Aim #6: What are the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism? I-4 due Wednesday Current events article due Tuesday Test on India Friday 20 Multiple Choice Document Set Questions

Period 3 Teams Ridwawn – Rachel Mackenzie – Olivia Jad – Philip Ev – Jack Aidan – Katherine Gabe - Ryan Becca – Nikki Paul – Ava Nicholas - Stephen Vicky – Samantha Jonathan – Courtney Michael N – Alexa Michael M – Rebecca C Suraj – Darien

Period 9 Teams Aidan – Noemie Emily – Nolan – Alex Emma – Connor Allyson – Michael Andrew – Liz Jack – Thomas Derek – Luke Justyn – Ethan Alissa– Cici

Hinduism vs. Buddhism Believe in Reincarnation Believe in Karma Believe in Dharma (seen as duties to your caste) Believe in non-violence (Ahimsa) Goal: Moksha Views on Caste System: Strongly in favor of it (only men in the top three castes could achieve moksha) Gods: 33,000 separate deities View on Women: Patriarchal (male-dominated), women are seen as inferior to men (this is represented by the ritual of sati, where a widow must commit suicide when her husband dies by throwing herself into his flaming funeral pyre). Believe in Reincarnation Believe in Karma Believe in Dharma (seen as the universal laws and Buddha’s teachings) Believe in non-violence Goal: Nirvana Views on Caste System: Rejects it (anyone can achieve Nirvana, regardless of caste) Gods: Buddha rejects the idea of multiple gods, does not want to be worshipped as a god View on Women: They are a distraction, should be banned from the monasteries. Later, Buddha allows them to join, but they have lesser positions than men. The ritual of sati was strictly banned.

Questions Provide three similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism. Based on Siddhartha Gautama’s background, why do you think these similarities exist? How are moksha and nirvana similar to each other? How are they different? How do Hinduism and Buddhism compare in their views on the caste system, gods and women? What message does the Hindu ritual of sati send about women? Why do you think Hindu women went along with a ritual as extreme and violent as this? Based on what you have read on the chart, describe at least two groups in Indian society that might be tempted to convert from Hinduism to Buddhism. For each one, provide a reason why they might find Buddhism more appealing. Since Buddhism is a belief system that rejects the idea of gods, do you think it should still be considered a religion, or is it more accurate to describe it as a philosophy? Why?

Ritual of Sati