Hinduism & Buddhism

Essential Understandings Hinduism was an important contribution of classical India. Hinduism influenced Indian society and culture and is still practiced in India today.

Hinduism: The Basics Belief in many forms of one God Reincarnation: Rebirth based upon karma Karma: Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences Vedas and Upanishads: Sacred writings Spread along major trade routes

Karma Journey of the soul through a series of lives based on one’s karma karma is the level of good or bad a soul accumulates resent behavior determines future Good karma comes from living your life according to a code of morals

Dharma Dharma - Code of morals Living according to Dharma will lead to moksha Sacred duty

Vedas The most ancient Hindu scriptures, written in early Sanskrit and containing hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual for the priests of Vedic religion. Believed to have been directly revealed to seers among the early Aryans in India, and preserved by oral tradition, the four books are the Rig Veda Sama Veda Yajur Veda Atharva Veda

Upanishads Collection of writings from original oral transmissions, also known as "the supreme work of the Indian mind". It is here that we find all the fundamental teachings that are central to Hinduism — the concepts of 'karma' (action), 'samsara' (reincarnation), 'moksha' (nirvana), the 'atman' (soul), and the 'Brahman' (Absolute Almighty).

Essential Understandings Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama in a part of India that is in present-day Nepal. Buddhism became a major faith when Asoka sent missionaries throughout Asia.

Buddhism: The Basics Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Four Noble Truths Eightfold Path to Enlightenment   Asoka’s missionaries and their writings spread Buddhism from India to China and other parts of Asia.

Four Noble Truths Life involves great suffering Suffering stems from desires for worldly pleasures and material things Suffering can end when one eliminates all of one’s earthly desires Desire can end when one eliminates by following the eight fold path.

Eightfold Path Requires an individual to meditate, reflect, and refrain from the pursuit of earthly pleasures. Detachment->enlightenment->nirvana (peaceful after life)