Hinduism

Hinduism About 80 percent of India's population regard themselves as Hindus and 30 million more Hindus live outside of India. There are a total of 900 million Hindus worldwide, making Hinduism the third largest religion.

Unique to Hinduism no single founder, 3200 B.C. Vedas-the original scriptures of Hindu teachings, and contain spiritual knowledge encompassing all aspects of our life Led by Sannyasis or a Guru Began in modern day Pakistan, spread throughout SE Asia (India, Sri Lanka) Celebrate Diwali (Festival of Lights) in November, The Indian New Year no concept of a prophet, polytheistic

Gods and Godessess Hinduism believes that there is only one supreme Absolute called "Brahman". However, it does not advocate the worship of any one particular deity. The gods and goddesses of Hinduism amount to thousands or even millions, all representing the many aspects of Brahman. The most fundamental of Hindu deities is the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - creator, preserver and destroyer respectively.

Philosophy There is no “one Hinduism”, and so it lacks any unified system of beliefs and ideas. Hinduism is a collection of diverse beliefs and traditions, in which the prominent themes include: Dharma (ethics and duties) Samsara (rebirth) Karma (right action) Moksha- Freedom from the Samsara cycle through yoga and discipline.

Varanasi on the Ganges River

Hindu Karma The concept of karma or "law of karma" is the broader principle that all of life is governed by a system of cause and effect, action and reaction, in which one's deeds have corresponding effects on the future. Karma is thus a way of explaining evil and misfortune in the world, even for those who do not appear to deserve it - their misfortune must be due to wrong actions in their previous life.

The Caste System

Buddhism

Unique to Buddhism Began in Nepal and spread to North and South Asia (Japan, China) Founded by Siddhartha Gautama between 560-480 B.C. 360 million followers. Fourth largest religion worldwide Follows the Buddha, Monotheistic Led by Monks, Nuns, Lamas, Bhikkhus. Worship held in a Buddhist temple No single holy text. Tripitaka, Mahayana Sutras Buddhism is considered by some to be more of a philosophy than a religion. A Buddha never declared Himself to be God. “Every living being has the potential to become a Buddha”

Buddhist Temple

FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS The first truth is that life is suffering i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. Buddhist leaders teaches how suffering can be avoided and how to be truly happy.

Second Noble Truth The second truth is that suffering is caused by desire and greed. Getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. It leads to physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn (reincarnation). The cycle of rebirth ends when one reaches Nirvana, achieved by eliminating greed and desire, not harming living things, gaining knowledge.

Third Noble Truth The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.

The Fourth Noble Truth The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.

The Noble 8-Fold Path The main ethics of Buddhism consist of the eightfold path, comprising of… Right Speech Right Actions Right Livelihood Right Effort/Exercise Right Mindfulness/Awareness Right Concentration Right Thoughts Right Understanding

Buddhist Karma Karma is the result of our own past actions and our own present doings. We ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and misery. We create our own Heaven. We create our own Hell. We are the architects of our own fate.