroom Only label/color what is given in the directions!