Hinduism & Buddhism Part 1: Hinduism

Origins of Hinduism: Develops from Indo-Aryan Vedic & Brahmin traditions. The Rigveda contains creation myths – Universe divided into three spheres: Heaven, Earth & Underworld. Sacrifice was needed to gain favor from the gods and protection from demons (Asuras) that caused evil.

The Upanishads: Between 750 B.C. & 550 B.C. a number of Brahmins, priests or gurus (teachers) contemplated the Vedas and sought new answers to eternal questions: What is the nature of reality? What is morality? Is there eternal life? What is the soul? The answers, written in the form of dialogue between teacher & leaner, are the Upanishads.

Brahma is the supreme god, the World Soul, creator and source of all.

Brahma had two other main aspects: Vishnu – the Protector Shiva – the Destroyer Also had many other forms.

Life is an illusion (maya), it is the soul (atman) that is important. The soul must undergo reincarnation and rebirth (samsara) until the soul understands the relationship between itself, life & the universe. At this point enlightenment (perfect understanding) is achieved and the soul is free (moksha.)

Reincarnation & Caste: Moksha (freedom of the soul) takes generations to achieve. The souls progress is measured by karma – the accumulation of good and bad deeds. Karma follows from incarnation to incarnation & determines caste, health, wealth or poverty. Attention to dharma, religious duty or obligation, determines how one lives & acts within their caste.

The Caste System showing the Varna or classes: Brahmins, Ksatriyas and Vaishyas known as “twice born” souls. Mouth – Brahmins (priests) Arms – Kshatriyas (nobles & warriors) Legs – Vaishyas (farmers & merchants) Feet – Shudras (laborers & servants) Harijan or Dalits: (The Untouchables) – those who dealt with waste & the dead.

Caste continued: Caste and dharma determined dietary practices, rituals of physical and spiritual cleanliness and purification, social relationships, dress and occupations. A Hindu has three paths to achieve release and true knowledge – right action & deeds, devotion, and the renunciation of the world through an ascetic life. Urged practice of spiritual exercises and yoga induced trances to achieve unity with the Absolute.

Part 2: Jainism & Buddhism Hinduism & Buddhism Part 2: Jainism & Buddhism

Jainism: Founded by Vardhamana Mahavira between 599 B.C. & 527 B.C. A more rigorous form of Hinduism – all things in the universe have a soul & should not be harmed. Total pacifists & tolerant of all religions - no proselytizing. Tend to work only in the careers of trade & commerce.

Buddhism: Developed between 563 B.C. & 483 B.C. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama – son of a Kshatriya family from N.E. India. Siddhartha was unhappy with the Hindu caste system – saw it as unfair – and was disturbed the suffering he observed in daily life. Spent six years seeking answers before experiencing bodhissatva (enlightenment.)

The Four Noble Truths: The Four Noble Truths Life Means Suffering The Origin of Suffering is Attachment The Cessation of Attainable There is a Path to The Cessation Of Suffering

The Eightfold Path: Buddhism rejects the Hindu pantheon of gods and the caste system. Right Concentration Mindfulness Effort Livelihood Right Action Right Speech Intention Right View The Eightfold Path By following the Eightfold Path you can achieve Nirvana, the release from selfishness and pain & from the cycle of reincarnation. The Monks and the laity are known as the sangha. Together With the Buddha and the dharma they make up the Three Jewels. Faith is Affirmed daily by the Following declaration: “I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the law. I take refuge in the community. Accepting the Four Noble Truths & the Eightfold Path is the dharma – Buddhist doctrine or law.

Buddhism passed on through the teachings of monks and later nuns who took vows of poverty and celibacy. Buddhism develops two main denominations . Theravada: strict ascetic life following the Buddha’s teachings to achieve nirvana. The enlightened Buddha was a mortal teacher who ceased to exist after death. Mahayana: Advanced the view that the Buddha is an eternal, compassionate, savior god. Enlightenment opened to all Buddhists through the aid of enlightened bodhissatva’s.